Music Therapist Moreen Burkart adapts her music to the needs of each client (Link to story)

Burkart, with her Yamaha nylon string acoustic guitar in tow and an iPad filled with thousands of digital music sheets, is greeted by Kevin Carmack, who had just finished an afternoon swim.

Walking into a group session at an assisted living facility, you might hear familiar songs played from artists such as Frank Sinatra, The Temptations and King Harvest to a name a few.

For Carmack, who is in his early 60's, it's country singer Garth Brooks.

Carmack was exposed to music therapy at the VNA after being diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. His wife contacted Burkart for private at-home sessions.

During the session, Burkart watches Carmack carefully. While singing familiar songs, she notes his volume of speech.

With drum sticks, he follows her lead step-by-step with an electric percussion and drum pad. She notes his executive functions, or mental skills, including memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.