APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) — As many celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, one Fox Valley group is focusing on those who’ve served.
Music Success Fox Valley set up at the Appleton Farmers Market today to share their mission: using music as a form of therapy for veterans, active duty military, and first responders living with PTSD.
The nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers, offers free lessons and instruments to those in need. Participants get a practice instrument, ten free lessons, and then a permanent instrument to keep.
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“We are Music Success, Fox Valley, a nonprofit staffed by volunteers, and our mission is to deliver music to people who can get help from it,” said Jack Swanson, the group’s chapter coordinator.
Organizers say music has helped many of their students reduce stress, sleep better, and even cut down on medications.
“So many vets have told me, ‘I’m taking less medications, I’m sleeping better, I’m a nicer person,’” Swanson said. “My guitar, or whatever instrument it is, has really helped me calm down.”
Retired Army Special Operations veteran Kevin Crawford said the program changed his life—and he encourages others to give it a try.
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“Music helped me,” Crawford said. “It helped me take care of the anger. That’s what you come home with. You don’t really come home—your boots are still there, your mind is still there. This is what we do at music therapy.”
Music Success Fox Valley holds lessons at the Veterans Village in Appleton and hopes to expand its reach throughout the summer.
