FLINT, Mich. — More Flint-area students will have access to music therapy through a $189,000 investment aimed at bringing emotional and developmental support directly into schools.
FIM’s Flint School of Performing Arts received the funding from the city of Flint through federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The grant will strengthen music therapy partnerships with schools including Dowdall Elementary, Hamady Elementary and McMonagle Elementary.
Music therapy uses music in a clinical setting to address goals that are not necessarily musical. Sessions can help children work on communication, emotional regulation, attention, memory, language and social skills.
Janelle Ballard, chair of the Flint School of Performing Arts music therapy department, said the goal is to make the service a consistent part of student support rather than an occasional program.
The program has already reached a significant number of young people. Between September 2025 and April 2026, 1,401 K-12 students participated in music therapy services.
Dowdall Elementary counselor Holli Taylor said school staff have seen improvements in areas such as student focus, emotional regulation and enthusiasm for attending school.
For some families, bringing therapy into the school building also removes barriers involving transportation, cost and scheduling.
The expanded program comes as schools across the country continue looking for ways to respond to students’ social and emotional needs alongside traditional academics.
In Flint, organizers hope music can provide one more doorway for students who may have difficulty expressing themselves in other ways.
