Karen Demuth of Atlantic Beach, FL has been a leader in our community since she discovered the transformative power of music for her son, Dante. He was born with Down Syndrome and without an esophagus, was non-verbal with hearing and visual deficiencies. Dante lived in a solitary existence and was solely immersed in his battery operated toys. Karen was determined to improve his quality of life.

Traditional therapies provided a slow and steady growth, but the transformation she was hoping for in Dante didn’t occur. Everything changed when she discovered KinderMusik. After 3 months of home based music lessons, dramatic growth in Dante occurred. His social skills skyrocketed as he started to interact with those around him through music. Music unlocked his world.

After learning about the power of music, Karen asked has been on a nonstop mission! She was able to raise money for Connecting Thru Music and is providing a much needed for the disabled children in our area. Many people said it couldn’t be done, but through community effort, CTM was able to bring an enhanced learning music program to schools throughout our county.

Now, not only is Dante thriving, over 300 children with special needs in public and private settings are receiving this very vital service.

Currently CTM is providing music services to over 180 students at in-school programs and, after receiving a grant from The Kids Hope Alliance, children with developmental and intellectual abilities are receiving our services during after school and holiday/summer programs. Starting with the COVID19 pandemic, CTM introduced a virtual platform so that learning and development can continue at home and at sites when a live class is not feasible.

Now CTM is actively partnering with community organizations to bring music therapy to even more children with special needs. They serve pre-school through high school children with special needs who are in who are in our county and (soon) throughout Northeast Florida. Currently CTM funds two public elementary school programs during the school day and has received funding from The Kids Hope Alliance to provide after school and camp programs throughout the county.


Karen Demuth, Executive Director

Connecting Thru Music

1917 Beach Avenue

Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233

(904) 310-4827

[email protected]


https://www.connectingthrumusic.com/overview


https://www.connectingthrumusic.com/news/a-local-mother-is-on-a-mission-to-help-bring-music-therapy-to-duval-county-schools


https://www.connectingthrumusic.com/news/mom-creates-music-therapy-program-to-help-students


https://www.connectingthrumusic.com/news/music-therapy-program-helps-children-with-special-needs-in-neptune-beach


https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-courageously-go-deb-29418089/episode/karen-zizmer-demuth-connecting-through-29434770/?cmp=ios_share#


https://www.connectingthrumusic.com/news/she-is-fierce-is-getting-ready-for-another-big-event


https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f6a487f10472f47750291a2/t/5f910da61ed0c934c744261b/1603341740976/beaches_leader_article.pdf