For Academic Life Skills (ALS) paraeducator Mr. Kieran Lally, the best part of his day is watching his students unlock their musical abilities.

Last year, when guitarist and singer Mr. Lally interviewed for his job as an ALS paraeducator, he proposed the idea of incorporating music therapy into the Wilde Lake ALS program.

Now, during first period, he teaches ALS students Gabe Gaetano, Monica Martinez￾Lopez, and Will Feldwick how to play the piano.

Mr. Lally says music therapy is important for ALS students because it makes it easier for them to learn in a classroom environment. Students have different ways of learning, according to Mr. Lally.

Music therapy is when a person uses music, through listening and playing, to improve quality of life and “gain a sense of control over their life,” according to Cleveland Clinic. Fellow ALS teacher Mr. Matt Aubin has seen the piano students develop better concentration as a result of music therapy.

Before teaching at Wilde Lake, Mr. Lally worked as a paraeducator at Paint Branch High School where he taught his students how to play guitar and piano. Mr. Lally has now taught music to special education students for eleven years. He says that he brings his 42-year passion for music to the classroom.

Mr. Aubin says he watched Mr. Lally uncover his students’ talents through music. Every ALS student’s learning experience with music is different, says Mr. Lally. The ALS program is designed to teach special education students life skills for their time after high school, according to the Howard County Public School System.

Monica is a first-year ALS student who is always eager to learn, says Mr. Lally. He encourages Monica’s motivation to learn more music.

Mr. Lally says that since starting to learn piano with him, Monica has learned key skills in music.

“[She can] read and write the treble clef and play by ear,” said Mr. Lally.

Monica’s fellow classmate, Will, also loves to play the piano. Mr. Lally says that every morning, Will comes in ready to play. Will is always having fun while playing the piano, Mr. Lally says. Everytime Will plays a note on the piano, he dances.

Gabe not only loves to play piano, but also loves to sing. Mr. Lally says he can see Gabe’s true love for music. As Gabe plays the piano each day, he accompanies the music with his voice. Mr. Lally says that he always encourages Gabe’s singing.

The gift of teaching ALS students the piano and developing their musical abilities extends beyond the classroom, says Mr. Lally.

“It’s definitely made me a better teacher and a better listener as I’ve continued working with the kids,” he said. 

Mr. Lally’s impact has gone further than his piano classroom, as the benefits of Mr. Lally’s teaching shine through in Mr. Aubin’s classes as well.

Mr Aubin says that Mr. Lally continues to give his students the same opportunities that general education students have while also unlocking more than just musical abilities.

“[Mr. Lally is teaching the students] self￾management and the ability to concentrate and focus on reading,” said Mr. Aubin.

Special educator Mr. Bell says Mr. Lally’s kindness and compassion make his teaching impactful. “He makes a world of difference because he treats everyone the same and he spreads his love through knowledge,” said Mr. Bell.

Reading specialist Ms. Jennifer Wilson watches Mr. Lally guide his students as they play the piano. To her, it is very clear that Mr. Lally cares not only about his students’ growth in the musical world, but also their growth as people.

“He makes comments that are encouraging. He makes sure these comments are specific based on what he knows his students like to hear,” she said.

Ms. Wilson says these compliments are just a small part of the impact Mr. Lally has on his students.

As Mr. Lally said, “It is all about our kids and making sure they get one-on-one time. Music is a beautiful way for them to learn. I love being able to do what I do and I have seen the success it brings to so many children with special needs