POTSDAM— A music lesson program for students with autism, Down Syndrome, and other neurodiverse challenges will receive support via a  Shaw Harbor Foundation  grant which was administered through the Northern New York Community Foundation. 

“Melodic Minds” offers tailored music instruction at the Potsdam Public Library, with sessions focused on rhythm, keyboard exploration, voice and guitar, and is led by Dr. Alisa Woods. The team includes music educator Lorie Gruneisen, Crane School of Music students Vanessa Aagaard and Maria Tartaglia, and SUNY Fredonia Music Compositon student Constantine Darie. 

The project continues to partner with The Arc Jefferson–St. Lawrence, the Potsdam Public Library, and is also supported by a Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.