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Brooke P. Juneau sat in a “puddle of tears” as she proudly watched her son’s first piano recital during the first week of December.
Riley, now 10, was born with Joubert syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that impairs his motor functions, including his eye movements and those involved in speech. Later, he was also diagnosed with autism.

When Riley’s disability was first diagnosed, Juneau said, a vision for his childhood seemed unclear. She wondered: Will he grow up to feel good about who he is, in spite of his differences? How can we, as his parents, address his needs in a way that he actually enjoys? Will others see his strengths and his skills and believe in him as they did?

The Music Academy of North Carolina, a local nonprofit organization, believes in her son and many others who have special needs, Juneau said. Thanks to a scholarship for exceptional children, Riley takes piano lessons with Samee Griffith, a teacher who instantly saw through his challenges.

Tuesday evenings with Griffith became the highlight of Riley’s week.

Music lessons benefit every child: drawing out hidden talents, enriching self-esteem and providing an outlet for creative expression. For Riley and other children with special needs, the music instruction means even more. The isolated finger movements Riley developed while practicing piano make it easier for him to write and use a keyboard. Proper positioning at the piano builds the trunk strength and muscle tone that are compromised by Joubert syndrome.

Communicating through the powerful language of music allows Riley to express what his spoken words sometimes cannot, his mother said.

His participation in music lessons gives him confidence that he can participate and succeed in something often relegated to the world of “typical” children. And most importantly of all, piano instruction brings these skills together in a way that Riley really loves.

His first piano recital brought all of these lessons together in a way that reflects the mission of the Music Academy of North Carolina: enabling students of all ages, interests, abilities and backgrounds to discover, develop, realize and express their innate talents.

According to the academy’s Web site, the Music Academy of North Carolina was founded in 1982 by Dr. Ivan Battle in response to the need for a community music school that offered exceptional music education in a structured, well-paced course of study.

The Music Academy’s dramatic growth from just three teachers and 20 students in 1982 to its current 32 instructors and almost 1,000 students clearly indicates that the school’s presence is needed and valued.

To reflect and serve the community and the state, The Music Academy of North Carolina offers a comprehensive, culturally diverse curriculum including classical study, a jazz education center, folk/bluegrass lessons, gospel piano, a rock music program, Latino music and early childhood music.

The Community Outreach Program attempts to reach all populations, including those who are unable because of limited financial resources or emotional and physical challenges, like Riley’s family, to have access to musical instruction and performances. The Music Academy also responds to community requests for student and faculty entertainment.

The Music Academy works with numerous public and private schools, colleges, school guidance counselors, adult care facilities, community service providers, and other nonprofit and arts organizations within the Piedmont Triad to offer educational and performance opportunities to all populations of our diverse community.

Partnerships provide after-school enrichment classes, for-credit lessons, weekend and summer week-long camps and performances.

On the afternoon of Dec. 20, The Music Academy went to Partnership Village to provide one of their popular holiday programs to the children and families.

Scholarships are awarded at the beginning of each academic year for a full year of study. Merit scholarships recognize and reward achievement and are awarded by auditions held in May and teacher recommendation.

Need-based financial aid is available to students through application.

Ruth D. Anderson is executive director of The Servant Leadership School of Greensboro and chairwoman of programming for the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium.