Chris and Vicky Cornell

Chris and Vicky Cornell

Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

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Chris Cornell: Music therapy program established in Seattle

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Childhaven and the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation partner for music therapy program in an effort to inspire and protect vulnerable children
Philip Merrill
MusiCares
Jul 24, 2017 - 2:55 pm

Music therapy has demonstrated unique abilities to heal, especially for reaching the inner self and encouraging the healthy expression of feelings. Two months following the tragic passing of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, Cornell's widow, Vicky Cornell, is looking to honor the memory of her late husband through the lens of music therapy's healing power.

On July 20, Cornell's birthday, the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation announced a $100,000 donation founding the Chris Cornell Music Therapy Program at Childhaven, according to Billboard.

"Chris and I always shared a strong belief in the healing and inspiring power of music," said Vicky Cornell in a statement. "Through Childhaven's establishment of this program, we are able to keep the promise for Chris by continuing to protect the world's most vulnerable children."

Specializing in childhood trauma treatment and prevention since 1909, the Seattle-based Childhaven has grown into one of the world's leading facilities and a treasured local resource that now serves hundreds of children and families. The organization is dedicated to strengthening family relationships and providing a foundation for generations of safe and nurturing families.

This generous donation to Childhaven is not the first from the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation, who previously contributed to the organization's music therapy program in 2013.

Share the love and grief: "Remembering Chris Cornell"

music therapy

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Music Therapy Can Heal Emotions That Cause Reading Disabilities

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Science supports that music therapy sometimes opens up the world of reading for children, so why isn't there greater awareness?
Philip Merrill
MusiCares
Nov 28, 2017 - 2:49 pm

On Nov. 27 an expert in helping kids in school with reading disabilities answered his own question in an article titled "My child struggles with reading. Can music therapy help?" Howard Margolis spent his lifetime helping parents get their children with reading problems through school, and he believes music therapy must be considered because of its unique power to reach people emotionally, opening the door to associating positive emotions with reading.

The book Margolis especially recommends is Emotional Processes in Music Therapy. Many people are unaware that music therapy is a treatment option or a career path. Music therapists have a national organization, AMTA, but greater recognition has been a challenge.

"Why do schools and reading specialists forget the power of music when trying to help struggling, discouraged readers replace their negative emotions about reading with positive ones?" Margolis asks. "Why do they forget the power of music to motivate?"

One of the books he authored helps parents negotiate the Individualized Education Program set up between parents and schools for children with special needs. Since emotional issues reinforce other blocks and frustrations, Margolis would like to see IEPs explore whether professional-quality music therapy results in steady progress. Reading is fundamental, and music therapy through the schools can help more young learners build on that foundation.

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Chris Cornell in 2016

Chris Cornell

Photo: Brian de Rivera Simon/Getty Images

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Chris Cornell, Iggy Pop, Elton John Donations Will Benefit MusiCares MAP Fund

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A-list musicians donate items ranging from guitar straps to leather jackets and pants for timepiece auction to benefit MusiCares
Brian Haack
MusiCares
Oct 18, 2017 - 6:37 pm

Chris Cornell, the late frontman for GRAMMY-winning rock band Soundgarden, donated one of his leather guitar straps just prior to his untimely death in May 2017. Now, thanks to the intriguing Rock LTD Collection, that guitar strap will have a chance to generate money to help support MusiCares' addiction recovery efforts.

The collection is built around one-of-a-kind watches whose leather bands are fashioned from personal items — ranging from guitar straps to leather jackets and pants — once owned by A-list musicians. Other musicians who have donated items to the collection include Dave Grohl, Iggy Pop, Elton John, and Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic.

The collection, which has been offered seven times over the past 12 years, typically includes 25 to 30 watches sold at prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 depending on the rarity of the donor leather used to supply the watchband.

However, the watch cut from Cornell's guitar strap will tour several of Nixon's flagship retail locations in New York, London, and Paris, before being auctioned off at the MusiCares MAP Fund benefit in May 2018. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit MusiCares MAP Fund.

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Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell

Photo: Joby Sessions/Total Guitar Magazine

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Statue Of Chris Cornell To Be Built In Seattle

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Widow announces the memorial statute will permanently honor the GRAMMY winner in his hometown
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Aug 10, 2017 - 10:24 am

A name synonymous with the Seattle grunge sound, it's fitting Chris Cornell should have a permanent presence in the city he called home. Thanks to his family, Cornell will have just that with a statute in his honor.

Cornell's widow, Vicky Cornell, has announced that she has commissioned a memorial statute in honor of the late Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman. Artist Wayne Toth will create the sculpture, the same artist who sculpted Johnny Ramone's statute at his grave in Los Angeles' Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Vicky says Toth has already presented the family with a design, and they love it.

"[Toth] has already given me a design and the children and I love it," she said.

Now she will work with the city of Seattle to find a permanent location for the statute, a move she hopes will help family, friends and fans alike honor the memory of an amazing artist.

"He is Seattle's son," she said. "And we will be bringing him home and honoring him, I hope, with all of you, your love and support."

Read More: Chris Cornell Music Therapy Program Established In Seattle

Beyonce at the 59th GRAMMY Awards in 2017

Beyoncé

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

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Safe water: Beyoncé comes through for Burundi

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Learn how the GRAMMY winner's new partnership with UNICEF will benefit the children of Burundi, Africa
Philip Merrill
MusiCares
Jul 6, 2017 - 1:01 pm

No stranger to philanthropy, GRAMMY winner Beyoncé announced a new, meaningful commitment at the 2017 Essence Music Festival: to provide the children of Burundi, Africa, with safe drinking water.

Beyoncé and her BeyGood Foundation continue to work to provide clean water around the world, which previously included helping the residents of Flint, Mich., access safe water. Now Queen Bey is headed to the "heart of Africa," in the nation of Burundi, where nearly half the population lacks access to clean water.

Launched in partnership with UNICEF, the multiyear effort, BeyGood4Burundi, will provide new wells, sanitation and hygiene facilities in rural schools in four regions, including Bukemba, Giharo, Kinyinya, and Nyabitsinda.

"Addressing the global water crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time, and the children of Burundi are among the most vulnerable," said UNICEF USA President/CEO Caryl M. Stern. "We are grateful to Beyoncé and BeyGOOD for joining forces with UNICEF to highlight this critical issue to new audiences."

"Access to water is a fundamental right," said Beyoncé. "When you give children clean and safe water, you don't just give them life, you give them health, an education and a brighter future. I am committed to helping drive lasting solutions to the water crisis in Burundi."

Get all the highlights: Check out our 2017 Essence Music Festival coverage