Williams Syndrome and Music

What is the connection between the neurogenetic disorder Williams Syndrome and music -- and why are scientists so intent on learning? There are several issues at stake. One reason for pursuing a connection is of course to help the patients themselves: Most people with Williams Syndrome have coordination problems and significant learning disabilities. Can a love of music aid in their education? In other words, if a person with Williams Syndrome displays a sense of rhythm in music that is absent in other areas, can this ability be tapped into and transferred? Will the person learn to tie their shoelaces more easily if the steps are taught to the rhythm of a song? Renowned neuroscientist Dan Levitin is among those seeking an answer.

Another reason to explore a Williams Syndrome music connection: to learn more about the influence of genes on brain development. People with Williams Syndrome are missing about 25 genes from their 7th chromosome; this deletion causes pervasive atypical brain development including abnormal folding and other structural anomalies. WS individuals display a mixture of ability and disability that is hard to sum up with an IQ score. The pattern of strengths and weaknesses is in some ways opposite to classic autism; while expressive language skills develop more slowly than they do in the average toddler, they ultimately 'take off' and often become an area of strength.

The more normal a person's behavior appears on the surface, the more abnormal it tends to look under brain scanning -- at least if the person has the full typical WS region deletion, and not a partial one. Brain scans reveal that people with Wiliams Syndrome process sound (as well as some other stimuli) in different areas of the brain than does the normal or typically developing population.

Some people with Williams Syndrome have striking talent. They can be at a bit of a disadvantage, though, when it comes to playing instruments. Many lack the coordination to play strings -- others do so with a grace that may contrast sharply with what they display in other areas of functioning.

This teenager is quite a talented piano player. His mother reports that he is also a guitar player... self-taught.

People with Williams Syndrome often have a deep emotional connection to music, even when no unusual ability is present. This little girl, Payton, is no exception. She's not a skilled musician, but she does love to sing. Here she sings "Jesus Loves Me" with much enthusiasm while rocking along to the music. (I think the very rigorous rocking on the chorus does indicate a certain flair for performance!)

Through videos and writings, this child's family has has done much to educate people about Williams Syndrome.

People with Williams Syndrome process sound in different areas of the brain than other people do. Atypical sound processing leads to a heightened sensitivity to sound (termed hyperacusis). Many children with Williams Syndrome have unusual fears and fascinations associated with particular sounds -- with initial fear often turning into later fascination.

Some individuals with Williams Syndrome collect objects that make sounds and/or or pictures of them. They may, for example, speak with near reverence about the sound produced by a particular model of vacuum cleaner.

Many people with WS have a flair for performance.

Tori Ackley, a young woman with Williams Syndrome, calls attention to Disability Awareness Day by singing the National Anthem at a Red Sox game. Like many people with Williams Syndrome, she has a deep voice -- and a beautiful one.

Music can help individuals with Williams Syndrome throughout the lifespan.

Download an application. .

Berkshire Hills Music Academy provides a college experience to musical young adults with Williams Syndrome, autism, and other disabilities.

Probably the best knows WS musician, Gloria Lenhoff is quite a talent. Although she lacks even basic mathematic skills, she can sing soprano in 25 languages. She has given many an operatic performance, often with orchestral accompaniment, and her parents can be credited with educating many people about the connection between Williams Syndrome and music.

A young girl with Williams Syndrome, Brazil.

Here Oliver Sachs describes the Williams Syndrome population as a "musical species". He also introduces the readers to other intriguing aspects of the disorder.

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