Like most orchestras, Mantua-based non-profit, Hearts For Music (HFM) is comprised of individuals who want to pursue their love of creating and performing music. Unlike most orchestras, however, Hearts For Music is comprised of children and adults with a variety of special needs. The group was created in 2016 by Kitrael Chin, a music therapist and long-time Worship Leader at Hilltop Christian Church in Mantua.
While Chin used music to work with children and young adults with special needs, he felt their disappointment and frustration at not being able to play music in a ‘typical’ band or ensemble. Chin noted that while people with disabilities may audition to participate in a neurotypical orchestra, there is an age limit and acoustic instruments are required.
The majority of Chin’s students didn’t meet those requirements. He reasoned, “If we can’t find something for them, we’ll make something for them.” Chin explained, “Often, you’ll see amazing contestants with disabilities on shows like “America’s Got Talent. Those individuals represent about 1%.” Chin planned to help the other 99% with his efforts. He’s the President and Artistic Director of Hearts for Music. His musicians play a combination of acoustic instruments, digital instruments, and adaptive instruments to tackle a broad range of musical works.
HFM includes a five-year-old in a wheelchair and a blind deaf person in their sixties, and just about everything in between. Some play traditional instruments, like the two deaf teens who play the violin and cello. Others use digital instruments in HFM. “Everyone has something to contribute,” Chin noted. “And with the right tools, they can make music together.” When they play Johann Pachelbel’s Cannon D, Chin noted, “You close your eyes, and you just hear music. You don’t hear disability.”
Hearts for Music is the first organization of its kind in Ohio. They’ve planted another group in eastern Pennsylvania and have interest in other states, as well. “My goal is to help others see disabilities transformed to abilities,” Chin explained.
As a music therapist, Chin knows that playing music is healing for HFM members. One noted that music relaxes his body and brain. Others shared that playing music helps them feel calm and at peace. It’s healing for the musicians’ parents, as well, watching their children laugh, smile and build friendships with fellow HFM musicians. When the group had the opportunity to play with a quartet from the Akron Symphony, it had a huge impact. Their self-esteem skyrocketed,” Chin marveled. “One told me he felt like a ‘real’ musician.”
The HFM musicians have performed at weddings and church services across Northeast Ohio. This month, HFM will be part of the Autism Speaks Cleveland Walk at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Sunday, October 13th. They are also pleased to perform at the Princess Within Special Needs Pageant on Saturday, October 19th at Hartville Kitchen and at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron on Sunday, October 27th.
In November, HFM will perform at the Reelabilities Film Festival on Saturday, November 9th at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron on Saturday, November 16th.
And with local support, Hearts For Music will play for His Holiness, Pope Francis in Rome next April. They received an invitation to perform at St. Peter’s Square on April 29, 2025 at the Jubilee for People with Disabilities. The group is currently raising funds to allow their group of 30 musicians, aides, and parents to travel to Rome for this performance, and they’re seeking financial help.
Hearts For Music is a non-profit organization that provides individuals with special needs the ability to pursue their love for creating and performing music in a professional ensemble setting. For more information, or to make a donation, call (330) 554-4140, visit heartsformusic.org or check them out on social media.
