Music Teacher Instills Notes of Hope Among her Students

Music Teacher Instills Notes of Hope Among her Students
Sunday, February 18, 1996 By Erin Mallants, Herald Writer

Ever since she was a little girl, Marie Papillon wanted to learn to play the piano. Now, at 69, she performs in recitals and plays at home for friends and family. Papillon started taking piano lessons about four years ago at the Sdoia-Satz Music Institute in North Miami Beach. Although she began to suffer from memory problems, she decided to take up the instrument anyway. Music, she said, gives her something to focus on and keeps her busy. "It feels wonderful," Papillon said. "I could play it all day long." ♫

At the Sdoia-Satz Music Institute, music gives people like Papillon hope. For the past seven years, Phyllis Sdoia-Satz has incorporated her love for teaching music into a therapy for healing others -- by training her students to focus on something positive. "It just sort of happened by accident that many people came to us with problems," said Sdoia-Satz, who's also a pianist. "We decided that we wouldn't turn them away because music does different things for everyone." ♫

At the school, people with asthma get help with breathing by playing an instrument like the flute or the trumpet. Others with problems like attention-deficit disorder can learn how to focus. ♫

A few years ago, 9-year-old Brett Layzell was diagnosed with attention-deficit. His mother signed him up for piano lessons after consulting with their doctor. "One of the things that the doctor told us was that music helps people focus," said Celia Layzell, who credits Sdoia-Satz with helping her son improve his attention span. "He's still taking medication, but the piano lessons have made a tremendous difference -- it shows in his work at school."

Sdoia-Satz, who's also known as "Miss Phyllis," has inspired Papillon, too. "I went there knowing nothing, but she worked with me," Papillon said, "She's very patient and devoted and she plays so well. I always wish I could play like her, but I'm definitely satisfied with what they've given me." Papillon said her memory has improved, too. The music notes are familiar to her, she said, because of all the lessons she's taken. "I have studied them long enough to remember them without thinking about it," said Papillon, who lives in North Miami. "It's become easier for me." ♫