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A Teacher Is Using Music to Transform the Lives of Adults With Autism

"Music is transformative."

“Music is transformative,” wrote music teacher David Alexis, captioning a video clip circulating social media this week.

The 30-second video showcases Alexis during a music session he organizes for adults with autism, where the group “made magic.”

Alexis offers a special music therapy program for adults with autism and other conditions based in New York City, using the power of music to help transform lives and warm hearts in the process.

"Activities engage adults in multiple methods of music production," the 27-year-old professional musician and educator told Complex. "In this instance, [the] young man had an ear for music. I taught him the chord progression by rote while singing and leading the others."

Alexis graduated from the Berklee College of Music and currently is a faculty member in the 5-Week Performance Program. He has worked with both children and adults throughout his budding career, including in settings ranging from domestic violence centers and LGBT shelters.

“No matter your functioning, music can be an avenue of communication and engagement,” he added. “The young man in the video demonstrated musical skill on par with college students.”

The world could use more teachers like Alexis. Simply amazing.

Check out the now-viral clip of the two performing part of the classic 1972 O'Jays track "Love Train” in the video below.

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