I have had the most interesting and rewarding experience lately at my son's preschool. Forrest, my son, has autism and is attending the local early childhood center. The new principal plays piano while the kids are going to class. She found out that I play concertina, and asked me to play sometimes. Of course, I accepted.

Since then I have played concertina, sung with the piano, played piano, and finally, I brought my guitar. I sang "The Lollipop Tree" and was rewarded with cheers and enthusiastic jumping when I finished the song. But I had no idea what kind of impact a song can have on the kids. The next day when I came in, the teachers showed me the new artwork on the hallway wall: picture after picture of lollipop trees! I was tickled pink.

It's become a gig, four mornings a week. That's ok, because I want to record a CD of children's songs, and this will certainly boost my repetoire. But I can't help but think about the one little girl with autism (my guess) that is wild and obstinate, yet sits quietly and attentively for the song. Hmmmm....music soothes the savage breast...

Margarita