Jerry O’Leary started out his music career playing coffeehouses at Rosemont College, Villanova University and Allentown College. He has played in many bands from wedding & banquet to rock ’n roll to “50’s & “60’s show bands on the road and for the past um-teen years in an Irish band, Scanlin & O’Leary. They have played many local Irish clubs over the years like Brittingham’s in Lafayette Hills, the North Wildwood Irish Weekend, and currently perform at The Farm House Tavern in Doylestown for Irish Sunday’s. They produced three album projects over the years. Jerry performs with his partner Jimmie Scanlin and also solo gigs. He has played for both of his children’s schools on St. Patrick’s Day and had the pleasure of sitting in with Derek Warfield and the Young Wolf Tones this past spring at St. Joseph’s Prep. Jerry’s partner and he have recently started to play for Laurita Winery in New Egypt, NJ for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day and their summer Irish festival. Jerry has been a song writer for many years and has the pleasure of composing songs for theatrical performances at Rosemont College’s Theatre Department, special family occasions and just as a personal interest over the years.
Jerry O’Leary MA, MT-BC brings years of musical performance experience as a guitarist, vocalist, theatrical performer/director and music therapist to create the Delaware Valley’s premiere music therapy service known as MusicWorks.
After receiving his Master’s degree from Immaculata University, Jerry began providing individual music therapy services at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. For two years, he directed the Music Therapy Department at Archway Programs of Atco, New Jersey. In early 2002, Jerry began working with Delaware County seniors through the COSA Waiver program. In 2004, MusicWorks expanded into servicing children, teens, and young adults through small group music therapy sessions in Delaware County. These experiences set the groundwork for a unique music therapy service for both the young and the old, MusicWorks.
Jerry’s clients face the challenges of autism spectrum disorders, ADD, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, dementia, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, depression, isolation and other acute medical conditions.
He spent 12 years working as an original composer and Technical Director of the Theatre Department at Rosemont College while pursuing other diversified musical interests. Jerry O’Leary has performed in the Irish singing duo known as Scanlin & O’Leary, producing three albums while performing at area festivals, concerts, private gatherings, and local pubs.
Jerry is a personable, empathetic and compassionate therapist. He establishes an easy rapport with his clients and their families, and has helped many cope successfully with medical and psychiatric challenges. Jerry looks for little miracles and truly believes that Music Works Wonders.
Children
Overbrook School for the Blind
Child Guidance Resource Centers
Presbyterian Children’s Village
Haverford Township Free Library
Camp Pals
Archway Programs
Settlement Music School
Adults
CADES
LifePath
CareLink
Seniors
County Office of Services for the Aging (Delaware County)
Aging and Adult Services (Montgomery County)
Department of Aging Services (Chester County)
Society of the Holy Child Jesus Infirmary at New Sharon
Upper Darby Senior Center
LIFE at New Courtland
Educational Affiliations
Immaculata University
Temple University
Professional Affiliations
Fox Chase Cancer Center
The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (formerly The Wellness Community of Philadelphia)
Musicians on Call – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia