Finding His Voice Again: Saint Luke’s Music Therapy Patient’s Remarkable Recovery
“Amy not only brought music back for Kevin, but she also brought a lot of joy.” - Libby Dierking
Kevin Dierking has always loved to sing, whether it’s with the radio on a drive, or with his grandchildren. Libby, his wife of 38 years, is in awe of his encyclopedic lyrical knowledge, especially to classic rock hits from the 1970s. “He knows all the words to every song,” Libby said. “He just loves to sing.”
On Nov. 11, 2024, Kevin suffered a stroke that caused aphasia, eliminating his ability to speak. After an ICU stay at another hospital, he was transferred to Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, where he met Amy Wilson, a board-certified music therapist.
“When I first met Kevin, he really wasn’t able to tell me his name,” Amy said. She worked with Kevin and Libby on identifying goals at their first session—covering speech, movement, emotional needs, cognitive needs, and how he would respond to music.
“I knew I would need songs embedded in his memory, because the brain repeats those patterns, sometimes hundreds of times. Those remain intact when speech centers have been damaged,” Amy said. She started with “Happy Birthday to You” and “You Are My Sunshine,” working with Kevin twice a week.
These sessions were scheduled alongside regular speech, occupational, and physical therapy appointments. Kevin’s right side deficit as a result of the stroke was a primary focus in occupational therapy, while he worked on his endurance with a physical therapist.
In music therapy, Kevin eventually worked his way to those 70s classics and made significant progress. In a recent session, he delivered word-for-word renditions of songs by the Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
“He just really brightened with songs like this, because it was more meaningful. Each session, I saw his body respond more to music,” Amy said. “I would see him tap his feet and his legs, and he’s clapping. There was this amazing arc that happened with his engagement with music.”
Kevin relearned how to speak his name and functional phrases using sung melodies and rhythmic tapping—a standard technique called melodic intonation therapy. This was accomplished with both a music and speech therapist. He also made strides in physical therapy—Kevin is now able to climb a few flights of stairs.
Kevin celebrated his birthday and Thanksgiving at the Rehabilitation Institute before returning home in December to spend the holidays with his family. He continues outpatient rehabilitation, with his wife Libby in awe of how far he has come.
“Amy not only brought music back for Kevin, but she also brought a lot of joy,” Libby said. “Everyone has been so encouraging, and it’s amazing what he can do. I can hear his voice again, because of Amy.”
Successful outcomes like Kevin’s are unfolding everyday—learn more about what Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute can offer for your loved ones as they continue their health journey.
