In an exclusive interview with VOA, Mr. Derrick Semler, a professional guitarist and singer-songwriter residing in Brooklin, Maine, says he has established the "Music Laos Project" to help disabled Laotians in 2003.
The main objective of his project is to provide music therapy and musical instruction to the clients who suffer a variety of disabilities at the National Rehabilitation Center in Vientiane.
As part of his project, Mr. Semler formed a blind band at the Center during his visit to Laos last summer. He says he enjoys teaching the young blind students who want to improve their level of ability.
To help raise fund for his project, Mr. Semler has produced a music album named "Father and Son from Hell" featuring some of his songs and his band's.
Listen to our report for samples of their music.