Listening to music is therapeutic
The American Music Therapy Association states that music is used therapeutically to "promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation." Research has shown that music can integrate the mind and body, which helps change "neurological pathways in the brain, facilitating changes in behavior. A change in one's nervous system directly affects the ability to learn, adapt and grow," according to the certified music therapists at Valley Music Therapy in Arizona. Children may have different needs and considerations, but all children can benefit from music therapy. Learning disabled children in particular benefit from music therapy because of the functional behavior changes it produces and the language development, sensory integration and brain stimulation that occurs.
Instructions
Exporing Musical Instruments
1. Making music develops the brain
Establish a goal specific to the population. For example, for a group of children with varying learning disabilities, the goal may be to explore the making of music.
2. Nature has a calming influence
Set up the space to be used for music therapy by moving furniture out of the way, or going outside if weather permits. Set out different musical instruments, such as guitars and small drums or bongos, rattles, and triangles.
3. Singing songs develops language skills
Begin the music therapy session with the kids sitting on the floor in a circle with the instructor. Start with a warm-up exercise, with songs like, "Bingo the Dog." The instructor can play along with the guitar (See Resources section).
4. Experiential play with music
Hand out instruments and instruct the children to play the instrument in front of them for one minute or more. If there are different types of instruments, pass each instrument to the next child, so that each child gets to play each type of instrument for one minute or more.
5. Rhythms help to organize the brain
Instruct all drum players, for example, to make a drum beat together, such as "boom, 1, 2, boom, 1, 2, boom." Establish a pattern and then instruct the remaining children to be silent. Have the children with other instruments do the same, such as shake "rattle, 1, 2, rattle," making a rhythmic pattern for a minute and then silencing all instruments. If the "silent" children have difficulty remaining quiet or focused while others play, allow them to clap to the beat instead.
6. Soft music is soothing
Instruct one group of instruments to begin playing softly and then faster with each group of instruments taking turns. Discuss what each instrument sounded like.
7. Guitars are relaxing to play
Allow all instruments to play together for one minute or more, alternating between playing "soft" then "loud." Close the session with soft relaxing music played by the children, becoming progressively quieter until there is silence. Another option would be to close the session with soft music on CD.
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