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Post by Michelle on Nov 20, 2014 11:43:07 GMT -7
Music Therapy Encourages Development Down Syndrome News, Volume 27, Number 4
By Kay Luedtke-Smith, MT-BC, Minneapolis, MN Music therapy uses music as a powerful tool to create positive behavior changes. A music therapist’s main goal when working with a child with special needs is to assist the child in reaching his or her greatest potential. Music therapy can enhance development in areas such as social/emotional, cognitive/academic and fine/gross motor skills. Music interventions are chosen specifically to meet individual developmental goals such as improving hand/eye coordination or increasing verbal skills. Although therapy participants can learn music skills, therapy goals do not focus on developing musical skills. Music therapists focus on the process of making music in contrast to a music educator whose main interest is on the final product. Focusing on the process means that there is no right or wrong response. This positive atmosphere allows children’s self-esteem to grow along with their skills. Music therapy can be provided in one-to-one, small or large group settings. Group sessions provide children with the opportunity to participate in sing-alongs, partner dances, passing games and structured settings for them to share creative ideas.
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