How teaching music to special needs children can change their lives
Over the last few decades, there has been interest in the field of music therapy. Music is a universal language.Both listening to and making music impacts physical and emotional health.
Music education and music therapy have an important role to play in the lives of children with special needs.
By building their communications,motor and social skills,music provides them with a way to understand themselves,other people, and the world.
Music stimulates almost every area of the brain.
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Music is non-verbal.It breaks down the barriers of speech offering new understanding,
Percussive instruments such as the piano, give an instant response to hitting the keys producing a sound.
Music awakens the neurological system by creating a multi-sensory experience.Both sides of the brain
are stimulated. Cortexes involved are: auditory,visual,motor,prefrontal, as well as the cerebellum and
amygdala. Areas responsible for emotions and creativity are also activated.
Music has the power to remove physical and verbal barriers and motivate behavioral improvements as well as fostering confidence.
Music and autism
Parents and teachers are starting to realize the incredible connection between autism and music.
When autistic children interact with music< their communication skills and behavior improves.
Although those with autism are slower to develop verbal skills, they are actually just as good if not
better at understanding music than others.
Introducing music, especially classical music, into their routine helps alleviate some of their anxiety.