Introduction
If you’ve ever watched your little one light up at the sound of a familiar lullaby or start dancing as soon as music starts playing, you already know that music is a big part of childhood. But did you know that music can do more than just entertain? It can actually play a vital role in your child’s growth and development. Enter music therapy—a fun, engaging, and affective way to support your child’s early development.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a specialised form of therapy that uses music to help children (and people of all ages) reach their full potential. The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualised goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” In other words, we take non-musical goals and apply music intervention to make the goals more achievable.
In early childhood, music therapy is particularly powerful because it taps into the natural way kids learn and grow—through play, exploration, and, of course, music! It not only increases other aspects of their development, but exponentially increases their musical aptitude as well, meaning they would understand music as they grow older just like they would understand a language.
In a music therapy session, a certified therapist uses different musical activities, like singing, playing instruments, and movement, to support your child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. And don’t worry— it’s all about having fun! And believe it or not, your child doesn’t need to have any musical skills to benefit.
How Does Music Therapy Support Early Childhood Development?
Early childhood is a time of incredible growth, and music therapy can support this process in so many ways. Here’s how:
1. Language and Communication Skills
Music is a language in itself, and it’s a great way for kids to learn how to communicate. Through singing songs, playing with rhythms, and even creating their own sounds, children can develop their vocabulary, improve their listening skills, and learn how to express themselves.
Example: A music therapist might use a simple song with repetitive lyrics to help a child with language delays practise new words in a fun, low-pressure way.
2. Social and Emotional Development
Music therapy creates a space where children can explore their feelings and learn to connect with others. Group music activities, like singing or playing instruments together, teach important social skills like taking turns, listening to others, and working as a team.
Example: During a music therapy session, children might take turns playing a drum, learning how to share and cooperate with their peers, all while expressing their emotions through the music!
3. Motor Skills
Whether it’s clapping along to a beat, dancing to a song, or playing an instrument, music therapy is great for developing both fine and gross motor skills. The act of making music encourages coordination, timing, and control in a way that feels like play!
Example: A therapist might guide a child to tap a tambourine in rhythm with a song, which helps strengthen hand-eye coordination and develop motor control.
4. Cognitive Development
Music therapy can also boost cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. The patterns and structure found in music help children recognize sequences, predict outcomes, and improve their concentration.
Example: A simple game of repeating a melody or rhythm can sharpen a child’s memory and attention to detail– skills that are important for learning in school and beyond.
What Happens in a Music Therapy Session for Kids?
Every music therapy session is designed to meet the unique needs of your child. Here’s what a typical session might look like:
- Hello Song: This is about getting your child comfortable with greetings, understanding transitions, and knowing what to expect from the session.
- Singing Songs/Finger Play Songs: Whether it’s familiar nursery rhymes or new tunes, singing helps with language development, memory, and emotional expression.
- Instrument Play: Your child might play with drums, shakers, or xylophones, exploring different sounds and rhythms while developing motor skills and creativity.
- Movement to Music: Dancing, marching, or even just swaying to the beat helps with coordination and body awareness, and it’s a fun way to burn off some energy!
- Interactive Play: The therapist might use musical games that encourage interaction, like passing an instrument around a circle, to teach social skills and cooperation.
- Goodbye Song: This is about getting your child comfortable with transitioning away from fun activities, because we all know how hard it is to stop things when we’re having fun.
Why Choose Music Therapy for Your Child?
Music is a universal language that speaks to children in a way that few other things can. It’s engaging, joyful, and deeply connected to the ways they naturally learn and grow. By incorporating music therapy into your child’s routine, you’re giving them a head start on developing the skills they need to thrive— socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically!
Whether your child is working on specific developmental goals or you simply want to enrich their early years with the magic of music, music therapy offers a playful, supportive, and affective approach.
Ready to Explore the World of Music Therapy?
If you’re interested in how music therapy can support your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to our certified music therapist at Ohana Therapy! It’s a beautiful way to nurture your child’s growth through the joy of music.
References
Florida State University College of Music. Early Childhood Music Therapy Fact Sheet. Retrieved from
https://music.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Early-Childhood-Music-Therapy-Fact-Sheet.pdf
American Music Therapy Association. (2006). Music Therapy and Young Children. Retrieved from
https://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/MT_Young_Children_2006.pdf
American Music Therapy Association. Research Fact Sheets. Retrieved from
https://www.musictherapy.org/research/factsheets/
