Childhood stress and mental health are an ongoing concern in this fast-paced circus we call life. Music therapy can help quiet these intense feelings and improve your kiddos' well-being in the process.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical and evidenced-based non-pharmacological therapeutic technique that uses the inherent power of music to optimize quality of life and improve a spectrum of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Administered by trained and certified music therapists, this form of therapy employs musical elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics, and pitch to create a therapeutic environment tailored to the unique needs of each child. Music therapy interventions can be divided into receptive music therapy (listening) or active music therapy (making music). These are characterized by musical attunement involving synchronized mirroring techniques, facilitated by the music therapist, which distinguishes music therapy from other music interventions. For instance, “music medicine” differs from music therapy as it does not involve a personal therapeutic process, but rather the general influence of music and music listening interventions.1,2,3
Benefits for Kids
Stress reduction, emotional well-being, and social interaction
Children, like adults, can experience stress. Both music medicine and music therapy have proven to be effective interventions for reducing kids’ stress and anxiety levels. Listening to calming tunes or engaging in rhythmic activities can have a soothing effect on their nervous system. By integrating music into their daily routines, parents can provide a natural and enjoyable stress-relief mechanism for their children.
Music has an extraordinary ability to evoke emotions and create a space for children to express themselves. Through structured musical activities, kids learn to identify and manage their emotions, promoting emotional intelligence. The connection between music and emotion emphasizes the significance of integrating music into formal education to enhance students’ emotional competence. Whether it's the soothing sounds of a lullaby or the energetic beats of a drum circle, music therapy offers a holistic approach to emotional well-being.
Group music sessions—whether for therapeutic purposes or just for fun—also offer a unique opportunity for children to interact with peers in a positive and supportive environment. This is particularly beneficial for kids who struggle with social skills or communication. Through collaborative musical activities, children learn to navigate social dynamics, fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation.
Musical activities that require collective participation promote cooperation and coordination within a community, serving as valuable tools for socioemotional development. In addition, engaging in social interactions during music-making provides students numerous chances to assess their own emotions while constructively relating to others' feelings. John Pellitteri, co-founder and past president of The International Society for Emotional Intelligence, outlines five ways in which music education and social-emotional learning complement each other:
- Serves as an emotional stimulus
- Offers an aesthetic experience
- Aids in relaxation and imagery
- Functions as a means of self-expression
- Provides a group experience
Speech and Communication
Early literacy development occurs when adults read, speak, or sing with babies or children, especially when experienced socially, connected to culture, and shared with family and community. Singing, vocalizing, and playing musical instruments can enhance language skills and improve overall communication for all children, including those experiencing speech and communication difficulties. The rhythmic and melodic components of music engage various areas of the brain, facilitating speech development and fostering effective communication in children.
Motor Skills Development
Musical activities involving movement engage the sensorimotor cortex, contributing to the development of gross and fine motor skills. The intricate interplay of auditory and motor regions facilitates neural connections, making dancing, playing instruments, and participating in rhythmic exercises a chance to enhance coordination and balance. Music therapy becomes a dynamic and enjoyable means of promoting physical development, especially in younger children.
Cognitive Enhancement
A multi-faceted engagement with music activates various cortical regions of the brain, fostering cognitive development in children. The structured and rhythmic nature of music therapy contributes to enhanced memory consolidation, improved attention control, and strengthened problem-solving skills through neurocognitive processes. This provides a nurturing environment for cognitive growth and learning.
Music as Medicine at Home
Create a musical environment
Integrating music into a child's daily routine can be as simple as playing calming tunes during bedtime or lively music during playtime. Allowing children to explore different genres and instruments not only cultivates a love for music from an early age, but also stimulates auditory processing and promotes the development of the auditory cortex, laying the foundation for potential therapeutic benefits.
Part of this requires an openness by adults of the household to be okay with noise. Boundaries can be set around noisy times vs. quiet times, which helps children develop empathy, self-awareness, and self-regulation. Making music also doesn't require actual instruments. Beautiful music can be made with household objects, such as your own shaker (instructions below), hitting pots or bowls with hands or kitchen utensils, securely stretching a rubber band over a box and strumming away, or gently tapping glasses filled with different levels of water.
DIY Musical Shakers
Materials
- Empty containers (e.g., cups, pots, Tupperware, bottles etc.)
- Filling material: rice, dried beans, pasta, pebbles collected outside, or water
- Lids made from plastic wrap/towel and a rubber band
Instructions
- Select your empty container. Choose bottles of various sizes to create different sounds.
- Fill your bottle with the filling material. Consider mixing materials like rice with dried beans for a unique sound combination.
- Secure the lids.
- Make music! Shake the bottles gently and vigorously to explore different rhythms and tones.
- Optional: Create a family band!
Sing and Play Together
Encouraging family members to sing and play musical instruments together not only fosters bonding, but also provides a platform for creative expression. The shared experience of making music can strengthen family connections and contribute to a positive and supportive home environment.
Explore Rhythmic Activities
Incorporating rhythmic activities such as clapping, stomping, or using simple percussion instruments can be both enjoyable and beneficial for motor skill development. These activities both contribute to physical well-being and provide an avenue for children to express themselves through movement and rhythm.
Music is a versatile and enjoyable approach to promoting overall well-being in children. The heart of music therapy embraces the harmonious healing potential of music, recognising its ability to nurture not just the body, but also the mind and spirit of our little ones. By incorporating music into our children's lives, we can help them tune into a world of wellness and joy, laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness.
