Anyone who has listened to music can understand the many calming, motivating, and uplifting benefits the sounds can have.  But did you know that music can help teach?  When a trained music therapist puts together the right instruments and words to create a music session, that music can help children learn different (typically non-musical) skills – social, verbal, motor, etc. – in a positive environment.  Studies have shown that this method of teaching is especially effective with the special needs population.  Perhaps it is because the brain responds to music differently. 

To see a non-verbal child actually vocalize along to a song is to experience the magic this type of therapy can accomplish.  Even children who typically cannot follow instructions or sit and attend can display their potential to do so during a music session.  And the beauty of it all is that the children learn while enjoying themselves.  Teachers are then able to carry these skills over to the everyday work they do in the classroom.

For more complete information on music therapy and how it is used in a variety of settings, please refer to the following websites: 

www.musictherapy.org
www.autism.org/music.html
www.specialchild.com/archives/ia-005.html

Take a look at students participating in Kate’s Voice funded music therapy sessions.

Harvard-Kent School, Charlestown, Masschusetts

Frank M. Silva School, Fall River, Massachusetts

C.A.S.E. Collaborative – K-2 – Davis School, Bedford, Massachusetts

Shamrock School, Woburn, Massachusetts