Music Therapy: A Unique Approach to Quality Learning

Music Therapy: A Unique Approach to Quality Learning

by: Jasmine Reed

“I would teach children music, physicas and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” – Plato

Here at Vinehouse Nursery, we thoroughly agree with the great philosopher, Plato’s, belief that music is essential to a child’s learning environment. Therefore, Music Therapy is one of the many offerings we happily provide for our seedlings and sprouts! Embedded into the Mother Goose Time Curriculum, your child(ren) have a daily opportunity to participate with music instruments such as maracas, drums, shakers, sticks, scarves, bells, and more. Below is a brief explanation of what Music Therapy is, and how it benefits your child when incorporated into an educational setting.

Taken from the musictherapy.orgwebsite,“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” The history of it dates all the way back to the late 1700s and has since evolved with the first academic program in Music Therapy established at Michigan State University in 1944. In earlier years there had also been various music therapy associations that primarily contributed to journals and books regarding the field. However, present-day associations are more organized, and have various focuses regarding educational and industry standards, research and so on.

Music Therapy, as it relates to young children, is very helpful in developing their,“communication, social/emotional, sensori-motor, and/or cognitive skills,”(www.musictherapy.org). As they interact with one another and the instructor, they’re building relationships and it’s creating a positive environment conducive to quality learning. Through their participation, they’re using all five senses, simultaneously, and their mood and self-confidence is boosted. They’re also engaging in an environment that encourages their unique form of self-expression. It truly makes learning exciting for them!

We are so glad that we get to offer this unique experience to your children and love to see how it enhances their quality of learning and life, as they participate. For more information about Music Therapy and its benefits, visit www.musictherapy.org