Discover How Music Can Help Handicapped Children

By Ruth Williams


Modern science is proving what people have always intuitively known about music; it has the power to heal. Whether using percussion instruments or piano or guitar, the impact is the same; music can be uplifting and stimulate the brain, it can also bring people together.

Being social creatures, people need to communicate with each other and relish human contact. Disabled children often feel alienated from their peers in school and feel that they stand out in public places. There may not be many opportunities for others to get to know them. Disabled children have the same needs, music provides a means of children participating in a group activity to build relationships and confidence.

Music can be enjoyed and shared regardless of age or capabilities, it provides an alternative means for people to express themselves. Amongst the popular instruments which youngsters and disabled children enjoy playing are percussion instruments, which are also thought to have stronger healing powers due to the rhythmic nature. No formal training is needed to enjoy using a drum yet there is still room for improvement and instruction.

Rhythm has been found to have a profound impact on the brain, even more so if the beat is strong. Brain waves will react to the beat of the music and speed up or slow down depending on the nature of the music. In this way it is possible to positively effect an entire group of children at once. Gradually these types of sessions can teach a disabled child's brain to operate more quickly which is important on a day-to-day basis.

Music also has the power to make a child feel happier and accepted. Sharing music either in a one-to-one situation with an instructor or in a group setting can improve the emotional health of the child leading to a higher quality of life overall. Music can also serve as a means of expression for children who lack the linguistic ability to communicate clearly; as others around them hear their music they feel a sense of connectivity that they lack in their everyday lives.

Music can really make a difference to a child's life. It enables all children to feel a sense of achievement and build confidence.




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