http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/01/13/5-reasons-why-music-helps-children-with-special-needs/
I have recently found an interest in music education and what we as music educators can do to include students with special needs. I found this article and topic to be interesting because I was in band with a student who suffered from autism. I watched this student grow in both musical skill and overall development due a lot to his musical experiences. It is so beautiful to watch someone who struggled every day with activities that we do every day and blossom through the gift of music. Music is a healing power.
This topic is one with a beautiful impact. Like Allan said, music really is a healing power. I've never actually been in an ensemble which had a student with special needs, however; I have watched some videos about tourette syndrome with a similar theme to it. When an individual that has this syndrome they have no control over it and can't stop whatever their specific tick is, but when they take part in music whether it be singing or playing an instrument, their ticks stop. Music has amazing capabilities that help any struggling individuals grow to become the best they can be.
ReplyDeleteI think the relationship between music and kids with special needs is really interesting. For those who struggle with communication, it gives them a tool to connect to other people without having to use words. I have a cousin with down syndrome who has struggled with speech due to having limited hearing for much of her life. Even though as a young child she couldn't understand what we were saying, she loved to listen to music and dance to it. Because music is rhythmic and she didn't have to listen for annunciation, I think she was glad to have a way to experience sound in the same way others do.
ReplyDeleteI found this article interesting because this ties directly into what I want to do in the future with music therapy. I have a cousin who suffers from autism who started playing in the band at his school. He is now able to communicate his thoughts more clearly and not as afraid of social interaction.
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