Music and The Learning Environment

Music, through its elements of melody, rhythm and form, offers a predictable, safe, and temporal structure for learning. It has a beginning and an end. It has a pulse. It has repetition that allows time and structure for processing to occur. Music can create an environment that enhances a child's ability to learn by structuring activities with inherent opportunities for: modeling, imitation, feedback, interaction, repetition and reciprocity.

Movement activities are used to teach and reinforce:
spatial awareness
laterality
body awareness and movement control
attending and focusing
internalization of movement vocabulary and language concepts
self-confidence, self-initiation and imagination

Singing activities are used to teach and reinforce:
awareness and control of vocal qualities: inflection, dynamics, articulation, timbre
total communication using signs, pictures, and hand gestures
pre-linguistic skills through vocal play, nonsense songs & syllables
academics
sequencing skills
language concepts
awareness of culture through song repertoire
listening skills

Playing instruments teaches and reinforces:
social skills through sharing, taking turns and passing of musical
materials
group participation
gross and fine motor skills
listening skills
language concepts
following directions
non-verbal self expression
delayed gratification
impulse control

Listening activities teach and reinforce:
difference between: sound and silence
relaxation and tension
active and passive
voice and no voice
internalization of concepts of loud, soft; fast, slow; high, low

Return to Wildwood Music Therapy Page

Return to Wildwood School Page