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Music at Preschool
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Instructions Definition
Music therapy is the
prescribed use of music and music-related strategies, by a qualified music
therapist to assist or motivate a child towards specific, non-musical goals
music therapy is an established health profession similar to physiotherapy and
occupational therapy.
In a centre or home and/or
community setting, music therapists use music and music activities to achieve
goals outlined by the family and team members. Music therapists do not
usually work on music goals; that is, music therapists do not teach children
to play instruments.
Music is an “universal language”
that is often the first thing to which a child relates. It occurs naturally in
our environment in many settings and is a socially appropriate activity and
leisure skill. Children with special needs are not necessarily disabled in
their musical skills, and music therapy can be an occasion for a child to shine,
as well as an opportunity to reinforce non-musical goals.
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About Music Therapy
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Music therapy can address several
needs simultaneously
in a positive and exciting medium; it may provide pleasurable learning that
promotes success.
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Music is often the first thing to which a
child relates. It is a “universal language that crosses all cultural lines. Music occurs naturally in our
environment in many setting and is a socially appropriate activity and leisure skill.
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Music structures time in a
way that we can understand “that’s the last verse and then I do …).
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Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable
context for repetition.
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Music provides social opportunities that are
structured for verbal and nonverbal communication.
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It should be noted that children with
disabilities are not necessarily disabled in their musical skills.
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Not only may music activities be
opportunities for a child to “shine”, but also they may be used to reinforce non-musical goals.
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Most people, especially children, enjoy
music – therefore, music therapy can be the therapy that reinforces all other therapies.
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To provide group and
individual music therapy interventions which meet the individual
treatment needs of the child and to maximize participation,
communication and self-expression.
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To build skills for
community participation.
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To allow family members,
caregivers and other professionals an opportunity to witness a child's
potential through music.
Population
Music therapy is available at
the Centre to children from birth to school age who are delayed in more
than one skill area, and/or have significant communication impairments.
Services Provided
a. Assessment
of child’s strengths and needs, as well as child’s response to music,
music skills and musical preferences, and family desired outcomes.
b. Individual
music therapy sessions.
c. Provide
individualized recorded music for children to listen to at home which
reinforces therapy sessions.
d. Short
term group therapy in conjunction with other NONA programs.
e. Consultation
to NONA program staff to provide suggestion on how to use music to
facilitate other interventions.
f. Music
activities at special NONA Child Development Centre events.
g. Musical
instrument and music lending library.
h. Educational/information
session for the community regarding music therapy.
Send
an email!
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