How does music help children with special educational needs?

Music is universal and should be made accessible to every child, regardless of disability. Children with special needs find it hard to communicate and relate to others, so learning an instrument or being encouraged to sing gives them an alternative way to connect with others. For instance, ‘improvising’ or making up tunes with another person on a piano is similar to the back and forth nature of social interaction.

Singing promotes learning in children. It improves their sense of rhythm, motivates and empowers them and provides comfort. Repetition and familiarity are strong latches for children, and especially for children with learning disabilities because they find it harder to undertake every day tasks.   

For instance, an autistic child will find it hard to communicate or relate to other people on a day-to-day basis. Learning an instrument can give them a focus, a creative outlet and a way to express themselves.  It may also give them something in common with someone that they are finding it difficult to relate to.

Getting to know nursery rhymes and lullabies from a very early age are important. It gives children with special needs a sense of belonging and well being. This can help them participate in a class with other children and can prevent them from feeling alienated.

Each time a child finishes a creative project; it gives a strong sense of achievement, taking pride in their new skill by playing or singing to family and friends. For a child with special needs, the therapeutic benefits are much more prominent. Music therapy is a popular way of breaking down boundaries and overcoming difficulties for children with special needs; it helps to improve speech, cognitive development and communication. For example, it develops the creative right side of the brain, which can contribute to a child’s ability to develop creatively in other areas of their life.

As seen above, there are many benefits to learning through music. Ultimately, music is a positive influence for children; it encourages a sense of fun and can be an enjoyable way to for a child to develop personally and socially.