What value do music therapists provide to young families?

[Anonymous]

What value do music therapists provide to young families?  Contribute on the forum.

[Mikelia Wallace]

I think music therapist can see development milestones in action through music, a medium that is fun and motivating for kiddos. The value for young families is that they get to see and truly understand these milestones in a different environment, one that is social and highly-motivating, and also be able to ask questions. Another value is the bonding and social component of music, bonding and trust building with the parent, while the kiddo is also discovering how to socialize with peers and where they fit in that social dynamic.

[Rachel Sedmak]

Bonding and building trust are so important, as is the child’s learning how to socialize with peers. For children who aren’t in daycare or have extended families or social groups, this is even more important because they may not be around peers on a regular basis. Learning how to interact in a group is crucial to starting kindergarten. That being said, there are other music classes for children and caregivers that are not provided by music therapists. I think the value of having a music therapist is the focus on the whole child’s development, rather than just on the child learning music. Other music classes are geared more for the child to eventually start formal music training, whereas the focus of music therapy is supporting both the children and parents in the child’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.

[Favor Chujor]

Music therapists can provide context for some of the behaviors that a child is presenting in a musical setting. But because music therapists are also familiar with child development outside of music, they can also provide that context in a general sense. Music therapists are a great mediator between a child and their musical exploration and the caregiver. Music therapy is a more holistic way to interact with a child outside of formal educational settings as well.

[Amy Berggren]

Music therapists can provide education on why a child is behaving a certain way and the best ways to engage them in the music based on their developmental level. Also, because of our education and training, we are able to adapt to ensure all participants are able to engage in the best way possible despite being at different developmental levels and having different areas of need.

[Sophia Paravalos]

I believe that music therapists provide the ability for parents to see the growth of their children from a new perspective. Music lives in every child and the ability to facilitate activities that allow the music in that child to come out and support their development can be something very valuable to a families relationship with their child’s development. Music is also a very strong tool for bonding and togetherness which helps to build stronger relationships between caregivers and child.

[Erik Hylan]

I strongly believe that music therapists can provide a space for growth, development, and strengthening important relationships for families. Music can shed light on advancements in a child’s development that families might not have seen through other areas in their life. Music Therapists can facilitate these experiences that allow everyone in the child’s life to be involved and in a way that is exciting and motivating. Music therapists can reflect back the progress in a child’s development and give tools for everyone in the child’s circle to utilize to continue supporting growth and development.

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