Nada Yoga, the ancient science of sound views that intonations is the source of universal manifestations. Application of sound vibrations to reach higher realms of consciousness is not new to the Indian System of yoga.
Today’s modern science too endorses such a view. The prophylactic and the therapeutic role of music on the mind-body system is gaining new grounds. Thanks to the path breaking findings in what is called neuromusicology, a new branch of science
Music Therapy: The Mechanism
Music therapy provides a unique variety of musical experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in a child’s behavior and facilitate development of his/her communication skills, social interactions, besides developing emotional, sensory-motor, and/ or cognitive skills.
Music therapy, no doubt enhances the quality of life in children as it makes them more cheerful and flexible to face the harshness of the current times and cultures.
The therapy involves close relationships between a qualified therapist and child; between child and mother; and between the music and the practitioners.
All such relationships build up a feeling of ‘belongingness’, which helps in creating a positive environment and sets the occasion for successful results.
Music acts as a stimulant to the child’s senses, and facilitates many developmental skills. Quality learning and maximum participation, besides traits such as coordination, co-operation, team spirit, friendly rivalry – as we find in musical genres such as jugalbandhi, etc. that occurs when children are permitted to tamper with music naturally and frequently, without restraints on them.
While being highly motivated, music is calming and relaxing. Enjoyable beta forms of music with active rhythms and quick tempos can activate towards success of the children by making them feel better and confident about themselves.
Music therapy can even help a child manage pain and stressful situations uneven and even overcome complexes due to physical or mental disability, if any.
Music can encourage socialization, self-expression, communication, and motor development. Because the brain processes music in both hemispheres, music can stimulate cognitive functioning and may be used for remediation of some speech/ language skills.
Technique for Children
Children are normally involved in singing, listening, moving, and playing and in all creative activities associated with music which can even include solving mathematical puzzles. The idea is that a child should be made into a better learner.
A music therapist’s work is on developing a child’s self-awareness, confidence, readiness skills, coping skills, and social behavior and may also provide pain management techniques.
It is necessary that the therapist explores which style of music, techniques and instruments are more effective or motivating for each individual child and thereafter, expand upon the child’s natural, spontaneous play in order to address areas of need.
Music therapists may also help parents of children with suggestions and resources for using music with the child at home.
After developing realistic goals and target objectives, music therapists can plan and implement systematic music therapy treatment programs with procedures and techniques designed specifically for an individual child.
Music therapists should invariably document responses, conduct ongoing evaluations of progress, and often make recommendations to other team members and the family regarding process.
This article was published in Alternative Medicine Oct 2004 pages 47, 48
Edited by Geeta Shreedar, Mar 4, 2021.