BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN

*MUSIC STIMULATES MEMORY.  It is a powerful memory trigger to aid other learning outcomes. (The Alphabet Song, Planets, Irregular verbs, etc)

 

*SONGS INCREASE VOCABULARY, PRONUNCIATION & COMPREHENSION

Songs and music can introduce advanced ideas and concepts, and the rhythm makes it easier to articulate.  It also introduces word combinations they might not hear in other contexts.

 

*MUSIC IS A GREAT INSTRUCTIONAL AND TRANSITIONAL TOOL

Because music holds children's attention, is relaxing and children listen more deeply than speaking voices, it is a powerful tool for teaching and transitions.  Children can also learn advanced concepts more quickly through a musical transference of information.

 

*INCREASES SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE

There is a causal link between music and spatial intelligence- (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things).

 

*HIGHER PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOL

Children who have received music training have continuously and repeatedly scored higher test results in other areas of education.

 

BENEFITS FOR ELDERS

*ALZHEIMER'S

Music therapy improves behavior in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, reducing agitation and irratability as well as eating difficulties and sleep problems.   

*LONG TERM ILLNESS RELIEF

Music can have significant positive impact on patients with long term illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer and respiratory conditions.  

 

*PAIN RELIEF

Current research indicates that music lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and helps relieve pain and anxiety.

 

*MENTAL HEALTH

Research has shown that music produces direct biological changes including raising cortisol levels as well as increasing the release of dopamine. Music often tells a narrative that we can relate to, diminishing feelings of loneliness, and has demonstrated efficacy as an independent treatment for reducing depression.

 

*EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

When engaged in musical expression, a part of our brain that helps with emotional processing (the amygdala) is active.  Huge emotional walls can be broken down with music, and current studies in numerous Countries around the world are clearly showing that connection and support through music can have a profound effect on individual's emotional health.   

 

OTHER BENEFITS

*ADDICTION

Music therapy can increase motivation for treatment in patients with substance-abuse disorders.  It improves decision-making skills and helps prevent relapse.  Numerous studies across North America have shown that teaching someone in treatment how to play an instrument, gives them purpose and something to focus on, leading to higher success rates of recovery.

 

*BRAIN INJURIES

Music based intervention methods have shown results in rehabilitating movement and gait-related problems.  As well, it has shown positive results in reducing the anxiety, depression, agitation and in inducing stable mood states.  Music based intervention has led to improvement in speech and sensory perceptions.  There are studies that have shown some patients able to bypass affected areas of the brain, and remarkably make music.  Patients who can not talk can sing.  Some patients can play the piano but can not even button up thier shirt.

 

*AUTISM

It has been noted time and again that children with autism show sensitivities to music.  Some have perfect pitch while many have been noted to play instruments with exceptional musicality.  Since children with autism sometimes sing when they may not speak, music therapists and educators can work systematically on speech through vocal music activities. Meaningful word phrases and songs presented with visual and tactile cues can facilitate this process faster.