On the importance of music therapy in childcare

The article on the importance of music therapy, its role and benefits in early development of children supported by neurological and medical research.

Keywords: early development, childcare, music therapy, brain development, music interventions, music medicine, developmental medicine.

There has been significant interest in the connection between music and brain development in the past few decades, particularly among educators aiming to help students reach their full potential. In the modern world full of entertainment and distractions, few find time to listen to quality music. Poorly composed music, which often does not provide food for the mind and heart, can damage the brain and negatively influence thoughts. By contrast, meaningful semantic contents and intricately composed melodies provide a fuller understanding of art and indicate a higher level of musical culture among children.

There is a growing interest in using music therapy and similar music interventions in clinical treatment of children across various countries This overview aims to investigate the evidence of efficiency of music therapy and other interventions in childcare.

Learning music stimulates certain parts of the brain that can not be activated otherwise. Music develops sensitivity, creative thinking. Research continuously points to increased ability in various areas of a child’s early life development when exposed to music at a young age. During the first three years a child’s brain is growing rapidly and is building synapses, or connections, between different cells in various areas of the brain. Music therapy and musical education started from a very young age can enhance a child's skills and personality. Similarly music helps control mood and improves mental state.

Some of the early documented uses of music therapy in childcare go back to the period after the Second World War. USA and Europe from the late 1950s began to use music to address the mental health of individuals within diverse clinical domains [1]

Active methods, such songwriting, performance or improvisation as well as receptive methods like listening to pre-recorded music are part of music therapy [2]. Expоsing children to music during early development helps them learn sounds and meanings of words, while dancing to music helps children build not only motor skills but practice self-expression. On top of that, music helps strengthen memory skills.

Research in early childhood emphasizes the significant difference in the singing capability and musical awareness between children under the age of 5 exposed to music and those who have not [3]. However, exposure to music may have profound effects on other important issues in early life development. The progression of speech is a crucial indicator for potential challenges in the future, including difficulties in reading, spelling, and various other learning obstacles. Studies discovered that emotional and behavioral issues were reported in 50–75 % of children with language impairment [4]. According to another research children with delayed speech development are characterized as highly susceptible to other cognitive, social-emotional, and school-related issues [5]. Due to the growing number of successful research outcomes, music therapy emerges as a method that could lead to notable improvements in speech development and communication abilities, especially in children with autism [6,7]. It has been outlined that Various approaches and techniques within music therapy can effectively support children with speech and language impairments [8]. Furthermore, multiple case studies have reported positive impacts of music therapy on speech development in children [9–11].

Research in music education states that children universally exhibit positive responses to high-quality music and highlights that children in the preschool and primary years consistently show favorable attitudes towards various types of music [12]. As often observed, children instinctively move their entire bodies in response to the mood, tempo, and dynamics of music, or to an instrument long before substantial language development. Almost any musical selection prompts children to move organically, fostering the seeds of listening and encouraging intuitive and creative responses to music.

As caretakers, adults face the challenge of providing high-quality musical experiences that align with children's collective needs, while also introducing them to music they might not be able to hear otherwise. Consistent encouragement of children's intuitive responses to music can yield surprising and creative movements. As universal language music resonates with children, their minds, hearts, and bodies, leaving them more alert after their responsive experience.

Toddlers could compose melodies while playing with others [13].

While music has long been recognized as a therapeutic outlet for emotions, studies of medical applications of music is a relatively new domain. Influence of frequencies of sound and rhythm on the effectiveness of treating physical ailments is studied in [14]. At the same time some research states that music improves immune system function and reduces stress. Listening to music is found to be more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery [15]. Same effect was shown on kids during painful medical procedures. Music interventions have been found to be very effective [16].

Scientific evidence indicates that the brain responds to music in specific ways. Music places higher demands on various parts of the brain, leading to long-lasting effects on its functioning abilities [17] Numerous studies of influence of music by W. A. Mozart on seizures in children have been conducted [18]. There is evidence that music interventions with rhythm may be beneficial and may improve walking ability in individuals who have experienced a stroke, overall potentially leading to improved quality of life [19].

There are many music-related classes for children suitable for younger ages, which are highly recommended for brain development. The classes often involve parents and children participating in musical experiences, such as singing with hand instruments (e.g. shakers) and group performances. This fosters skills in listening and executive functioning skills. Further improvements of executive functioning abilities are observed in children who choose to participate in musical ensembles, such as orchestras or choirs. Singing, especially in choral ensembles, is shown to have neurological benefits, as evidenced by MRI results comparing individuals with and without musical training performing executive function tasks.

Engaging in movement and singing provides joyful and memorable experiences for children. Daily music experiences in childcare can significantly improve children's language skills, memory, physical activity, creative thinking, emotional well-being, discipline, and early academic success. Studies of music education argue that music and movement serve as the primary languages of childhood, used before traditional language provides the link to communication [20].

As the significance of learning through music is increasingly supported by neurological and medical research, it is crucial to integrate music into our daily routine. Numerous benefits of music on a child’s development can only be realized when we actively share these gifts on a daily basis. Music therapy could be an important part in childcare and may improve the overall quality of life of children as they grow up. Music therapy is notably proficient in enhancing mood, regulating affect, improving communication, fostering social skills, and enhancing overall quality of life. Music medicine approaches have demonstrated successful application in medical settings [21]. Further investigation into music therapy, music medicine and other interventions centered around music remains essential to identify the most effective interventions for specific individuals and the conditions under which they are most beneficial.

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