Helping Kids Grow through The Magic of Music

The Power of Music in Our Lives

Most everyone has a sense of how healing music can be. Whether you turn up the pop at a party, groove to jazz while cooking dinner, or jam to encouraging anthems to pump you up on the way to work, music seems to always meet us where we are and help us get through, celebrate, grieve, and cope. But the full scope of how helpful music can be therapeutic has only been truly explored in the last 80 years or so. Though there’s evidence that the ancient philosophers understood how music could assist in healing sickness and disease, it has only been since the 1940s that the medical community has embraced music as a form of legitimate therapy.

Singing to Soothe and Express

Music has the power to calm, connect, and unlock new ways for kids to communicate.

Research tells us that if we sing in our moments of fear or overwhelm, the vibrations of our vocal cords will communicate safety to our bodies, and help calm our nervous systems. Similarly, research shows that when non-verbal children or those with speech and language difficulties engage physically with music—by playing instruments, moving their bodies, and composing songs—they often experience a calming effect. Giving these children a chance at self-expression through music is like handing them a language that will allow them to be heard, and help them self-soothe in moments of frustration or anxiety.

The Science of Rhythm and Movement

Two moving objects will eventually find the pattern of a shared movement. It’s a physics fact! The same goes for our bodies when we hear a tune we love…our toes tap or our fingers find the beat. Some of the music input goes straight to our spinal cord, causing involuntary movement that we’re not even fully aware of. This is why we may start dancing when our favorite song is being played. In the wise words of Gloria Estefan, “The rhythm is going to get you…” This natural connection between movement and music is why engaging with music can be such a powerful tool for learning and communication, especially for children.

Music’s Impact on Learning and Communication

For kids with language challenges, music isn’t just fun—it’s a bridge to connection and confidence.

Research confirms that when children listen to diverse musical styles and actively create their own music it  can enhance cognitive behavioral therapy. These musical activities also support speech and language skill development and rehabilitation in children. Lyrics share the same neural circuits as language, of course, so getting your child moving and mouthing a great song means building the skills that will help them communicate more effectively as they speak. There’s even research that tells us moving to music resets the brain to accept new concepts in a more organized fashion, making learning new information and skills more accessible and successful.

How Music Helps Everyone Communicate Better

For kids with language disabilities or diagnoses like autism, music therapy can be life-changing. But the truth is, no matter who you are and what challenges you face, embracing music throughout your daily life can help you become a better and more confident verbal communicator. Sounds like we could all benefit from some music therapy.

Put It Into Practice

Sing Your Routines

Turn everyday tasks into simple songs! Singing a short tune while getting dressed, brushing teeth, or cleaning up can help children stay engaged and build language skills. Even a made-up melody with familiar words can create a fun and structured way to encourage communication.

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