The Power of Music for Your Child with Learning Disabilities

by Janice Russell

From music and dance to theatre and painting, the arts have been shown to offer significant neurological and social benefits. The benefits of the arts can be even more powerful for children with learning disabilities, but it can be difficult to get them to begin an artistic endeavor. Here are a few ideas from mom, writer, and model Naomi Cooper on ways you can get your child with special needs involved in the arts.

How Music Can Help Children with Learning Disabilities

When a child begins exploring the arts, his brain starts to develop new neural connections. The process of playing music, for instance, creates a wide range of benefits. Instruments with a greater emphasis on swift movements, like violin or trombone, can help motor functioning and precision. Many instruments, like piano, cello, or drums, require the hands to perform different motions at the same time, which also helps with multitasking. For children with difficulty expressing themselves verbally, include a vocal element in their music lessons, even if singing is not the main objective, as it can help children learn to use and control their voices.

Many studies have used music in general as a way to begin to help children with special needs express themselves, since the creation of music is incredibly personal and can demonstrate emotions the performer may not be able to say in a traditional manner. Music also helps to strengthen the auditory centers of the brain, which help basic processing and understanding. Listening to music can relieve stress, soothe tension, and aid sleep. Finally, there is a strong social component, as many forms of music are meant to be played with others. Playing a piece in a group helps to develop friendships. This, along with the satisfaction of successfully having created music, helps to boost self-esteem, confidence, and general happiness.

How to Get Involved in the Arts

The best way to get your child with learning disabilities involved in the arts is to demonstrate a certain level of excitement yourself. Enthusiasm is infectious, so be fully present and interested when discussing the arts. Take the opportunity to show off different types of art. Let your child experiment with safe, non-toxic paints and colors, letting them manipulate the tools however they like. Incorporate music throughout your day in whatever way you can — sing a song as you walk through the park, or plan a lesson around your child’s favorite song. If your child enjoys moving around to music, try getting them to dance their feelings. For older or more self-sufficient children, consider joining music, art, or dance classes to further develop their artistic abilities.

You can also get involved by throwing yourself into the teaching process. If your child loves for you to teach them things, do your best to lend a helping hand — especially if you have experience! And if possible, get their friends involved; if they all have a love of dance and you know your way around a few routines, get them together for a group lesson. This could even lead you to teach dance as a side job. Before heading down this road, however, create a business plan and spend a little time researching the different things you’ll need to accomplish to legally set up your business. Hawaii, for instance, has regulations in place for those who wish to register as an LLC, so make sure you understand everything before doing so.

How to pick the right instrument for your child

There are several critical points to consider when choosing an instrument for your child. First, you should consider their physical capabilities. Woodwinds can be more difficult for children with speech and motor impairment, but work well for children with hearing issues thanks to the vibrations of the instrument near the mouth. Smaller strings, like violin and viola, can be great for developing fine motor skills, while drums are good for gross motor skills and rhythmic therapy. Some instruments, like strings or brass, are generally played in groups, which can be good for more extroverted children. The most important facet of choosing an instrument for your child is personal preference. If possible, try letting your child roam around in a well-stocked music store to see if there is a particular instrument that piques their interest — if budget is a concern, you can find online deals for used pieces.

Music and the other arts are powerful ways to help develop your child’s mental and physical abilities. Just as important, though, are the social and emotional benefits your child will receive from successfully creating art.

For more mom inspiration, keep up with Naomi Cooper’s blog. She also regularly updates her store with art-inspired items, like streamers and putty, so keep an eye out for deals that might help inspire a love of music and arts in your child!

To reach the author, contact Janice at janice@parentingdisasters.com

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com