Accessible Music for All

Active music-making provides an invaluable opportunity for inclusion in an engaging group activity that holds attention, develops confidence, communication, speech and language, physical, social and emotional skills. Music also enables children to express themselves, which is particularly important if a young person is non-verbal.  Playing with the instruments and props encourages co-ordination, develops motor skills and the sensory input is brilliant for those with visual impairments. We even use our bodies to make music! Perfect for those with hearing impairments, where vibrations and tapping to the rhythm makes sure everyone feels the beat!

Research shows that pleasurable music increases dopamine levels in the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating attention, working memory, and motivation. “Music shares neural networks with other cognitive processes,” says Patti Catalano, a neurologic music therapist at Music Works Northwest. “Through brain imaging, we can see how music lights up the left and right lobes. The goal of music therapy is to build up those activated brain muscles over time to help overall function.”

Giving children regular music and movement provision in early years settings boosts development for all.  It’s an inclusive activity where all children can participate together, whether they have SEND or not, and regardless of whether they attend an Additional Resources Provision (ARP) for other subject areas. Musical training – with its emphasis on rhythmic skills – can also exercise the motor/auditory-system, leading to less neural jitter and stronger sound-to-meaning associations.

Boogie Mites director, Sue Newman wrote an article on the sensory superpowers of sound processing and rhythmic awareness, which was published in SEN Magazine.  You can read the full article here: