Drawing on current research about the connections between music and speech, this book explains how and why musical activities can be used to support the mechanisms and processes needed for speech. Containing specific guidance on the physiological, neurological, and learning differences children face when trying to make sense of speech, including hypermobility, autism spectrum conditions, Down Syndrome, auditory processing differences and motor timing difficulties, this guide provides an in-depth evaluation into how you can enhance your practice. Discover evidence-based and easy-to-use activities such as how to use whistles for breathing, drums to support the ability to 'hear' or produce speech sounds, and how to use songs to support speech.

This edited book brings together renowned experts in music therapy and related fields to present current research, practical strategies, and policies useful for everyone interested in music as a tool to aid children on the autism spectrum. Case scenarios, examples and tip sheets further support the application of the knowledge-based content.

Songbook with 50 newly composed or adapted and notated songs for use in early childhood settings and music therapy along with 29 blogs focused on early development through music making. Designed for music therapists, early childhood and elementary school teachers, day care providers, educators , and family members.

Is my singing good enough? What should I do with instruments? How can I create a rich and exciting musical environment which will allow for both child and adult led musical activity? Singing, dancing and music-making comes naturally to young children, but we as adults often lack confidence in our musical ability. This easily accessible book will help you to realise that everyone can be a creative music-maker with young children. It aims to inspire you to take young children’s enthusiasm for music and create a musically rich environment that supports all areas of learning and development and at the same time celebrate music for music’s sake. Packed with activities, songs and musical games, this book includes: Recognising musical development in young children and the benefits of music-making in the early years Advice on inclusive practice Guidance on using musical instruments Ways to develop your own musicality Help with planning and assessment Chapters linking musical activities to each area of learning and development How to create a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities Music for Early Learning also includes downloadable resources containing 23 songs and listening activities linked to each area of development which can be used as a standalone resource or alongside the music manuscript and Guitar and Ukulele tabs provided, as well as lyrics to each of the songs. This practical text will help you to realise the wonderful opportunities that music can offer young children and is an ideal resource for Early Years Practitioners, Early Years consultants and trainnee teachers, as well as those on Nursery Nursing and Childcare courses at Further and Higher education levels.

This comprehensive book includes an overview of recent developments in ASD and effective music therapy interventions based on ASD-specific approaches, instructional strategies and techniques for use in children's natural environments. Therapists wishing to conduct family-centered practice and to support parents integrate music into home routines will find a wealth of information, together with insights from music therapists who are parents of children with ASD. The book also looks at collaboration and consultation with interdisciplinary team members, including early childhood educators, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists. Case scenarios, examples, checklists, charts, tip sheets, music scores, and online resources make this book accessible for everyone. Throughout the book's sixteen chapters, renowned experts share knowledge and practical applications that will give music therapists, students, professionals, educators, families and anyone interested in working with young children with ASD, a detailed understanding of the implementation and range of music therapy practices that can benefit these children and their families.

A comprehensive guide to music therapy with young children, providing a detailed examination of development from birth to age five, with theoretical perspectives and extensive scales of developmental milestones. Information is compiled in nine different chronological periods, including benchmarks for physical, sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional/social, and language development. The book then synthesizes current research on musical development in young children and provides lists of musical behaviors as well as a presentation of the theories of musical development proposed by Briggs/Bruscia and Edwin Gordon.