Using Music To Improve Speech
In the world of difficulties we all face, speech deficits are a very common occurrence across all ages. From Autism to Alzheimer’s, Brain Trauma to Genetic Disorders, speech and language can be affected in many ways and for a multitude of reasons.
This the perfect playground for Music Therapy. Through fun, yet structured music based interventions, a client can see great improvement in their ability to form vowel sounds, syllables, speak in full sentences, respond appropriately, speak at an audible volume, control the speed of their speech, and much more.
Some interventions to address these needs may include but are not limited to:
fill in the blank songs which may encourage an appropriate response or engage memory
singing songs which employ the use of words and sounds that pose difficulty to the client
tapping a drum while sounding out words or forming sentences
Call and response singing used to model and mirror speech
tapping a drum to imitate speech rhythms
Music Therapy is by no means a “one size fits all” practice. After the therapist has assessed their client’s needs and has spent time getting to know them, an individualized treatment plan is created and interventions are formulated to help the client meet their targeted goals.
Watch below as company owner and Board Certified Music Therapist,
Chana Jamison, sings a “Hello Song” with her client, Alice.
This clip was recorded by Alice’s mom during a session!
This session’s goal was to strengthen her diction (clear “T”s) and improve appropriate application of the word “ Hello”.