Singing and instrument play is also used to encourage healthy emotional expression and to promote self-regulation. Students listen to live music for calming and relaxation experiences and this co-regulating with the music therapist allows for further development of self-regulation.
Using music allows for many skills to be worked on simultaneously. For example, singing a song whilst playing with an instrument encourages attention control, articulation and language skills and motor co-ordination.
Above all, music is a fun activity which captures most students and the music therapist works with this to create programs that promote skills required for everyday living.