Music Therapy at Downs Syndrome Association of Central Florida

Today I had the pleasure of conducting the first Music Therapy group at the Downs Syndrome Of Central Florida. These kiddos are between 3 months-4yrs old. This was such a great experience, and it just had me glowing for the rest of the day.

 Music is so powerful! There was a mom that came up after class and said "my son is so shy, I couldn't believe the way he acted today, but he really loves music!" Because he loves music so much, he forgot about being shy and clinging to mommy. This boy was smiling and making eye contact with me almost the entire 45 min. He as bopping with the beat, playing bells and shakers and, unless she told me, I would have thought he was always the "life of the party." I explained to this mom, the success he gains from being in this music group will help him to be more confident in other areas.

 Studies conducted by Florida State University Music Therapy Department, show children who attended a weekly music groups demonstrated higher cognitive, social and musical skills, when compared to peers the only attended one group . Even more interesting to me is the parents who attended the group with their children engaged in more positive developmental play, then parents of the other group (Walworth, 2009).These music classes are not only for the children, they are also for the parents. I don't expect a new mommy to know how to challenge her baby through music and sensory play, but after coming to a few groups, and seeing the activities I lead, she can do the same thing at home. This is the beauty of mommy and me music groups. I am so excited about this new group at the DSACFL!!I can't wait to share more stories!