Proceedings, Oxford, UK (2002) - World Federation of Music Therapy

pleasant sounding instruments can be slowly introduced at this time. The
music therapist might strum an autoharp openly tuned to the diatonic to
accompany her. A wrist bell could be placed on the baby’s hands or feet
so the sound will occur at the baby’s involuntary movements. Physical
prompts need to be given to the baby in order to establish for the child
that there is an “instrument” on this body part. Soft drumming in the
rhythmic pulse of the rocking adds to the sensory experience for the
baby.
Adding, soft, pleasing instruments gives more richness and depth to the
experience and holds the baby’s attentions and reactions more deeply.
Music can match speech development; we can move towards silly
sounds, cooing, turn-taking and smiling. Dialoging has been established
in a healthy pattern and pre-verbal conversation has begun. A primitive
and rhythmic dyad exists between mother/therapist and baby.
It is a dramatic life change when a baby with cerebral palsy is born into a
family. For the music therapist it is important to view the baby not only
with their disabilities but also with their abilities and potential. The
client is the family structure. Working with the baby to achieve speech
and language milestones and also helping the mother discover how to
enjoy and share loving and productive moments with her baby is the
work for the music therapist. We become the model for relationship and
skill building to help this baby and family move towards becoming a
healthy and loving family.
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