Music Therapy Today - World Federation of Music Therapy

Pecoraro Esperson, P. (2006) The pleasure of being “differently able”: Integration through music therapy in primary
schools. Music Therapy Today (Online) Vol.VII (2) 413-429. available at http://musictherapyworld.net
Following the musical therapeutic evaluation, which has just been illus-
trated above, we devised the plan of intervention (treatment).
The aim of the integrative music therapy laboratory was the follow-
ing:
• Encourage the process of integration of the group
The general objectives for Leo were the following: stimulate and
motivate Leo to relate both to adults and to his peers.
(Notwithstanding his progresses Leo still tended towards isolation)
• Stimulate voluntary actions-reactions during musical activities
• Encourage individual expression, particularly in expressing his
“ability to choose”.
• Encourage the development of “rough” movements, particularly
by stimulating his gestures on request (e.g. song) and/or through
imitation, improving his static and dynamic balance.
For his classmates, the general objective was:
• Encouraging the development of the relationship amongst peers
and accepting diversity.
Whereas the specific and most meaningful objectives were:
• Encouraging communication/expression and listening amongst
peers
• Encouraging the development of the spirit of belonging to a group
• Developing their skills of attention and memory
• Encouraging individual expression
• Developing the skills of interaction in musical games while being
attentive to the work of the group (e.g. respecting other’s turns,
alternating roles)
Through these activities, we help children become more aware and to be
able to make use of their own physical, expressive and communicative
means. The exploration and search for rhythm, sounds, and space to be
shared with the group aid children in feeling betters with themselves and
with others.
Case studies 423