23.7. 1993 Vitoria-Gasteiz / Spain - World Federation of Music Therapy

provoked and stimulated and movement itself is more
varied. Repetition leads to move control and the mere
fact that one is capable of playing a musical instrument
gives pleasure and a feeling of self-respect. (videoilustration)(1).
B. Social development.
In order to stimulate social development, much work is
done in groups and use is made of the possibilities
which playing together provides. While making music
together the children have to pay continuous attention
to the whole, to the consonance, to the singing and
playing of the others. Each child belongs and its
contribution can't be missed. At the same time each
child can participate in his or her own way, because
music has much to ofter where variation is concerned;
singing, moving, playing or just listening. We have a
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large range of acoustic and electronic instruments at
our disposal. Instruments can also be adapted to fit the
requirements of a specific child. Positive experiences
give a child more self-confidence and broaden his
outlook and his world.
When working with very young children (2-3 years) we
involve the parents. Problems often arise for them in the
handling of their physically handicapped child. The child
often reacts in a way different from that which was
expected. All sorts of everyday things (like washing,
dressing, eating, etc.) have to be done in a particular
way. It seems as if nothing runs smoothly and this
makes parents often insecure and tense.
When making music, emphasis is put on what the child
is capable of achieving. Pleasure can be gained by
singing, playing and moving spontaneously together
and ways are created for parents and children to get