"Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully and appropriately, you can reach into that child's potential for development." Dr. Clive Robbins

Why Music and Music Therapy

Why is music so essential and important to young children and how can it benefit them?

  • Children love music.  By using music which they already enjoy it provides the structure for learning so many skills used daily such as increased attention span, social development, reinforce academic learning, behavioral skills and develop music appreciation and skills.  
  • The structure in music will allow those with speech difficulties successful experiences through singing, which will provide the confidence and skills to transfer to speech.  
  • Music provides children an opportunity to safely express themselves verbally and non verbally.  
  • Music positively changes mood and emotional states while increasing self-esteem and self-image. 
  • "Music supports self-expression, cooperative play, creativity, emotional well being, and development of social, cognitive, communication, and motor skills." --Early Years Are Leaning Years from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a well-established, researched-based allied health profession in which music is used in a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs of individuals. 
For more information about music therapy please visit American Music Therapy Association: www.musictherapy.org

Where to Music Therapists work in Utah?
Music Therapists are employed various facilities such as:

  • Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City           
  • Utah Developmental Center, American Fork       
  • Utah State University, Logan      
  • Center for Change, Orem                                  
  • Global Artways, Salt Lake City
  • Davis Hospital, Bountiful                                    
  • Lakeview Hospital, Bountiful
  • Hartvigsen School, Salt Lake City                        
  • Neighborhood House, SLC
  • Bear River Mental House, Logan                        
  • St. Joseph’s Villa, Salt Lake City
  • Logan Regional Hospital, Logan                        
  • University of Utah Neurological Institute, Salt Lake City
  • Sunshine Terrace, Logan                                   
  • Jordan Valley School, Midvale
  • Utah Boys Ranch,  West Jordan                          
  • The Christmas Box, SLC