As a keen amateur musician and working as a specialist teacher supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), I can’t really believe it has taken me so long to put together a blog about the power of music. I would go as far as to say that music is probably the most important thing in my life after my family and I cannot imagine a world without it. Singing, playing and listening to music is an enormous part of who I am, and it is unquestionable that music is unique in its transformative power, especially for individuals with SEND.
Beyond just being an art form, music can be a profound tool for communication, therapy and learning. For individuals with SEND, engaging with music can open doors to self-expression, social connection and personal growth. Here’s a closer look at how and why I think music is so important in enhancing the lives of those with SEND.
Students in exam
1. A Universal Language: Communicating Beyond Words
For individuals with SEND, especially those with speech and language challenges, verbal communication can be difficult or even impossible. Music, however, offers an alternative form of expression. Through rhythm, melody and movement, music can convey emotions and thoughts in a way that transcends words.
For instance, children with autism may find it easier to connect with others through a shared rhythm or melody, which can help them communicate feelings that they struggle to articulate verbally. Instruments like drums, tambourines, or even singing allow these individuals to express themselves without the need for words, providing an outlet for emotions and helping them feel heard and understood.
2. Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief
Music has a natural calming effect, which can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with SEND, who sometimes experience higher levels of stress and anxiety. Listening to calming music, engaging in repetitive rhythmic activities, or learning to play an instrument can help them manage and process overwhelming emotions. Studies have shown that slow-tempo music with gentle rhythms can lower heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Music therapy, a field dedicated to using music as a therapeutic tool, is often used to help individuals with SEND regulate emotions and cope with stress. Whether it’s through improvisational sessions or guided music-making, music therapy offers a safe and structured way to explore and manage feelings in a supportive environment.
3. Improving Cognitive and Motor Skills
Engaging with music has been shown to stimulate various parts of the brain, improving cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. For children with developmental delays, musical activities that involve counting beats, repeating patterns or matching rhythms can support cognitive development in a fun and engaging way.
Moreover, playing musical instruments can help with fine- and gross-motor skills. For instance, tapping a drum, pressing piano keys or strumming a guitar requires coordination and muscle control. These activities can be particularly helpful for individuals with physical disabilities, as they provide a chance to practice motor skills in an enjoyable context.
4. Enhancing Social Interaction and Teamwork
Making music is very often a collaborative activity, from playing in a band to singing in a choir, which creates opportunities for social interaction and teamwork. For individuals with SEND, who may struggle with social skills (like my son!) engaging in group musical activities can foster a sense of belonging and improve social connections. The collaborative nature of making music - listening to others, taking turns, matching rhythms - naturally encourages teamwork and empathy.
Participating in group music sessions can help build confidence and reduce feelings of isolation. Programs that cater to SEND music groups, such as inclusive choirs or music workshops, provide a space where individuals can connect, communicate, and work together toward a shared goal, which can be empowering and affirming.
5. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Music provides a powerful way to build self-esteem, especially for individuals with SEND who may face daily challenges and frustrations. Learning to play an instrument or sing a song gives a sense of achievement and pride, which can significantly boost confidence. Performing in front of others, even in a small setting, can also increase self-worth and resilience.
Success in music isn’t necessarily tied to strict criteria or specific abilities. It’s a flexible, accessible medium that values individual expression over perfection. For a child with SEND, simply making a sound on an instrument, following a rhythm, or singing along with others can be an accomplishment worth celebrating.
6. Promoting sensory integration
Many individuals with SEND experience sensory-processing challenges, where certain sensory inputs (like sounds, textures, or lights) can be overwhelming. Music therapy and music activities can provide a controlled way to experience sensory input, helping individuals gradually learn to process and tolerate different stimuli. For instance, rhythmic music combined with physical movements, like dancing or clapping, can promote better sensory integration by allowing children to connect sound and movement in a structured way. This can help them become more comfortable with sensory experiences, ultimately supporting other areas of daily life that involve sensory input.
7. Creating a Sense of Structure and Predictability
For individuals with SEND, especially those on the autism spectrum, music can provide a comforting sense of structure and predictability. Many musical activities follow predictable patterns, with familiar rhythms and repeated phrases. This structure can be reassuring and comforting, providing a safe space where they can explore and learn without unexpected changes or confusion. In fact, many teachers and therapists use songs and musical cues to signal transitions or routines, which can help individuals with SEND feel more secure in new or challenging environments. For example, a simple “tidy-up” song played each day at the end of a lesson can cue the transition to another activity in a way that feels structured and comforting.
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Final Thoughts...
I have been really fortunate over the years, particularly when I was teaching music, to witness the profound impact that it can have on individuals both with and without SEND. When incorporated thoughtfully into educational and therapeutic settings, music becomes more than just a creative activity: it’s a gateway to self-expression, belonging, and growth.
For parents/carers and teachers, encouraging musical engagement doesn’t have to mean expensive lessons or professional instruments. From singing together to playing with simple percussion instruments, incorporating music into daily life can have lasting benefits. By making music a regular part of their experience, you can help enhance the well-being, confidence, and personal development of children and young people with SEND, allowing them to experience the joys of self-expression and connection through this universal language.
And with that, I'm off to sign up for two tickets to my son's Christmas concert...