This music program is specifically designed for toddlers and children aged 18 months to 5 years old and their music buddies (a parent, guardian, or family friend). At Music Buds your young ones will find their voice, rhythm, and groove in a fun and collaborative virtual environment.
Interested in this program? Connect with us to be put on the waitlist for our next Music Buds cohort!
We are also pleased to offering private individual and small group Music Buds sessions. Please connect with us to receive additional information and schedule sessions at a time that is convenient for you! These sessions can be scheduled online or in person depending on therapist availability.
Music Therapy Benefits for Toddlers & Children
SOCIAL SKILLS
Music with infants is used to socialize, engage, and connect with the world around them. Music allows for great opportunity for child and parent bonding. Group music activities are effective in promoting skills involving cooperative interaction (for example: attention span, eye contact, listening, sharing, turn-taking etc.). Music naturally captures attention and can be used to reinforce desired behaviours. (AMTA, 2012)
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Music is a form of communication that does not require words (Aldridge, 2005). Music improvisation activities with another person creates a great deal of communication through listening, sharing, and exchanging of ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Receptive communication may also be developed through musical imitation activities.
EMOTIONAL SKILLS
Music therapy addresses positive changes in emotional states through reduction of agitation, stress, anxiety, and depression. It also provides means of distraction and temporary relief from pain and discomfort. Music gives infants and toddlers the opportunity to creatively express their current feelings, thoughts, and ideas through the music. With time the child will develop greater self confidence and self esteem through successful musical experiences.
PHYSICAL SKILLS
Through the physical domain an infant is developing increased awareness of her environment and surroundings. An infant can be physically engaged with the music by playing different musical instruments or through movement and dancing. This gives the opportunity to develop gross and fine motor skills.
COGNITIVE SKILLS
Music is processed in both cerebral hemispheres and can therefore stimulate cognitive functioning as well as aide in speech and language production. (AMTA, 2012) Educational songs with information embedded into them are effective tools for teaching a child academic skills.