developmental strides in multiple domains,
including initiative and social relations.”
The report also referenced a 2009 study by
Helga and Tony Noice, which discovered that
older adults engaging in a controlled amount
of theatrical activity for over a month’s time
“significantly improved” in four cognitive areas,
including “immediate word recall, problem-
solving, verbal fluency and delayed recall.”
Although research is still a far cry from
definitively declaring a link between the arts
and development, such interesting findings
suggest the power of creativity to nourish the
human mind and have a positive effect on
cognition and social interactions.
A ‘Note’worthy Approach
In addition to EXAT, music therapy forms its
own pillar beneath the roof of art therapy methods,
providing sonic communication for those who
may find language or words inaccessible.
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Work ing with children with special
cognitive and developmental needs, music
therapist and founder of Note by Note
Music Therapy (NNMT), Katherine Graff,
focuses on cultivating abilities in socializing,
communication and cognition.
“Improving or even developing basic
communication skills will affect the client’s life
the most positively, so this is usually the number
one goal,” she explains.
Working with the “universal language”
of music, Graff requests that clients select a
song or instrument, while also incorporating
singing into her methods, “to practice vowel
sounds and improve articulation.” She also
uses rhythm to imitate syllables and melody
for intonation—both of which provide the
basic “practice tools for speech”.
By exploring music and instruments in a safe
space, clients gain a confidence that extends
beyond their “preconceived limits of personal
skill”, according to NNMT subcontractor and
music therapist, Gordon Clark.
“The fundamental goal is to harness the power
of what happens in the musical experience to
effect change in other areas of a person’s life,” he
elaborates, “Increasing their ability to use words
in communication, or becoming more aware of
others in their social surroundings.”
While Graff mostly works with children,
Clark works with teens, adults and seniors in care.
With a history of playing music professionally,
Clark now uses his bass and guitar to support
clients with musical backdrops as they test various
instruments for optimal expression.