We’re pleased to announce that all of our lessons and classes qualify for the Our Military Kids Fine Arts Grant Program. Eligible participants must be children age 3 – 18 with parent that is a Post 9/11 Combat Injured Veteran or that are currently deployed Reserves or deployed National Guard.
Visit the Our Military Kids website to learn more about how to qualify or contact us to help you in your application process for the Grant.
Music has been proven to have numerous benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with special needs and autism spectrum disorders. At Music Works Academy, we believe in the power of music to transform lives and improve the well-being of individuals, especially those with unique challenges. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of music for special needs children and autism spectrum children.
Improved Communication and Social Skills
One of the primary challenges for children with special needs and autism is communication and socialization. Music has been shown to improve these skills by providing a nonverbal and creative outlet for self-expression. Playing music with others can also promote social interaction and cooperation, and music therapy can help children learn to recognize and respond to social cues.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Research has shown that music can enhance cognitive function in children with special needs and autism, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Learning music can also improve executive functioning skills such as planning, organizing, and multitasking.
Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence
Learning to play a musical instrument or to sing can be a rewarding experience that can boost self-esteem and confidence in children with special needs and autism. Music provides a safe and supportive environment for children to express themselves and to feel a sense of accomplishment. Performing in front of others can also help children overcome shyness and anxiety.
Emotional Regulation and Stress Reduction
Music has a powerful effect on the brain and can help regulate emotions and reduce stress levels. Listening to calming music or playing a musical instrument can be a soothing and therapeutic experience for children with special needs and autism, helping them to manage emotions and reduce anxiety.
Improved Motor Skills and Coordination
Playing a musical instrument requires precise motor skills and coordination, which can be beneficial for children with special needs and autism who may struggle with these skills. Learning to play an instrument or to sing can help improve fine and gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Overall, music has the potential to be a transformative experience for children with special needs and autism spectrum disorders. At Music Works Academy, we offer specialized music programs and lessons that are tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each child. Our experienced teachers are trained in working with children with special needs and are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
We believe that music can play a critical role in improving the quality of life for children with special needs and autism. By providing opportunities for self-expression, social interaction, cognitive development, and emotional regulation, music can help children with special needs and autism reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
If you have a child with special needs or autism spectrum disorder, we encourage you to consider the benefits of music education and to explore the music programs and lessons available at our music school. We have a class called “Little Explorers” for children grades 1 -3 that meets once a month. We are here to support you and your child on your musical journey and to help you discover the transformative power of music.
Heather Korn is a master teaching artist with a career of over 25 years teaching music students full time and preparing students for professional careers in music and the arts. She owns and operates Music Works Academy in Beatrice, Nebraska.
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Music and movement classes are a great way to introduce young children to the world of music and help them develop various skills that are essential for their overall growth and development. Preschool children, in particular, can greatly benefit from participating in music and movement classes as it helps them get ready to start school and build a strong foundation for their future academic success.
Here are some of the key benefits of starting preschool children in music and movement classes:
Improves motor skills: Music and movement classes are designed to help children develop their gross and fine motor skills. Through various activities such as dancing, marching, and clapping, children learn to coordinate their movements and improve their balance, strength, and flexibility. These skills are essential for various activities that children will encounter in school, such as playing sports and participating in physical education classes.
Enhances cognitive development: Participating in music and movement classes can also enhance children’s cognitive development. Music has been shown to stimulate various areas of the brain, including those responsible for language, memory, and attention. Through music activities such as singing, listening, and playing instruments, children can develop their cognitive skills, such as language and literacy, math, and problem-solving.
Boosts social skills: Music and movement classes provide an excellent opportunity for children to socialize with their peers and develop their social skills. By participating in group activities and working together, children learn important social skills such as cooperation, communication, and empathy. These skills are essential for success in school and in life.
Fosters creativity: Music and movement classes also foster creativity in children. By exploring different rhythms, melodies, and movements, children can develop their imagination and creativity. They learn to express themselves through music and movement, which can help them become more confident and self-assured.
Helps with self-regulation: Music and movement classes can also help children develop their self-regulation skills. By learning to control their movements and actions, children can develop their self-discipline and self-control. These skills are essential for success in school, as children need to be able to sit still and focus for extended periods of time.
In addition to these benefits, music and movement classes can also help preschool children get ready to start school. By participating in these classes, children can develop the skills and behaviors that are essential for success in school. For example, they learn to follow instructions, take turns, and work together with their peers. They also learn to listen and respond to verbal cues, which is an important skill for classroom learning.
In conclusion, music and movement classes can provide numerous benefits to preschool children. By developing their motor skills, enhancing their cognitive development, boosting their social skills, fostering creativity, and helping with self-regulation, children can build a strong foundation for their future academic success. If you are a parent or caregiver of a preschooler, consider enrolling them in a music and movement class today to give them the best possible start in life.
If you’re ready to start your child on their journey in music you can easily ENROLL here or Contact us for more information.
Heather Korn is a master teaching artist with a career of over 25 years teaching music students full time and preparing students for professional careers in music and the arts. She owns and operates Music Works Academy in Beatrice, Nebraska.
It’s never too late to embark on a musical journey, and at Music Works Academy we believe that music has no age limits. Whether you’ve always had a passion for […] Read more
Music has been proven to have numerous benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with special needs and autism spectrum disorders. Read more
