Music therapy interventions based on sound properties enhancing communication with infants and toddlers

Abstract

Infants are curious about sounds and can perceive them as a means of communication with others. This article describes the ways sound properties were used in music therapy encounters to facilitate communication with a group of infants and toddlers. The music therapy interactions were based on Brazilian traditional songs, musical instruments and body movements. We explored loudness, timbre and pitch used to enhance non-verbal communication. Participative performance and community music therapy principles were deemed appropriate to our interactions as we observed improvement in the quality of the infants’ and toddlers’ social and affective expressions throughout the process.