Abstract
Handicapped children may gain considerably from being introduced systematically to musical sounds. The benefit comes not only from enjoyment, but also from promoting intellectual, emotional, and social development. Some children who are severely handicapped intellectually may have great musical talent, such as perfect pitch, and if this is systematically cultivated a key can sometimes be found unlocking the barriers to the child's progress. Some examples are described.
Several years' experience of working as a music therapist with children both normal and handicapped have convinced me that the use of music as an aid to learning is worth further study and research.
- © Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
