When used properly, music therapy can be an incredibly powerful treatment tool. It’s not just because it’s fun, relaxing, and motivating, but it’s because the music has a profound impact on our brains and our bodies. Simple music often has a predictable steady beat, organized phrases, and a repetitive structured form. If you think of most country/folk/pop/rock songs you know, they’re often organized with a verse-chorus structure. They’re organized in a way that we like and enjoy listening to over and over again. Even sound waves that make up a single tone or an entire chord are organized in mathematical ratios–and our brains like predictability and structure. On our KidLinks music therapy resources page, “Rowdy Roo” can assist your child through a repetitive, fun, and simple melody. Give this song a try and let us know what you think!

Gina G. Glidewell, MT-BC