MUSIC THERAPY

Music therapy is the clinical and evidenced-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and/or social functioning. Music therapists engages children in singing, listening, movement, musical play, song writing, and other creative interventions that help them overcome a variety of cognitive, social, developmental, and neurological stressors. Music therapists can be an integral component in helping children and adults with special needs attain educational goals and addressing development in cognitive, behavioral, physical, emotional, and social skills. Music therapy involvement can stimulate attention and increase motivation to participate more fully in other aspects of the educational setting. SOAR’s Music Therapy Program began in 2019 and provides the special needs children at Children’s Home of Gyumri, Kharberd Orphanage, Sisters of Charity Orphanages, and Yerevan Children’s Home (Nork Orphanage) with a unique variety of music experiences to facilitate development of their cognitive, communication, neurodevelopmental, social/emotional, sensory-motor, and cognitive skills. The Music Therapy Program is funded by the Jirair S. and Elizabeth Hovnanian Foundation.