Unleashing the Power of Musical Play

By Julie Wylie and Dr Susan Foster-Cohen

Rich in practical insights and personal reflections from teachers and therapists, this book explains what musical play is, how and why it benefits children, and how it can be integrated into educational, community and clinical environments.

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Wylie and Foster-Cohen explore the importance of musical play to human development and human relationships within families, in schools and in therapeutic contexts. The chapters address the evidence base of musical play, its value and use in therapeutic contexts, the roles of musical play in different cultures, and how musical play can enrich communities. Taking a holistic view, it highlights the role of musical play in cultural sustainability, human justice, and community well-being. The book supports learning through a broad range of practical examples of musical play in diverse settings around the world. The chapters are complemented by personal reflections from families, teachers, therapists and other professionals from around the world, who share their skills and experiences embracing musical play with the children in their care. 

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Engaging and accessible, even to those with little or no musical training, this book is an essential resource for pre- and in-service educators, as well as professionals in therapeutic fields, eager to learn more about how musical play can enhance the education and well-being of young people.