What are the Characteristics of Music?

       1.  Music captivates and maintains attention

       2.  Music stimulates and utilizes many parts of the brain

       3.  Music is easily adapted to, and can be reflective of, children’s abilities

       4.  Music structures time in a way that we can understand 

       5.  Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition

       6.  Music provides a social context -- it sets up a safe, structured setting for verbal and nonverbal communication

       7.  Music is an effective memory aid

       8.  Music supports and encourages movement

       9.  Music taps into memories and emotions

    10.  Music and the silences within it provides nonverbal, immediate feedback

  11.  Music is success-oriented - children of all ability levels can participate