A music/nonmusic intervention with homeless children

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1993; 30: 236-262.

Abstract: Homeless children (aged 5-14 yrs) participated in a study using music and nonmusic counseling sessions to teach independent problem-solving skills. During the 8 wks of the study, attendance varied from 0 to 18 Ss, with 5 Ss present consistently; 38 Ss participated. Verbal counseling sessions were interspersed with 4 musically implemented counseling conditions using singing, dance/rap activities, contingent instrument playing, and musical drama. Results indicate no apparent trends in any of the music or verbal sessions and no apparent improvement over time in Ss' ability to problem solve. It is suggested that sessions involving fast-paced, familiar music activities would foster better participation, as the children were more on-task and responded more positively to the music activities conducted before and after the counseling sessions.

Note: music vs nonmusic counseling sessions; promotion of independent problem solving skills; homeless 5 14 yr olds

Keyword(s): Music therapy; counseling ; homeless ; problem solving; preschool age children; school age children; childhood ; adolescence

Zurück | Weiter