In several public and private institutions and schools the use of music for de-stress, relaxation and concentration training has become more common. Also in the business related area, as a means of stress management and general employee care, has music been introduced in several places.
Music in institutions for children
Many schools and institutions are now using music targeted to a variety of applications, and in many cases is specially designed music used to calm, relax and create inspirational experiences for the children. Examples include classes where music is used as a common relaxation/motivation tool for the pupils. Special schools for children with autism, day-care establishments use music frequently as well as Snoezelen sense-rooms developed specifically for children and adults who are physically and mentally handicapped.
Feedback from teachers who have used specially designed music shows that music is an effective tool in relation to improve the working and social environment of the school:
Many schools and institutions are now using music targeted to a variety of applications, and in many cases is specially designed music used to calm, relax and create inspirational experiences for the children. Examples include classes where music is used as a common relaxation/motivation tool for the pupils. Special schools for children with autism, day-care establishments use music frequently as well as Snoezelen sense-rooms developed specifically for children and adults who are physically and mentally handicapped.
Feedback from teachers who have used specially designed music shows that music is an effective tool in relation to improve the working and social environment of the school:
"The first time I used MusiCure was last year, during writing classes with my third grade class. I have to say, they sat very calmly and concentrated on their writing – completely relaxed. This may have been unorthodox use of good medicine, but the classes were relaxing for everyone. The students calmed down completely, and we all had a refreshing break in our day. I am also the deputy headmaster, with far too much administrative work to do. At home, I learned to lie on my sofa and just listen. I also listen to the music as I do my ironing. Your soul catches up with you (the soul cannot move faster than walking pace). A friend of mine who is a ranger, with increasingly demanding administrative work, also learned to relax using the music.”
"I feel compelled to provide this feedback on my experiences with MusiCure, where nothing less than words such as sublime, beautiful, and fantastic can suffice. I am a primary school teacher, and a single mother to four children aged 12 to 19.
I have only known about the music for a couple of weeks! I became aware of MusiCure via a colleague who wanted to trial using Equator as “working music” in our very restless third grade class. The music has an amazingly calming effect on both us and the students – it was pure magic.
My 12-year-old daughter is also very taken by the music. She borrows it when she is doing her homework. She puts it in the CD player when she sits on the sofa with a good book, and says it helps her to read better".
Relaxation for children (excerpt from BUB-article DGI Fyn, Denmark)
When you have to make detente with children, it is important to set a good mood, and make sure that the children are happy. Is it an activity that should be carried out in a lying position, and it is nice to have something comfortable to lie on and the room must not be too cold.
When you have to make detente with children, it is important to set a good mood, and make sure that the children are happy. Is it an activity that should be carried out in a lying position, and it is nice to have something comfortable to lie on and the room must not be too cold.
Relaxation with children is an activity that should be placed after the children have exercised and moved in a way so that they are sweating. Meaning that it is important when you think/plan activities so they have "used themselves" versatile: Running, jumping, spinning, rocking in the ropes, going on hands etc., activities that makes sure the senses are stimulated: “Maze-sense”, touch and muscle, joint- and “tendon-senses”, which are the primary senses. (See the compendium: "senses of children's gymnastics)
Afspænding med børn er som udgangspunkt en aktivitet, der bør placeres efter, at børnene har bevæget sig på en måde, således at de har fået sved på panden. Med dette menes, at det er vigtigt at man tænker / planlægger aktiviteter for bør, således at de får ”brugt sig selv” alsidigt: Løbet, hoppet, snurret, gynget i tove, stået på hænder, leget tafat, aktiviteter der gør, at sanserne bliver stimuleret: Labyrintsansen, følesansen og muskel-, led-, og senesansen, der er de primære sanser.
Activities (excerpt):
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Relaxation to music (Music: MusiCure)
The children are lying how they prefer best on the floor, like on a thin mat or similar and with their eyes closed. The adults walk around and makes sure the children are relaxed. You lift a leg or an arm, and this is going slowly and with respect for the child.
Relaxing with scarves (Music: MusiCure)
The children are who they think is best on the floor, like on a thin mat or similar and with eyes closed. The adult/adults walk around with big scarves, which they slide gently over the children.
...
Relaxation to music (Music: MusiCure)
The children are lying how they prefer best on the floor, like on a thin mat or similar and with their eyes closed. The adults walk around and makes sure the children are relaxed. You lift a leg or an arm, and this is going slowly and with respect for the child.
Relaxing with scarves (Music: MusiCure)
The children are who they think is best on the floor, like on a thin mat or similar and with eyes closed. The adult/adults walk around with big scarves, which they slide gently over the children.
Consider that "running noses" should not be too close to the scarves. More than one adult is an advantage for the activity because children get this sensory impact and experience many times, and they like that.
Source: ”Børn og unge i bevægelse” (BUB) – DGI, Fyn, Denmark
Schools for children with autism:
Article: ”Music intervention among children with autism spectrum disorder and sleeping difficulties.” See: Publications and Articles