The important therapeutic characteristics are:
Music captivates and maintains attention – it stimulates and utilises many parts of the brain;
Music is easily adapted to, and can be reflective of, a person’s abilities;
Music structures time in a way that even the mentally-challenged can understand (“that’s the last verse – my exercise session is almost over!”);
Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition;
Music provides a social context – it sets up a safe, structured setting for verbal and non-verbal communication;
Music is an effective memory aid;
Music supports and encourages movement;
Music taps into memories and emotions;
Music – and the silences within it – provide nonverbal, immediate feedback;
Music is success-oriented – people of all ability levels can participate.