Parents ask: “How can I use music at home with my child when I have no musical skills?” Regardless of culture or place of birth some aspects of childhood are universal. Different regions have different music, but all children sing! Fear or a lack of confidence may be getting in the way of a store of material that is likely there just beneath the surface. A little while ago a new mom from Thailand asked me for help find songs she could sing to her baby girl. As a music therapist, I am used to researching music from diverse regions of the world to serve clientele in their own language. She felt too shy to sing, so I suggested that she speak it in the rhythm that she remembered. She found herself singing in spite of herself because by then the song wanted to be sung! No skills are necessary. Sing with your heart!

Nejama Ferstman, Shiri Music Therapy Services, www.shirimysong.ca