Jan
Music and the Deaf
Deaf individuals can enjoy music. One of my Deaf friends is an accomplished drummer. Another is a professional dancer.
Yet another is a Broadway actor and certified Deaf interpreter for Broadway musicals.
As a music therapist, I worked with young deaf children in a therapeutic preschool class along with hearing children
of Deaf parents. The deaf children in the class had hearing parents, most of whom did not sign, and they came to school at age three with no language. Their hearing counter parts, whose parents only signed at home, had a stronger command of language—both spoken & signed. With music therapy, these young deaf students were able to learn language, discern between sound & silence, and become social beings, and express themselves emotionally. Incorporating sign language with songs and musical play, adding signs and melodies to books and games, incorporating auditory training with instruments and language development, these children were fully involved in the learning process.
Currently, at Baby Fingers we offer sign language instruction through songs and musical play. Our program promotes early language development for all children—hearing, Deaf, Spanish speaking, etc—through the unique combination of sign language and music. Take a look at our website to learn more.
Lora Heller, MS, MT-BC, LCAT
Founding Director, Baby Fingers LLC
www.mybabyfingers.com
212-874-5978
Baby Fingers: A Musical Journey Through Language and Learning