Doctor shares Down syndrome diagnosis with parents of 1 in 691 live births (NADS). Years ago, before research uncovered the root cause of the disorder, people with Down syndrome were placed in institutions. Some people still believe that children born with Down syndrome are not capable of learning. In a group of children where all hope seems lost, music therapy has proven to be very beneficial. It can improve the physical and social. intellectual and emotional development of children. “Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by a music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health (Angus 4).” It is used to achieve therapeutic results based on the unique and particular needs of each child. The therapist does not strive to make children smarter, but to help them live better lives. The intention of music therapy is to help improve motor skills, communication, mental health, emotional health and social skills (Angus 5). Research has shown that participation in the arts has a positive influence on emotional, mental, and physical development (Roesch 138). Music therapy helps people with Down syndrome develop physically. The therapist works to improve motor skills such as finger control, speed, and timing (Roesch 139). Playing an instrument, dancing and singing are just a few examples of how one can accomplish this task. The weight of an instrument can help increase its strength. The therapist may begin by asking the child to use a tambourine and eventually work on strumming a guitar (Smith 2). Movement activities are used to motivate the child to bend, stretch, jump, walk, balance, tiptoe and much more (Smith 2...... middle from paper ......e. National Association for Down Syndrome Web. April 6, 2011. Ji-Yeon, Kim "The Effect of Interactive Musical Activity on Children with Down Syndrome on Improvement language learning abilities." Unpublished master's thesis abstracts. March 10, 2011. Pickard, Bethan M. "Welcome! Riverbend Down Syndrome Association. March 10, 2011. Roesch, Margaret "The benefits of music therapy. " Home | Down Syndrome Information Alliance. Web. March 10, 2011. Smith, Kay L. Music therapy encourages development. 4th ed. Vol. 27. Minneapolis, MN: MT-BC. Print. Down Syndrome News. Wilson, Pamela "Music Education and Music Therapy - Children with Special Needs BellaOnline - The Voice of Children with Special Needs.".. 2011.