MUSIC EDUCATION: A PANACEA FOR THE HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

Music is universally important to every human being. It relates to, and is part and parcel of children’s education where creative experiences and manipulative skills are gained and developed. Every child responds to the rhythm and the activities of man are often connected with music. Through musical activities, children acquire the basic skills, attitudes, values, norms, customs, and knowledge and tend to appreciate of their culture. Like every other human being, the handicapped children too, possess aptitudes, skills, concepts and knowledge that if appropriately utilized will help to solve many of the physical, social, educational, political and economic problems in the society. The handicapped children can learn how to sing, dance, play musical instruments and perform other musical skills in order to demonstrate their capabilities and relevance in the society. This paper therefore, examines the basic educational needs and musical activities of the handicapped children and sees how best music education can effectively be used to enhance livelihood of this vulnerable group.