The Use of Touch to Facilitate Learning in Music Education

In this literature review, I explore research on touch and non-verbal communication from the fields of music education, general education, and child development, to examine the role of physical touch in music instruction. Several functions of touch in music education are identified, including: 1) to develop positive relationships, 2) to gain a child’s attention, 3) to direct the child, 4) to develop audiation, 5) to model musical behavior, 6) to elicit musical response, and 7) to raise body awareness. I conclude that touch plays an important role in the music learning process, and suggest several directions for future research on the use of touch in music education