Professionals dedicated to bridging the gap from research to practice have long examined the connection between music and language to explore the potential use of melody and rhythm as therapeutic tools. Music and language form a natural partnership due to the prosody and melody of speech. Even preverbal infants show an interest in music. Parents naturally capitalize on this interest in music by instinctively speaking to their infants in song-like patterns known as "motherese." Motherese, like singing, encompasses elements of music (melody,harmony) and speech (phonological constraints, syntax, semantics). This early, melodic communication helps build the foundation for language.

Music stimulates and uses many parts of the brain.The same can be said of speech. Areas in both the left and right hemispheres work together for interpretation and production of rhythm, melody, and pitch as well as vocabulary, syntax and phonology. This inter-hemispheric collaboration supports fluency, auditory processing, speech and language production and language comprehension.There is accumulating evidence of music's efficacy with children with AD/HD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Within the field of speech/language pathology music serves as the basis for Melodic Intonation Therapy and the healthcare profession of Music Therapy uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of children and adults.

Interactive musical activities can promote social interaction and communication between youngsters and may be an effective strategy for addressing pragmatic, behavioral and psychosocial development in children. Musical experiences can also support literacy and second language learning.