The place of music therapy in the treatment of stuttering

Stuttering is a speech impairment that disturbs speech flow with sound, syllable or word repetitions or extensions. Stuttering frequently encountered in speech disorders; normal fluent of speech is interrupted by repetitions, extensions, pauses, and various exclamations. Effects of music on nerves inside brain are more interactive. Thus, the involvement of the brain to the music helps weaker parts of the brain to react on individuals have stuttering. There are many similarities between music, rhythm and speech. It is known that music and especially singing is a valuable tool in order to treat speech disorders. In terms of understanding the applicability of therapy techniques, music and rhythm perception have significant effects on stuttering therapy. Music therapy is an ideal clinical intervention especially in young children. Music therapy is not only an educational method but also an educational tool. When the relationship between music therapy and stuttering is researched, two common techniques can be seen. One method teaches the individual how to stutter easily; The other method aims to give fluency.When first method teaches the individual how to stutter easily, the other method focus on fluency of speech. In music therapy, both rhythmic speech and therapeutic singing are some of the techniques used in the therapies of stuttering individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the literature for examining the effects of music therapy between many therapies about stuttering. Since there are very limited scientific researches and publications on this subject at international and national level, this study aims to examine the scientific publications investigating the effect of music therapy and the treatment of stuttering, also, compiling these studies and to contribute to the national literature.