Integration of music therapy elements into the programs of formal and non-formal primary music

ENThe article analyses the opportunities for integration of music therapy elements into the programs of formal and non-formal primary music education. A brief overview of the music therapy research in the field of education is presented. A survey exploring the experience and feasibility of the integration of music therapy elements into music lessons carried out in Lithuanian schools is presented, as well as the analysis of the results and findings derived from the data obtained from the students ’questionnaires and teachers ’interviews. According to the findings, the integration of music therapy elements plays a significant role in promoting positive emotions in the classroom, improving student motivation and developing a healthy personality. It has been determined, that the integration of music therapy elements into the programs of formal and non-formal primary music education is significant both for the students, as the proposed classroom activities better correspond with their wishes, and for the teachers, as it helps to improve the psychological climate and discipline in the classroom and enhance involvement and motivation of the students.