Dr. Ritva Torppa, PhD, Speech therapist, University Lecturer, Logopedics,
Brain and Music Team, Cognitive Brain Research Unit (CBRU), Faculty of
Medicine, University of Helsinki
Bio: In her research, Ritva Torppa focuses on studying the effects of musical
activities on perception of speech in noise, prosody, music and pitch,
auditory attention and working memory as well as spoken language skills of
children with cochlear implants (CIs). She has developed (together with
music therapists) speech-music group activities, musical rehabilitation
methods and materials for hearing-impaired children, including those with
CIs. She has also been for several years a leader of speech-music groups for hearing- impaired
children with and without additional disabilities.
Title: Music for better spoken language skills of children with CIs
Abstract:
Perception of prosody, especially word and sentence stress, perception of speech in noise, auditory
attention and auditory working memory are aspects underlying spoken language acquisition and
learning in general. Musical activities enhance these in children with normal hearing. We have found
that similar enhancements are obvious in children with CIs, and that children with CIs whose parents
sing for them and/or who participate musical activities outside of the home are better in spoken
language skills than other children with CIs.
Based on these and other findings, this presentation gives information about the role of singing and
music instrument playing for spoken language acquisition. The role of parents, musical play schools
and other musical activities outside of the home, like special groups for children with hearing
impairments, will be discussed. The presentation also introduces the theoretical basis for the
techniques which will be learned in the workshop by Ritva Torppa (abstract below) and for the music
materials developed for children with CIs before and during the MUKULA-project by Lindfors
Foundation.
References:
Torppa, R., Faulkner, A., Huotilainen, M., Järvikivi, J., Lipsanen, J., Laasonen, M., & Vainio,
M. (2014). The perception of prosody and associated auditory cues in early-implanted children: The
role of auditory working memory and musical activities. International Journal of Audiology, 53, 1821–
91.
Torppa, R. (2015). Pitch-related auditory skills in children with cochlear implants: The role of
auditory working memory, attention and music. Doctoral thesis. University of Helsinki.
https://helda.helsinki.fi/handle/10138/157046
Torppa, R., Faulkner, A., Kujala, T., Huotilainen, M.,
Lipsanen, J., & Vainio, M. Developmental links between speech perception in noise, singing, and
cortical processing of music in children with cochlear implants. Music Perception. Under review.
Dr. Ritva Torppa, PhD, Speech therapist, University Lecturer, Logopedics, Brain and Music Team,
Cognitive Brain Research Unit (CBRU), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki
Title: Workshop: Towards better perception of pitch and prosody, language and singing skills!
Abstract: In this workshop you will be introduced special techniques on how to enhance perception
and production of pitch and prosody and auditory working memory of children, especially of those
with CIs. The
final target is to enhance their language and singing skills and learning in general. The techniques
include tone slides (glissandos), repeating intervals, pitch matching, interception of songs and echo
songs. These will be embedded in frameworks which motivate children. We will also introduce how
the techniques are embedded in music materials by Lindfors Foundation: Owl and the Little Ones
(how to sing with children) (by Helena Ahti and Ritva Torppa), Dear Zoo, Jack and the Beanstalk, Three
Little Piggs, and Giraffes Can’t Dance (by Ritva Torppa and music therapist Seija Laakso, translated and
adapted from materials by TOD, music therapists Christine Rocca and Catherine Bowker).
The workshop is targeted for parents of children with CIs, hearing impairments, dyslexia, dysphasia,
autism or normal hearing without any special disorders, for professionals and students on speech and
language therapy and music therapy, for kindergarten and school teachers (like special education and
music teachers), music play school teachers and all students and professionals whose target is to
enhance singing and language skills and with these, learning in general.