5 Fun Music Therapy Activities to Help Kids Express Their Feelings

If you’ve ever asked your child, “How are you feeling?” and received a shrug, a grunt, or a dramatic eye-roll, you know just how tricky emotions can be for kids to express. Children don’t always have the words to explain what’s happening inside them — but they do have rhythms, sounds, and movement.

That’s where music therapy comes in.

Music gives children a safe, creative outlet to process emotions they can’t always name. Whether it’s banging a drum to release frustration, humming a tune to soothe themselves, or swaying gently to calming rhythms, music becomes the language of feelings. And research backs this up: studies show that music therapy improves emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and enhances self-expression in children (Journal of Music Therapy, 2020).

The best part? You don’t need to be a musician (or even in tune) to help your child benefit from music therapy. You just need a little playfulness, some patience, and the willingness to join in.

Here are 5 fun music therapy activities you can start today — whether you’re a parent at home or a teacher in the classroom.

1. The Feelings Drum

How it works:Grab a drum, a pot, or even an upside-down box. Tell your child:

• “If you feel happy, play lightly, like raindrops.”

• “If you feel angry, play loud and fast, like a storm.”

• “If you feel calm, play slow and steady, like a heartbeat.”

Why it works:This activity lets kids “play out” their emotions safely instead of acting them out. Bonus: it’s cathartic for parents too — you’d be surprised how satisfying it is to bang on a pot after a long day.

2. Emotion Playlist

How it works:Together, create a “feelings playlist.” Ask your child to pick songs that match:

• Happy

• Sad

• Angry

• Energetic

• Relaxed

Then, play one of the songs and invite them to talk (or dance!) about why that song fits the mood.

Why it works:Kids often project their feelings onto music. By listening, you gain insight into their emotional world without them having to explain in words.

3. Musical Storytelling

How it works:Pick a simple story (like “a rainy day that turned sunny”). Use instruments, claps, or hums to tell the story together. The rain might be fingers tapping, the storm could be loud drumming, and the sun might be a gentle xylophone or bells.

Why it works:Children learn to connect sound with emotions, building both creativity and emotional literacy. Teachers love this activity because it works beautifully in groups.

4. Sound & Movement Freeze

How it works:Play a piece of music. When the music is fast, kids move quickly. When the music slows, they move slowly. Pause the music and call “freeze!”

Why it works:This playful activity teaches self-control (pause–go–pause), while also helping children notice how music affects their energy and emotions. It’s also a fantastic way to burn off excess energy before bedtime or after recess.

5. The Humming Hug

How it works:Sit quietly with your child. Place a hand on your heart and hum gently together. Feel the vibration in your chest. Try different pitches until you find one that feels soothing.

Why it works:Humming activates the vagus nerve, calming the nervous system. It’s like giving the brain a big, musical hug. Parents often find this one soothing for themselves, too.

Why Music Therapy Works

Music taps directly into the brain’s emotion centers. Certain frequencies (measured in hertz) can even encourage relaxation, focus, or joy. For example:

• 432 Hz is often linked with calm and balance.

• 528 Hz is sometimes called the “love frequency,” associated with healing and connection.

When kids engage with music at these specific vibrations, they’re not just playing — they’re aligning body, mind, and emotions in powerful ways.

Bonus: Music for Parents and Caregivers

Let’s not forget you. Parenting and teaching are emotionally demanding, and kids pick up on your energy. That’s why our music therapy series also includes a bonus track for parents and caregivers — designed to release stress and restore calm in just a few minutes. Because when you’re regulated, you can model emotional balance for your child.

Call to Action

We’ve taken these principles and created a full music therapy series — recordings crafted at specific hertz frequencies to empower children to express and regulate their feelings.

🎵 Composed by Grammy-nominated artist San Page, these tracks are not only scientifically grounded but also musically beautiful.

👉 Download our Music Therapy Series today — and don’t miss the bonus parent-caregiver track that gives you your own moment of calm.

Because when children (and parents) have the tools to express emotions through music, home and classroom life get a whole lot smoother — and a lot more joyful.