The Fête de la Musique (the World Music Day), originated from France, is an annual music celebration that takes place on 21 June each year to play music outside in neighborhoods, public spaces and parks.
Here, I reproduce my write-up "Using adapted chimta musical instrument as fine motor tool for play and musical experiences" on World Music Day-2022.
Chimta or tongs with or without jingles has evolved into a traditional musical instrument which is being used as a accompaniment with Punjabi folk songs, Bhangra and religious music. However, it can be adapted for fine motor training of children with special needs.
The chimta is a flat piece of steel at both ends, and folded and welded or riveted at the middle with an attached metal ring called joint from where it is held. Often there are 3 to 7 pairs of jingles attached along the sides of the tongs. The the upper tong is moved downward with the other hand, then tongs and jingles produce pleasing tinkling and chiming percussion sounds to keep up the beat and rhythm of the song or poem.
This musical instrument with adaptation can be used for fine motor skills of special kids along with developing their rhythmic-musical intelligence.
It has been found that activities using musical tongs can be used to
• Develop the strength and coordination in the small or fine motor muscles of the hands
• Tone up the fore-arm muscles
• Loosen the hand finger and elbow joints
• Sing clapping rhymes individually
• Develop cognitive skills of sequence and rhythm
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