Music is also valuable in behavior modification because it can be used to manage behaviors non-physically. Music can be used as a contingency to encourage appropriate behaviors, however, because of the multiple benefits of music, it should not be taken away from an individual because they behaved inappropriately. Withdrawal could result in more harm than good. Music provides opportunities for structured socialization, and in doing so, it encourages communication. This benefit is of particular importance to individuals with profound disabilities who might not otherwise have many opportunities to socialize and communicate meaningfully with others.
Humans are social beings, and as such have varying requirements for community.
Music may offer the occasion to provide social contact that a disability might normally prevent or make difficult. Since music can provide self-expression without having to rely on language, it is very useful in social situations for nonverbal individuals. Affective response to music may serve as communication for nonverbal individuals. Nonverbal behaviors may be a way for these individuals to communicate underlying emotions. Since music can serve as the carrier of nonverbal information, it is valuable in the emotional assessment of individuals with profound disabilities.