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‘Saylists’ Are Being Launched On Apple Music To Help Young People With Speech-sound Disorders.

The Project created by Warner Music Group uses algorithms to find song lyrics that repeat challenging sounds. So far there are only 173 tracks chosen to be included, featuring artists such as Dua Lipa, Fatboy Slim, and Lizzo. 

It is believed that that one in 12 children in the UK experience some form of speech-sound disorder (SSD). 

Speaking to the BBC regarding the ‘Saylists’, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists chief executive Kamini Gadhok said: “We’re always pleased to hear about innovative approaches that support speech-and-language therapists in their work.” Adding: ”As with all new techniques and tools, we recommend effective evaluation and monitoring of outcomes.”

One therapeutic strategy for children with SSD is repeating challenging sounds such as Ch, d, f, g, k, l, r, s, t, z. Apple Music has used this algorithm to analyse lyrics of 70 million tracks in its catalogue and chosen songs that have these sounds repeated the most often. 

Speaking on ‘Saylists’ Anna Biavati-Smith, who worked with Warner and Rothco on the project said: “Saylists provide a fun new way to practice the sounds I teach children, without feeling pressured or getting bored.”

Warner Music chief executive Tony Harlow added that “Helping people express themselves is at the heart of what we do – and we hope that by creating a therapeutic tool that’s as engaging and accessible as saylists, we can help anyone whose struggling with their speech.”