Discuss Traditional and Cultural Music

[Anonymous]

Discuss the traditional and cultural music in the community where you work.

[Elizabeth Bentz]

Living in New Mexico, a lot of the music is in Spanish. I’ve found that most children songs have Spanish versions (ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, etc.) but I have had to reach out to friends and co-workers to find Spanish lullabies as well (specifically those from Mexico). The Celito Lindo is still popular.

[Meghan Hanley]

I’m from Florida and I’m always amazed by how many people know Cielito Lindo! My favorite kid Spanish song is definitely De Colores.

[Elizabeth Bentz]

I will have to look up De Colores! Thanks for the suggestion.

[Meghan Hanley]

I work primarily with children and adults within the Jewish community. They are familiar with songs in Hebrew and Yiddish. A lot of the songs, such as Hava Nagila, Tumbalaika, and Tu Bishvat Higia, involve minor keys and varying dynamics. They are also associated with dancing and moving to music instead of just singing.

[Holly Jurca]

I like that you point out the fact that a lot of these songs that you use are also associated with dancing. Musical associations are everything for older adults in my experience!

[Holly Jurca]

A lot of the music I use comes from popular songs of the generation I am working with. An adaptation for younger children for a cool-down intervention includes using the ocean drum combined with “My Bonnie.” At Roman Music Therapy Services, a lot of us use a familiar Hello and Goodbye song to bookend each session to give a sense of familiarity, incorporating major thirds and even a part that sounds like the song “American Pie” (personal opinion/observation!)

[Diandra Doble]

That observation is correct! The goodbye song we use was created off of the melodic structure of “American Pie”! It’s one of my favorites!

[Diandra Doble]

Similar to Holly, the music I have in repertoire and utilize depends on the age group and generation. For younger children, I adapt the song “Better When I’m Dancin’” and use it as a movement song. I also use “Shake It Off” and adapt that as an instrument song. I think it is important to give that feeling of familiarity to help with making the client(s) feel safe and build that trust.

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