[Corie Barkey]

I have truly learned so much and already adjusted some techniques to reflect appropriate developmental levels. I am in the midst of huge change in my life (new full time position, grad school, three young boys, private practice, and the hubs also has a new job as a flight paramedic in the helicopter…) and like Emily it may take me a little to get Sprouting Melodies integrated into my practice. As my schedule evens out and I have more time to dedicate to expanding my private practice, I look forward to offering Sprouting Melodies groups to my community.

Thank you to you all for being such a supportive community during this course.

[Corie Barkey]

I already have specific communities in mind in the area to begin networking. I am hoping that as I continue the push towards early intervention that these parent child music therapy groups will have a significant role. I love the library route and I don’t know why I have not ever thought of that avenue. My very first step will be to research the community and get a clearer understanding of what is already available. There is another Sprouting Melodies provider in my area so I may reach out to her and ask to come observe and get a feel for what she does also.

[Corie Barkey]

I think everybody is on the same track. But then again we all are music therapists :-). I like to make sure each child in the group is successful by constantly evaluating the effectiveness of each intervention. With experience I have gotten better with asserting myself when there is a child who is not safe or is disrupting the progress and experience of the rest of the group. My favorite tool is a calm hand to the shoulder to remind the child of my presence. Working with families will be a new challenge for me as I strive to communicate more with the parents.

[Corie Barkey]

I am most looking forward to working with younger children. I primarily work with 3 through 5. I am also very passionate about the availability of music therapy to any and all who desire it. This means that music therapy is not limited to the families who have a child with a disability in my community but rather to all children who want to experience music.

[Corie Barkey]

FAMILY SPROUTS

5 Words; supportive, adaptable, variety, playful and relationships

GREETING: Everybody’s Here BONDING: Just Like Me SONGS ABOUT ME: All of Me INSTRUMENTS: Let Me hear you Play (Original) MOVEMENT: Yankee Doodle Dance GOODBYE: Its time to say Goodbye

SPOUTING MELODIES 3

5 words; energetic, stimulating, independence, grounded, freedom

GREETING: It’s Music time (Original) BONDING: Hold on Tight SONGS ABOUT ME: All of this is me INSTRUMENTS: Shake it Shake it all around (original) MOVEMENT: Bugs come Marching in GOODBYE: Sing Your Way Home

[Corie Barkey]

Emily, Great explanation that was very well said.

I agree with all of you. Music that is provided for development creates and supports the natural progression of growth a child is experiencing. The music therapist can facilitate these opportunities so that the parents can take an active role in the development and the growth of their child. Music for skill building is more focused and intensive. A music therapist is likely creating music interventions to target specific skills and develop and independent level for that goal.

[Corie Barkey]

Providing multi-age range music therapy sessions may have many challenges but in the same respect just as many benefits. Finding a balance between not enough stimulation and too much would be a challenge. Having parents begin to compare their young child to a slightly older more independent child may be a challenge as well. Even though there are challenges I trust and believe every music therapist is up for these challenges. We are sensitive to the needs of each individual as well as the group as a whole which makes for a beneficial experience for all involved despite any age range. Benefits to having families together out way the challenges any day! Having a sibling bond forming with the support of music is magical and as a music therapist with the skills to facilitate that I am honored and privileged. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!!

[Corie Barkey]

5 words: inviting, variety, stimulating, grounding, and playful

5 sentences: Allow your child to explore the space and learn.
More than one instrument is GREAT, it is their choice today!
Flat feet on the ground will help to organize your child.
Listening is a perfectly acceptable way to participate.
An instrument to the mouth is ok, and is how your child is learning about it right now.

Plan:
Gathering: Hel-lo (tune of Hi-Ho from Sleeping Beauty) opens with a call an echoed Hello octave … so fun
Bonding/Lap ride: This is the way the Cowboy Rides (progressively gets more bumpy on the parents lap)
Songs about me: Just Like me …this has been stuck in my head for about 4 days now : )
Instrument: Dancing in the Middle
Movement: Little Friends Dancing in My Heart adaptable to all levels of movement from rocking to jumping
Goodbye: Time to Say Goodbye (NR i think)

[Corie Barkey]

For this age range I believe it is typical for the children to begin seeking the additional stimulation. As therapists we are typically excellent at spot assessments. We can gauge an individual child as well as a group to find that appropriate level. Similarly if we assess incorrectly and observe a child startling we have the skills to adapt session plans as well as the present music to meet the stimulation level of the children.

Personally I have a very skewed perception of an appropriate level of energy and stimulation because I have three BOYS. The gender difference between the boys and girls may also factor into this issue. Some of our friends with little girls would love to spin and rock and sway and at the same time my boys would have been lost with that level of energy. They would have required upbeat march, jumping, and surprise type of music support.

I feel that it is a developed skill for the music therapist to know when you are approaching a child’s “too much” level and to know as Beth said in the video how to bring the energy up and down during the session to find that balance and offer opportunity for all children to experience the range of stimulation that is appropriate for each one.

[Corie Barkey]

I work with mainly 2 to 5 year old’s right now and I use many Remo, tubanos, paddle drums djembes, rhythm sticks, ocean drum and gathering drums. Fruit/veggie shakers, chiquitas. I use some other eclectic rhythm instruments. I love to use the rainbow colored xylophone, desk bells and a pentatonic glockenspiel for pitched instruments. I use scarves, bean bags, a parachute and a gathering elastic band all from westmusic. On occasion I will bring out the autoharp or qchord for accomp instead of the guitar to keep things interesting and offer variety of timbre.

[Corie Barkey]

5 words that describe the music in Sprouting Melodies 1 would be; supportive, steady, accessible, nurturing and connecting

I loved to come up with ideas to cater to the itty bitty’s… too fun cant wait to play!!!

Gathering: Hello, Hello, Hello (This is an original sequential song that can be adapted to include names very easily)

Body Percussion: A Ramm Sam Sam

Lap Ride: Row Row Row … progressing to Row your Boat a little bit Faster

Instrument: Adaptation of the Shaking Blues

Movement: Zoom Zoom Zoom we’re Flying to the moon

Cool Down: Scarf Or Bean Bags to a “Little Song Singing in my Heart” (Tune of “Little Wheel Turing In My Heart”)

Goodbye: Goodbye Everyone

[Corie Barkey]

Seldom work with children this young but I have and do sometimes. What I love about this age is the constant learning. These babies are usually experiencing everything for the first time. The amazement is usually so obvious in their eyes as they learn about the world. My own children are probably the best experience I have with this age range. The stress of being a new parent is sometimes so intense that it is terrifying. I can remember being a new mother and the intensity came from the biggest range of emotions I had ever experienced in my life. I was difficult to sort through because I was feeling everything and anything; Happy, scared, sad, tired, mad, blessed, physical pain, a new role for me, a new role for my husband, helpless, empowered and confused all at the same time. I can remember the lullaby time being so beneficial to not only my son but myself. I would sit and rock and sing a gazillion variations of typical lullabies as well as original improvisational ones I needed in the moment. I can only hope to give that musical comfort and the confidence to reproduce it at any time to new and seasoned parents.

The time is SOOOOOOO short and to validate all that is happening with the baby as well as the parents is crucial for continuing to develop the bond. When that baby looks to you as you sing your heart melts and strengthens at the same time. MUSIC MAGIC!!!

[Corie Barkey]

In the community, music therapist occupy an extremely unique position not only with children but in all age populations. I believe that the community music therapy goals are very important especially in the realm of wellness and bonding. There is a togetherness that happens automatically when making music or even just experiencing music that can strengthen a community. Goals for community are equally important as individual goals and especially when there is a transition element for individuals who are learning to integrate and be part of a larger community. The community goals that these families in Sprouting Melodies are achieving is special and unparalleled anywhere else.

[Corie Barkey]

These responses are great. I posted some of my response in the other section but just to reiterate I Wil bring a New sense of confidence when I am working with other professionals and families. I am looking forward to discussions about development and what exactly I am looking for in the music therapy session. How exciting.

[Corie Barkey]

Every family I work with has unique needs. For some families they have multiple children with various disabilities and they need to experience their children having successful experiences. They need to be told that their child is awesome at something because they are constantly hearing about what they should be doing or are not doing correctly yet. I have families who need an emotional break and need the time with their child to just experience something joyous together instead of the intensity of home/school life. The community also has unique needs from school to school or town to town. The communities need education, music availability and support.

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