[Darcy Lipscomb]

SINGING – Awareness: Will use varied dynamics in vocalizing. Trust: Will sing descending intervals. Independence: Will use pitch range of about one octave. Control: Will sing entire phrases using approximate melodic contour. Responsibility: Will sings familiar songs using melodic contour and rhythm.

PLAYING – Awareness: Will turn eye gaze toward and track sound source. Trust: Will allow instruments to be played on their body. Independence: Will use hands to play a drum. Control: Will play a single beat. Responsibility: Will respond when cued to play simple, multi-beat patterns.

MOVING – Awareness: Will move entire body. Trust: Will move body parts to internal rhythm. Independence: Will imitate clapping hands in response to musical stimuli. Control: Will combine two movements in a repeated pattern. Responsibility: Will use sequences of movement patterns.

LISTENING – Awareness: Will calm to families tunes. Trust: Will initiate vocalization in response to musical silence. Independence: Will begin to enjoy changes in music qualities (dynamics, tempo, timbre). Control: Will anticipate the end of a familiar song. Responsibility: Will listen to the music of others.

[Darcy Lipscomb]

This week both reinforced many of the techniques that I already use (Playing & Moving) and reminded me of some that I could use more or in a different way (Singing & Listening). Reflecting back on some of early childhood sessions/groups, I realized that while I may be singing throughout all the experiences (Sing, Play, Move, Listen), I don’t often provide a space for the children to “just” sing and explore within a Singing experience. I see this as going hand-in-hand with allowing or actually creating space for the children to “just” listen and explore within that experience. I wonder if this is carryover from our go-go-go society? Last week I used Iza Trapani’s “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” book during an early childhood group at a library and explored both singing and listening, and the response was great!

[Darcy Lipscomb]

I have been working one on one with a young girl for almost two years. It is interesting to remember back to our initial time together and think about how she has progressed in relation to the musical developmental levels. Currently she will self-create short “songs” or extended vocalizations. She sings select words to some familiar songs and will usually follow the shape of the melody. She also really likes to play the drum, keyboard, and guitar with lots of enthusiasm. I would say that she is in the “Control” level.

[Darcy Lipscomb]

I grew up in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. In terms of active music making, there were bluegrass jams and folk groups. People would also come together to line dance. While everyone’s taste is individualized, when it comes to listening to music, a lot of folks where I grew up enjoyed country music and some classic rock.

[Darcy Lipscomb]

I really appreciated the reminder that it is beneficial to explore songs in minor keys and modes. It seems so natural to tend towards the familiar major key sound, so let’s use that to spark curiosity in a “different” sound or reflect a feeling/emotional state. I often use Bonding Songs in my sessions when the client needs sensory stimulation. They are a great way to provide specific sensory input to help the child regulate. I have also used “I Can Move Around” in a session that had children in a few different developmental stages. Looking back on it now, it was a great opportunity for the children to move in whatever way was most appropriate for them at that moment. I’m excited to keep re-singing the songs and adapting them/ incorporating them in to sessions further.

[Darcy Lipscomb]

I often tell families and administrators that we (music therapists) don’t own music. I believe that I bring the vision of wanting to educate and empower families to feel comfortable interacting with their child through music. This will support growth not only during the early childhood music program but also in between the sessions – at home and in the community. This information will support my work as music therapist by enabling me to create more development-based interventions, communicate with parents and early childhood professionals more effectively, and have a base of knowledge from which to draw when leading community workshops, in-services, and presentations.

[Darcy Lipscomb]

My most valuable takeaway was all of the details shared regarding early childhood developmental scales. I really saw this as a reminder of the need to have age specific groups within our early childhood programs. I also appreciated Beth’s statement near the beginning of the first video, “Work and fun are not exclusive.” I found this a valuable reminder and definitely good information to share with families.

[Darcy Lipscomb]

Hello! I’m Darcy Lipscomb, and I live in Thurmont, MD. I own Noteable Progressions Music Therapy Services which is based in Frederick, MD and serves Central/Western MD as well as Southern PA. I have been a MT-BC since January 2009. I have worked with children at various times throughout me career thus far, but I don’t have much experience with very young children. I am looking forward to a refresher on early childhood development and best practices for using music to facilitate that growth. I decided to have my team members and I participate in the Sprouting Melodies training so that we could provide a consistent, quality program throughout our practice as well as have the backing of a nationally/inter-nationally recognized program.

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