[Gina Greeson]

I plan on sharing this information through a powerpoint presentation. I also would like to make flyers and using handouts we received from this course. I would love to give a live presentation to parents and use some of the music during the presentation so they get a sneak peak of the music.

[Gina Greeson]

Well, I have a few ideas about where to go from here. My first plan is to reach out to a music therapist in private practice in maryland (about 40 minutes away) and she if she would like to add the program to her practice. I also want to reach out to a local storeowner and offer classes in her store. She has lots of room. This training really helped me with what type of music I will use and what behaviors/milestones to look for during the sessions. It also has helped me find more effective ways to communicate with parents.

[Gina Greeson]

I am excited and nervous at the same time. As much as I love working with older adults, it seems because of funding I am always stuck in a recreation department having less and less time for music therapy. I have learned so much from this course and feel much more comfortable at taking a leap and starting groups in the future. It has been quite a challenge finding work here in southern delaware. The only full time music therapy job is at a school and that job is taken. I am hopeful something will work out. I really enjoyed this course!

[Gina Greeson]

When I worked with children, I used adaptive instruments, modified movement, tempo, as well as vocal modifications like Megan stated.
I ran medium sized groups (about 10-12). (During practicums) When I ran intergenerational groups, I had to think about what music would engage both older adults and children. If the children were engaging with the older adults, I had to make sure the tempo was not too fast and the movements were engaging and not too strenuous. Like Megan, said, I too will have to be forgiving of myself when I first facilitate the early childhood groups.

[Gina Greeson]

I really love what Lauren Said! I think she explained it very well. Music for skill building uses music that is appropriate for their development and focuses on that skill such as turn taking, following directions. Music for development focuses on certain milestones during the music (example being they played an instrument with two hands). This is a very tough question for me.

[Gina Greeson]

Sprouting Melodies 3

Five Words : Exciting, Social, Empowering, Connecting, Promising

SM3 Format:
Welcoming Music (Putumayo kids classic songs)
Greeting/Gathering Song (Sit Down with Me)
Bonding Song (My Brand New Frield)
Song About Me (Watch Me Go)
Movement Song ( I Can Move Around)
Instrument Song ( You and Me Makes We)
Transition Song (Instruments away)
Bonding Song (Swimming With Me)
Song About Me (Where is the Music?)
Goodbye (Music Time Is Over))

SM Family Sprouts
Five Words: Connecting, Relaxing, Fun, Joyful, Engaging
Welcoming (Putumayo kids music)
Greeting Gathering Song (Hey Everybody)
Bonding Song (Hold On Tight)
Song About Me (All of this is Me)
Movement Song (Can You Follow)
Instrument Song (I Like This Song)
Goodbye Song (Goodbye Everybody)

[Gina Greeson]

The needs can be much different in a multi-aged group. Meeting these needs without overloading and boring the children/toddlers is quite a challenge! I think finding a happy medium is important. Finding a way to help the older children connect with parents during the less stimulating songs may work.

[Gina Greeson]

I’m changing my format a little bit…
Songs to begin-Soothing music (something instrumental)
Hello Song
Songs About me (Where is my face)
Bonding Song (Little Red Wagon)
Movement Song (As Big as Can Be)
Instrument Song ( In my little Hand)
Songs About Me (That All Makes Up Me)
Goodbye Song

[Gina Greeson]

Five words: Exciting, creative, energetic, welcoming, joyful

Five Sentences:
1. Did you see how your son anticipated what I was going to do in the song? That’s great!
2. It’s okay if your daughter is just observing the sessions. She is processing what is going on and will likely remember the songs at home!
3. Wow! Look at how he trusts the group member next to you-she went right to your lap with your daughter!
4. Try making sure you firmly plant your son’s feet on the ground so he is grounded in the music.
5. Look at how she bounced to the music! That’s great!

Session Format

Welcoming Music (one of the Putumayo kids classic songs )
Greeting/ Gathering (The Hello Song)
Bonding Song ( Jiggle Up, Jiggle Down)
Songs about Me ( All of This is me)
Movement Song ( March With My Baby)
Instrument Song (Dancing in the Middle)
Transition Song (instruments away song)
Bonding Song (Hold on Tight)
Songs about Me (Just Like Me)
Goodbye into Thank you Very Much

[Gina Greeson]

I do not currently run groups with this age level, but during my internship we used egg shakers, tone bells, scarves, shape drums, small maracas, remo floor tom, and bongos.

[Gina Greeson]

I think that having too many songs with lots of fast rhythms and instruments back to back is too much stimulation. I also think that children will let you know how much is too much stimulation. In my experience, when the children begin to cry and lose focus they may be overstimulated. Sometimes certain instruments are overstimulating too. Sessions from 30-45 have seemed to work for me for practicums. Like Lauren said, if they are engaged during the session and remain engaged, that seems to be enough stimulation.

[Gina Greeson]

It seems I missed this post! Yikes! Very sorry! I hope to learn more about early childhood music therapy so I can bring this service to my community, whether it be at a library, moms club, head start program, or private practice. I have learned so much during this program!

[Gina Greeson]

Five words to describe Sprouting Melodies One: Explorative, inviting, invigorating, adaptive, joyful

Five sentences for Sprouting Melodies One: “Oh look, he is mimicking your movement! It’s okay if she only plays with the maracas for a portion of the song, she is still following with us! That was great how she was cooing during the song! Look at how she smiles at you when you bounce her on your lap! It’s okay if he bounces to the music on that side of the room, he is following the music and expressing himself!

I would start with a greeting song, bonding song, transition song, movement song, instrument song, transition song, song about me, lullaby/cool down, goodbye song.

[Gina Greeson]

I really like what Megan said. There are a lot of low income families in my community. Given that music therapy promotes wellness in all aspects of life, why not use music therapy! We have a very large head start program in sussex county. I also like what Lauren said. We really do have to think outside the box and adapt too. Like Dina, I too plan to go to libraries and moms clubs to reach out. Music therapy with adults who have addiction issues is also a great way to work with the community. You could start a rock band or choir with this population to get them integrated back into the community. You can also use music therapy in the community as a wellness program for working professionals whether it be teachers, doctor, lawyers, nurses etc. You could run a stress management group with music based on the needs of the group.

[Gina Greeson]

My experience with children of this age level goes back to my internship. I co-led an intergenerational group. The babies were very aware of the group. Most would put the instruments in their mouth. Some would look at me or my supervisor and mimiic the movement and repeat the pitches. Some would stay close to their mothers or caregivers.The older children would sing parts of the songs and even started to interact with the residents. Some would share their favorite songs too. Some were shy at first, but eventually warmed up to the group once they felt safe. My son is seven months old and he is beginning to “bounce” to the music and mimic a few pitches. The timbre of my voice and how I presented myself really helped to gain the trust of the residents and the young children.

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