[Lysa Wright]

Singing– awareness- vocalizes a nonspecific pitch in response to singing. Trust- make vocal pitch changes in response to changes in pitch. Independence- babble using melodic intonation. Control- sing two words in phrases using pitched intervals. Responsibility- sing familiar songs using melodic contour and rhythm.

Playing instruments–awareness- turn eye gaze toward source of sound. Trust- reach out to touch instruments. Independence- reach for or retrieve instrument. Control- use familiar instruments functionally. Responsibility- maintain grasp on a mallet to play an instrument.

Moving– awareness- move entire body. Trust- move body parts with internal rhythmic beat. Independence- move whole body rhythmically. Control- pat knees using both hands together. Responsibility- can hop on one foot.

Listening– awareness- tolerate live music in the environment. Trust- look toward face of singer. Independence- seek out source of music. Control- tolerate singing along with peers and others. Responsibility- adjust quality of singing and playing to blend in with group.

[Lysa Wright]

It’s fun to think of all the experiences I have from my work since I primarily work with children 0-5, all of this really pertains to me! It also makes it hard to pinpoint examples. I use all of these elements on a daily basis, but it has been interesting for me this week to notice more and think about what is happening during me sessions, particularly in the infant rooms. Thinking about playing instruments, I had previously thought that children would only play for short periods of time due to lack of interest in the instruments/what I was doing, but this new info is helping me realize they are still learning and are probably just at a different level with a shorter tolerance for playing with one instrument for a period of time. It has also Been interesting to notice more sounds the babies are making and movement imitations(or their variations of) in response to music!

[Lysa Wright]

In my community, there isn’t a ton of cultural diversity. However, I do feel it is rather interesting that many of the day area I provide services to are very flexible with using religious music. I live in a predominantly Christian community, but I’m always cautious and ask teachers if they allow sacred music in the classroom if a child requests a sacred song of some sort (like Jesus Loves Me). I’m always trying to make myself aware of other non-Christian cultures there are or may be within the classrooms, but teachers typically allow any music, it seems! As far as other genres of music, I typically use just children’s music, but I’ve used different styles, usually in the form of singing books. I have a sing-to-read book of John Denver’s Take Me Home Country Roads, and the kids LOVE this one. Not sure if it’s the different sound of the song from their “normal” children’s music or the great illustrations and the discussions we have throughout the book, but they request the book for weeks.

[Lysa Wright]

These songs are fun, it’s always interesting to hear music from others. Even my own created music can tend to sound similar after a while, o it’s interesting to get some fresh types and ideas! I really liked the In My Little Hand song, I sometimes forget about incorporating minor keys into my songs. I’ve obviously created several shaking songs but this one adds a different element that the kids wouldn’t necessarily be used to. It will be fun to incorporate this song and others soon!

[Lysa Wright]

Working with so many young ages every day present a opportunity for so many examples! The first that popped into my head was when singing my songs that use a lot of sound imitation, it’s always fun to hear not only the children that typically vocalize along with me, but the younger ones of the group that start making sounds just after my song, it’s so great to hear them growing in their abilities!

[Lysa Wright]

I naturally have an upbeat, energetic personality and this definitely plays out while working with young children. I’m not afraid to get on the floor, at their level, and do silly things. I really enjoy engaging in our activities and try to understand how what I’m doing and the presentation of my music or activities are perceived by the kids. It’s pretty awesome to think that my job is actually a job!

[Lysa Wright]

It was so interesting to listen and read about child development broken down into more specific age ranges. I do work almost exclusively with the ages discussed in this module, so there is a lot of info I’ll be able to take. It will definitely give me lots to think about while doing my sessions this week. I’ll be thinking of what’s going on in their minds and I’ll be more observant to things that younger infants are able to do and recognize.

[Lysa Wright]

Checking to see if my pic shows up!

[Lysa Wright]

Hello! My name is Lysa Wright. I am a music therapist working in Grand Forks, ND. I like in a small community outside of Grand Forks with my husband and two small dogs. I graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2011. I primarily sub-contract under Music Therapy in Motion, LLC and have been providing early intervention music therapy services to area day care centers and preschools. Through the past three years I have also been able to work at a hospital in the inpatient pediatric unit and outpatient pediatric therapy, local public schools from pre school to high school, and provided summer music parent/caregiver interactive groups.

I’m very excited to learn more about everything Sprouting Melodies has to offer! I’m very interested in child development and think this will be a great opportunity to expand my knowledge, rejuvenate my skills, and potentially create more sessions!

[Author]

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