[Maria Ramey]

What are your key takeaways from this course? How has this learning changed your perspective on development, your approach to the work, or the way you use music in your sessions? How will you share this information with colleagues, administrators and families?

I have really appreciated the detailed exploration and explanation of child development at every level. Having it specifically put in a musical perspective has made it easy to understand and easier to see in each child. I believe this course has helped me to strengthen my focus on the micro-differences in development between children in each age group and I will be able to be proactive accordingly.

Also, I’ve actually had the music book on my shelf for awhile but hadn’t dived deep into it until this course and really appreciated being able to hear the songs, and their explanations, from the creator herself. I’ll be using a lot more of this not only in my planned toddler groups, but also in my other music therapy practice with young clients!

I will be sharing this information in my own toddler classes that I hope to start this fall, but if not then in the spring, and I will be speaking up more with the aides in the preschool groups that I work with, being more confident in my own expertise and reassuring them that certain behaviors are developmentally “normal.”

[Maria Ramey]

A non-judgmental community that can and will support and help one another. Yes! That’s what we all need isn’t it?!

[Maria Ramey]

I am excited to work with the parents or other caregivers along with the child. Seeing and working with that connection will add a new level to what I can do and experience as a music therapist. Also, expanding this into the overall community – between families in the session and beyond, is exciting to think about! Let’s spread the music around!

[Maria Ramey]

What great details you look for in the environment. Yes! Fluorescent lights, distracting or new smells, toys they’ve brought to school with them, so much can affect attention.

[Maria Ramey]

I love being creative when I see a child struggling with interacting or carrying out an activity in “the usual” way. It’s exciting when I can identify a way in for them that excites them. In a 3-4yo preschool class I worked with, one child would not sit down or follow directions in the way that her teachers expected and I was able to let the teachers know I was ok with this AND support this child by realizing she loved to come close to my guitar sound. So I encouraged this and encouraged her to stand by me to help me sing hello, and to make sure I didn’t leave anyone out. 😉 After a few sessions she surprised teachers by singing her classmates names (mostly non-verbal) and she was always beaming with pride and excitement.

Find what they love, find what excites them, and guide them into using that interactively!

[Maria Ramey]

Busy, Connecting, Individual, Cooperating, Helping
Create a plan for songs and music experiences to use in Family Sprouts

Gather: Come On Let’s Make Some Music
Bonding: I Like to Lick the Ice Cream
Songs About Me: Watch Me Go
Instruments: Dancing in the Middle
Movement: I Really Gotta Jump
Cool down/Goodbye: My thank you and goodbye song

[Maria Ramey]

Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 3:
Active, Creative, Accepting, Deliberate, Intentional

Create a plan for songs and music experiences to use in Sprouting Melodies 3:
Gather: Sit Down With Me
Bonding: My Brand New Friend
Songs About Me: Where Is the Music
Instruments: Music is the Way
Movement: Jumping Up and Jumping Down
Cool down/Goodbye: My thank you and goodbye song

[Maria Ramey]

My groups are based on the developmental level your child is at and use music to support individual exploration and growth as well as community connection. My specialized training as a music therapist allows me to constantly observe and adapt my approach to what your child needs, and we use music in fun ways to encourage growth and development.

[Maria Ramey]

With the wide range of developmental levels present, it can be challenging to provide activities that are both exciting and do-able for all. There can also be some frustrations caused in some kids who want to do something another child is doing but can’t.

[Maria Ramey]

It is so important to watch for signs of overstimulation because we do not want music to do harm! Every person is different, not only in general, but day-to-day, in how much is too much. If a child is crying, covering their ears, hiding under a caregiver, etc. then it has already become too much. Also, children can really pick up on emotions you are feeling based on your vocal timbre, affect, and speed of movement/speech/sounds. So controlling these things is crucial to avoid overstimulating the child.

[Maria Ramey]

Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 2:
Playful, Observing, Spontaneous, Energetic, Exploring

Write 5 sentences you can use when speaking with parents about musical responses of children in SM 2.
1. “Moving is good! Let’s let them continue to move.”
2. “I love that he is exploring and reaching out for my guitar.”
3. “She’s really watching closely! She’ll join in when she’s ready.”
4. “Great exploration and playfulness – it’s ok to get to know the instrument.”
5. “He can take a break, no problem. He’s still hearing and taking it in!”

Create a plan for songs and music experiences to use in a Sprouting Melodies 2 session
Gather: Good Morning
Bonding Time: Wiggly Jiggly Car
Songs About Me: Just Like Me!
Instruments: Listen to the Sound of My Drum
Movement:I Feel the Beat
Cooldown and Goodbye: My own Thank you and goodbye song

[Maria Ramey]

For this developmental level I like to use large textured egg shakers (can’t fit in the mouth!), drum shakers and sometimes the maracas from Luminote. I do gravitate to Remo instruments for drums etc. and especially love the new Health Rhythm line that have gentler sounds and are easy to clean.

[Maria Ramey]

I love that you point out parents of this age/development needing grace and understanding. Life is a whirlwind, having to learn so much new stuff at an insanely fast rate, and any extra difficulties can really throw a wrench into any semblance of routine or comfort you might have almost settled into!

[Maria Ramey]

I haven’t yet provided music therapy in a professional capacity for this age group, so my main experience is personal – with my own 4 kids. I was a very young mom for my first one (19) and would have appreciated the community connection a music group would have provided, especially when I wondered what was “normal” or “not normal.” Having had 3 younger brothers helped at least. I definitely recall music being an amazing soother, motivator, engager, and connector for every single one of them. Lullabies I’d randomly make up for each baby soothed them, they’d be so excited for specific music that was familiar to them, learning songs were amazing, and even as infants they became accustomed to being babysat by someone near rehearsals and concerts we’d have and we’d feel that connection knowing our children were close (in a green room, sometimes in the audience) and listening to the music we were making.

I especially recall my daughter at about 6 months old, sitting, excitedly dancing/bouncing to the “Beetlejuice” theme song. She’d start crying the instant it ended (began scrunching her face AS it ended), and instantaneously happy again when we’d restart it. This was a daily event. Danny Elfman has been one of her favorite film composers ever since, and now she’s in her 4th year at Berklee College of Music studying to be a film score composer. LOL

[Maria Ramey]

Community-based music therapy can be a place to make and build friendships and create a sense of deep connection. Music can also provide a safe and supportive environment for parents who are learning to understand their child’s developmental milestones and being in a community group during this experience will give parents opportunities to share these discoveries and understanding with one another.

[Author]

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