[Mikhala Majeau]

I have already shared much of this information with the parents of the children I care for. I point out developmental stages that I see their child reaching. I also shared with them at least one bit of information from each week.
My rough plan for starting a SM program in my area is to approach the MWR non appropriated funds and begin a SM group during the summer for military families only. I plan on distributing the information to the Child Development Centers and Youth Centers and even holding an information center. Many of the families in the neighborhood I work in are actively looking for music and group programs for their children, especially if a group was right on base. I think that e-newsletters are a wonderful idea, and I know that I like to scroll through e-newsletters on the phone. I can’t wait to begin to advocate for music therapy in the military family community, as I believe it to be a tremendous resource.

[Mikhala Majeau]

This age group has always been my preferred age group. I love working with 0-5, and I wish I had more opportunities during my schooling to work with them. I have always been a huge advocate for the family and the child, and I am so happy that this is a program that meets my passions. I currently am at a road block when it comes to practicing as a music therapist, and I believe that SM will be my wrecking ball to break into the music therapy profession. I love that SM has given me information and a framework to begin a SM program, advocate for music therapy and begin and grow my music therapy practice. I hope this will be the push I need to begin practicing as an MTBC

[Mikhala Majeau]

I think one of the best strategies is to be prepared! Be over prepared. I always like to have three or four plans in the back of my mind so that I can be flexible in the moment, and I’m not lost as to what to do next. I also really enjoy using sign language with little ones. I use it often, mainly basic signs, but I have found that the visual and auditory cue can be extremely helpful, especially when working with toddlers and pre-school age. I agree with Natalie that being present and centered before a session is a huge strategy to ensure success. Without being present, things are sure to slip by unnoticed!

[Mikhala Majeau]

I have mentioned this often in this course, but I am most looking forward to working with military families. I am also looking forward to advocating about music therapy. I believe this is an excellent opportunity for me to connect with military families as well as to build relationships in the community. I feel strongly that Sprouting Melodies will help me jump start my music therapy career and it will make a big difference in the community that I am in.

[Mikhala Majeau]

Music for development supports the whole child. Music for development does not target one specific skill level, but engages the child’s brain and body in a way that promotes healthy development. Music for skill building is targeted to one specific skill, such as a pincer grasp for holding a mallet. Music for skill building can, however aid in development, just as music for development can produce an increase in skills.

[Mikhala Majeau]

I agree with Linda that the main challenge would be to engage the older children without startling or over stimulating the younger children.
I currently nanny for three children under the age of five. One of my biggest challenges is to get the three children to play together. The oldest child (4) often gets frustrated at the younger two (2) and (1). I think a huge challenge in this group would be to balance the different emotions of the children in the group. Like Meredith said the SM3 group is a group that is prone to tantrums. With a Family Sprouts group, there is the possibility of a wide range of emotions within the group. I think that balancing these emotions could be very challenging.

[Mikhala Majeau]

5 Words for SM 3: – active, emotions, personality, push and pull, strong

5 Words for Family Sprouts: busy, support, joyful, connections, cooperation

SM 3 Plan: – Hello: Sit Down With Me, Bonding: My Brand New Friend and Swimming Together, Songs about Me: from Head to Toe and Where is the Music, Instrument Song: You Play a Little, Movement Song:- We are the Dinosaurs-Laurie Berkner, Cool down- Music is the Way Goodbye- Music Time is Over, Thank You for the Music

Family Sprouts Plan: – Hello: Hey Everybody, Bonding: Hold on Tight, Songs about Me: All of This is Me, Instrument: Dancing in the Middle, Movement: Will You Come and I Can Move Around. Cool Down: book song Goodbye: Music Time is Over, Thank You for the Music

[Mikhala Majeau]

Five words: Playful, Surprise, Explore, Energy, Free

Five Sentences: 1. It’s okay if your baby watches here, s/he is learning and will practice later. 2. Let your child explore and move around the room, it is perfectly ok. 3. Your baby may want to be close to you, but s/he may want to explore. Either is wonderful!
4. Remember to have your child’s whole foot touch the floor while jumping or stomping, this will help orient him or her better. 5. Your child is watching you, have fun, and s/he will learn by watching you!

SM2 Plan:
Embedded music at the beginning with instruments on the floor. Hello/Gathering: Hello Everybody. Bonding: Hold on Tight. Songs about me: Can you See Me? Instrument Songs: Dancing in the Middle. Movement Songs: March with my Baby. Cool Down- Scarves with embedded music, then a book. Goodbye: Thank You (Renee Coro) and Thank You Very Much

[Mikhala Majeau]

I have a small music instrument collection, but I don’t have any for this age group yet.
I would also love to know more about the SM kit!
I would ideally want scarves, a remo NSL gathering drum, Hoerner Kids Tube Shaker, remo shape drums, ankle and wrist bells, hoerner kids Maraca, Remo kids hand drums.

[Mikhala Majeau]

I also agree with those above me! Like Kayla said, it would be best to begin with lower stimulation then build and observe each child’s reaction to the stimulating aspects.
Ideally, the music therapist would want to provide enough stimulation for each child to be engaged in the experience and to challenge their development, but not so much stimulation to frighten the child. As Elizabeth mentioned in the video, by the MT being authentic, it would be easier to stimulate without over stimulating. It is imperative that the MT be in tune with the group and observe the children. Over the course of the session and group, the MT can adjust the level of stimulation as he or she sees fit. With the MT’s flexibility it would be easy to add different elements of musical surprise and stimulation, and back off quickly if the MT notices that the children are becoming over stimulated.

[Mikhala Majeau]

Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 1. Write 5 sentences you can use when speaking with parents about musical responses of children in SM1. Create a plan for songs and music experiences to use in a Sprouting Melodies 1 session.

5 Words- calm, bonding, joyful, gentle, subdued

5 sentences: 1. Look at how your baby is looking at you while you are singing! 2. Your child prefers your voice and your timbre, s/he is only looking at me because I’m new! 3. Your baby is not bored, s/he is confused, let’s sing it again! 4. Hold your baby away from you, 12-18 inches is best for baby’s vision. 5. Take a moment and just be in the moment with your baby in the music! Sing to you baby at home, s/he learns from you!

Music Plan for SM1

Hello: Hello (NR) Bonding song: Row it Faster Instrument Song- In My Little Hand (I love this!!) Bonding: I Like You (EKS) Songs about Me: Just Like Me Cool Down- Scarves, maybe to recorded music or a board book. Goodbye: Thank You-Renee Coro

[Mikhala Majeau]

Natalie, that sounds like a wonderful experience! I think you’ll really enjoy it!
I also do not have music therapy experience with this age level, however, I have a decent amount of experience through child care work. I love this age and level. I love the way you can bond with an infant just by supporting him or her. One of the children I currently care was around 4 months old when I began. I think the most wonderful thing about this time is how much the child grows and changes. I watched her go from an infant who was content to be held or bounced or laid on the ground, to an infant on the go! I agree with Michelle regarding how important bonding is with this age group. It is definitely an important developmental stage for bonding and exploration.

[Mikhala Majeau]

As many people stated, parents/community members can be hesitant when seeing the word therapy. In this light, it would be beneficial to advertise SM as a class. It is also more of a “class” as it is not music therapy with a treatment plan for the groups/individuals. I feel as this distinction is important for the integrity of our field, as parents may view a music class as music therapy. By providing a music therapy based class/program, we educate the community about music therapy by proxy. Community members would be likely to ask what a board certified music therapist is. Music therapists would be able to advocate and educate to community members about our field, while providing quality music to families.
Music therapy in community based settings is a great opportunity to increase the wellness of a community. I have read many articles that discuss how head start and similar programs can improve quality of life. When the members of a community are well, the community thrives. In this case, music therapists can provide a safe and supportive environments for children and families to grow together. Sprouting Melodies acts as a tool to bring music therapy principals and practices to the wider community. With this program, children and their families are practicing a wellness model and improving their community. As I said earlier, SM will also be a good way to advocate for music therapy. It could be a gateway into more music therapy programming in the community.
With our profession, we have the unique ability to serve all members of our community, from the cradle to the grave. I would love to see a shift towards a wellness model, where music therapists could provide music therapy to the whole community without the stigma of therapy.

[Mikhala Majeau]

Linda, I actually live in Hampton Roads, Norfolk. I would love to touch base with you one day in person. I totally agree with you about the single mothers and children at risk not knowing the songs/rhymes/etc that used to be a given. Many people no longer are familiar with nursery rhymes or other child-centered rhymes/songs. It would be great to team up and work together to start providing more of these services!

[Mikhala Majeau]

The needs of the families I personally work with as a caregiver are very unique. Both families are military families. They deal with separations from their spouses for short and long periods of time. They juggle being a “married single parent” and integrating back into a full family unit. Both families are also a great distance away from their extended families. They move often, about every 2-3 years, so their support systems can be lacking. Military life can be very isolating. It can be very difficult to explain to others how it differs and how it’s similar to “civilian” life. The parents in my community are often looking for friendship, support, validation, and resources. Because the families move often, most of the parents lose friends and are looking for new friends. A SM group would be a great place to make new relationships, similar to the parent interview we saw today. As these families are often far away from their extended families, they may be seeking advice and resources from other parents and knowledgeable people such as a music therapist. The parents may also be looking for ways to cope with separation and reintegration. Most families also need a place close to home to have a group. If a group was offered on base, many families would be able to connect and build relationships with other parents and caregivers. This would be a great opportunity to foster family development as well as child development. It would also provide a structure for the child even during times when mom or dad is away during training. When the service member returns, the parent could learn the music from SM classes and have a great way to reconnect with his or her child.

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