Forum Replies Created
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August 23, 2015 at 3:26 pm
in reply to: How are you planning on sharing this information with colleagues, administrators and families?
ParticipantI have so many new ideas from reading all of these comments. I plan on reaching out to community organizations such as libraries, preschools, and families already receiving music therapy. I also plan to research what other services are available for young children in order to collaborate times.
ParticipantI just started a new position with an already established private practice in my community this past week. I look forward to adding these groups as an additional service. Something that really stuck with me that was said on last week’s phone call was when Meredith said that some of her Sprouting Melodies providers find that these classes help prevent burn out. I can definitely see that being true for me, as learning new information and new music each week has been such a source of joy. I cannot wait to get started.
ParticipantI think being flexible and being able to adapt your plan can be highly effective when working with this age group. Specifically, when working on minor behaviors, I find some of the older children (age 3 and beyond) respond better when I positively address a good behavior by a neighbor rather than a negative. For example, if someone isn’t watching, saying “good job watching, Jane!” to the child next to him rather than, “you’re not watching, Joe”, etc. I think also speaking with the parents to help them continue what is done in the group at home.
ParticipantI am looking forward to enriching my community with early childhood music classes. I really enjoy working with this age group, and look forward to adding these classes and all that I have learned in this training to my work as a music therapist.
ParticipantIt can be challenging to meet the needs of older children while still allowing the younger children to feel successful. I agree with Emily that it may be especially difficult to work with siblings who have different needs. I think it’s important to be interesting and stimulating enough to keep older children focused, but keep the nuances (dynamics, speed, intensity) accessible for younger children.
August 11, 2015 at 9:54 pm
in reply to: Share how you can explain to parents the difference between music for development and music for skill building.
ParticipantI once heard an instructor of an orff class say “music teachers teach music; music therapists use music to teach something else”. I think this is really fitting to describe the difference between music for development and music for skill building. Yes, of course the child will experience music learning with us, but our purpose is use music to promote parent/child bonding, increase social skills, etc., and not specifically teach music skills.
August 11, 2015 at 9:50 pm
in reply to: Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 3.
ParticipantFive words for Sprouting Melodies 3: active, personality, intentional, creative, and acceptance.
Five words for Family Sprouts: sharing, joyful, cooperation, helping, and individuality.
Plan for Sprouting Melodies 3: GREETING: Hello Everybody. BONDING: Hold on Tight. SONGS ABOUT ME: Where is the Music? INSTRUMENT SONGS: You Play a Little. MOVEMENT SONGS: Jumping Up ad Jumping Down. GOODBYE: Thank You Very Much.
Plan for Family Sprouts: GREETING: Hey Everybody. BONDING: Wiggly Jiggly Car. SONGS ABOUT ME: Watch Me Go. INSTRUMENT SONGS: Music is the Way MOVEMENT SONGS: Will You Come. GOODBYE: Music Time is Over.
ParticipantI have used mostly instruments from West Music, including shakers, boom whackers, lollipop drums, rainsticks (always popular), ocean drums, fruit shakers, and gathering drums.
ParticipantI think the right amount of stimulation can be gauged from the child’s reaction. If they appear distressed in any way- avoiding the group for extended periods of time, crying, or too much fussiness- they are probably overstimulated, and something needs to back off. If they appear to be enjoying the stimulation (smiling and participating) or appear to be taking it in (gazing but not upset), then it’s probably the right amount and the music and activities can continue.
August 1, 2015 at 6:38 pm
in reply to: Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 2.
Participant5 words: energy, observe, play, explore, and spontaneous
5 sentences: Help your child so that the bottom of his foot is tapping! It’s okay if your child wanders. Have your child face the middle so she can see everyone. Place your hands between your child’s so they follow your clap. It’s okay if they’re not specifically following the group, they are making their own musical choices!
Plan: Gathering: Look Who’s Come to Music Today. Bonding: Wiggly, Jiggly Car (I loved that one in the video)! Songs about me: Just Like Me. Instrument Song: Sit With Me and Shake. Movement Song: March With My Baby. Goodbye Song: Goodbye Song.
July 28, 2015 at 9:22 pm
in reply to: Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 1.
Participant5 words: comforting, supportive, rocking, bonding, cuddling
5 sentences: It’s okay if she’s asleep, you will learn how to do the songs at home.
Your child wants to hear your voice!
Maintain eye contact with your child (model 12 to 18 inches) and smile.
Try helping him stand, he might be more comfortable.
How are you? (or similar question to check in with new parents).Hello/Gathering Song: Good Morning
Bonding Song: Row it Faster
Songs About Me: Just Like Me
Instrument Song: Sit With Me and Shake
Movement Song: Pick Your Hands Up High
Goodbye: Goodbye SongJuly 28, 2015 at 9:06 pm
in reply to: Share your thoughts with the board members on the role of music therapy in community based settings.
ParticipantMusic therapy provides a unique way to meet the needs of the community. I think we are effective because we give people a new and different way to meet the needs of the community. I agree with Emily that people of different cultures and backgrounds are all able to connect and relate in music, and that makes us so accessible.
July 28, 2015 at 9:01 pm
in reply to: Share some of your experiences with children of this age and level.
ParticipantI worked with children this age in the NICU of the children’s hospital while completing my internship. I love working with the age because you can see the changes on their faces and/or their movements as they absorb and adapt to what you are doing. I also really liked working with these parents, as they were typically so open to and appreciative of the support.
ParticipantWhile working in a hospital, a lot of the families were looking for ways to bond and feel connected to their child while physical proximity was difficult. Music therapy was a great tool for helping them stay connected and share a joyful experience. A lot of the families in my community currently are looking for ways to bond with their children, and to help their children bond with each other, particularly older siblings with new babies.
July 21, 2015 at 7:26 pm
in reply to: What value do music therapists bring to families of young children?
ParticipantI agree with everyone that not only do we bring music therapy to our separate communities, but we also bring the support of the whole music therapy community. I think that although some parents might feel strange about the word “therapy”, it means that we bring more than just music. We have training and experience in child development as well, and can therefore adapt to fit the needs of each child.
And Mary, I love the idea of Music Therapy and Martini Mondays!
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