[RMTS Intern]

Hi Tabatha! As someone who does not have children, I did not recognize the importance of bonding through music. I’ve definitely learned that in this training as well. I also think reaching out to local mom’s clubs would be a great step to work with them! Good luck 🙂 – Billie

[RMTS Intern]

I’m not too sure how I will share this information with others. I know throughout the course I’ve talked with other MTs on my team about some things I’ve found really cool or interesting in the training. I think I have more knowledge to be able to contribute to Sprouting Melodies conversations at Roman Music Therapy as well. Within sessions or outside of sessions, I may be able to share bits and pieces of this information with Sprouting Melodies families. – Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Hi Dee! I also admire your interest in new areas of music therapy that you haven’t gotten into as much as other populations! I think it’s important to expand our knowledge of music therapy in all populations, it all will strengthen us as music therapists. It’s great to know where your heart is while learning about new things as well! -Billie

[RMTS Intern]

I plan on continuing leading Sprouting Melodies sessions at Roman Music Therapy for the remainder of my internship. After that, I’m not sure if I will continue Sprouting Melodies, it depends on scheduling etc. However, I am excited to use this knowledge in all my music therapy work with young children as I get started in my career! This training has helped expand my knowledge of this subject as well as helped my confidence when leading Sprouting Melodies sessions. I feel more comfortable educating parents because I am more confident in my knowledge and understanding of music therapy in early childhood. -Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Hi Tabatha, I like how you mentioned being aware of the challenges and coming up with adaptations or alternatives prior to going into the session. Preparing yourself the best you can beforehand is important! You can’t always predict how a session may go, but you can try to plan for different possibilities. -Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Carrie- Thank you so much for sharing the concept of coaching vs. sportscasting! This is something I’ve been working on in my own sessions and reading your verbiage of it helps so much! I’m excited to use these concepts more throughout my career! -Billie

[RMTS Intern]

One of the many challenges of being a music therapist is definitely making sure everyone in the groups can be successful. Especially in sprouting melodies, checking in with parents/caregivers helps that. Parents know their child best, so if a child is struggling, asking their parent for support may be beneficial. Specifically asking “how/what can I do to help your child be more successful?” Just last week I had a difficult session with one of my clients where she displayed some tricky behaviors I hadn’t seen before (this was not a SM session). Her mom gave me some great tips and tools to use to help redirect her etc, and this week’s session went much smoother! Also, adapting different interventions depending on the client can also help. Meet the client where they are at to better support them in their music making and to promote that success within a session. -Billie

[RMTS Intern]

I have been leading Sprouting Melodies sessions for the past 4 months already, but I have gained a lot of knowledge from this course. I’m excited to improve my skills in leading sprouting melodies sessions and educating parents. I feel as though I am already more confident when leading these groups after taking this course! Being involved in the community (especially through music) is really special and I am so lucky to have the opportunities and knowledge to do so! -Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Carrie- I like how you mentioned that older children will find ways to entertain themselves when they become disengaged. That sort of thing can definitely become disruptive for other members of the group and us as MTs. Challenging all age groups is important to keep everyone engaged. – Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Music for development is focused on the big picture growth and change that occurs in children. It supports them as they go through the developmental stages and uses music to engage the child appropriately for the developmental stage they are in. It helps them learn, process, and grow in a musical environment.

Music for skill building is more focused on the details. It helps support communication and interactions or how to use their motor skills. It focuses on the domain areas (physical, cognitive, emotional, communication.)

I was also a bit confused by the prompt, so please let me know if I’m missing anything! – Billie

[RMTS Intern]

I think multi age groupings in a session definitely comes with its challenges. I currently have a group with 3 middle school girls and 3 2nd grade boys all with special needs. They are in very different stages in their lives and it is sometimes challenging to meet the group where they are because of this. I find that giving the older kids more leadership opportunities is helpful. Having an older kid choose what the group does next, have them pass out instruments to their peers, etc. A wider age range can be challenging but it can also help us grow as clinicians! – Billie

[RMTS Intern]

5 words for SM3: personality, independence, motion, expression, community

5 words for Family Sprouts: Family, bonding, interacting, together, support

SM3 Plan: Gathering song: It’s Time. Hello: Hello Everybody. Gathering/body percussion: Come And Sit With Me. Bonding Song: Firetruck. Instrument song: Playing Together. Movement: Dancing Kids. Cool Down: It’s Okay To Be Different (book). Goodbye song.

FS Plan: Gathering song: Let’s Make Some Music. Hello: Today Is A Beautiful Day. Gathering/body percussion: My Little Hands. Bonding Song: Wiggly Jiggly Car. Instrument song: Sit With Me And Shake. Movement: I Can Move. Cool Down: I See Colors (scarves). Goodbye song.
-Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Tabatha- I love that quote! That really sums this up well, thanks so much for sharing! – Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Carrie, I like the examples of what you might do depending on how the group is doing during that particular session. There have been many times where I switch up my typical hello song to meet the group where they are that day. Looking, listening, and responding is so important! – Billie

[RMTS Intern]

Hi Shannon, I think it’s great that you use music in a non-therapeutic setting like babysitting! Even though you aren’t having a music therapy session with this child, you are still getting some experience with a baby! The things we do and observe in music still can be present outside of music. They definitely are taking a lot in! – Billie

[Author]

Posts