[Sabrina Stafford]

Personally, I found this weeks material to change my expectations of how my clients respond during music therapy sessions. Understanding where my clients are developmentally, helps me as a music therapist to understand what’s an appropriate intervention and an appropriate reaction/response from my client. For example, understanding that although my client is biologically 5 years old, he/she may be developmentally around 6-9 months. Knowing this about my client helps me as a music therapist choose songs that will target more reachable goals such as working on more babbling sounds rather than working on multiple syllable words. And also keeping in mind that this particular child may not be able to sit still for a long period of time and may need movement or sensory breaks to maintain focus.

[Sabrina Stafford]

Although this information was all factual, I found it very helpful because I am not very familiar with how a typical child develops. Not only do I currently work with special needs children with a variety of developmental delays, but I also am the oldest of two siblings with special needs. Because of my circumstances, I don’t have a good grasp of what is “normal” when it comes to the developing child.

I found this information especially helpful for one of my groups I see weekly called “The Friendship Academy.” It’s a reverse mainstream classroom meaning it’s a special needs classroom mainstreamed with neuro-typical developing children. I remember being amazed at some of the things these 3-5 yr old neurotypical children were doing when in reality most of these behaviors are pretty normal.

[Sabrina Stafford]

Hi Everyone! My name is Sabrina and I’m a recent graduate from Temple University’s Music Therapy Program. I’m a very proud Temple Owl! I am currently the music therapist at Easter Seals in Philadelphia, which is a non-profit organization for preschool aged children with special needs.

I was motivated to take this course for a few reasons. One being me friend and previous classmate, Amanda, who is currently taking the course as well! Hi Amanda. We were both able to see Beth speak at the MAR Conference earlier this year and were both inspired by her presentation. Lastly, I personally enjoy working with children. It’s a population I am passionate about and feel most comfortable in. I truly believe I have the best job in the world: bringing music to the lives of young children.

I hope that this course will help with my current practice and provide inspiration and repertoire. I also hope for this course to enhance my understanding of music therapy in early childhood.

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