[Skye Bennett]

Another reason why music therapy based music groups are superior! As music therapists, we are trained to understand the signs of over/under-stimulation. It is our responsibility to be able to make changes at any moment to ensure that our clients are most successful, which would include making sure that they are in that “sweet spot” of stimulation for optimal learning and processing. Too much stimulation can come from learning too many new things at one time. As we have discussed many times in this course, repetition is important in Sprouting Melodies. When introducing a new idea, I find success in utilizing repetition of not only this new idea, but repetition of many “old” ideas. Only introducing one new idea at a time will encourage success and prevent overstimulation.

[Skye Bennett]

Jordyn- It has really helped me to think about the over arching shape of a session in terms of stimulation, as you’ve suggested. Just as most of us need our routine of shower, coffee, etc. in the morning to be most alert and oriented for our day to day tasks, we can expect that a child would certainly need a warm up as well.

[Skye Bennett]

Egg shakers, baby maracas, misc. shakers (etc. fruit shaped shakers), small tambourines, sleigh bells, plastic rain sticks, lollipop drums, guitar, xylophone

[Skye Bennett]

Shannon! Wow! That is amazing that he was able to use music so innately to soothe himself. What did his humming sound like when he was a baby? Was it really small intervals or more melodic?

[Skye Bennett]

Most of the experience that I have with babies of this age are in the hospital during my internship. This experience was extremely valuable to me because I was able to compare the development of those who were extremely restricted developmentally by their environment and circumstance, and those that were better able to adapt to their environment. I remember one child in particular who was hooked up to many wires but still wanted to grasp on to every single instrument that I provided to him and put all of them in his mouth. He also could follow the source of sound and follow an instrument with his eyes.

[Skye Bennett]

I feel that music therapy in community based settings serves the role of educating people about the many ways in which music can be utilized in a person’s daily life and more importantly, as a tool for wellness and growth. Music is something that is innate and universal and free! It is amazing that people need to be educated about how they possess the ability to create music themselves, but that is what we are hear for. Music therapy in these settings can connect with the unique abilities of each person in the community, and create unity by connecting members of this community together.

[Skye Bennett]

OMG Jordyn, I felt similarly. I feel as though undergraduate did somewhat lead me to believe that music experiences that were not music therapy were not valuable whatsoever.

[Skye Bennett]

Engaging, close, adaptable, loving, and warm

1. Your baby loves the sound of your voice and so, I encourage you to sing along with me.
2. If your baby looks bored, it is likely that your baby is confused! We utilize repetition in Sprouting Melodies to help your child to learn and develop trust in music.
3. Your baby may prefer to stand or sit. We can figure it out together and adapt as we go!
4. Welcome in! and feel free to bring everything that you and your baby need to be comfortable in our music group.
5.I am so glad to see you! Please do not worry about being late. Lets take a deep breath together and get comfy on the floor for music.

Hello: Hello, Hello, Hello…
Gathering:Today’s A Beautiful Day
Lap Ride: Row It Faster
Instrument Play: I Like This Song
Gross Motor Movement:As Big As Can Be
Cool Down: Just Like Me
Goodbye: Goodbye

[Skye Bennett]

Marisa, exactly what I was thinking! To be able to utilize music in a way that reaches across any barriers like language, for example… promotes inclusion and success for all.

[Skye Bennett]

Music therapists are valuable to families of young children for a number of reasons. Our understanding of the Iso principle allows us to meet a child where they are at and our knowledge of development allows us to see all of the many parts that make up the child, and of the families as well. We are able to provide individualized opportunities for a child and their family to be successful and can provide them the opportunity to be challenged, in a safe and compassionate environment. Music therapists will always advocate for the child and their families. We are able to remain flexible and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of a music experience, and utilize the elements of music in a way that is organic and intuitive for everyone.

[Skye Bennett]

I am not quite sure what the needs of the community that I am new to are. However, the area that I work in is extremely diverse. Families of all backgrounds live in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC and these areas are typically made up of extremely hard working people. I also work as a bartender in Northern Virginia so I do have the opportunity to speak with parents frequently who express that they are constantly pressed for time. I can imagine that a big need for a Sprouting Melodies group in this area would be one that offers a sense of relief for parents. That relief may come from knowing that they do not have to discipline their children in a group, or from being able to bond with their children through a structured, safe environment.

[Skye Bennett]

Stephanie,
You make a great point. Even working in a pediatric hospital, when I encouraged parents and families to interact in music, I often found that they were hesitant because they did not believe they could have enough musical skill to do so. It is so important to support the families success as well as the child, and create an environment that is stress free for the parents.

[Skye Bennett]

Shannon- I know it must be so frustrating not yet being able to practice these exact interventions on a day to day basis. I am in a similar situation in that sense, but yes! your time with your children is so valuable in getting started.

[Skye Bennett]

Maura- You made a good point in distinguishing the differences in types of music listening. Absolutely, following directions in a song is part of the music listening. Just like Beth had stated music and movement are just one in the same, music and listening are as well of course.

[Skye Bennett]

I am currently working with older adults and use all four of these music experiences to promote group cohesion, reality orientation, maintaining motor skills and range of motion, and to promote self- expression and social interaction. My favorite use of instrument play is facilitating a rhythm “game” in which we create rhythmic patterns to play as a group. The older adults I work with are exceptionally big fans of singing of course, and frequently love to share their preferred music by bursting out into song in the middle of a session. Music listening has worked well in discussing the lyrics of a song. Movement interventions are a necessity in this population and are frequently incorporated with instrument play or utilize scarves.

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