corona virus | Upstate Music Therapy Center LLC

Book: Over the Rainbow

by Amy Thomas | Jun 5, 2020

This blog post was written by Kayla Davitt, MT-BC

Sunshine on my face. Rainbows in the sky. Smiles on the faces of friends and family. This is what I picture summer to be like. However, in these tumultuous times, I often find myself forgetting to smile or to take a moment to appreciate the simple things in life. But, all that changed when I picked up Over the Rainbow by Judy Collins.

This book is full of beautiful illustrations (painted by Eric Puybaret) that are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, young or old! Most of us have seen the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” with Judy Garland. This book takes the famous song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and transforms it into a storybook that you won’t want to put down!

At UMTC, we strive to encompass a child’s whole being through music. Now more than ever, it is imperative to focus on the mental health of our children. Staying at home can be quite challenging, especially when children are used to going to school every day. Reading Over the Rainbow with your child will encourage them to participate in a learning activity using music.

While reading this book or listening to the song and following along, your child will be able to practice a variety of skills such as answering questions and taking time to self-reflect. Here are a few suggestions to follow when reading this book with your child:

Self-reflection

Even though we are in the midst of uncertain times, it may be helpful to encourage your child to engage in some self-reflection. What are some troubles or difficulties they are having while staying home? How does it make them feel? What would their “happy place” look like? Though these questions are geared more towards older students, younger students will still benefit from taking time to identify how they are feeling and what makes them happy.

Answering questions

This book is full of abstract pictures: a woman walking across a rainbow, bouncing from moon to stars, and flying with birds in the sky. Don’t be afraid to ask your child questions that will challenge their thinking. Are people able to fly like birds in the sky? How? Can a person walk on the moon? What would they need? Questions like these will encourage your child to think outside of the box while practicing their problem-solving skills.

Share your memories – Make it personal!

Do not be afraid to share your memories of hearing this song when you were a child. Explain to your child how this song makes you feel. Maybe express your thoughts and feelings about having to stay at home during this pandemic. Show your child how to self-reflect and identify their feelings.

Feel free to sing this song while reading the book or listen to this version performed by the famous Ella Fitzgerald:

We hope you enjoy using this book in your homeschooling adventures! For more resources and activities to use with your children, please visit our “Resources” tab located at the top of the page.

If you are interested in purchasing Over the Rainbow, click here to find it on Amazon.

Happy reading!

A Whole New World: Music Teletherapy

by Amy Thomas | May 29, 2020

Prior to COVID-19, the word “teletherapy” meant very little to our team of music therapists. To even consider not driving to school, homes, or daycares was not a thought in our minds. How could it be? Yet, in a matter of days teletherapy became a new reality. All the hours spent fine-tuning our craft for in-person services had to be adjusted overnight. Looking back now, it is amazing how much our team has learned in a few short months.

A New Approach

After school closures, it quickly became apparent that the social-emotional benefits of music were taking center stage. This is a confusing time we are all in. For many families, the presence of music therapy in their homes is a welcome break to the stress they are under. At UTMC, we truly want to embrace this facet of music and ensure we are continually bringing not only music but joy into homes. Below is a photo of Sarah Ramey, an employee at UMTC accomplishing this mission during a teletherapy session!

Supporting the Whole Family

As our team adjusted to doing therapy through a computer screen, it became apparent that we were able to help families in a unique way. By bringing music into the home, we can provide our students with a dose of familiarity in a confusing situation.

It is no secret that music has a way of lifting spirits. Our staff noticed siblings, grandparents, and parents joining sessions with a smile on their faces. Many stated they were looking forward to music all day. This is the kind of positive energy we want to bring to our families.

New Intervention Strategies

Parents and teachers aren’t the only ones learning about new technologies! Our music therapy team has been knee-deep in picking up new online learning strategies. If you are interested in pursuing online services, you will experience some of these new strategies for yourself.

1) Zoom

For the most part, our therapists use Zoom as a video chatting platform with students. Zoom comes with some great interactive features such as screen and audio sharing. While using these, the therapist is able to provide visuals and quality audio with the student on the other end.

2) PowerPoint

Many of our therapists use PowerPoint slide shows to present students with books or choice boards. It’s difficult to use visuals in hand because they may be blurry or off-angle. Using a PowerPoint via screen sharing solves that problem and provides clear visuals.

3) Share controls

Zoom also allows for the students to have control over the screen. With this feature, the therapist is able to ask questions, have students type answers on their own, or drag and drop images to complete visual activities.

4) Props

Now more than ever it is important for therapists to grab our student’s attention. It can be so difficult to stay seated for 30-minutes, especially in front of a computer screen! Our therapists do their best to engage students with props such as hats, stuffed animals, scarves, or other colorful visuals.

New Services at Upstate Music Therapy Center

Upstate Music Therapy Center believes that music services should be accessible despite school closures. In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have adjusted by offering a variety of online music activities such as Music Enrichment, online Music Therapy, and FREE Online Music for Preschoolers (available on our Facebook page through the end of June). Additionally, online Counseling services are available. If you would like to learn more about these new online services, click here.

It is a shocking, confusing, and strange time we are all in. At UMTC, we hope that our services for students and the community can bring a ray of light into the homes and lives of families we work with. Don’t forget to find humor where you can in this whole new world we live in!

This blog was submitted by Katie Hall.

Lean On Us

by Amy Thomas | May 8, 2020

In times of sorrow, how do you carry on? Do you call a loved one? Do you turn to nature? Or, is it a song that gets you through? At UMTC, we know that music can lift the spirits in a special way. In an effort to do just that, our very own Jamie Swieringa combined technology and music to bring smiles to a community of faces.

Jamie Swieringa is an employee at Upstate Music Therapy Center. Her caseload primarily resides at Midlakes Education Center (MEC) in Clifton Springs. Upon school closing in March, Jamie was inspired to utilize her craft to bring hope to her school community.

Jamie re-wrote the words to the Bill Withers classic “Lean on Me”. She changed the words to “Lean on Us” in hopes that the students and staff would be reminded of all the support present at MEC. It was her goal to foster community and let families know that MEC is there for them. The teachers and staff know how overwhelming this time is and they want to ensure families know they are supported.

Here is Jamie’s encouraging re-write:

Sometimes in our lives, we go through things, they may cause sorrow

Like not going to school, or seeing your friends

What will happen tomorrow?

Lean on us

When you’re not strong

And we’ll be your friend

We’ll help you carry on

For, it won’t be long

Until we’re going to see

Your face at school again

Please, reach out to us, if there are ideas you need to borrow

For, we all will try to meet your needs oh how we’ll help you so

You just call on me friend when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

You just might have a problem that we’ll understand

We all need somebody to lean on

To implement her project, Jamie sang and played the song on Zoom. At first, she wanted everyone to sing together, but there were too many people! Instead of singing, she thought to have visuals from each participant. All the staff wrote out a message on paper to hold up such as “Stay strong”, “MEC rocks”, “Sanitize”, “We miss you”, “We love you” and “It will be okay”. The result was beautiful.

Jamie shared that this project was an emotional experience not only for the students but for the staff involved. The shared effort to bring hope to students through music was special for everyone.

Over the next couple of weeks, Jamie shared the video with her students through Zoom sessions and Class Dojo. The message eventually reached a wider audience and was featured on WHAM news Bright Spot on April 21.

Click here to check out the news story!

Music therapists understand that therapy isn’t just working on goals and objectives. We know that music is a unifying force. It brings people together, fosters community, and in times of sorrow, brings hope. Throughout this pandemic, UMTC is grateful to be part of our local school communities. It is our goal that with each music therapy session we can bring a little more joy into our student’s homes.

This blog was submitted by Katie Hall

Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs

by Amy Thomas | May 3, 2020

A dog. A guitar. Ice cream. Dinosaurs. All in one story! We are excited to share with you a wonderful and entertaining storybook geared towards young children. Written by Eric Litwin (author of Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes), the storybook Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs focuses on the concept of sharing in a fun and unique way!

When we meet our main character, Groovy Joe, he is living the life – with a guitar, a spoon, and some ice cream. He is interrupted by unexpected visitors who want their share of his ice cream. Groovy Joe’s answer? “It’s awesome to share!” Throughout the story, events occur that will encourage your child to anticipate what comes next and think outside of the box.

As a music therapy agency, we are always looking for ways to assist children in practicing a variety of skills, from color and number identification to appropriate ways to communicate in social settings. Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs focuses on social interactions, problem-solving, and the importance of sharing. If you find yourself in need of some fun and engaging activities to do with your young children, we have a few tips for how you can use this storybook to your advantage. While reading Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs, keep in mind these suggestions:

1. Use your body!

Children are often more engaged and are more likely to pay attention if you make reading fun for them. This book affords you many opportunities to exaggerate your facial expressions and body movements to add to the story. Don’t be afraid to roar like a dinosaur, stomp or smash with your feet, and dance around with your child!

2. Use silence to enhance the story.

There are many instances where you can lead your child to an answer or help them anticipate what is going to happen next. Don’t be afraid to use silence!

3. Pair a fun and engaging song with the story.

Singing and reading with your child is an effective way to keep their attention and to bring a smile to their face while you read. Kayla Davitt, an employee at UMTC, has created an original melody to use within the story:

We hope you enjoy this book! For more resources and activities to use with your child, please explore our “Resources” tab on the top menu.

If you are interested in purchasing Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs to use in your homeschooling adventures, follow this link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Groovy-Joe-Ice-Cream-Dinosaurs/dp/0545883784

This blog was submitted by: Kayla Davitt

Nature’s Instruments: Making Music Outside

May 2, 2022

Spring is finally here! The daffodils are blooming, the Easter bunny made his visits, and families are itching to get out of the house. In the spring, the outside world is full of sounds. Last week, we shared the blog Pause and Hear the Sounds of Spring to practice...

Current Events: Thrive to Survive Workshop

Mar 22, 2022

Written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Erin Triola, LCAT, MT-BC and Katie Pistilli, MT-BC met a wonderful group of people through the Thrive to Survive support group. Katie and Erin conducted a workshop for Thrive to...

Book: My Voice is a Trumpet

Feb 22, 2022

Blog post written and submitted by Kayla Davitt, MT-BC “Voices are powerful, and together they’re strong, like the musical notes of a beautiful song.” Think about it. Each person has a voice. When voices come together, it can sometimes be chaos. But, it can...

Quarantine Self Care

by Amy Thomas | Apr 27, 2020

The sudden quarantine, beginning around the middle of March caused by the Coronavirus, created a panic for some. Many found themselves trying to determine what they should purchase and which errands to run prior to entering an uncertain amount of time remaining at home per state mandates. It has become obvious that self-care has never been more important to protect ourselves against unhealthy patterns and be sure we are regulating our emotions. We suggest close attention to these FIVE areas to insure a balanced lifestyle during this challenging time.

1. Balanced Eating.

Depression and anxiety can cause appetite loss or for some binge eating. If you are having trouble with balanced eating due to the changes in the schedule you were previously following, you may need to set an alarm every three hours to eat a small meal or a healthy snack. Recommended foods that are high fuel are eggs, yogurt, lean meat, raw greens, berries, and nuts. Cane sugar should be eaten in small amounts and replaced with stevia as a healthier sweetener choice. Comfort foods should be monitored and when consuming them portions should be measured to avoid eating large amounts unintentionally. Staying hydrated is also important. We suggest that you measure the ounces of water you are drinking to be sure you are consuming approximately half your body weight in ounces each day.

2. Good Sleep Regimen.

Creating a bedtime routine or using one that has already worked well is very important. Decrease or eliminate screen time 30 minutes prior to going to bed, especially news coverage or other content that may cause anxiety or frustration. For those having a difficult time sleeping since the quarantine began, the following suggestions may be helpful. An hour prior to bedtime take a warm shower or bath, read an enjoyable book, listen to calming instrumental music (music without lyrics allows the mind to rest), pray, meditate, practice mindfulness, and some may consider taking melatonin. Watch how much caffeine you are consuming as you may be more sensitive to it at this time. If sleep issues last for more than a week a doctor should be contacted.

3. Stay Connected but Not Too Connected.

Feeling isolated or disconnected is one of the biggest challenges for many, especially those who do not have access to social media and devices for teleconferencing. However, at times there can be an over exposure to social media which can cause challenges. People may begin comparing their life circumstances with others, creating further discouragement. Most people have access to watching the news for updates related to the virus and reopening the states, yet again an over exposure to this information can cause increased anxiety and despair. The key is creating balance each day by developing a to-do list of the activities you will engage in. Add social media and news into your schedule and hold yourself accountable to avoid overdosing on these communication tools.

4. Give Yourself a Break.

It is common for us to think the expectations we typically have for ourselves and others should remain the same, however, that is not the case. This can cause an increase in anxiety, depression, and anger. The Coronavirus has created the need for us to step back and look at our most basic needs, many things we generally take for granted. For this reason, we want to be sure that we lower our expectations to what is most appropriate and achievable each day under the circumstances we are experiencing. Reassess your goals, perhaps write new goals for this time, and give yourself praise for the little things because they matter.

5. Find Moments to Create.

You may have more time on your hands than you have had in quite some time. Perhaps your house is cleaner than it has been in years, or maybe it is a mess because you are homeschooling four children. Regardless of your situation finding time to be creative is incredibly therapeutic. Some ideas are to search Pinterest for DIY projects in which you have the supplies already in your home, color, draw, or paint, write a poem, or begin journaling, listen to your favorite music and write a new verse to that song, woodworking, create a collage using old magazines, scrapbooking or playdough. Create with your children and create on your own. Being creative allows us to learn, grow, and process the emotions we are experiencing.

For more information on developing a better balance during this time or to submit a specific question use our Contact Us tab and someone will get back to you.

Am I Sad or Depressed?

by Amy Thomas | Apr 20, 2020

When you are going through a tough time it is normal to feel down for a while. Emotions like sadness and grief help make us human. But if you are feeling sad or miserable most of the time over a long period of time, you might have depression. How will you know if it is sadness or depression?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Use the following scale.

NOT AT ALL · SEVERAL DAYS · MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS · NEARLY EVERY DAY

How often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, irritable, or hopeless over the last two weeks?
How often have you been bothered that you have little interest or pleasure in doing things over the last two weeks?
How often have you been bothered by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much over the last two weeks?
How often have you been bothered that you have poor appetite, weight loss, or overeating over the last two weeks?
How often have you been bothered by feeling bad about yourself – or feeling that you are a failure, or that you have let yourself or your family down over the last two weeks?

Answering these questions honestly can give you a better idea how you are coping during difficult times in your life or major changes such as job loss, illness, and isolation. If your answers are “several days” or more frequent for any of these questions, I would encourage you to head to the site listed below to take a very quick quiz, 8 questions, that will provide a score at the end. This personal assessment will help determine if you should contact someone to talk about what you are experiencing. Mental health is equally as important as caring for our physical health. Unfortunately, many are guilty of placing less importance on this, causing those in need to not reach out for support.

If you or someone you know is or has been bothered by thoughts of hurting themself in some way or sensing that things would be better if they were no longer around, it is very important that a contact is made right away for assistance using this link. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Quick Depression Quiz: https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/depression-test/

Use the Contact Us Link to Schedule a FREE counseling discovery call.

Current Events: Thrive to Survive Workshop

Mar 22, 2022

Written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Erin Triola, LCAT, MT-BC and Katie Pistilli, MT-BC met a wonderful group of people through the Thrive to Survive support group. Katie and Erin conducted a workshop for Thrive to...

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2)

Jan 31, 2022

Understanding ourselves, as parents, and being aware of how we respond to difficult situations, can greatly improve our parenting approach and by doing so increase healthy and helpful interactions with our children. When this happens boththe parents, children, and...

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 1)

Jan 25, 2022

Whether you are a parent or not, everyone appreciates calm. Life is full of noise, busyness, tension, and high energy activity and we often struggle to find space for relaxing and peaceful moments. It is for this reason that adults, teens, and children alike will need...