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Let’s Go Outside and Hear Some Music!

Let’s Go Outside and Hear Some Music!

by | Jul 2, 2020

The lazy, hazy days of summer are officially upon us. This summer presents a few unique challenges for entertaining our children as many public places, camps, and activities remain closed due to the pandemic. After an entire spring of homeschooling and continued social distancing, it’s safe to say that we all need a little relaxation in our lives. Going outside and hearing the music of nature is a great way to find some peace of mind during these chaotic times.

Notice the sounds

The first step to finding music in nature is to simply hear the sounds. Go outside and listen. This is an ideal opportunity to be mindful. Take a minute to drown out the noise of your inner thoughts, and focus entirely on the sounds of the moment.

Do you hear wind in the trees? How about birds chirping? Maybe you hear some human-made sounds, like the hum of an air conditioner or cars. If you listen closely enough, the sounds of nature will prevail.

Notice the rhythms

A biophony is the collection of sounds that animals make in an environment. Biophonies are the result of not just one animal voice, but all animal voices in a single ecosystem. For example, the calls of birds and croaks of frogs. In the healthiest of ecosystems, all sounds and calls of animals can be heard amongst each other.

A biophony is a natural and authentic orchestra. In our modern world, it is tough to find a healthy ecosystem, and therefore biophony. As such, it is ultra-rewarding to notice those rhythms that stand out over our human-made sounds.

To make a successful biophony, animals make their calls, and sing their songs in different rhythms, so that all might be heard. In an ideal ecosystem, not one voice goes unheard. If the concept of a biophony interests you, check out this audio book by Bernie Krause called: The Great Animal Orchestra: Finding the Origins of Music in the World’s Wild Places.

Look around and play!

If you are a parent or caring for children this summer, turning nature into an instrument can be a great activity.

When you look around, do you see any objects of nature that could be used as instruments? Perhaps start with finding some sticks. Tap them on different places. Do they sound different when you tap them on rocks versus the bark of a tree?

 If you are near water or have a bucket you can fill, try grabbing a handful of pebbles and drop them in one-by-one. Plunk, plunk, plunk into the water.

If you live near a sidewalk, take some different materials and see what they sound like when you scratch them on that concrete. How do rocks sound different from sticks?

Need some more inspiration? Check out the music video below made entirely from sounds in nature! We hope you find some music and relaxation in the nature near your home!

 

Blog submitted by Katie Pistilli

5 Tips For Your First Year as a Music Therapist

5 Tips For Your First Year as a Music Therapist

by | Jun 26, 2020

Written by Joanna Vella

Entering your first year as a music therapist, everything is exciting, and you are ready to dive in. As you progress through the year, you will face challenges you may not have anticipated. Whether it’s a quick schedule change, keeping up with paperwork, or working on different IEP goals, the first year can be a whirlwind! I faced challenges I could have never imagined such as a global pandemic and standing up for my students’ rights. In each scenario, there were certain skills I learned that helped make my year more successful.

 

  1. Be Flexible – As you move through the school year you are going to build a strong rapport with each of your students. However, you also are going to hit bumps in the road. A student of mine came in one day highly distracted and demonstrating sensory-seeking behaviors. After altering the music and interventions, I knew working on his communication goal that day was not benefiting him and his current needs. Once we switched to sensory-stimulating activities, his behaviors changed in both his music therapy session as well as the other academic settings that followed. Be flexible. Sometimes you won’t address the student’s specific goal because they need something else in the session, and that is perfectly fine. 
  1. Make Connections – As a traveling therapist, this is key to success. Being in five different schools and a daycare center, all of my responsibilities were different in each setting. Talking to your teachers, CSE’s, directors, principals, front desk clerks, and nurses gives you more connections within each school. Once COVID-19 school closures hit in our area, I was able to contact teachers, CSE’s, and parents to see how I could help. These connections I made early on in the year helped make this simpler when decisions were being made or meetings were being held. 
  1. Take Time for You – There were nights where I would be working and would become overwhelmed as my original “to-do list” doubled in size. When prioritizing what needs to get done, it is important to schedule time for yourself. You are working hard, and we all want the best for our students, but you need time to unplug and take your music therapist “hat” off. A friend once told me, “you cannot pour from an empty glass.” So, practice some self-care – you absolutely deserve it!
  1. Trust Your Clinician Gut – Being a new therapist, you’re automatically the “new kid” on the block. You will likely hear about your students’ backgrounds in various settings from the connections you’ve made at each school. Although these are relevant points to take into consideration, don’t take them as final law. We have the highly motivating tool of music in our practice, so don’t be scared to test the waters and see what your students can do in the music therapy setting. You are fresh eyes to the team so do not be afraid to try something new. If it works, share it! Not only is this great advocacy for our field, but it is even better advocacy for your students and will help them thrive in other settings outside of music therapy.
  1. If at First You Don’t Succeed, Change the Music – You are going to have amazing sessions, but you are also going to have sessions that are not so great. Through these good and bad days, it is important to remember that you are doing your best. When you hit a bump in the road just remember to be creative, think outside the box, and as always, change the music!

 

Going through your first school year can be tough. However, you will learn more than you ever dreamed, especially from the students you work with.

Mindfulness for Kids: 4 Sensory Activities

Mindfulness for Kids: 4 Sensory Activities

by | Jun 12, 2020

Last month we touched on the topic of mindfulness and more specifically how to help your child use mindfulness breathing activities to calm their bodies and minds.  This month we are highlighting some wonderful sensory activities that can allow you and your child to focus on the present moment, recognizing and appreciating the elements that are being explored, and how the experience makes you feel. 

A helpful practice is ‘mental noting”. Mental noting is labeling by naming the thoughts and feelings that come up as you engage in quiet time, a sensory-based activity, or during an intentional activity in which you choose to be more aware, more mindful, during that time period.

As you read through 4 suggested activities select one or two that you would like to try with your child.  Although mindfulness activities can be done with more than one child per adult, when first learning it is helpful to initially limit the experience to one child as it reduces the distractions. For many, distractions are the number one challenge reported when attempting to increase the practice of mindfulness.

Sensory Activity List

1. Music Listening – Find a piece of instrumental music that you typically find enjoyable to listen to when wanting to relax. Many choose a piece that is slower and more reflective, however never rule out music that has a strong grounding pulse or even a happy encouraging beat.  Play the music for your child and see if they have a similar appreciation of the selection.  Below is an example of a piece that you can try if you are having difficulty thinking of one on your own.  The next step is to place your body in a comfortable position and, if necessary to eliminate distractions, you can close your eyes as well.  As the music begins, take some slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.  As you hear the sounds, on occasion model for your child verbal statements such as, “This is pretty music”, “I hear a guitar”, “It makes me think of a waterfall”, “I feel relaxed”.   Listen to the comments your child has about the experience and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings.

 

2. Sensory Snacking – Create a visually appealing and tasty display of snack foods to experience with your child. Be thoughtful of foods that your child enjoys but may not generally think about the characteristics of that food.  Consider smell, color, texture, chewy versus crunchy, salty as opposed to sweet.  How does it feel in your mouth when you bite into it or suck on it?  Perhaps ask your child how many kinds of snacks they would like to use and if they have any special food they would like to include.  See below one example of how to prepare this mindfulness activity.

3. Nature Walks – Regardless of the season there is always a beautiful sensory experience waiting right outside your door. Move at your child’s speed, which, of course, can vary from sprinting like a cheetah to slugging along at a tortoise pace. Bring your sense of curiosity and adventure and allow your child to lead the way.  Create unique names for the colors you see similar to a Crayola crayon box, pick up gems you find and compare the textures, smell the flowers and grass, and listen to the sound of nature’s many voices.  Open your mouth and catch a raindrop or snowflake on your tongue or take a deep breath in and out while sitting or lying on the warm ground. Enjoy noting the many sensory moments and feelings they create along the way.

 4. Drumming – It is quite simple to make your own drum if you do not have one available. Wooden spoons on Tupperware containers or using your hands on a solid surface can work quite well. Tom Tom or Conga drums can be inexpensively purchased. Use this link to explore some options.  https://www.amazon.com/Remo-KD-5080-01-Kids-Percussion-Floor/dp/B0002F7KUG

A simple way to practice mindfulness with drums is to have the adult or child start a steady beat.  The other person can join in with the same beat or a different one.  As you play the rhythms and listen to the other person’s tempo and pulse, move your body in a way that reflects how it makes you feel, show animation if you feel happy, or close your eyes if it causes you to feel relaxed.  Key in on the non-verbal communication from your child. You can mention what you see and then ask them if you are right.  Example: “You are loving that beat.  I can tell by your smile. Am I right?”  Trade-off being the leader or the follower.  Notice the textures of the drums and how it makes your body feel when playing different ways with your full hands, fingers, palms, spoons, or sticks.

 

For information about our counseling services with mindfulness training for adults and children use our Contact Us link.

Lean On Us

Lean On Us

by | 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

 

 

Quarantine Self Care

Quarantine Self Care

by | 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.