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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.

Remote Music Therapy from a Parent’s Perspective

Remote Music Therapy from a Parent’s Perspective

by | Jun 17, 2020

Behind every child in music therapy, there is an adult who helped them get there. Upstate Music Therapy Center is grateful to all of our parents and guardians who have worked tirelessly to ensure their children are getting the support they need during this time.

Aaron has been receiving music therapy services for ten years now. He has adjusted to new therapists during that time and most recently has worked with Ms. Katie at Newark Education Center. Aaron is an energetic, spunky young man who loves to have a good time. He is full of smiles and laughs. Music therapy is a highly motivating means for Aaron to practice skills to be successful in the academic setting, such as following directions and engaging in conversation with his communication device.

Aaron’s Mom, Laurie, has been a wonderful participant in his music therapy sessions this spring. She is always by his side on teletherapy calls and is one of many parents who has gained a new perspective on what their child’s services in school look like.

For this interview, Aaron’s therapist chatted with Laurie about her experience with music therapy in Aaron’s life, as well as the most recent developments in teletherapy.

  • How long has your child received music therapy services? Why did you initially want him to start?

Aaron started receiving music therapy around age 3 [he is now 13]. Music would be calming when he got overstimulated and it helped him become more vocal.  

  • What are your child’s favorite instruments and songs? Do you use music in the home with your child?

He likes to play his drums at home and he likes songs fun songs. Aaron will often be heard singing in the car.  

  • Do you have any fun stories about your child and music that you would like to share?

I have enjoyed watching him participate in music. I love how he sings, knows the songs… how he can count the beat and keep the rhythm. I don’t really get to see him in action so I really have enjoyed music with Katie.

  • How does music therapy help Aaron to communicate?

Aaron can communicate [in music therapy] and Katie encourages Aaron to use his device to talk. Aaron can answer questions and is able to communicate his wants and needs with it.   

  • How has music therapy helped during this period of remote learning?

So many people complain about the tele therapies but I really like to see him in the therapy setting.   I am totally amazed at what he does.  There is a lot more to music therapy than I thought, such as following the beat, being vocal, counting, listening, following directions, and more.  

 

To Laurie, and all the other parents, guardians, and family members out there who have helped their students with teletherapy during this time, we want to thank you for all you have done. Without your help getting on Zoom calls, coping with technical difficulties, and keeping that calendar organized, we would not be able to do our jobs and provide music therapy to your children. Here’s to a summer of rolling with the changes, and continuing to develop these great relationships!

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.

Book: Over the Rainbow

Book: Over the Rainbow

by | 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

A Whole New World: Music Teletherapy

by | 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.