(585)377-1000
Nature’s Instruments: Making Music Outside

Nature’s Instruments: Making Music Outside

by | 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 mindfulness and notice the sounds of nature around us. From the sound of wind, to water flowing and birds singing, there is so much to hear in the spring. Let’s take the music of nature a step further this year and make some music with what you can find outside!  

Drum Sticks  

The stick is nature’s most convenient instrument! Sticks are easy to find around the yard, especially after all the windy days we’ve had this year. Note: we are not encouraging children to play their drumsticks anywhere they want! Part of the fun is finding something outside like a rock or tree stump that can withstand stick music. Try to find sticks that look the most like a drum stick. You can even peel off the bark and notice that the color is very similar. Play a recording on your phone, or sing a song to tap the sticks to. Before you know it, your kids will feel the thrill of being a nature drummer!  

Acron Whistles  

Playing the acorn whistle takes some practice, but once your kids master the skill they won’t want to stop! For this instrument, you only need the top of the acorn. Hold it in between your thumbs with just a tiny triangle to blow into. Put your mouth on your thumb’s knuckles, and blow. This whistle can be heard for miles!  

Some instruments are easier to watch, then learn. Check out this YouTube video for some help with the acorn whistle!  

The Power of Pebbles 

For this instrument, you may have to head to a local park with canal access or a pond. Safety first with this activity, don’t forget life jackets and have adequate adult supervision for the kids! Lake Ontario or the Erie canal are great places to check out in the Rochester area. To make music using water, simply find some pebbles or rocks along the shoreline. Drop one in the water, then another. Do they make different sounds? Is it a plunk or a thump?  

If you aren’t up for plunking pebbles, they actually make great instruments without water! Find two pebbles and tap them together. Click, click, click. The sounds you will hear from tapping two rocks together are similar to a Cuban instrument called the clave. Claves keep the beat for the whole band, and pebbles can too!  

Pinecone Scraper  

If you have pine trees at your house, go check underneath them for a pine cone. These large seeds have so much potential to grow into a pine tree or become an instrument! After you find the pinecone, you’ll need a small stick to act as the scraper. If you’re right-handed, hold the pinecone in your left hand and scrape across it with the stick. Depending on the direction you scrape, you will get a different sound.  

We found the idea for the pinecone scrapper on the PBS kids website. For more inspiration on nature’s instruments, check out their activity sheet from an episode of Nature Cat!  

Isn’t it amazing how almost any item can be used to make music? We hope these tips make your outdoor adventures even more fun as you hunt for the perfect nature inspired instrument.  

World Music Therapy Week 2024

World Music Therapy Week 2024

Apr 3, 2024

This blog was written by Robin Neary and Amy Thomas.  Happy World Music Therapy week! It brings us joy to know that all around the world music therapists are coming together to celebrate and educate our communities on our profession. This year, Upstate Music Therapy...

The Planets: A Story Orchestra

The Planets: A Story Orchestra

Apr 3, 2024

Blog post written by Abby Hamel On April 8th, 2024, an out-of-this-world event will occur: the solar eclipse! Rochester is lucky enough to be in the path of totality for this eclipse and I can feel the excitement around me. The Planets by Helen Mortimer is the newest...

Children’s Songs That Won’t Drive You Mad

Children’s Songs That Won’t Drive You Mad

Apr 3, 2024

Blog written by Rebecca Szalay If you are the parent of a young child, chances are you have a CD or playlist of young children’s songs that you listen to everywhere, especially in the car.  You may also find yourself singing “Baby Shark” in the grocery store because...

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2)

Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Part 2)

by | 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 both
the parents, children, and spousal relationship begin to notice a sense of calm even during the expected chaotic moments of raising children.

In Part 1 of this 2-part blog series, Parenting: Finding Calm in the Chaos, we focused on supporting parents by providing an adult inventory of potential triggers when parenting. If you did not get a chance to review that inventory, we encourage you to read the first blog and take a moment to reflect before attempting to implement the strategies we’ll be sharing with you today. 

No matter if your children have special needs, mental health challenges, or are typically developing, there are some helpful strategies we use as therapist, we believe are beneficial when implemented by parents as well. Keeping
in mind what you learned about your triggers and the things you can do to manage your needs, let’s now look at strategies to use with your children.

  • 5 Suggested Strategies to Use with Your Children:
    • Start the day with background music. Even before your children’s feet hit the floor have preselected music that you have noticed creates a calming environment for your family. This might be a playlist, nature-focused music, or a particular genre. Music can help instill calm, promote self-regulation, and impart a happy feeling. One idea for your
      family to try is this link of Disney Relaxing Piano.
    • Identify and communicate the allowed behaviors. Setting clear boundaries for children is vital. If they do not understand what is allowed and what is not, despite which adult is watching them, this can create confusion. For example, a parent can say the following: “Sitting at the table with feet on the floor and cleaning up your table space
      when finished eating will tell me that are ready for family game time.” Adopting the same style of communication as shown in this example is important for both parents to use as consistency creates calm. Notice how it was focused on the allowed behaviors.
    • Used planned-ignoring. There are times when your child wants attention and in some cases they will seek it anyway they can get it. Catching the child as soon as they stop a particular inappropriate attention seeking behavior and immediately giving them attention begins to shape their actions. They will learn that I do not have to be loud or
      doing something I am not supposed to be doing to get mom or dad’s attention.
    • Add fun perks for everyone working together. The idea of teaching a family to be a team increases the prospect of decreasing chaos. When children see that everyone is doing their part of the chores gets the work done quickly leaving time for movie night, they are much more apt to do their part without resistance. No child is too young to be
      involved. There are always simple tasks that can be completed by children as young as two and you will find that they really like having their own special role.
    • Consider a Safe or Sensory Space. Many of us were raised with the concept of time out. The point was to send a child to a separate location so that they are removed from the activity that is going on because they were misbehaving. We encourage coming at this from a more nurturing perspective. When we can identify the reason the child needs a change, such as your body does not look safe right now or you seem to need a quieter place to calm your thoughts you are letting the child know that you are paying attention and realize they are struggling. When a child is doing something that appears unsafe then helping them to understand the need to have them move to a safe chair or safe zone will make sure that no one gets hurt. The message is now coming from the focus of “Because I love you and your siblings, we want to be sure everyone stays safe”. When children notice their needs are being recognized, they calm much quicker. Many times, a child can learn to self-regulate on their own if provided with the most helpful environment. Below are examples to consider.

 

“Our greatest source of chaos can also be our greatest source of peace.

This is very true when it comes to parenting”.

– Amy Thomas

 

To reach out to a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist related to specific needs with a child click on our contact us link and one of our therapists will be in touch.

World Music Therapy Week 2024

World Music Therapy Week 2024

Apr 3, 2024

This blog was written by Robin Neary and Amy Thomas.  Happy World Music Therapy week! It brings us joy to know that all around the world music therapists are coming together to celebrate and educate our communities on our profession. This year, Upstate Music Therapy...

The Planets: A Story Orchestra

The Planets: A Story Orchestra

Apr 3, 2024

Blog post written by Abby Hamel On April 8th, 2024, an out-of-this-world event will occur: the solar eclipse! Rochester is lucky enough to be in the path of totality for this eclipse and I can feel the excitement around me. The Planets by Helen Mortimer is the newest...

Children’s Songs That Won’t Drive You Mad

Children’s Songs That Won’t Drive You Mad

Apr 3, 2024

Blog written by Rebecca Szalay If you are the parent of a young child, chances are you have a CD or playlist of young children’s songs that you listen to everywhere, especially in the car.  You may also find yourself singing “Baby Shark” in the grocery store because...

Developing Emotional Maturity in Children Using Social-Emotional Learning

Developing Emotional Maturity in Children Using Social-Emotional Learning

by | May 11, 2021

Blog post written by Katie Pistilli

If you’re a parent or professional in the education world, you’ve probably noticed a new buzzword: Social-Emotional Learning. What is Social-Emotional Learning, and what does it have to do with public schools?  

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) was a term coined by an organization called CASEL, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. 

According to CASEL, Social-Emotional Learning is “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” 

SEL guidelines are proven to: 

  • Increase student’s pro-social skills 
  • Cultivate skills needed to maintain positive relationships 
  • Increase academic performance 
  • Decrease anxiety and depression. 

The impact of SEL curriculum spans well into a child’s adulthood, with evidence showing that children exposed to SEL are less likely to experience poverty or incarceration.

SEL is based on the acquisition of 5 core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.  

A social-emotional learning curriculum not only has an impact on individual students, but their community as a whole.  

Music Therapy and Social Emotional Learning 

In many ways, music therapists have addressed these benchmarks for decades in our schools. We know the innate social-emotional benefits of making music with others, learning an instrument, and interpreting music. Here are a few specific ways that music therapy addresses the 5 core SEL competencies:  

1) Self-Awareness 

Self-Awareness ranges from identifying emotions to more complex skills such as linking thoughts to feelings. In music therapy these skills can be addressed with:  

  • Putting thoughts and feelings to music while songwriting.  
  • Asking the question:  Is this song happy or sad? 

2) Self-Management  

Self-Management encompasses skills related to managing emotions and coping with stress. In music therapy, we can address these skills with:  

3) Responsible Decision-Making  

Responsible Decision-Making involves the ability to think critically of one’s actions and how our behavior impacts those around us. In music therapy this might look like: 

  • Learning how to play instruments and take care of them. 
  • Listening to peers in a group, being respectful and responding with kindness to their ideas.  

4) Relationship Skills 

Relationship skills involve social behaviors such as developing friendships and communicating with others. Since music is an innately social experience, it is common to address these skills in music therapy. 

  • Learning social songs to help children remember and learn the nuances of social behavior such as having conversations or what to do when someone gives a complement. 
  • Cultivating a hobby or shared interest with a classmate through music. 

5) Social Awareness 

Social Awareness skills involve understanding the perspectives of others and cultivating empathy. In music therapy this may look like: 

  • Discussing the meaning behind lyrics and considering what an artist was trying to express. 
  • Sharing instruments and taking turns during group music making experiences.  

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that now more than ever it is essential to take social-emotional learning seriously. The children in our community have so much to gain from adults in their lives valuing these skills.  

If you think music therapy could be a helpful resource for a child you know to work on Social-Emotional Learning skills, please contact us. We would love to hear from you! 

Becoming MT-BCs: Presented by Casey Kunzer, MT-BC

Becoming MT-BCs: Presented by Casey Kunzer, MT-BC

Apr 10, 2024

This blog was written by Casey Kunzer, MT-BC  On March 1st myself and my colleague Lauren had the opportunity to attend and present at SUNY Fredonia’s Mini Music Therapy Conference. Our presentation, “Becoming MT-BCs,” aimed to educate and empower student music...

World Music Therapy Week 2024

World Music Therapy Week 2024

Apr 3, 2024

This blog was written by Robin Neary and Amy Thomas.  Happy World Music Therapy week! It brings us joy to know that all around the world music therapists are coming together to celebrate and educate our communities on our profession. This year, Upstate Music Therapy...

Current Events: Marcus Whitman Community Partnership Event

Current Events: Marcus Whitman Community Partnership Event

Oct 26, 2022

This blog post was written by Robin Neary, MT-BC This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Robin Neary, MT-BC, Jamie Swieringa, MT-BC, and Casey Kunzer, MT had the pleasure of attending Marcus Whitman School District’s Community Partnership Event. Families,...

Mental Health Awareness: Equipping our Children

Mental Health Awareness: Equipping our Children

by | May 4, 2021

Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety, and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives. Alarmingly, however, 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.   

The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.  Equipping our children begins from the time they are born and is heavily impacted by consistency, predictability, and acknowledgement that children communicate through play.    

If we recognize that play is the language of a child and that they can and will communicate their thoughts, ideas, and concerns during play then it makes perfect sense to not only encourage play but to join our children in the act of play.  In comparison, maybe you have experienced the following. You ask your child how they are feeling or what is wrong.  Perhaps the response was a shrug of the shoulders, a brief answer with little detail, crying, yelling, or shutting down.  On the other hand, when a parent begins to play with their child noticing what they are choosing to play with, how their body looks while playing, or what they say, it quite often can give the parent a much clearer window into their emotions and thoughts.  This applies to teens as well.  They are more likely to interact and share while engaged in a game, while kicking a ball, or working on a project together.   

Consider this list of things that help keep children and young people mentally well in addition to having time and the freedom to play, indoors and outdoors. 

  • feeling loved, trusted, understood, valued and safe 
  • being interested in life and having opportunities to enjoy themselves 
  • being hopeful and optimistic 
  • being able to learn and having opportunities to succeed  
  • accepting who they are and recognizing what they are good at
  • having a sense of belonging in their family, school, and community 
  • feeling they have some control over their own life 
  • having the strength to cope when something is wrong (resilience) and the ability to solve problems. 
  • being in good physical health, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise 
  • being part of a family that gets along well most of the time 

As parents we can do our very best to keep our children mentally healthy however the statistics show that fifty percent of mental illness begins by age 14, and three-quarters begins by age 24.   

What are the signs that my child needs to see a mental health professional? 

Consider seeking help if you notice changing eating or sleeping habits, engaging in destructive behaviors, self-destructive behaviors, extreme feelings of sadness or worry, behaving badly impacting life at school or home, isolating from friends, regressing such as bedwetting or clinginess, increased physical complaints, or talks about death frequently.  

If your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. 

Trained mental health professionals include Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and Licensed Creative Art Therapists.  To speak with an LCAT please fill out the form on the contact us tab. 

 

World Music Therapy Week 2024

World Music Therapy Week 2024

Apr 3, 2024

This blog was written by Robin Neary and Amy Thomas.  Happy World Music Therapy week! It brings us joy to know that all around the world music therapists are coming together to celebrate and educate our communities on our profession. This year, Upstate Music Therapy...

The Planets: A Story Orchestra

The Planets: A Story Orchestra

Apr 3, 2024

Blog post written by Abby Hamel On April 8th, 2024, an out-of-this-world event will occur: the solar eclipse! Rochester is lucky enough to be in the path of totality for this eclipse and I can feel the excitement around me. The Planets by Helen Mortimer is the newest...

Children’s Songs That Won’t Drive You Mad

Children’s Songs That Won’t Drive You Mad

Apr 3, 2024

Blog written by Rebecca Szalay If you are the parent of a young child, chances are you have a CD or playlist of young children’s songs that you listen to everywhere, especially in the car.  You may also find yourself singing “Baby Shark” in the grocery store because...

Book: Singing in the Rain

Book: Singing in the Rain

by | Apr 13, 2021

Blog post written and submitted by Kayla Davitt, MT-BC 

Imagine you are a young child again. It’s raining. You see a puddle forming in front of your house. What do you do? Do you stay inside and shelter yourself from the rain? Do you run outside and jump in the puddle? When I was younger, I would have stayed inside and sheltered myself from the rain. However, my views changed when I picked up the storybook Singing in the Rain based on the song by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown and illustrated by Tim Hopgood.

If you’re a lover of musicals like myself, it’s likely that you have seen “Singin’ in the Rain” with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. If you’re not familiar with the movie musical, there is a scene in the movie when Gene Kelly’s character realizes he is starting to fall in love with the character played by Debbie Reynolds. He proceeds to go outside, realizes it’s raining, and decides to sing in the rain instead of hiding under an umbrella. This song is the epitome of seeing the good in every day. Don’t let the rain dull your shine!

This storybook has beautifully illustrated pictures by Tim Hopgood. The illustrations create a sense of innocence. Children throughout the book can be seen dancing, jumping in puddles, catching raindrops in their mouths, and flying through the sky using their umbrellas! When reading this book with your child, ask them what they like to do when it’s raining. If your situation allows for it, I encourage you to take your child outside and jump and splash in the puddles! Ask them how it makes them feel and why they think it is important to see the good in every day.

Tim Hopgood, the illustrator of this storybook, leaves a message at the end of the book, illuminating the importance of never taking a moment for granted:

“Apart from ‘Singing in the Rain’ being the centerpiece to one of my favorite films, the reason I chose to illustrate this song is its underlying positive message. As adults, it is easy to forget the joy of rain.

We tend to view it as an inconvenience rather than the wonderful thing that it is. Rain is something beautiful that connects all life, from the city to the rain forest. So next time it rains, don’t stay indoors. Go outside and soak it up like the children in this book. What a glorious feeling it is!”

For some inspiration, you can watch the clip of Gene Kelly from the movie Singing in the Rain. You can also have the song playing while enjoying this book with your child!

 

We hope you enjoy using this storybook in your child’s schooling adventures, whether they be attending in-person, remotely, or both! 

If you wish to purchase this storybook on Amazon, click here.

Happy reading!