We Are… Songwriters

If you have spent any time on my blog or follow me on facebook, twitter, or pinterest, then you certainly know that I love song writing!   Like many music therapists, I write several of the songs that I use in individual and group music therapy sessions.  These songs are written to address the specific needs of my client, but can be used with other individuals as well! Instead of writing a lengthy post about my song writing process, I thought it would be a appropriate to share a NEW song with all of you!  Happy Listening!   Hey! How Are You Today? by On A Good Note Read More

Can You Play It Like This? – Music Therapy Game

The other day I came across a speech therapy website that listed several wonderful interventions, apps, and word lists the therapist was using within sessions.  Her lists and ideas got me thinking about some ways I could apply the same ideas within my music therapy sessions. I took the idea for The Action Bag, gave it a musical twist, and used it within my sessions to target the following goal areas: following directions, reading, articulation, eye contact, creativity, expression, gross/fine motor, turn taking, and exploring new vocabulary. You can also adapt this musical game to meet your clients’ specific need! Materials needed:  Brown paper bag, markers, paper, scissors, 1 durable instrument (I used an egg shaker) Directions:  Decorate the bag however you like. Print out the list of actions available for free download on The Action Bag webpage or create your own list of actions.  (I did a little of both and did not include all of the actions listed on the printable page.  Use your best discretion when planning for your particular client) Cut apart the actions and place them in Read More

This is How I Feel – Song For Expression

Today’s new song is focused on identifying emotions, managing feelings, and appropriate expression.  The instrumental track and bonus items are the real resource today! When you download the album, not only do you have an example of how the song could sound, but you also get and instrumental track, the chord sheet, and the worksheet to help identify emotions, their causes, and ways to appropriately express and cope with those feelings, .  You then can add those words from the worksheet to the fill in the blank lyric sheet to create your own personalized song! I am currently using this song with a client following our greeting.  We often add pictures or drawings as a visual aid for our song! I hope you can find a way to use this resource in your session!   This is How I Feel by On A Good Note Read More