Music Therapy Live from Chicago!

Here is a great video about music therapy out of Chicago!  All of these stories in the news are very valuable in spreading the word about music therapy.  


It was nice to see this news story about music therapy with kids who have disabilities since there have been so many stories recently about medical music therapy.  Enjoy!

Birthday Song Secrets Revealed!

I received just a few renditions of the Birthday song today!  It made me think about how useful the song is in music therapy.  Not only is it a very well-known song, even used in France and other countries, but it is full of very clear and motivating cadences.  


A cadence is a musical term describing the resolution of a series of chords.  Basically, it is the way a musical phrase comes to a close or resting point.  This can be very useful in a music therapy assessment to evaluate music skill and music interest that could be important in music therapy activities.


As we all know, the Birthday song goes like this:


Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to _________, 
Happy birthday to __________.  


By leaving blanks in the song at the end of phrases, it is possible to find out if a client is motivated to fill in the blanks.  Ending the last phrase on the word "to" leaves the musical feeling in suspense, with an urge to resolve to the tonic chord.  Then, if the client is inclined to sing a response, is it the correct pitch?  


If a client responds to blanks in this song, it is likely that other songs and activities may be similarly successful.  Target information can be placed in key parts of a song to help a client learn.  The motivation to complete a musical phrase can also be used to improve expressive communication skills.


Now, just for fun...go sing the song to someone and stop before you sing the last "you."  How long does it take for them to fill in the blank?  Did you find anyone that it didn't bother?      

Great Resource for Adapted Guitar Lessons!

Dr. Robert Krout is one of the great professors of music therapy in Texas!  He teaches at Southern Methodist University and has published several books and recordings.  


One of his newest books is a method book aimed at guitar students who have special needs.  The book also looks like it will be very useful for the music therapist or guitar teacher who is facilitating the student.  Not only does Dr. Krout provide great examples on the accompanying CD, but the practice songs have specifically been chosen and written to have a dual role in the lessons. 


One song, for example, has lyrics that provide cues and language to talk to a person about how he or she is doing.  So, not only is the student learning a new chord or guitar technique, but also practicing and learning social skills!  


You really need to check out this great new resource!