Student Spotlight: Practical Music Ideas for Little Ones—From Two Emerging Voices in Music Therapy

 

I’m thrilled to celebrate two of my students—Ayaha Hariyama and Ursula Chumley—whose creative, family-friendly ideas are featured in the latest issue of imagine, the multimedia magazine for early childhood music therapy.

If you’re a parent, educator, or therapist looking for simple, evidence-informed ways to bring music into a child’s day, these two contributions are gold: quick to try, developmentally sensitive, and fun.

What’s inside this issue

1) “Tuneful Routines” (curated by Ayaha Hariyama)
A cheerful, sing-along playlist designed to support everyday transitions (waking up, getting dressed, mealtime, personal hygiene, bedtime). It’s built for connection and predictability—two elements that help young children move smoothly through the day.

Try this today:

• Pick one routine (e.g., brushing teeth).

• Choose a short, upbeat song that always signals that routine.

• Start the track, model the action, and invite your child to join. Over time, the music becomes the cue—less nagging, more smiling.

2) “Daily Music-Mediated Activities—Week #8” (curated by Ursula Chumley)
A week of playful, five-minute activities (Motivation Monday → Feel-Good Friday) that weave in rhythm, movement, memory, and imagination. Perfect for home or classroom brain breaks.

Try this today:

• “Song Box” surprise (Tuneful Tuesday idea): Place a few small items in a box. Pick one, name it together, and sing a matching song.

• “Letter Detective!” (Thinking Thursday idea): Draw a simple letter/shape on a card, clap a steady beat, and sing the letter’s name while your child “finds” it around the room.

Why these ideas work

• Predictable musical cues reduce stress around transitions and help children anticipate what’s next.

• Short, repeated music moments build attention, language, and self-regulation—without feeling like “work.”

• Co-regulation through music (adult + child together) boosts connection and keeps activities joyful.

Who this is for

• Parents & caregivers: quick wins that fit into real life.

• Early childhood educators: easy center-ready activities and calm transitions.

• Music therapists & clinicians: family-friendly ideas you can share between sessions to generalize skills at home.

How to get the issue

Read the new issue of imagine (digital, multimedia format) here:
imagine 2025 → https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/product/imagine-2025/

Tip: Share this post with a colleague, teacher, or parent who loves practical ideas.

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About the contributors

Ayaha Hariyama and Ursula Chumley are students at Southern Methodist University who are passionate about helping families use everyday music for development, connection, and fun. I’m proud of their thoughtful, accessible contributions to the field.

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Sharing note

Please share this blog post and the official imagine issue link above. Because imagine is a paid digital magazine, please don’t repost full PDFs or copy entire pages. Screenshots for commentary/education with attribution are fine; link back to the issue so creators are supported.

Pair These Ideas with Kid-Friendly Books & Printables

If Ayaha’s Tuneful Routines and Ursula’s five-minute music activities spark ideas for your home or classroom, here are simple ways to weave in my music-themed books and printables:

Animal Band Coloring Books (quiet focus + smooth transitions)

• Use a one-song coloring break between activities or after a routine (e.g., “brush teeth → color for one song”).

• Keep a “calm table” with crayons and an open page for children who need a regulation pause.

• Handy for waiting rooms, centers, and rainy-day bins.
  Browse the series on my Amazon Author Page → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Seasonal & Theme Variants (motivation + novelty)

• Rotate seasonal editions (e.g., Halloween Animal Band) to refresh engagement without changing the routine structure.

• Use seasonal pages as a Friday “feel-good” reward after a week of short music moments.
  See seasonal titles → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Music-Forward Activity & Puzzle Books (quiet stamina + literacy links)

• Pair Ursula’s Thinking Thursday with music-themed word searches or simple puzzles for literacy carryover.

• Try a 2-track timer: one song to start, one song to finish—then switch tasks.
  Explore activity & puzzle options → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Composition & Idea Notebooks (adult/teacher toolkit)

• Keep a routine log: which songs work best for wake-ups, clean-ups, or bedtime cues.

• Jot song prompts, lyric swaps, and child-preferred tracks so any caregiver can step in.
  Find composition notebooks → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Why this helps: predictable musical cues + short, repeated creative tasks support self-regulation, attention, and language—and they stay joyful because they feel like play.

How College Students Actually Use Music—And What That Means for Wellness (and Music Therapy)

College life can be a lot—new routines, academic pressure, and distance from your usual support system. Our new study looked at how students intentionally use music in their everyday lives and what that might mean for stress, mood, and attention. We surveyed first- and second-year undergrads living on campus and asked about where, why, and how they listen to music—and how it affects them.

The headline takeaways

• Most students use music to influence mood. In our sample, over nine out of ten students reported using music in the past week to shift how they felt—relieving stress or anxiety, easing loneliness, or just resetting.

• Strong emotional reactions to music are common. About seven in ten experienced a strong emotional response to music in the last week, often in everyday, unplanned listening.

• Listening is often solo and in personal spaces. Top spots were dorm rooms, cars, and the gym; students mostly cue up music individually via streaming.

Why this matters (for everyone)

If you’re a student (or work with students), you probably already feel how powerfully music shapes the day. What our findings add is a clearer picture of how students are already using music—on purpose—to regulate mood, boost focus, and explore identity. That means we can be more intentional about the “what, when, and why” of listening.

Why this matters (for music therapists)

The data suggest practical, low-friction entry points for care—even when formal services are hard to access. Think brief, personalized listening plans, playlist consults, guided breathing+music routines, and micro-interventions students can use between sessions. And because so much listening is individual and on-demand, it’s a great fit for telehealth or hybrid models. The article includes concrete clinical considerations across assessment, planning, and delivery.

What you can try this week

• Build “mood-matching, then shifting” playlists. Start where you are emotionally, then sequence two tracks that gently move you toward where you want to be.

• Create a pre-study cue. One short instrumental track to start your focus window; use the same one every time to condition the routine.

• Notice the “when” and “where.” If you always listen in your dorm or car, pair specific playlists with that context on purpose.

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Read the paper

Clinical Implications of College Students’ Music Listening Habits and Perceptions of Personal Impact. Music Therapy Perspectives, 2025. DOI: 10.1093/mtp/miaf008.
Authors: Daniel Tague, Jana Annabi, Rachel Franklin, and Emily Nielson.

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P.S. If you enjoy evidence-based music resources…

I’ve been building kid-friendly, music-themed activity and coloring books that weave in wellness skills—great for classrooms, waiting rooms, and brain breaks. You can browse the Animal Band series and seasonal editions on Amazon. My Amazon Author Page

 

 

Introducing the New Piano-Themed Composition Book:

A Creative Escape for Music Lovers

Hello, music enthusiasts and creative souls! I’m excited to share some big news with you. Not only have I republished my existing books with stunning, high-resolution graphics both inside and out, but I’ve also released a brand-new, piano-themed composition book that’s designed to inspire and relax you. You can find them all now on my Amazon author page, and I can’t wait for you to check it out!

A Visual and Creative Upgrade

This isn’t just any composition book—it’s a thoughtfully crafted tool for creativity and self-expression. The cover boasts a sleek, piano-inspired design that’s perfect for musicians, music students, or anyone who loves the elegance of musical themes. Inside, the piano keyboard themed lined pages make it fun to use, whether you’re writing song ideas, sketching, or simply organizing your day. 

I’ve upgraded the visuals on all the books based on your feedback, ensuring a premium experience from cover to cover.

A Tool for Relaxation and Well-Being

What makes these books extra special? More than just coloring books or word searchers—it’s a way to unwind and boost your mental health. Packed with fun animal coloring pages and words evoking peace and meditation to find in the word searches, it’s designed to help you destress and find calm in your busy life.

Coloring for Calm: 

The coloring books feature creatively illustrated pages ready for you or your kids
to color. Coloring isn’t just fun—it’s a proven way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Studies show it can lower anxiety and help you focus on the present moment, making it a perfect break from life’s chaos.

Word Searches for Focus: 

They’re simple, enjoyable, and a fantastic way to let go of daily worries.

Real Benefits, Real Joy

People just like you have found these activities transformative. One fan told me, “Coloring feels like a mini-vacation for my mind—it’s so soothing!” Another said, “Word searches are my go-to after a long day. They help me reset.” Although aimed at kids I created these coloring books with those benefits in mind, hoping to bring a little more peace and creativity into your world. I think sometimes the adults color more than the kids!

Get Yours Today!

Ready to experience it for yourself? 

Whether you’re a musician looking for inspiration, a student needing a creative outlet, or just someone who loves a good notebook or to keep their hands busy, any one of these books is calling your name. It’s also a fantastic gift idea for the music lover in your life.Head over to my Amazon author page to pick up your copy today. Want more tips on how music and creativity can lift your spirits? 

Check out my blog for more ideas and insights.

Here’s to creativity, calm, and finding your rhythm!