Using Music Therapeutically
This lens is dedicated to sharing ideas about how to use music more effectively at home, in school and for therapeutic aid in a variety of settings. I hope to be able to provide specific examples for teachers, parents and individuals who would like to implement music based strategies to help those with disabilities, stress or medical issues.
~ D. B. Tague, MME, MT-BC
Table of Contents
- Most Popular Articles
- Important Websites About Using Music Therapeutically
- Books About Using Music in Therapy
- Especially for Teachers
- Songs I use in therapy!
- Teacher Music Toolkit!
- Especially for Parents
- Nuts and Bolts: How Music Works for Relaxation
- Music for Relaxation
- Music Therapy in the news:
- Music therapy in the blogosphere...
- Information about music therapy:
- Music therapy spotlight:
- Music therapy for kids!
- Twitter Notes
- Music therapy on Twitter!
Music Makes Sense
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Most Popular Articles
- Counting Using Music Works!
- This article provides an in-depth discussion about how to use music to facilitate counting. The ideas are based on using music in a special education setting.
- Ten Great Ways to Use a Gathering Drum
- A wonderful set of ideas about using a gathering drum in the special education classroom!
- Choosing Music For Relaxation
- Learn how to choose appropriate music to facilitate relaxation.
- FAQ: What Happens in a Music Therapy Assessment
- This article offers insight for parents and teachers about the procedures during a music therapy assessment in the public school setting.
- Lessons About Music From a Spin Class
- This has turned out to be one of the most visited posts on my website! This article is valuable for understanding why music works so well when used in conjunction with exercise.
- Memory Booster: Using Music to Memorize
- The children I work with have a range of disabilities from autism to mental retardation, but the principles of music that facilitate memorization remain the same for helping anyone remember key items of information.
Important Websites About Using Music Therapeutically
- Music Makes Sense
- This is my blog with an extensive library of articles about using music as therapy in school, at home, and in the health care setting. Articles are arranged by category and popular posts have been highlighted. I have also provided recommendations for books, music and instruments related to using music more effectively for the mind, body and soul.
- Music For the Heart
- Music for the Heart will present strategies to address the specific stress-inducing events that surround cardiovascular health problems. Recent research has emphasized the need for a holistic approach to health after heart attacks and cardiovascular surgery. This site will present tools and guidance to help patients elevate their mood, learn to relax and introduce music as a leisure-time tool to help them make the post-cardiac event lifestyle change.
- American Music Therapy Association
- The official site for the national organization for music therapists. The site offers information about using music therapeutically as well as information for prospective and current professionals.
- Prelude Music Therapy
- Our mission is to serve children and adults with special needs through sharing information; creating and publishing music therapy strategies.
- The Mind-Body Wellness Center
- Look in the research section for some amazing new studies by Dr. Barry Bittman!
- The Floortime Foundation
- Our mission: to redefine the potential of children with developmental and communication challenges by making the DIR/Floortime model broadly available.
- Health Rhythms
- HealthRHYTHMS is a new division within Remo Inc. that develops and provides materials, programs, training and the latest research supporting the use of drumming as an effective means for promoting and maintaining health and well-being.
- Upbeat Drum Circles
- Upbeat drum circles was created by Christine Stevens after her work with Remo on the Health Rhythms program. Drum circles are a wonderful way to connect with people and explore your mind, body and soul!
- Music Has Power: Institute for Music and Neurological Function
- This institute is a collaboration between music therapists and doctors that seeks to find research -based protocols to help stroke victims rehabilitate using music.
- The Music Therapy Show
- Janice Harris is a board certified music therapist with a blog radio show every Saturday at 4 pm Central time. The show allows for callers and guests to talk about music therapy in a variety of settings. The show is archived if you miss the broadcast.
- Music Therapy in Childbirth and Neonatal Care
- This is a terrific resource page for exploring music as an aid to childbirth. The page is part of the Music Therapy Association of British Columbia.
- FAQ Autism
- A resource for practical care giving. This site is written by a music therapist with many years of experience working with clients who have autism. Her advice covers interventions with music as well as useful strategies through other methods. This is a terrific resource!
- CAIRSS
- CAIRSS is a bibliographic database of music research literature in music education, music psychology, music therapy, and music medicine. Citations have been taken from 1,354 different journal titles; 18 of which are primary journals, meaning that every article ever to appear is included.
Books About Using Music in Therapy
Engaging Autism: Helping Children Relate, Communicate and Think with the DIR Floortime Approach (Merloyd Lawrence Book)
Although this is not a book about music therapy, many music therapists have been able to successfully incorporate music intervention into the floor-time model for children with autism. Greenspan has developed an exciting new paradigm to look at helping children with autism!
Amazon Price: $12.67 (as of 11/08/2009) 
List Price: $26.95
The Art and Heart of Drum Circles
Another great book by Christine Stevens. If you have ever been to a community drum circle, then this will be some great insight into what kinds of great things you are doing for your mind, body and soul as you participate. Christine also provides ideas for creating your own drum circle!
Amazon Price: $7.83 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $14.95
Therapeutic Uses of Music With Older Adults
Dr. Clair has compiled much research and practical experience about how music strategies can help patients with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. This book is also a great resource for explaining general theory and practice for music therapy.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $32.95
Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians
A new paradigm for explaining and treating autism. Dr. Bryan Jepson discusses the implications of the most recent research about the possible causes and interventions for autism. He is on staff at a treatment center for autism, Thoughtful House Center, in Austin, TX. This is a must read for the latest trends in helping kids with autism!
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $18.95
Music in Special Education
Mary Adamek is a music therapist with years of experience working in special education. This is a vital resource in planning music activities in order to address non-musical objectives of children with disabilities.
Amazon Price: $55.00 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $55.00
Especially for Teachers
- Five Ideas For Using Music Therapeutically With Children Who Have Visual Impairments
- Children who have visual impairments or blindness combined with disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, Down and other syndromes present unique challenges for using music therapeutically. Traditional adaptations for learning music as a skill may not work with these children. Many of the children may only be able to learn a very short rhythm or melodic sequence by rote and do not read braille due to cognitive impairments. These children also tend to have more acute sensory defensive behaviors towards objects in the environment. Therefore, it is important to employ music strategies to address non-musical objectives instead of trying to teach music as a skill.
- Schoolhouse Strategy: Drum Circles for the Special Needs Classroom
- A drum circle depends on the ability of the participants to play a steady beat or respond to the musical dynamic with a part that fits into the musical experience. A few people off the beat or not able to follow the directions of the leader will not disrupt the cohesion of the musical product. In a classroom with children with special needs it is still possible, however, to use a drum circle effectively for a group activity. The following strategies may be helpful for successful drumming with children who have disabilities.
- Schoolhouse Story: Bobby and the Ladybug
- I never cease to be amazed at the power of music to reach out and communicate with children with disabilities. Recently I conducted a music therapy assessment with a second grade student with autism who I will refer to as "Bobby" for the purpose of this article...
- What To Do and Not Do When Requesting a Music Therapy Assessment
- A nice list of things to look out for when considering recommending a student for a music therapy student. This article provides advice about what to look for and how certain observations might be significant.
- Songs for Teaching: Educational Children's Music Downloads/CDs
- Educational children's songs available on CDs or MP3 for downloading. Teachers and parents will find songs to help kids learn reading, math, science, English, and more. Free downloads and songsheets. I found this site and spent awhile exploring. A great resource for teachers and therapists looking for songs to teach specific content. I like the fact that you can listen to excerpts for most of the songs!
- Teacher Resource Page
- A page from Music Makes Sense that collects useful links for teachers. The page has grouped the links by category and is continually updated.
- Twin Sisters Productions, LLC. | Children's Educational Music
- Kids songs, children's music, songs that teach, teacher resources, homeschool resoures, kids CDs. Teachers and parents will find songs to help kids learn reading, math, science, English, foreign languages, and more. educational music, educational product. (~My take: Twinsisters have some very useful songs, but I really like the songs that use melody to help remember the lyrics and not just rhythm. I suggest listening to some of their samples before you purchase, but overall there are some good tools here.)
- Kangarooboo
- This site has a wonderfully unique selection of musical instruments. There are many instruments made to look like animals or characters and are great for stories and songs with themes!
Songs I use in therapy!
Teacher Music Toolkit!
Gathering Drum
The gathering drum is a versatile instrument to keep in the classroom. Here is a post about some ways to use the gathering drum: http://musicmakessense.blogspot.com/2007/11/schoolhouse-rock-ten-great-ways-to-use.html
Amazon Price: $74.95 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $139.00
Yamaha PSR-E313 61-Key Portable Keyboard with Survival Kit
Amazon Price: (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $349.99
Remo 12" Ocean Drum, Fish Design Head
Amazon Price: $38.00 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $62.00
Pretuned Tubanos In Tropical Leaf 12 inch Tropical Leaf
You can play this without tilting it in order to get it to sound! It is the perfect height for young children to stand by it and play or for older children and adults to play sitting down.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price:
THUNDER TUBE
Kids love this instrument! I use this for the thunder sound when we do a T-storm during group drumming. This is a real attention grabber for children with disabilities.
Amazon Price: $9.90 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price:
Especially for Parents
- **Parent Resource Page**
- I continually update this page with information especially useful for parents of children with disabilities. I have included links by category to articles and helpful websites.
- Schoolhouse Story: Wendy and the Power of Melody
- I am often called upon to conduct assessments to see if a student will qualify for music therapy as a related service. "Wendy" was referred for a music therapy assessment after her teacher observed that Wendy significantly increased her focus of attention during songs at circle time activities. Wendy has mild to moderate mental retardation and speech impairments. As part of the music therapy assessment process I observed Wendy working in the classroom during various group activities as well as some individual work.
- Schoolhouse Story: Scooby Doo Meets His Match!
- Ricki is eight years old and spends most of his day in a classroom set up for children who have autism. He had been observed spending much of his time singing to himself, but also paying attention to songs and music activities that were part of the regular classroom instruction. His teacher requested a music therapy assessment to evaluate the potential to help Ricki make better progress on his academic and communication objectives.
- Disaboom
- A web community developed by a doctor with quadriplegia. He seeks to connect people and resources about about strategies and support for a variety of different disabilities and health issues.
Nuts and Bolts: How Music Works for Relaxation
Most people intuitively understand that music can play a powerful role in helping set the mood or reflecting our current state of feeling. Understanding some of the ways music accomplishes this will enable us to use music as a tool. Music as a tool to facilitate relaxation is effective for several definable reasons. I would like to outline some of these basic properties and functions of music as it is used to aid in relaxation.
In our fast-paced world finding time for relaxing has become a major priority. Sometimes we only have a small window of opportunity to try and wind down or take a short break. Music can help by facilitating induction to relaxation. Just as our attention is immediately turned towards finding the flag when we hear the National Anthem being played, selected music can shift our attention of focus away from the hustle and bustle and towards the purpose of relaxing. As our focus changes to listen to the music, the rhythm of the music begins to establish parameters for our breathing. Breathing is a major component for any relaxation protocol and one of the first things that we can control in trying to begin relaxing. Music may also begin to effect changes in the autonomic body systems including heart rate and blood pressure. Over time and practice, selected music can become a cue for relaxation, a conditioned stimulus that sets the mind and body onto a course for relaxation.
Once the direction has been established in inducing relaxation, music has an important role in maintaining the setting for relaxation to continue. The music holds the focus of attention and may mask unwanted environmental sounds. Appropriate music selections will assist in slowing breathing and taking deep breaths. The rhythm and constant underlying pulse of sedative music selections are mental guidelines for breathing and progressively relaxing each part of the body. Heart rate and other indicators should remain steady and at a reduced count, especially as repeated practice with the same or similar music has established a conditioned response. The music, especially a well chosen melody, may also lead to positive emotional associations and allow for feelings of self-worth and affirmations.
Music to help in relaxation is best used when combined with other relaxation methods and protocols. As previously outlined, music is a good cue for relaxation and framework for maintaining a relaxed state for a defined period of time. Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, circular breathing, imagery or biofeedback are extremely effective when used in conjunction with music. Experiment with different tempos, rhythms and melodies to gain the full advantage of using music to help structure the relaxation experience. An ascending and then descending melodic scale may lend itself to deep breathing, for example. Some melodies and instrumental arrangements can help set the stage for painting a mental picture of a beautiful nature scene where worries and stress can melt away.
Practice makes perfect!
Music for Relaxation
In the Enchanted Garden
Start this CD at the first track and the first 20 minutes are perfect for a relaxation session!
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 11/08/2009)
Relax: A Liquid Mind Experience
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 11/08/2009)
Timeless Motion
The music of Daniel Kobialka offers beautiful melodies that often conform to the standards for sedative music. Relaxation music can sometimes be too repetitive and uninspiring. Mr. Kobialka has created something pleasant to the ear without destroying it's sedative properties.
Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 11/08/2009)
Health Journeys: Meditations to Relieve Stress
Amazon Price: $19.98 (as of 11/08/2009)
The Healing Drum Kit
Christine Stevens is a music therapist with years of experience using drum circles with small and large groups. She has combined a guide for drumming by yourself to achieve peace of mind or invigorate your life. The Drum Kit provides drumming tracks to help an individual or group feel like they are drumming with a real drum circle.
Amazon Price: $37.77 (as of 11/08/2009)
I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.
-- Billy Joel
Music Therapy in the news:
- Volunteers use music therapy to reach people, offer comfort
- Music Worx is a group of music therapists in San Diego who work with a variety of clients. This article describes some instances where music was used successfully to help patients in the Scripps Health System.
- Music Therapy Helps People with Disabilities
- An Article from the December 2007 issue of USINFO, a department of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U. S. The article describes several different uses of music therapy in helping patients with speech function, motor skills and emotional expression.
- HBNS: Music Therapy Might Soften Depression Symptoms
- An interesting article from England. The author discusses how five research studies were correlated to reveal that music therapy has a positive effect on mood when the music therapy approach is based on a consistent protocol.
- Music To The Ears Of Some Stroke Victims, Tunes May Help Their Recovery.
- New research indicates listening to tunes may help their recovery. Dr. Holly Phillips explains. This was on the CBS evening news in February 2008 and is a great article about the practical applications of music.
- Music as Medicine
- March 2008, U.S. News and World Report. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety and improve physical health. Almost everyone has used music at one time or another to relax or perhaps to get energized. But the discipline of music therapy takes the use of music much further, from battling depression to combating cancer...
- Reuters Highlights Music Makes Sense
- Music activities with a parachute! Special attention is given to parachute activities in the special education classroom.
- Music provides healing grace note for hospital patients - USATODAY.com
- Many hospitals use music to ease patients' pain, reduce anxiety and improve coping abilities. In a 2007 survey, 35% of U.S. health facilities offered some type of music to patients...
- Tunes to soothe: The healing power of music - Features, Health & Wellbeing - The Independent
- A survey of some current research in using music in the medical setting, during surgery and to manage pain.
- Study: Bee Gees' 'Stayin' Alive' Has Perfect Beat for CPR
- Bee Gees' 'Stayin' Alive' Has Perfect Beat for CPR, Sounds like the Bee Gees knew what they were talking about and were years ahead of medical research!
- Music Therapy a Big Hit With Kids in Dallas!
- This local news story has a nice embedded video showing live music therapy in action at a children's hospital.
Music therapy in the blogosphere...
- Listen Learn Music 11/7/2009 - jharrismtbc on Blog Talk Radio
- Rachel is a music therapist at the Hope Institute for Children Families and wrote Listen and Learn Educational songs for school home and play. Michelle Erfurt is the owner of Erfurt Music Therapy a private company devoted to improving ...
- Friday Fave: The Music Therapy Show
- I am going to be joining Michelle Erfurt, the music therapist who published the new Listen & Learn songbook, to talk about all about the book, the blog, and more. This is just in time for the national AMTA conference in San Diego, ...
- Assistant Professor (Music Therapy) - HigherEdJobs.com
- The Eastern Michigan University Department of Music and Dance seeks experienced, dynamic candidates who will add to the vibrancy of its highly successful and expanding music therapy program. Responsibilities will include: teach ...
Music therapy spotlight:
The Art & Science of Music Therapy (part 1)
Music Therapy is one of twelve majors offered by Berklee whose mission is to educate, train, and develop students to excel in music as a career. Students in the Music Therapy program learn to apply music's enormous force to improve the quality of life in individuals with special needs including children and adults with disabilities.
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curated content from YouTube
My personal recommendations:
Great music and books for the music therapist or teacher!
Your Love, My Home
Joshua has an amazing story about how he came to singing professionally. He began his life almost completely deaf, but music and singing played a large role in his rehabilitation after successful surgery to repair his hearing.
Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $13.98
Hap Palmer Favorites
Hap Palmer uses very nice melodies in his songs. They are often easy to play on the guitar or piano and are very memorable. I have been able to adapt many of his songs for use in music therapy and highly recommend his songs. This collection of favorites includes songs for movement to music, practicing socialization and learning academic skills.
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Best of Schoolhouse Rock
I used to listen to this music in between Saturday morning cartoons, but did not realize how great the songs were! The songs about counting and math are especially good in this collection.
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $18.98
Kindle: Amazon's Original Wireless Reading Device (1st generation)
A very easy way to pack all the books you want to read and reference while you are on the go! Watch the video description on Amazon and you will be sold on this reader!
Amazon Price: (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $359.00
Music therapy for kids!
Join with Music For The Heart!
Music for the Heart Mug
Price: 12.99
Music for the Heart Tote Bag
Price: 14.99
Music for the Heart Cap
Price: 16.99
Music for the Heart Messenger Bag
Price: 20.99
Twitter Notes
- musicmakessense
- aka musicmakessense
- 52 followers
- 17 following
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- I recently looked into Oxytocin and its use for Autism: http://tinyurl.com/yfsqt4d
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- Washington DC - Where nothing makes sense and the keys to knowledge have been lost forever! http://tinyurl.com/yz9gzkm
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- Dr. Jayne Standley recommends only up to 4 hours of music per day for premature babies. More than that is overstimulating.
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- Music therapy and preemies! http://tinyurl.com/yznm79o
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- Mill's Canons for Halloween! http://tinyurl.com/yzvr4r4
Reader Feedback
DBT70 wrote...
in reply to seedplanter Thank you so much for your kind words! I really try and provide helpful and unique information. It is good to know that people are finding useful material! Best wishes to you and your granddaughter!
Posted December 04, 2008
seedplanter wrote...
I really appreciate this lens. My five-year-old granddaughter is a special needs child with multiple disabilities. She absolutely loves music and responds to it beautifully. Thanks for such great reference links. Lots of good info I want to return and read.
Five *****'s and a fave!
Posted December 03, 2008
totalhealth wrote...
nice lens with good resources for music. informative too.
Posted October 15, 2008
Music therapy on Twitter!
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- Bridge2Recovery
- #Back #pain #remedy 5: Music therapy significantly reduce disability, anxiety + depression. Music had an immedi.. http://bit.ly/2p3aeP
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- Bridge2Recovery
- #Back #pain #remedy 5: Music therapy significantly reduce disability, anxiety + depression. Music had an immedi.. http://bit.ly/1LRNyG
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- playstack
- 16Volt – Therapy: http://www.last.fm/music/16Volt http://bit.ly/Cyn9e
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- andreamarchant
- Hearing quality live music is like melodic therapy. Over The Rhine=musical bliss. Unreal show at Largo tonight.
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- Bridge2Recovery
- #Back #pain #remedy 5: Music therapy significantly reduce disability, anxiety + depression. Music had an immedi.. http://bit.ly/2CDYKo
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