For one of the school district classrooms I consult with, the classroom teacher requested a song to assist her students in remembering, and understanding, the basic rules of the classroom. I created a song and video for the teacher to use in the classroom, and we also outlined some basic movements that could be used
1. Guitar Lullaby- Ricardo Cobo This relaxing guitar CD is sophisticated and calming. I often use it in movement warm-ups or as a recommendation for clients to unwind and prepare for rest/sleep. It is one of my go-to CD’s when I need a whole CD of tranquil tracks to relax to myself. 2. Classic Williams:
Several years ago I provided a series of drumming workshops for teachers and counselors at a local school district. Near the end of the series, they requested a session on learning simple but sophisticated drum patterns that they could present to some of their students in a music appreciation festival. I felt that it would be helpful to
The drum has always been an inexhaustible tool for the music therapist to use in countless ways. When working with students with speech disorders and related issues, I find that drumming coordinates the mind, body, and voice! The timing, sensory motor involvement, and feedback provided during drum play makes it an invaluable tool to build
While working on calendar skills and social questions, I composed a song to work on both. I isolated three days on the calendar, to work on labeling yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I found that isolating these three days helped students learn the concept faster. I created a simple board to use as a visual support,
Sometimes during extended programming at schools, I have the opportunity to link into a focus topic for the week. One focus topic in the summer was the OCEAN! For some of my first and second grade students, I gave the old Raffi classic “Down By The Bay” a make-over! Since the original included a
I selected this traditional Irish saying as inspiration for one of my Orff-Schulwerk groups. In class, I was just introducing music that featured movement between the I and V chord on Orff instruments. Since it was March, I thought I would use this beautiful Irish saying and incorporate it into my lesson plan. I often enjoy adding American Sign Language
Slow It Down: A Piggyback Song for Calming Down from Megan Resig on Vimeo.
Utilizing body movements or motions to cue instrument play with students is a great way to foster timing and connectivity. The student in this video is playing an open tuned guitar. The strings are tuned to a G chord. Throughout the song "Ten Minutes Ago", the musical goal is to play the G chord as it appears in
I love incorporating positive thinking and self-empowering statements into vocal improvisations and songs with my students. I find that many of my students will report how a specific affirmation explored in music will enter their thoughts at "just the right time". Some examples of affirmations are "I rejoice in the love I encounter every day.", "Every decision
