Musical Preference. Is It Really That Important?

Musical preference.

Is it really that important to consider?

Last Sunday, one of my favorite groups started back in session: Friendship Circle. At Friendship Circle, I lead sessions for children, tweens and teens.

Every year I learn all brand new songs based on the musical preferences of the clients in these groups.

This year I was knee deep in Jason Derulo, Rachel Platten, Omi, and of course the ever popular Taylor Swift.

As I was working on learning these new songs, it got me thinking about why I spend so much time taking the musical preferences of my clients into consideration and why I learn so many new songs so frequently.

Here are some of the main reasons why taking musical preferences into account is so important for me:

1) I believe that when you accept your client’s music, what you’re communicating is that you accept them. I remember when I was 14 I was obsessed with the Backstreet Boys. If someone had told me I shouldn’t listen to their music, I would have been crushed. I believe when you show acceptance of a client’s music, you’ve taken a step toward building therapeutic rapport with that client.

3) To engage clients. I believe they are much more likely to be excited to participate in a musical experience if it incorporates their favorite song or singer. If they’re excited to participate, they’re more likely to stay engaged and meet their goals and objectives.

4) It’s important to ask about musical preferences because they might surprise you! Yes, the majority of my clients love Bruno Mars and One Direction, but clients in my tween group at Friendship Circle shared that they liked Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper! (I was not expecting that one!)

There are a few creative methods I’ve come up with to learn the musical preferences of the teen clients I work with.

(I supposed I could just ask, but what fun is that?)

In Tuneful Teens, I share a survey I give to my clients at the first session (and again at the start of every year) to learn their favorite musical artists, favorite songs, and the musical experiences they’d like to take part in during music therapy.

Check out Tuneful Teens here to find that survey ~

In Tuneful Teens 2 I share some musical games I use to learn the musical preferences of my group. These musical games allow clients to hear the musical preferences of others in their group so you can make connections.

Check out Tuneful Teens 2 here to find those musical game ideas ~