Using Not-So-Therapeutic Songs Therapeutically: Mini Musical Bios (+ FREEBIE!)

I am on a mission!

A mission to figure out how to use those “not-so-therapeutic” client-preferred songs and artists purposefully in our sessions.

So far, I’ve shared how you could use those songs during Name That Tune with a Twist and during Pop Music Relaxation experiences.

Today, I’m sharing an idea I came up with during covid when all my sessions were virtual.

I had to figure out how to connect with my tween and teen clients across the computer screen.

So, I started coming up with Mini Musical Bios and turned them into a game of Guess Who.

I started with a list of a few of my clients’ favorite singers and bands.

For each one, I created a PDF with pictures and factoids about that singer or band – one factoid and picture per page.

I made them large and colorful and visually appealing.

Each factoid was a clue to see if my clients could guess who the singer or band was.

I tried to include a mix of basic info, such as “I am a singer-songwriter, filmmaker, and former professional surfer” and little known facts that might stump even the biggest fans, such as “I’m an environmentalist and care deeply about the world’s oceans.”

At the end of the PDF, I’d ask my clients to try to guess who the singer or band was.

Click here to download a FREE PDF Mini Musical Bio for Meghan Trainor!

This was a great way to encourage communication skills amongst my clients.

Following this, we would move into a musical experience that included a song by that singer or band. It could be music and movement, singing, instrument playing, etc – the possibilities are endless!

This was a great way to keep my middle and high school music therapy clients engaged and excited about coming to our sessions.

Did this idea help or spark something for you?

Keep that spark alive! Now through August 31, 2025, you can sign up for Elevate at a discounted rate AND with some awesome bonus material.

Elevate is an email idea subscription designed to help you infuse creativity and FUN into your sessions with school-age & teen clients with autism & related disabilities. You’ll earn 10 pre-approved CMTE credits per package.

These resources will super charge you and get you ready for your music therapy sessions and classes this Fall.

There are three packages to choose from: the Teen Package, the Attention/Perception Package, or The Holidays & Themes Package.

Each package is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 10 continuing education credits.

You’ll receive an email with new musical experience ideas in your inbox each month for six months.

Click here to sign up for Elevate now through August 31st, so you can take advantage of the discounted rate AND bonus material: Keeping Things Cool for Your Teen Clients in Music Therapy.

In this bonus PDF, you’ll get: