Earlier this week, I walked out of my virtual music therapy sessions glowing.

The sessions had been great, the group of teens I worked with were totally engaged in our experiences, and it almost felt like there was no “online” barrier.

I felt the same connection I feel when we’re “in-person” together. It was pretty amazing!

During that session, I made use of two of my favorite tools: Zoom screen share and GarageBand.

I started off by giving the teens a mini-tutorial on how to use GarageBand.

They’re pretty tech savvy, so they were excited to learn. I showed them how to pull up and preview apple loops, and drag them over to create layers for a looped beat (you can learn how to do that for CMTE credits here).

Following the tutorial, we worked together to create our own beats.

I’d preview the apple loops or they would ask me to play one, and then we’d work together to determine what sounded good together.

We created two complete beats, and then used them in other musical experiences that I had planned for the session: a movement activity and a songwriting experience to “What I Am” by Will.I.Am (you can learn about how I facilitate this here).

After the session, I emailed the MP3 files with the looped beats to their families, along with the lyrics we wrote to “What I Am.”

I LOVED hearing the positive feedback from all the teens:

“That sounds cool.”

“I like the way that sounds.”

“We did awesome.”

So many positive things were going on here:

The teens were learning a new skill that can be used in their leisure time.

The group members were working together and negotiating to create something.

They had the opportunity to be creative and express themselves.

And, they felt empowered and proud they had created something that sounded so good.

If you’re looking for more creative ideas to incorporate into your virtual music therapy sessions, I put together a Virtual Music Therapy Session Planning Pack and it’s been flying off the E-Shelves:

In the E-Book, you’ll learn creative musical experiences that are effective in teletherapy and easily customized for your clients.

You’ll learn: musical game ideas, instrument activities, and creative movement experiences; how to use listening guides; and some brand new ideas that I’ve created just for my virtual sessions.

Along with the E-Book, you’ll get: visuals, picture cards, a musical game template, sample listening guide, and sample mini musical bios, as well as a looped hip hop beat MP3.

It’s everything you need to implement the ideas in your virtual sessions right away! 

The post Virtual Music Therapy With Teens To Promote Creativity & Self-Expression appeared first on Wholesome Harmonies, LLC.

Have you heard the word? We are now offering telehealth music services!

• Individual Music Therapy
• Group Music Therapy
• Adapted Music Lessons
• Developmental Music Classes

We’re happy to be able to provide these virtual services so our current clients can continue receiving services, and so we can meet new friends around the world to make music with online.

Click here to contact us about setting up virtual services with one of our wonderful board-certified music therapists or teachers.

Schedule
The wonderful thing about telehealth services is that they can be scheduled at “virtually” any time! Our therapists and teachers are available to schedule services throughout the week at a time that is convenient for you and your child. Services can be scheduled once a week or multiple times per week.

FAQs
What can I expect from a virtual music therapy session?
You can expect to have fun and make a lot of music! In our virtual music therapy sessions, we engage our clients in songwriting, singing and song discussion, movement and dancing, and musical games. We use online programs like GarageBand to create looped beats and record songs. Throughout the session, the therapist will use lots of colorful visuals to engage your child – we’ll show song lyrics, musical game boards, songwriting templates, and visuals.

What if I don’t have any musical instruments?
You are not required to have any musical instruments or materials. It is encouraged, though, and we are happy to provide recommendations for items to purchase.

What can I expect from a virtual music lesson?
Your teacher will request a picture of your child’s lesson book so they can follow along. The teacher will facilitate your child in playing from their lesson book, improvising, and composing, and lead them in ear training exercises – everything we do in our in-person lessons!

What equipment do I need?
A computer or smart device. We use Facetime, Zoom, or Doxy to facilitate sessions. Your teacher or therapist will be in touch with you prior to the session and give you instructions for how to connect for the session.

Payment
We accept private pay clients and are a provider for the Gardiner Scholarship and WellCare/Staywell, and can bill on your behalf (with nothing out of pocket required).

Click here to contact us about setting up virtual services with one of our wonderful board-certified music therapists or teachers.

The post Virtual Music Services for Children & Teens appeared first on Wholesome Harmonies, LLC.