Last week I facilitated a music experience where the teens in my group wrote and performed original raps using the line "I know I can ____________." I just had to share with you the powerful lyrics that were written by one of the group members who is on the autism spectrum (shared with client permission): [...]
"When I'm gone, when I'm go-ne. You're gonna miss me when I'm gone. You're gonna miss me by my walk, you're gonna miss me by my talk. You're gonna miss me when I'm gone." That song has been stuck in my head more than a time or two the past few months! If you don't [...]
I can't believe it - last Sunday was the final day of Friendship Circle for the school year! Friendship Circle is an amazing program that I've been a part of for the past four years. The program provides opportunities for socialization and friendship for children, tweens, and teens with special needs. I provide group music [...]
It's that time of year again! Time for an update of Tuneful Teens 1 and 2 where I add in all the new, hot, fresh pop songs that the teens are playing on their ipods these days. I know it can be hard to keep up with latest trends in music and the newest singers, [...]
Bravery - This is a theme that's reappeared quite frequently in the last year or two....in Disney movies and in songs. I think this theme is very relevant to teens and so I decided to incorporate it into my music therapy sessions last week. These are sessions for teens with autism and other special needs and [...]
Last week, I shared some of my favorite St. Paddy's Day session ideas for my middle school and teen music therapy groups. Check that post out HERE! Today I want to share a few more ideas. I always love having a theme or holiday to inspire my session planning! Movement to an Irish Jig There [...]
St. Paddy's Day is almost here! I am very excited - I always love having a holiday that I can use as a theme to base my sessions around. What could be more creatively stimulating than a holiday filled with leprechauns, rainbows, and shamrocks? Today I'm going to share some ideas I have for my [...]
Did you catch my two big announcements? One HERE and one HERE? I have to say I'm pretty excited about both! In preparation for the launch of Tuneful Teens 2 on February 1st, I'm going to share an activity I use with my teen groups that can be adapted in various ways depending on the [...]
Well hello there! I wasn't able to blog last Wednesday because I was out "in the field," so to speak, observing my practicum students. I had the opportunity to visit the Debbie Institute, the Veteran's Administration Hospital, and back to United Cerebral Palsy! It was exciting to see the students working in the field and [...]
Sometimes I wish I was an octopus. There are times when I am going into a session carrying my guitar, a keyboard, a gathering drum, AND a bag of instruments....and eight arms would really be helpful! (Who needs the gym when you have sessions all day long, right?) I have found that there is one [...]
