TME Tuesday - The Loco-motion



I often use recorded music in my sessions - there are some out there who do not feel that recorded music is appropriate for a music therapy session, but I do - no apologies here. My adolescents strongly identify with performers and specific performances, so I look for ways to use recordings and familiar songs in sessions with my clients. This is a TME that allows me to either use live music or a recording to facilitate movement - structured movement within a group setting.

Therapeutic Music Experience
The Loco-motion
Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC
Purpose: To provide opportunities for motor development; motor sequencing; receptive language

Source: Words and music by Gerry Goffin and Carole King © 1962 (renewed 1990) SCREEN-GEMS EMI MUSIC, INC. TME idea © August 1, 2012 by Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC.

Materials: Music source – either functional instrument or CD player and CD; OPTIONAL: Movement cards to structure the dance

Environment: Group members need plenty of space to move around

Song:
_____. (1995). Classic Rock. Hal Leonard: Milwaukee, WI, p. 130-133.

Procedure: R = Reinforcement opportunities; C = Redirection/Cue opportunities; A = Assessment

  1. C=ask group members to spread out around the session space 
  2. C=start music with the lyrics 
  3.  C=model movements as they are mentioned in the song

a.       Swing your hips
b.      Jump up
c.       Jump back
d.      Make a chain
e.       Chug-a-chug-a motion
f.       Holding hands
4.      A=assess if group members are able to coordinate movements to music
5.      R=reinforce all attempts by group members to complete the movements as presented in the song

Therapeutic Function of Music:
The music provides the structure for the coordination of movements within the parameters of the musical elements. If the music is performed live, musical elements of tempo, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and lyrics may be adjusted to accommodate the needs of group members to engage attention or to provide enough time for group members to coordinate their movements. If recorded music is used, there is less flexibility in changing the musical elements.

Melody
Pitch
Rhythm
Dynamics
Harmony
Composed by Gerry Goffin and Carole King
Live music – variable and easily adjusted to encourage group member engagement
Live music – variable and easily adjusted to encourage group member engagement
Live music – variable and easily adjusted to encourage group member engagement
I, vi, IV, V7

Form
Tempo
Timbre
Style
Lyrics
Verse and Chorus
Live music – variable and easily adjusted to encourage group member engagement
Live music – variable and easily adjusted to encourage group member engagement
Early Rock and Roll
Live music – variable and easily adjusted to encourage group member engagement
Chart adapted from Hanson-Abromeit, D. (2010). A Closer Look at the Therapeutic Function of Music. Presentation at 2010 American Music Therapy Association National Conference: Cleveland, OH.

Adaptations:

  • Simplify the movements to accommodate client needs


Extensions:
  • Change the movements using movement cards to assist in client memory and sequencing skills
  • Use movement cards to assist clients who can read in remembering the motions

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sing A Song Sunday - The Time Change Song (Fall)

Being An Internship Director: Why I Do Very Little Active Recruitment

Dear AMTA