TME Tuesday: Lonesome Traveler

I am feeling a bit lonely these days, and I am reveling in the feeling! This is why regular doses of time alone is so important for me as a therapist. I am getting tired of being by myself, so I'll be able to go back to work with a ready attitude. This therapeutic music experience (TME) offers an opportunity to reflect on being alone while traveling.

Therapeutic Music Experience

Lonesome Traveler

Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Purpose: To stimulate discussion about traveling, being alone, and other topics; to encourage entrainment to an external stimulus; social interaction

Source: Hays, L. (1950). Lonesome Traveler. TME development and procedure © 2015 by Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Materials: OPTIONAL: accompanying instrument; rhythm instruments for group members

Environment: Group members where they can hear the song leader.

Song/Chant/Words:

This song has been covered by many different groups. Here is a link to the performance by The Weavers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5vmDL85vt4

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

1.      C= start singing song.

2.      A= assess whether group members start to demonstrate awareness or entrainment behaviors during the song.

3.      R=reinforce all attempts and efforts to sing, to move, and to engage during the song presentation.

4.      C=choose whether to sing the song in its entirety or to stop singing after one verse and a chorus. Ask group members to analyze the song lyrics.

a.       Have you ever traveled by yourself?

b.      Have you ever felt like the singer in this song?

c.       Where have you traveled?

d.      How have you traveled?

e.       If you were going on a trip right now, where would you want to go?

f.        How would you get there

g.      Advanced question: Do you feel like you have the freedom that the singer is looking for?

h.      Other questions as appropriate for the group members

5.      A=assess whether group members are able to answer the question.

6.      R=reinforce all responses.

7.      C=sing song again, encouraging group members to sing along.

8.      A=assess whether group members can sing along.

9.      R=reinforce all attempts by group members to sing.

10.  C=ask group members to change the lyrics to illustrate their lives.

11.  A=assess whether group members are able to complete task.

12.  R=reinforce all responses through singing the song again and changing the lyrics to match what group members suggest.

13.  C=continue until group members have one turn each, start to show signs of boredom, or time runs out.

Therapeutic Function of Music:

The repetitive nature of the song makes it easy to remember and replicate. The upbeat tempo encourages entrainment and movement to the music. The lyrics repeat, offering several opportunities to engage group members in verbal interaction and singing.

Melody	Pitch	Rhythm	Dynamics	Harmony
Primarily step-based; repetitive pattern	Variable based on client needs and preferences	Variable based on client needs and preferences	Variable based on client needs and preferences	Minor format – i, IV, V – modal harmony

Form	Tempo	Timbre	Style	Lyrics
Verse - Chorus	Variable based on client needs and preferences	Variable based on client needs and preferences	Skiffle	Repetitive; offer a story; easily varied to accommodate group members’ contributions

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:

·      Rewrite the words to illustrate what group members experience in their traveling to and from treatment or in the community.

Extensions:

• Ask group members to write about their own travelling experiences.