TME Tuesday: Perfect Day

I think this is a repeat (but I'm just too lazy to double check this morning, so here it is!). I enjoy Hoku's music - the lyrics match the accompaniment and vice versa. This song is one that my clients can understand and engage in. The concept is not too abstract so they can participate. Most of the time, the ideas that my clients include are things like "being at home," or "not being here," but there are times when they do come up with interesting ideas about their perfect days.

(My perfect day? Sitting at home with my Mom and Dad. My sister comes over early, and we go to the beach to see the sunrise. We get back home about 10 am (when the tourists arrive at the beach) and go swimming in the pool. After that, we dry off and watch a Star Wars movie with Dad before grilling ribs on the back patio. Finish off with a sunset walk. What's your perfect day?)

Perfect Day

Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Therapeutic Music Experience

Purpose: To expand abstract thought concerning leisure activities; social interaction; musical expression; leisure skill awareness; impulse control; receptive language; expressive language

Source: "Perfect Day" as written by A. Armato & T. James. Lyrics © DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group. Track duration: 03:29. Performed by Hoku. © 2013 TME Procedure by Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Materials: Song recording; music listening device; electricity; lyric sheets; OPTIONAL: guitar, prepared fill-in-the-blank sheets and pencils/pens or dry erase lyric strips for word replacement

Environment: Group members near to therapist and listening device to be able to hear song and sing, if desired. Group members may also need to be close enough to the therapist to see lyric strips (if used).

Song/Chant/Words:

Legally Blonde Soundtrack or available on iTunes.

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

1.      C= start recording of song. If using them, pass out lyric sheets or place lyric strips on ground for group members to see

2.      A= assess whether group members are listening to the music – are they moving to the beat? Are they signing with the performer? Are there other indications of listening present?

3.      R= reinforce group members who are attending to the music through verbal reinforcers or non-verbal reinforcers. Redirect other group members through pointing to words or moving closer and singing

4.      C= When song is complete (or before if necessary) ask the group to relate the song story.

5.      A= assess whether group members can identify the theme of the song as a “perfect day” where the singer can do things that she likes to do

6.      R= reinforce correct answers. Redirect group members who offer incorrect answers and ask them to clarify their answers

7.      If needed, listen to the song again, repeating steps 2 through 6.

8.      C= ask group members to describe one aspect of their idea of a “perfect day.” Aspects may include any or all of the following as well as additional suggestions:

a.       Place

b.      Food

c.       Time of day

d.      People around

e.       Things to do/activities

9.      A= assess whether group members can complete the request

10.  R= reinforce all answers that complete the question originally asked

11.  C = offer suggestions of answers if group members appear confused

12.  Repeat steps 8-11 until group members appear to show s/s of boredom, inattention to task, and/or time runs out

Therapeutic Function of Music:

The recording of the music is upbeat, perky, and offers a good accompaniment pattern to the theme of the song. The music illustrates the content of the lyrics. The song is familiar to people who have watched the movie, Legally Blonde. When played live, the therapist is able to adapt the pitch, dynamics, tempo, timbre, and lyrics to accommodate the needs and preferences of the clients in the group.

Melody	Pitch	Rhythm	Dynamics	Harmony
Covers an octave; repetitive	Variable based on client preferences and needs	4/4; some syncopation	Variable based on client preferences and needs	Major tonality; V,ii,IV,I (Appears to be in the key of G but starts with a D chord – in key of D the chords would be I, ii/V, IV/V, V)

Form	Tempo	Timbre	Style	Lyrics
AB with bridge	Original recording approximately 120bpm; Variable based on client preferences and needs	Variable based on client preferences and needs	Popular rock of the 2000’s	Discuss the concept of a perfect day; Can be changed to reflect client preferences

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:

·         Use original lyrics with accompanying instrument to encourage gross motor movement

Extensions:

• Ask individual group members to write verses or entire songs that apply to their idea of a perfect day