TME Tuesday: Waiting is Hard to Do

Lately, this song has been coming up often. Just thought it was appropriate for today as we are waiting for so many things.


Therapeutic Music Experience
Waiting is Hard to Do
Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Purpose: To remind clients about waiting; to address impulse control; to increase social awareness; to increase social interaction; to cue appropriate behavior

Source: Original song. © July 10, 2009 by Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Materials: None

Song: Check out the website for the link to the sheet music for this song. Head down to the bottom of the page for the file.
 
CHORUS
Waiting is hard to do, waiting is hard to do, waiting is hard to do, but sometimes, I have to.

VERSE
I might have to wait in line when I want to eat. To wait for food is really hard, it rarely is a treat. Other kids will be there too, making lots of noise. It’s my job to wait in line with a quiet voice.
CHORUS

I have to wait in line to go back to my class. To wait in line is really hard, I’m not allowed to pass. My classmates take a long time to stand there quietly. It’s my job to take care of me and wait for them to join me.
CHORUS

Therapeutic Function of Music: The music offers a prompt for expected behavior. The lyrics can be altered to address specific situations that students may encounter during their day. The use of the music also serves as a distraction from the actual act of waiting.
Melody Pitch Rhythm Dynamics Harmony
Repetitive Variable based on client needs and preferences Syncopated Variable based on client needs and preferences Major Tonality
Form Tempo Timbre Style Lyrics
AB Variable based on client needs and preferences Vocal Undetermined Variable based on client needs
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.
Procedure:
  1. Sing song as reminder for clients who have difficulty waiting in line
  2. Write additional verses for different situations

Adaptations/Extensions:
  • Make book or powerpoint for use before transitions. Client can access information to remind him or herself of expectations for transition and behavior

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