Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree
A Bushel and a Peck
Button Up Your Overcoat
Ida Sweet as Apple Cider
In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree
My Favorite Things
Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy
High Hopes
Apple Blossom Time
Aren't You Glad You're You
Stuck on You
When the World Was Young
You Took Advantage of Me
You Turned the Tables on Me
Talk to Me Baby
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Broadway Links
Weekend activity 8/1/15
I'll be singing a few of my favorite musical favorites. In addition to singing a few, I'd like to share some familiar voices/faces that residents will remember. Carol Channing, Julie Andrews, Ezio Pinza, Mary Martin, just to name a few.
Hello Dolly
Carol Channing Hello Dolly
Sound of Music
Some Enchanted Evening Ezio Pinza/Mary Martin
If I Were A Rich Man Theodore Bikel
Bushel and a Peck Doris Day
Getting to Know You Mary Martin
The Impossible Dream Peter O'Toole
You'll Never Walk Alone Jerry Lewis
I'll be singing a few of my favorite musical favorites. In addition to singing a few, I'd like to share some familiar voices/faces that residents will remember. Carol Channing, Julie Andrews, Ezio Pinza, Mary Martin, just to name a few.
Hello Dolly
Carol Channing Hello Dolly
Sound of Music
Some Enchanted Evening Ezio Pinza/Mary Martin
If I Were A Rich Man Theodore Bikel
Bushel and a Peck Doris Day
Getting to Know You Mary Martin
The Impossible Dream Peter O'Toole
You'll Never Walk Alone Jerry Lewis
Friday, July 3, 2015
American Songs and Composers
It's Independence Day. A few of my favorite Patriotic tunes and blog posts speaking about American composers and Patriotic songs. Just a reference to use for a composer's corner session I'll be conducting for 4th of July.
Irving Berlin "God Bless America" Kate Smith
George M Cohan "Best of"
Duke Ellington "It Don't Mean a Thing"
Irving Berlin speaking about Stephen Foster
George Gershwin "Swanee"
Cole Porter "Don't Fence Me In" performed by Roy Rogers
Richard Rodgers "You'll Never Walk Alone" Josh Groan
John Phillip Sousa "Stars and Stripes Forever"
Johnny Cash "Ragged Old Flag"
Ray Charles "America the Beautiful"
10 Great American Composers
10 Best Patriotic Songs
Famous American Songs
Irving Berlin "God Bless America" Kate Smith
George M Cohan "Best of"
Duke Ellington "It Don't Mean a Thing"
Irving Berlin speaking about Stephen Foster
George Gershwin "Swanee"
Cole Porter "Don't Fence Me In" performed by Roy Rogers
Richard Rodgers "You'll Never Walk Alone" Josh Groan
John Phillip Sousa "Stars and Stripes Forever"
Johnny Cash "Ragged Old Flag"
Ray Charles "America the Beautiful"
10 Great American Composers
10 Best Patriotic Songs
Famous American Songs
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Do You Sing to Your Kids?
I was recently reading a blogpost from the #musictherapyblogger challenge that spoke about staying connected to your own music. I am very guilty of not listening to music outside of "work." My kids, wife, and extended family very rarely hear me sing or use my music unless they ask me to play or sing for a wedding, funeral or some other function. Not too long ago, we bought a house and as we were looking at houses with our realtor, we asked him if he ever watched "House Hunters" or any of the other reality shows about homes. His answer, "no, it's my job, why would I want to watch something at home that I do at work?" It totally made sense to me.
I often get asked, "Do you sing with your kids?" And I usually answer shyly that I usually do not, but my kids are very musical and I love to hear them play piano, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, drums or another else they find around the house. But for me to sit down and sing something for my own enjoyment or "just because" would be very rare.
Why is this? As a Hospice Music Therapist, I felt emotionally spent at the end of the day. Now, that I am back in a geriatric setting conducting both activities and music therapy, I feel so much more relaxed in the evening. Tired, but not spent. I had been in a recreational choir for close to ten years and may try to look for another choir to join soon as I know the importance of enjoying music.
But for now, I'll be happy listening to the kids sing, play and joining in with them.
I often get asked, "Do you sing with your kids?" And I usually answer shyly that I usually do not, but my kids are very musical and I love to hear them play piano, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, drums or another else they find around the house. But for me to sit down and sing something for my own enjoyment or "just because" would be very rare.
Why is this? As a Hospice Music Therapist, I felt emotionally spent at the end of the day. Now, that I am back in a geriatric setting conducting both activities and music therapy, I feel so much more relaxed in the evening. Tired, but not spent. I had been in a recreational choir for close to ten years and may try to look for another choir to join soon as I know the importance of enjoying music.
But for now, I'll be happy listening to the kids sing, play and joining in with them.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Top Ten: Summer Songs
My list for the best ten songs to include in a Summer music therapy session with older adults. I do like to test the boundaries of music that I use and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. There are songs on this list from the early twentieth century and a few from the 60's & 70's. My residents have become so diverse in age that it is difficult to plan for large group sessions as the 100 year residents are in a different generation than the 75 year old residents. Using familiar songs that most everyone has heard at least once does help. Broadway tunes seem to be known by most along with songs from movies.
1. Those Lazy, Hazy. Crazy Days of Summer
1963 Recorded by Nat King Cole
2.The Things We Did Last Summer
Originally recorded 1946.
Dean Martin version recorded 1959.
3. June is Busting Out
1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein
"Carousel"
4. Oh, What a Beautiful Morning
1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein
"Oklahoma"
5. Summertime
1934-Gershwin
"Porgy & Bess"
6. Itsy Bitsy Tiny Yellow Polkadot Bikini
1960-Bryan Hyland
7. Summer Nights
1978--"Grease"
8. By the Light of the Silvery Moon
Originally written 1909. Released in movie 1953
9. I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
Originally written 1919.
Re-released in "On Moonlight Bay" 1951
10. Beer Barrel Polka
Written 1927.
Became world famous during WWII.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Music Therapy Research
My, oh, my! How things have changed in the last 15 years. "Back in the day, I remember trudging through the halls at Alverno College to the library and looking through the periodicals and card catalogues." I was looking for research to support my research project focusing on geriatrics and food intake. Today, I could easily find at least 25 scholarly articles within 10 minutes on the internet.
Maybe it is because of the history I have with the pains of finding relatable research that make me dislike it. I actually love the idea of doing a research project, but that initial step has made it easy for me to put research far, far back on the WAY backest burner.
I have to be honest, the closest I have gotten to researching something lately is looking for new ideas on Pinterest, heading to conferences or asking for advice on different social media forums. Little did I know Pinterest is actually an awesome place to find research. Just searching "music therapy research" gave me a huge list of music therapy books that I had not been aware even existed. More links to pediatric, hospital, geriatric and general music therapy were easily found.
Working within a geriatric setting, my main interest in research has been finding appropriate songs and interventions to engage my residents. But since beginning my new job in early May, I've also been intrigued by research on "Music & Memory." I know many music therapists have had questions or concerns about the program. Being a music therapist, I feel any opportunity to expose residents to music especially preferred music from their early adulthood, is a positive. Being in a position that allows me to observe 10 residents that participate in an established program, I've seen first hand the power of the residents preferred music. In Wisconsin, we have had approximately 200 nursing homes participate in the "Music & Memory" program. Even though "Music & Memory" is not overseen by music therapists exclusively, there are tips that are helpful for any caregiver caring for a family member. Of course, within the "Music & Memory" program, facilities have been limited on who is eligible to participate and how many residents can participate. Our facility has a good amount of money set aside to add additional iPods and residents to the program. After reading about success stories, I would love to do more research within this population.
Using familiar music, to "evoke emotions and influence mood and arousal is often relatively well preserved also in dementia." (Music and Medicine July 2012 vol. 4 no. 3 153-162) So even though "Music & Memory" is definitely a hot topic, I'm hoping to do my own research since my floor is the pilot floor in my facility. I know iPods are not a replacement for music therapists, but I definitely also know that I cannot be in 10 rooms conducting 10 individual music therapy sessions daily. Until that day when I can, I'll be looking for more research and working towards the day I can provide live music therapy sessions are more beneficial providing the added personal touch that recorded music fails to provide.
The Role of Singing Familiar Songs in Encouraging Conversation Among People with Middle to Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
The #MusicTherapyBlogger Challenge - Week 4
This week’s challenge is to pick a current research article or chapter of a book that is closely related to your target audience and summarize it.
Summarize and cite the reading, then add your reflections upon it. You may want to discuss what surprised you, how the results can help your audience, why you picked the article/chapter, or what your “take-away” moment was from the reading.
And there is an added bonus to this challenge: it keeps you refreshed on the growing literature in our field!
Maybe it is because of the history I have with the pains of finding relatable research that make me dislike it. I actually love the idea of doing a research project, but that initial step has made it easy for me to put research far, far back on the WAY backest burner.
I have to be honest, the closest I have gotten to researching something lately is looking for new ideas on Pinterest, heading to conferences or asking for advice on different social media forums. Little did I know Pinterest is actually an awesome place to find research. Just searching "music therapy research" gave me a huge list of music therapy books that I had not been aware even existed. More links to pediatric, hospital, geriatric and general music therapy were easily found.
Working within a geriatric setting, my main interest in research has been finding appropriate songs and interventions to engage my residents. But since beginning my new job in early May, I've also been intrigued by research on "Music & Memory." I know many music therapists have had questions or concerns about the program. Being a music therapist, I feel any opportunity to expose residents to music especially preferred music from their early adulthood, is a positive. Being in a position that allows me to observe 10 residents that participate in an established program, I've seen first hand the power of the residents preferred music. In Wisconsin, we have had approximately 200 nursing homes participate in the "Music & Memory" program. Even though "Music & Memory" is not overseen by music therapists exclusively, there are tips that are helpful for any caregiver caring for a family member. Of course, within the "Music & Memory" program, facilities have been limited on who is eligible to participate and how many residents can participate. Our facility has a good amount of money set aside to add additional iPods and residents to the program. After reading about success stories, I would love to do more research within this population.
Using familiar music, to "evoke emotions and influence mood and arousal is often relatively well preserved also in dementia." (Music and Medicine July 2012 vol. 4 no. 3 153-162) So even though "Music & Memory" is definitely a hot topic, I'm hoping to do my own research since my floor is the pilot floor in my facility. I know iPods are not a replacement for music therapists, but I definitely also know that I cannot be in 10 rooms conducting 10 individual music therapy sessions daily. Until that day when I can, I'll be looking for more research and working towards the day I can provide live music therapy sessions are more beneficial providing the added personal touch that recorded music fails to provide.
Music, Emotion, and Dementia.Insight From Neuroscientific and Clinical Research. Teppo Särkämö, PhD, Sari Laitinen, Mari Tervaniemi, PhD, MA, Ava Numminen, PhD, MA, Merja Kurki, PhD, MA, Pekka Rantanen, PhD, MD, Music and Medicine July 2012 vol. 4 no. 3 153-162
The Role of Singing Familiar Songs in Encouraging Conversation Among People with Middle to Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Ayelet Dassa, PhD and
Dorit Amir, DA, ACMT
J Music Ther (2014) 51 (2): 131-153.
The #MusicTherapyBlogger Challenge - Week 4
This week’s challenge is to pick a current research article or chapter of a book that is closely related to your target audience and summarize it.
Summarize and cite the reading, then add your reflections upon it. You may want to discuss what surprised you, how the results can help your audience, why you picked the article/chapter, or what your “take-away” moment was from the reading.
And there is an added bonus to this challenge: it keeps you refreshed on the growing literature in our field!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Top Five Tuesday: Jim Reeves
Jim Reeves is a treasured Country & Western singer from mainly the 1950's. He is one of those American legends that died much too young. Dying in a plane crash at the age of 40, his legend does carry on and has definitely made a mark within the geriatric population. Those born in the 1930's, remember his songs fondly as they were popular in their late teens early 20's. One of my favorite Jim Reeves songs is "Four Walls." "Ramona" is also a favorite and I love to pick out Lady Name songs around Mother's day. Jim Reeves did perform many spirituals and hymns, along with many other performers of the era. Here's a few of my favorites I like to sing when I remember, a few hymns and a few catchy tunes, Bimbo has a fun repetitive little refrain, Mexican Joe also has a rhythmic, rhyming refrain.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Inspirational Saturday: Success
"The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it's the same problem you had last year." ~John Foster Dulles~
It is so easy to get stuck. So easy to keep doing the same thing over and over. The toughest part of anything is getting started, but what happens if after starting it's not turning out exactly as expected. Of course, there needs to be a time of assessment and seeing if goals have been obtained. If a given approach is not working, try something else.
I love this quote from former Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles. I used it first while losing a good deal of weight and realizing that losing weight was easy, but maintaining the loss was the tough part. I didn't want to deal with the same problem again. Within music therapy, I have always attempted to try something new, don't use the same old "moldy oldies." Working with geriatric residents is an easy population to attempt new ideas with. They are forgiving, patient and just happy to have someone with them. If an intervention doesn't work, try something else. Make a note of the failed intervention and either tweak it to improve the success rate or decide not to use it again.
This week, I was able to start using more music within my new position. My exercise program still has some tweaking to do, but I definitely know it is a successful musical exercise program as I've used it in the past and my new residents caught on quickly and with laughter, singing and lots of verbal interaction. I was able to conduct two "Music in Motion" programs and the second happened to be in a very public area where lots of visitors pass through. I received more compliments in that one day than I have in the last five years. Something new for them, but I've spent years tweaking it to make it successful. I'll share my favorite exercise songs and physical music routines sometime in the future.
What determines success? Is it being prepared musically? Is it having a perfect session plan created? Is it being ready for the unexpected? Success...
One of the biggest aspects of success is building off success. Experience being successful makes it easier to be successful again. After years and years of successful music therapy sessions, it is easier to develop sessions that will be successful. Build a session from beginning to end with the building blocks in mind. How do you want to start, end and what's in the body of the session. Are you building towards a climax and giving time for sensory awareness? Those are the first interventions I look for.
One program that I will be tweaking is the Hymn Sing that occurs weekly. The residents have done the same hymn sing for years and although it has familiar hymns and the residents feel comfortable with the routine, I've already told my Activity Director that whenever possible I will provide live music. I may use the canned music for another week or two while I tweak my own hymn sing to be successful. It's an already successful experience, but I'd like to make it even more personal with the "live" aspect. Starting with a familiar hymn that will remain the same every session, building towards a climatic event, which would be receiving Communion, giving time for sensory awareness with the drum entraining to "Holy Ground" and ending with a familiar hymn to close. My hymn sing will evolve and change and hopefully in a year I will not be saying that it's still a problem session for me.
Having to deal with the same problem over and over can be frustrating, stressful and draining. Develop a plan to deal with the problem and plan for success.
It is so easy to get stuck. So easy to keep doing the same thing over and over. The toughest part of anything is getting started, but what happens if after starting it's not turning out exactly as expected. Of course, there needs to be a time of assessment and seeing if goals have been obtained. If a given approach is not working, try something else.
I love this quote from former Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles. I used it first while losing a good deal of weight and realizing that losing weight was easy, but maintaining the loss was the tough part. I didn't want to deal with the same problem again. Within music therapy, I have always attempted to try something new, don't use the same old "moldy oldies." Working with geriatric residents is an easy population to attempt new ideas with. They are forgiving, patient and just happy to have someone with them. If an intervention doesn't work, try something else. Make a note of the failed intervention and either tweak it to improve the success rate or decide not to use it again.
This week, I was able to start using more music within my new position. My exercise program still has some tweaking to do, but I definitely know it is a successful musical exercise program as I've used it in the past and my new residents caught on quickly and with laughter, singing and lots of verbal interaction. I was able to conduct two "Music in Motion" programs and the second happened to be in a very public area where lots of visitors pass through. I received more compliments in that one day than I have in the last five years. Something new for them, but I've spent years tweaking it to make it successful. I'll share my favorite exercise songs and physical music routines sometime in the future.
What determines success? Is it being prepared musically? Is it having a perfect session plan created? Is it being ready for the unexpected? Success...
One of the biggest aspects of success is building off success. Experience being successful makes it easier to be successful again. After years and years of successful music therapy sessions, it is easier to develop sessions that will be successful. Build a session from beginning to end with the building blocks in mind. How do you want to start, end and what's in the body of the session. Are you building towards a climax and giving time for sensory awareness? Those are the first interventions I look for.
One program that I will be tweaking is the Hymn Sing that occurs weekly. The residents have done the same hymn sing for years and although it has familiar hymns and the residents feel comfortable with the routine, I've already told my Activity Director that whenever possible I will provide live music. I may use the canned music for another week or two while I tweak my own hymn sing to be successful. It's an already successful experience, but I'd like to make it even more personal with the "live" aspect. Starting with a familiar hymn that will remain the same every session, building towards a climatic event, which would be receiving Communion, giving time for sensory awareness with the drum entraining to "Holy Ground" and ending with a familiar hymn to close. My hymn sing will evolve and change and hopefully in a year I will not be saying that it's still a problem session for me.
Having to deal with the same problem over and over can be frustrating, stressful and draining. Develop a plan to deal with the problem and plan for success.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Memorial Day Singalong
Sing alongs are some of my favorite sessions to lead. Especially, if they are connected to a special day. I do like adding other aspects such as instruments, reminiscing or movement to add to my session and make them more individualized rather than entertainment. I put together a patriotic sing along years ago and have used it more than any other session I've planned. Patriotic songs can be used for President's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day or any other day of significance including 9/11 (Patriot Day), D-Day, etc. From my experience, these Patriotic/Folk songs bring people together and engage residents more than any other type of music. The facial affects, reminiscing opportunities, sensory stimulation with use of props, singing opportunities are naturally incorporated within the session.
For Memorial Day, I will definitely be reading the poem "In Flanders Fields." Poppies or at least lapel poppies are in order. Reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance" and folding the flag will help bring back memories as well.
For Memorial Day, I will definitely be reading the poem "In Flanders Fields." Poppies or at least lapel poppies are in order. Reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance" and folding the flag will help bring back memories as well.
- The Star-Spangled Banner
- Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning
- Taps
- Anchors Aweigh
- The Caissons Go Rolling Along
- The Marine's Hymn
- Army Air Corps Song
- When Johnny Comes Marching Home
- Columbia, The Gem of the Ocean
- Dixie
- Battle Hymn of the Republic
- America
- Yankee Doodle
- Folk Songs: Down By the Riverside
- He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
- My Bonnie
- Home on the Range
- Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!
- Over There
- This Land is Your Land
- America, The Beautiful
- You're a Grand Old Flag
- Yankee Doodle Dandy
- Let There Be Peace on Earth
- Now is the Hour
- There's a Long, Long Trail
- Till We Meet Again
- God Bless America
Monday, May 11, 2015
Monday Intervention: Cinco De Mayo
I know it's late. It happened last week and honestly, I was terrified to conduct this session. Not because I was worried about the subject, but more because I knew my new supervisor was going to be watching me intently. It really was not a subject I wanted to do a music therapy session about. Since I started my new position last Monday, I really didn't have a say over what activities were put on my calendar for the month. It happened on Friday that "Travel Time" was listed. At least it was vague, so I worked on a bit of a Mexico theme for the session.
The thematic songs I used for the session were: "Mexicali Rose," "De Colores," and "South of the Border." These songs were used in a sing along fashion with large print words.
La Chucaracha served as a great beat to play maracas too. Besides playing the maracas, we also played "hot potato." This was done with much assistance from the MT, helping to pass the maraca if residents were a bit too far away from each other. It turned out to be a very social, engaging interactive intervention.
The use of a few props also led to more discussion and reminiscing. A Mexican wool blanket, a sombrero, hand painted maraca, and hand painted marionette were used to add to the sensory awareness. The residents enjoyed touching and feeling the blanket and sombrero.
Of course, the "Mexican Hat Dance" was also included. The MT demonstrated the moves and invited residents to stomp along to the moves.
It's actually a session, I'll continue to work on so I can use it a bit more refined again next year.
Goals: Socialization, reminiscing, sensory awareness, gross motor skills and engaging vocalization
The thematic songs I used for the session were: "Mexicali Rose," "De Colores," and "South of the Border." These songs were used in a sing along fashion with large print words.
La Chucaracha served as a great beat to play maracas too. Besides playing the maracas, we also played "hot potato." This was done with much assistance from the MT, helping to pass the maraca if residents were a bit too far away from each other. It turned out to be a very social, engaging interactive intervention.
The use of a few props also led to more discussion and reminiscing. A Mexican wool blanket, a sombrero, hand painted maraca, and hand painted marionette were used to add to the sensory awareness. The residents enjoyed touching and feeling the blanket and sombrero.
Of course, the "Mexican Hat Dance" was also included. The MT demonstrated the moves and invited residents to stomp along to the moves.
It's actually a session, I'll continue to work on so I can use it a bit more refined again next year.
Goals: Socialization, reminiscing, sensory awareness, gross motor skills and engaging vocalization
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Be Prepared
I learned very early on to come prepared to 1:1 visits. Of course, I carry around the essentials of instruments and music, pens, paper and blank paperwork, along with other props and necessities. The one thing that I do carry around that I often get asked about is my folding stool. I've had countless MT's that I have trained and the first thing I tell them to do is invest in a stool that will hold up. I'm actually on my third stool as I did not like the first two. The first two were more camping stools with a triangular seat. They really were not comfortable, but my kids enjoy playing with them now. The one I have now has lasted well over two years. I do have to be careful not to store it in my bag close to the sharp edges especially of my metal clipboard.
Why do I bring my own stool? As a Hospice Music Therapist, I learned from a wise Massage Therapist to BYOBS or "Bring Your Own Butt Seat!" It is so difficult to find an armless chair in a skilled care facility and in resident rooms it's difficult to find any chair at all. My knees and my back thank me all the time for bringing my folding stool into 1:1 sessions or group sessions, where if a chair with arms is the only alternative, my back and whole body positioning is off. The residents often comment about how small the seat is and then the realize it's exactly the right height for me to see them "eye to eye."
Why do I bring my own stool? As a Hospice Music Therapist, I learned from a wise Massage Therapist to BYOBS or "Bring Your Own Butt Seat!" It is so difficult to find an armless chair in a skilled care facility and in resident rooms it's difficult to find any chair at all. My knees and my back thank me all the time for bringing my folding stool into 1:1 sessions or group sessions, where if a chair with arms is the only alternative, my back and whole body positioning is off. The residents often comment about how small the seat is and then the realize it's exactly the right height for me to see them "eye to eye."
It's so nice to be at eye level with my residents and I use my stool whenever possible; moving it around the room with me from resident to resident to assist in playing instruments or in making the personal contact while singing hello or goodbye songs.
It's not something musical and definitely not something most people would think of as essential, but I know when others are looking for a seat, I don't need to waste the time or energy as I have come prepared with my own seat.
Friday, May 8, 2015
#Thankyounote: Organization
I started a new position this week and I feel so prepared to succeed. Yes, it's been a lot of meeting with the activity director and get orientation all week. But one thing that I can be assured is that the Activity Department in my new facility is the most relaxed, laid-back, happy-go-lucky, willing to assist, easy to approach group of individuals I've met in a long time. The key is the organization of the leader! I really thought that I am quite organized when it comes to work and keeping dates and important times and projects on task, but this week I was put to shame. I'm not one to enjoy making lists, following lists or remembering what to put on lists. I am definitely someone who remembers after the fact. There is definitely a time and place for lists and I am starting to realize that a list and the organization skills that go along with it, help everyone be more relaxed and less stressed.
So this Friday, I thank you organization: for making life less stressful when approached in a calm matter. Being organized will definitely be a key to my success in my new position. Learning organizational approaches that make your life easier is so enlightening. I'm not exaggerating when I say I was introduced to 20 different lists this week all that were new to me.
Today, I lead my first solo group at my new facility. Leading a group is the easiest part of my job. I've done it for over 15 years and even if I'm not totally confident with my session, I can make it work because of my experience and knowledge of my population. The difficult part is learning a new computer system, learning the ins and outs of the department routines and keeping my lists straight. I just wish there was a list to keep all my lists straight. Thank you organization and those that are blessed to have the highest level of organization.
So this Friday, I thank you organization: for making life less stressful when approached in a calm matter. Being organized will definitely be a key to my success in my new position. Learning organizational approaches that make your life easier is so enlightening. I'm not exaggerating when I say I was introduced to 20 different lists this week all that were new to me.
Today, I lead my first solo group at my new facility. Leading a group is the easiest part of my job. I've done it for over 15 years and even if I'm not totally confident with my session, I can make it work because of my experience and knowledge of my population. The difficult part is learning a new computer system, learning the ins and outs of the department routines and keeping my lists straight. I just wish there was a list to keep all my lists straight. Thank you organization and those that are blessed to have the highest level of organization.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Mother's Day Sing Along
Mother's Day brings back such wonderful memories for most people. Those with dementia are sometimes transported back to their childhoods and recall those memories with greater ease than those of today. Remembering a Mother's name, a favorite recipe, what she wore, what she was called by her children, grandchildren, friends. Perfumes, fresh baked goods, flowers may bring back those lovely Mother Memories. I love discussions that lead to see if anyone ever saw their Mother in pants/slacks, driving a car, working outside the house, whether she sang or not, any advice she gave, etc.
I always recall the smell of lilacs around Mother's Day as those fragrant flowers always seem to bloom around or on Mother's Day. These would be my picks for sing along/discussion songs to focus on Mother's Day.
- M-O-T-H-E-R (A Word That Means the World to Me)
- I Want a Girl
- Ma! He's Making Eyes at Me
- Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
- Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue
- Cruising Down the River
- Mary's a Grand Old Name
- Down By the Old Mill Stream
- Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree
- Ain't She Sweet
- Honey
- Tennessee Waltz
- You Are My Sunshine
- Button Up Your Overcoat
- I Love You Truly
- Goodnight, Ladies
- May the Dear Lord Bless and Keep You
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Top Five Tuesday: Songs to Promote Singing
As a Music Therapist working in a Skilled Care Facility, I sing lots of genres of music and lots of songs for a variety of decades. It's amazing to think that music from the turn of the last century is still sung with regularity. Often times, I think it's time to retire a song till I sing it and a crowd full of residents sing it out with a smile. My go-to songs to get a room full of residents to sing will probably change every time you would ask me. But I'm sure a few will always stand the test of time. Here's my list to get geriatric clients to sing without thinking:
- You Are My Sunshine
- God Bless America
- Let Me Call You Sweetheart
- My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
- Something Regional: In Wisconsin--It's a Polka "Roll Out the Barrell"
I myself love all of these songs and even though I try to stay away from "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" thinking it's a Moldy Oldie, I always seem to turn to it if a group is turning passive. Folk songs, Patriotic and the good old polkas seem to bring out the party in residents. These are all songs that I know my own children know and I have not been the one to teach them the words. I'm sure I'll be singing them for a long time to come.
Monday, May 4, 2015
May the 4th Be With You!
It was my first day at my new position. Although, I didn't get to do a music therapy session, I was definitely able to throw in a bit of my personality and music along the way. Bowling has never been so fun! And I threw a few golden oldies at the 90+ yr old accordion player in the afternoon. She was impressed by my requests and I was impressed by her musical talents. It's going to be a good fit.
Friday, May 1, 2015
#Thankyounote: Elevator Speech
What is music therapy?
If I had a penny for each time I've heard that question, I'd probably have a buck by now. Seriously, it has happened in the strangest of situations as I have my Hospice name badge on and I going about with daily errands. Checking out at the grocery store, getting an oil change, at the dermatologist and I'm sure the barber would ask too if I'd have enough hair to go there.
One wonderful lesson that I learned, amongst others, while studying Music Therapy, was to have a simple explanation of what I do. Summarize it within 30 seconds and make it easy to understand. If you were in an elevator, how much time would you have to define what you do? Make it an "elevator speech."
My elevator speech is simple and to the point. I use music as a compliment! Music to engage, music to empower, music to encourage, music to promote, music to enhance, music to express, music to manage, music to alleviate, music to increase, music to develop, music to teach... I know music therapy is so much more, but I feel that telling people about the goals we try to reach makes it much easier to understand.
What I used to say has started confusing me more: I use music to reach non-musical goals. This is such a strange statement as I have to use music to reach all my patients goals, so really aren't all the goals I'm trying to achieve musical? I still struggle to find the right words and sometimes wonder if defining it is worth it. Every music therapy session is so different and unique as each individual. I'm sure I should put something in there about all the schooling I needed along with a LONG unpaid year internship that I completed while also working full-time. Yes, I interned for almost an entire year so that I could keep working for money as well.
What can music therapy be compared to? I've also tried to tie it into other therapies. Music therapy uses music to work on goals that could be worked on in speech, occupational, or physical therapy. Yes, complimentary!
Music therapy? You must perform a lot! Well, music therapy can be used in individual and group sessions and really the music is not the star of the show. It compliments the session. Yes, a music therapist music be a confident musician, but some of the best music therapists may not have the best singing voice. They may be uniquely intuitive and great facilitators without the need of the best voice. True, my primary instrument is my voice, but music therapists primary instruments could be anything from tuba to violin. I love singing, but within a music therapy session, I may use guitar or rhythm instruments instead of my voice for the entire session. I know, it has happened. That intuitive feeling and being in the moment with patients dictates the direction of the session.
Complimentary! It's the simplest way I can describe what I do. Is it the best definition. Probably not, but it's a definition I understand and can use to start a conversation with someone when they ask.
I love my profession, but sometimes wish I could be a garbageman as everyone knows what they do without asking!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
#TBT: Please Don't Eat the Daisies
Originally a book released in 1957, it was also released as a movie on March 31, 1960, "Please Don't Eat the Daisies." Doris Day stars as a mother of four boys forced to move from a small apartment into a fixer-upper. The movie was a successful venture, which spun off as a television series spanning two seasons and 58 episodes. Although, Doris Day did not star in the television series, she is remembered fondly for the hit song.
This little tune holds up as a great Spring intervention, having a good mix of lyrics that are repetitive and easy to sing. Easy interval jumps lead to ease of singing even without accompaniment. It's a tune that could be used within different thematic situations including Spring, flowers, family. Being a movie, television series, book and having the song leads to a very versatile way to implement within a group. There are excerpts of the audio book easily found that could be shared as well.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Flower Songs
I love this time of the year. So easy to come up with themed sessions. The end of the week is May! May songs, Kentucky Derby, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day. As well as throwing in other topics such as Ladies Name Songs, May the 4th (Movie Themes), Flowers, and National Nursing Home Week or Older Adult Month, etc.
Today, I'm sharing my favorite Flower Songs that I'm sharing with my groups today.
Today, I'm sharing my favorite Flower Songs that I'm sharing with my groups today.
- Red Roses for a Blue Lady
- Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)
- Springtime in the Rockies
- A White Sportcoat and a Pink Carnation
- Jeannine, I Dream of Lilac Time
- Moonlight and Roses
- Apple Blossom Time
- In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree
- Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along
- Yellow Rose of Texas
- When You Wore a Tulip
- Sweet Violets
- Edelweiss
- Sunflower
- April Showers
- Tip-toe Thru the Tulips
- Carolina in the Morning
- Sweet Adeline
- I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover
- My Wild Irish Rose
Endless topics for discussion and sensory stimulation. What a great opportunity to bring in flowers!
Flower patterned scarves, colorful instruments, stretchy bands, parachutes could all lend to the success of a flower session.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Top 5 Tuesday: April Songs
1. April Showers
2. Pennies from Heaven
3. Nothing Could be Finer
4. When It's Springtime in the Rockies
5. I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time
I totally understand there are lots of songs speaking of April such as "April in Paris", "When April Comes Again", "April Fool", "April Love" and probably several more. I like to use these five songs as they are much more familiar and lead to nice discussions. With April Showers, there are flowers included: daffodils. With Pennies from Heaven, asking if you'd pick up a penny and the significance of "heads up" or "tails up" and superstitions. Nothing Could be Finer or Carolina in the Morning, has a wish at the end stimulating conversations of what one wish would you make. Springtime in the Rockies is just a lovely Spring tune speaking of the season. For some reason, Apple Blossom Time is a favorite as well around this time. I would consider it more a "May" song, but the blossoms definitely are starting and leads to good conversations about what else is blooming.
2. Pennies from Heaven
3. Nothing Could be Finer
4. When It's Springtime in the Rockies
5. I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time
I totally understand there are lots of songs speaking of April such as "April in Paris", "When April Comes Again", "April Fool", "April Love" and probably several more. I like to use these five songs as they are much more familiar and lead to nice discussions. With April Showers, there are flowers included: daffodils. With Pennies from Heaven, asking if you'd pick up a penny and the significance of "heads up" or "tails up" and superstitions. Nothing Could be Finer or Carolina in the Morning, has a wish at the end stimulating conversations of what one wish would you make. Springtime in the Rockies is just a lovely Spring tune speaking of the season. For some reason, Apple Blossom Time is a favorite as well around this time. I would consider it more a "May" song, but the blossoms definitely are starting and leads to good conversations about what else is blooming.
Friday, April 24, 2015
#thankyounote: Guitar
Thank you Taylor Guitar!
I use many different instruments within my music therapy sessions, but my trusty Taylor has been the best investment by far. I had gone through three cheaper brands before deciding that I needed a quality instrument. Choosing a guitar is a huge decision. Ranks up there with finding a house to live in. This instrument stays with a music therapist all the time. I had my car stolen last summer, but my guitar was the lone instrument that I had with me at that time. Luckily, the thieves had no idea the value of my other instruments or just chose to take the car for a joy ride not caring about the contents. In any case, my Taylor has been with me now for over 2 years and I value it tremendously. The sound is so rich and full.
I use my guitar as a gathering instrument, closing instrument and most times throughout my sessions. There are times that I use it to accompany and others that I use it as relaxation and play chord progressions. Many of my clients have commented on the beauty of the instrument, but most just love my tie-died guitar strap.
Besides being an awesome guitar, the Taylor gig bag is the best guitar case I've every had. It is so durable and handy with a backpack strap or handles with a heavy duty zipper. I've definitely gone through my far share of gig bags which rip inside from the strings or wear out from use. This bag looks just as nice as it did the day I bought it.
Thank you Taylor Guitar, you have helped me be a better Music Therapist daily.
I use many different instruments within my music therapy sessions, but my trusty Taylor has been the best investment by far. I had gone through three cheaper brands before deciding that I needed a quality instrument. Choosing a guitar is a huge decision. Ranks up there with finding a house to live in. This instrument stays with a music therapist all the time. I had my car stolen last summer, but my guitar was the lone instrument that I had with me at that time. Luckily, the thieves had no idea the value of my other instruments or just chose to take the car for a joy ride not caring about the contents. In any case, my Taylor has been with me now for over 2 years and I value it tremendously. The sound is so rich and full.
I use my guitar as a gathering instrument, closing instrument and most times throughout my sessions. There are times that I use it to accompany and others that I use it as relaxation and play chord progressions. Many of my clients have commented on the beauty of the instrument, but most just love my tie-died guitar strap.
Besides being an awesome guitar, the Taylor gig bag is the best guitar case I've every had. It is so durable and handy with a backpack strap or handles with a heavy duty zipper. I've definitely gone through my far share of gig bags which rip inside from the strings or wear out from use. This bag looks just as nice as it did the day I bought it.
Thank you Taylor Guitar, you have helped me be a better Music Therapist daily.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
#TBT This Week in 1950
It's Thursday and this week happened to be my Mother's Birthday, April 20. #ThrowbackThursday is going back to this week in 1950. The #1 song this week way back 65 years ago? "If I Knew You Were Coming I'd Have Baked a Cake!"
Eileen Barton, born to Vaudeville performers began her acting career at the ripe old age of 2 1/2 years old. Although, "If I Knew You Were Coming..." was her only #1 hit, she was no stranger to the Billboard Top 40. She had 10 hits that made the charts, hitting #10 with "Cry." "If I Knew You Were Coming..." knocked Theresa Brewers "Music, Music, Music" out of the #1 spot. Barton held #1 for 12 weeks and stayed in the Top 40 for over 4 months.
Eileen Barton, born to Vaudeville performers began her acting career at the ripe old age of 2 1/2 years old. Although, "If I Knew You Were Coming..." was her only #1 hit, she was no stranger to the Billboard Top 40. She had 10 hits that made the charts, hitting #10 with "Cry." "If I Knew You Were Coming..." knocked Theresa Brewers "Music, Music, Music" out of the #1 spot. Barton held #1 for 12 weeks and stayed in the Top 40 for over 4 months.
EILEEN BARTON
"If I Knew You Were Comin I'd've Baked A Cake"
"If I Knew You Were Comin I'd've Baked A Cake"
[Sound of knocking on door]
[Spoken:]
Come in
Well, well, well, look who's here
I haven't seen you in many a year
Come in
Well, well, well, look who's here
I haven't seen you in many a year
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
baked a cake, baked a cake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band
Grandest band in the land
Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band
And spread the welcome mat for you
baked a cake, baked a cake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band
Grandest band in the land
Had you dropped me a letter, I'd a-hired a band
And spread the welcome mat for you
Oh, I don't know where you came from
'cause I don't know where you've been
But it really doesn't matter
Grab a chair and fill your platter
And dig, dig, dig right in
'cause I don't know where you've been
But it really doesn't matter
Grab a chair and fill your platter
And dig, dig, dig right in
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Hired a band, goodness sake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Hired a band, goodness sake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
[Instrumental Interlude]
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
baked a cake, baked a cake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
baked a cake, baked a cake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Had you dropped me a letter
I'd a-hired a band
Grandest band in the land
Had you dropped me a letter
I'd a-hired a band
Spread the welcome mat for you
I'd a-hired a band
Grandest band in the land
Had you dropped me a letter
I'd a-hired a band
Spread the welcome mat for you
Oh, I don't know where you came from
'Cause I don't know where you've been
But it really doesn't matter
Grab a chair and fill your platter
And dig, dig, dig right in
'Cause I don't know where you've been
But it really doesn't matter
Grab a chair and fill your platter
And dig, dig, dig right in
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Hired a band, goodness sake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Hired a band, goodness sake
If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Howd-ya do, howd-ya do, howd-ya do
Howd-ya do-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Howd-ya do-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! Here in Wisconsin, we are proud to claim Gaylord Nelson as one of our own. A senator from Wisconsin who began Earth Day 45 years ago. Working within a geriatric setting, I am always looking for something to latch onto and today it will be Earth Day.
Lots of opportunity to discuss the Earth and how we can take care of it. Discuss programs that help keep the Earth moving such as recycling, adopt-a-highway, composing, etc. Patriotic Songs, Hymns and Folk Songs lend themselves well to fitting into the theme of the day. Even though it is not an American specific day, our Patriotic songs tend to speak of the land. There are several hymns that also have lyrics pertaining to the World.
Here's a list of some of the songs I'll be sharing throughout the day. Feel free to add your own!
Lots of opportunity to discuss the Earth and how we can take care of it. Discuss programs that help keep the Earth moving such as recycling, adopt-a-highway, composing, etc. Patriotic Songs, Hymns and Folk Songs lend themselves well to fitting into the theme of the day. Even though it is not an American specific day, our Patriotic songs tend to speak of the land. There are several hymns that also have lyrics pertaining to the World.
Here's a list of some of the songs I'll be sharing throughout the day. Feel free to add your own!
- America the Beautiful
- Oh, What a Beautiful Morning
- Home on the Range
- Singing in the Rain
- Cruising Down the River
- Shall We Gather at the River
- Beautiful Ohio
- He's Got the Whole World
- What a Wonderful World
- When It's Springtime in the Rockies
- When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain
- She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain
- Red River Valley
- In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree
- Tiptoe Thru the Tulips
- How Great Thou Art
- In the Garden
- God Bless America
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Part-time vs. Full-time
My career has taken all sorts of twists and turns from being a K-8 general music teacher to being a stay at home Dad, being a Weight Watcher receptionist to working overnight security at a Senior Living Facility. None of these positions turned out to be what I really wanted to do as a career. I am a MUSIC THERAPIST! (yes, I shouted)
Music therapy is an awesome occupation with so many opportunities for specializing in specific populations. I've worked with a wide variety of populations from very young to very old and the later is definitely the population that I feel most comfortable with. My path has now led me in a new direction as I will be transitioning from a part-time Music Therapist and part-time Hospice Music Therapist to a full-time Activity Therapist. You can bet that I'll be calling my share of Bingo games, but I will definitely be implementing Music Therapy into my residents days wherever and whenever possible.
The decision was not an easy one. I weighed the pros and cons endlessly. One's occupation is a huge part of their identity. I spent many years training to become a music teacher and another several years training to be a music therapist. Did I really want to take the music out of therapist and become an Activity Therapist? My answer is yes. After weighing the pros and cons, I came to the conclusion that I can implement music therapy into an activity department easily. Not only that, I will have 40 hours to do it...in the same building...with colleagues to bounce ideas off of.
Initially, I interviewed and was told the starting pay. Devastated by the cut in pay I'd incur, I knew I couldn't take the position. However, I also knew this was the right position for me. After a second interview, I was offered the position. I graciously declined citing the low starting salary as the sole reason. What I did next was something that I had never thought I would have the courage to do. I went back to the facility a week later and restated my interest in the position. Unbelievably to me, they called me back with a starting salary I was happy to accept. The relief, enthusiasm and excitement in my new supervisors response will never be forgotten.
So what were those pros and cons that tipped the scales in favor of a full-time position. I made a list and came up with my biggest pros not involving the position at all. Instead, my pros included things such as shorter commutes, being in one place all day, a set routine, paid vacations and consistent pay. The only things on my list were paid vacations, benefits and building long term relationships. As a PRN Music Therapist, professional relationship are few and far between. And as a Hospice Music Therapist, I stay on guard as to not get too attached, knowing a terminal diagnosis is the reason for hospice placement. On the flip side, the only cons that I had on my list all included things about the job such as working weekends, holidays, specific hours and low hourly pay. The biggest reason for me searching for the stability of a full time position was definitely the steady pay. Being in Hospice, my paychecks ranged from very high $750 a week, to very low $150 a week. It's been more and more of the very low lately and as a family, I need to add more and stable money to the bottom line.
I can live with those cons and am looking forward to my new full time position starting May 4.
Initially, I interviewed and was told the starting pay. Devastated by the cut in pay I'd incur, I knew I couldn't take the position. However, I also knew this was the right position for me. After a second interview, I was offered the position. I graciously declined citing the low starting salary as the sole reason. What I did next was something that I had never thought I would have the courage to do. I went back to the facility a week later and restated my interest in the position. Unbelievably to me, they called me back with a starting salary I was happy to accept. The relief, enthusiasm and excitement in my new supervisors response will never be forgotten.
So what were those pros and cons that tipped the scales in favor of a full-time position. I made a list and came up with my biggest pros not involving the position at all. Instead, my pros included things such as shorter commutes, being in one place all day, a set routine, paid vacations and consistent pay. The only things on my list were paid vacations, benefits and building long term relationships. As a PRN Music Therapist, professional relationship are few and far between. And as a Hospice Music Therapist, I stay on guard as to not get too attached, knowing a terminal diagnosis is the reason for hospice placement. On the flip side, the only cons that I had on my list all included things about the job such as working weekends, holidays, specific hours and low hourly pay. The biggest reason for me searching for the stability of a full time position was definitely the steady pay. Being in Hospice, my paychecks ranged from very high $750 a week, to very low $150 a week. It's been more and more of the very low lately and as a family, I need to add more and stable money to the bottom line.
I can live with those cons and am looking forward to my new full time position starting May 4.
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