If you have been following Music Therapy Connections, you know that we love using sign language. I incorporate sign language into sessions with clients of all ages to support nonverbal communication, verbal communication, self-expression, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and social skills. It is fun to learn something new within the safe and enjoyable environment of music therapy.
The first time I used sign language in a music therapy session, I was in practicum during my junior year of college. I was working with an adult with developmental delays. She struggled to process loss and was often deeply emotional and attached to the people in her life, including myself.
We used a variety of songs to experience joy, anger, sadness and more within the support of the session. One way we achieved this was by learning to sign “Bring on the Rain” by Jo Dee Messina. We learned to sign one word per line. After five sessions, she was able to sign the song with the support of the therapist.
After the song resolved, we would sit in silence for a few moments. It was as though she finally had permission to be sad without feeling rushed to be okay. What was even more amazing is that through this whole experience, she learned something new which she hadn’t done in a very long time.
I am very passionate about the potential for sign language in music therapy and across professions because I have seen what mindful application can do to support goals and growth.
You may be thinking: “I want to learn some sign language but where do I start?” I have listed five of my favorite resources for learning sign language below. These are perfect to get you started applying sign language in your daily life!
www.aslpro.com – ASL Pro has the largest video dictionary of signs that I have found! Their signs are the most practical applications and therefore tend to be simpler to apply. They also have additional video dictionary’s for phrases and religious signs!
www.signsavvy.com – Sign Savvy is another video dictionary website, but they often give multiple choices. If you have found a sign but it is too difficult for your clients to execute as is you can search here for variations.
www.lifeprint.com – Lifeprint is a great website to receive free lessons on learning ASL. Now I will say that I use what I call Functional Sign Language instead of ASL for practical use with the non- Deaf population. That said, there is a lot of helpful information in these lessons and bonus, they’re completely free!
www.aslnook.com – ASL Nook shares stories and adventures in the life of this Deaf family. Their videos are informative, fun to watch, and very endearing. You can also follow them on Facebook where they often post their videos and resources.
www.youtube.com – I know what you’re thinking… “Really?” And yes! Youtube is fantastic resource not as a sign dictionary but for tutorials on how to sign your favorite songs! For instance, you could sign “7 Years” by Lukus Graham, or almost any other song you could imagine. Word to the wise; keep in mind that these people aren’t usually professionals and may give some incorrect information so try to find someone you deem to be credible.
There you have it! I hope you find this list of resources helpful in your journey to applying sign language to your daily life in a meaningful way.
I am asked this question almost every time I begin with a new client. Many people are unsure of what music therapy is, how it works, if it works, and for whom it works. I am going to break down this question to help you answer for yourself: is music therapy right for my loved one?
Let’s dive right in… so what exactly is music therapy?
Music Therapy is the practice of using music to address and support non-musical goals by a board-certified music therapist.
In music therapy sessions, a client will participate in music making, music listening, music analysis, and personal music experiences to help to reach his or her individual goals. We may hold a drum overhead to encourage a client to stand or analyze songs to process emotional trauma; the options are truly endless and based entirely on the client’s needs and goals.
That sounds interesting, but does music therapy work?
In short, yes! Music therapy is an evidenced-based practice, meaning that our techniques have been and are regularly tested in scientific studies to assess and support the efficacy of what we are doing. In addition, all music therapists are required to complete at least a bachelor’s degree and study the human body, human behavior, and musical techniques before receiving hands-on training in a 1,040-hour internship and passing a national board certification exam.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
I am often asked, “Who do you work with?” The short answer is…everyone! Music therapy is a holistic therapy modality, meaning that we treat the client as a whole and often end up treating multiple domains at once.
I have had many clients whose goals are both socially and emotionally based or academic and motor based. Our services are available to people of all ages & abilities. We currently serve clients with speech delays, difficulty reading and spelling,Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer’s Disease,Dementia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, rare genetic disorders, and more.
For answers to more frequently asked questionsclick here.
If you are wondering if music therapy could be a fit for someone you love, I would encourage you to email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org or fill out our registration form for services below.
This week has been an eventful one at Music Therapy Connections! One of the most exciting parts of this week happened when I had the opportunity to share a presentation with a local women’s fellowship group.
They were so welcoming, kind, and very intrigued by music therapy. I had the pleasure speaking with them and sharing a little bit of what do as music therapists! They asked questions, we sang, played instruments, and laughed together over the course of my time with them.
My favorite questions of the night were…
Do you have to be musically inclined to receive music therapy? No, that is my job as the therapist! The benefits of music therapy are available to anyone, regardless of musical background.
Do you work with people who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease? Absolutely! For more information on how we support neurologic engagement, memory recall and more clickhere.
Are your services covered by insurance? Many states offer a waiver for music therapy services; the state of Illinois does not at this time. Because of that, we keep our fees affordable (about the cost of a co-pay) so that those who are interested in services can absolutely pursue them!
This event, and others like it, are a vital part of what we do at Music Therapy Connections.
I think our team would agree that we became music therapists to help others, share music, and share moments. We know that what we do is so important for the nearly 200 people that receive our music therapy services from week to week, and showing our community what we do, how we do it, and answering any questions they have is the foundation to sharing our services with even more individuals!
We know that beyond anything else, we must invest time and care into our community for the business we love to grow and flourish. We have the deepest appreciation for our Music Therapy Connections community, Central Illinois community, and our online community.
Thank you to you all!
Do you know a group that would be interested in hosting a music therapist as a presenter? Do you have any questions yourself? We would love to speak with you; please email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org.
This month, Music Therapy Connections made another addition to our weekly services! Rachel Rambach is heading up the launch of a new music therapy group for older adults. I wanted to interview Rachel and share with you how we approach music therapy for older adults.
Alisabeth: Rachel, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. I am really excited to share with everyone the great work you’re doing!
Rachel: It’s my pleasure! I’m really excited about this new avenue of services, especially since it was seeing first-hand the effect music had on my grandmother that led me to music therapy. She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease when I was in middle school, and as the disease continued to progress, I saw that she was still able to enjoy and communicate through music. One of my last memories with her is singing Christmas carols together at her nursing home.
A: What does music therapy with older adults look like?
R: My new group takes place in the memory care unit of a large senior living facility. There are about 15 residents on the unit, and the group varies in size each week depending on how many residents feel up to coming. The group is held in a really nice common area with a piano, comfy chairs, and couches.
I start with a welcome song, and then sing a variety of tunes both with and without my guitar. I also bring movement props like scarves and small percussion instruments like hand drums and shakers. I reserve the last 15 minutes or so for singing and playing the piano, since the residents really enjoy that. We end with a goodbye song, and then I usually stay for a few minutes to chat with everyone before I leave.
A: What kind of music do you use with older adults?
R: This is the fun part! Since I’ve worked primarily with kids up until now, it’s been a new adventure building up my repertoire of songs for older adults. I’ve compiled a variety of traditional folk songs, spirituals, hymns, musical numbers, older country music, and popular songs from every decade all the way back to the 20s. Some of the residents have also made song requests during our sessions, so I make sure to jot those down and prepare them for the following week.
A: What goals would a music therapist work toward with older adults?
R: Since this is such a new group, right now I’m working on building rapport with the residents and establishing group cohesion. My immediate goals are engagement through singing, facial expression, and body language, and as we continue our work together, I would like to increase verbal communication, encourage gross motor movement, and focus on reminiscence as well.
A: Why does music therapy work for older adults?
R: It really is magical to see an older adult, especially one suffering from memory loss or dementia, connect with a song that has meaning for him or her. Music affects and stimulates the brain in a way that speech alone does not, which is why it can be such a powerful form of communication and therapy for an older adult. The stimulation brought about by music can lead to conversations, surfaced memories, and expression that would not otherwise occur.
A: What would you say to someone who is thinking about music therapy services for an older adult in their life?
R: I would answer first as someone who has seen the powerful effects of music therapy on an older adult family member: it’s an opportunity not only to work on the goals I mentioned above, but to bring added joy into your loved one’s life. On the surface, music therapy can look or seem like a form of entertainment, but the benefits are far-reaching.
Thank you Rachel, for answering some questions today. I am so excited to see this new program grow!
If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for music therapy you can register them for services below! If you have questions email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org!
Music Therapy Connections began with an idea, and Rachel Rambach serving as a teacher and music therapist for the Springfield community. Years later, Katey Kamerad contacted Rachel as a fellow music therapist in the Springfield area, contracted with her for two years, and not long after that, their partnership began. They began teaching Listen & Learn for Little Ones Classes, moved into a new location, and began building the team you all know now!
At the beginning of 2017, Music Therapy Connections had 3 board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs), a music therapy intern, and five teachers. Throughout the year we have gained two teachers and are looking to start the new year off right with an additional music therapist to further serve Springfield!
This year we have accomplished a great deal as a team. Here are just a few of our highlights from 2017.
Our music therapy team has written over 500 music therapy goals which support non musical development in people of all ages and abilities.
Our team has served nearly 200 students this calendar year!
Music Therapy Connections has held more than 25 Listen & Learn Music classes,
And shared their expertise & knowledge teaching 5 different instruments!
We have held 3 concerts showcasing the talents of our amazing students and clients.
But in all of our successes we know that there is one consistent factor — you! Thank you for bringing your unique talents and gifts to music therapy connections! We are excited to see what the new year has for you!
