Here we go again! It’s the holiday season and Christmas music has flooded our car radios and grocery stores. Are you ready?
I know I feel like I could use an extra week between now and Christmas to get everything planned and ready, but most of my students and clients have been ready since black Friday. And so, against my personal tendency to put on the brakes I have been using my holiday signs for two weeks now!
Check out the video this week for a few holiday signs. This week I demonstrate, Christmas, Hanukkah, and of course presents!
In this week’s video, I mention a fantastic resource for holiday specific and religious signs. I have seen and used many different resources for signs, but my favorite resource for religious signs is ASL Pro. this is a FREE online video dictionary for signs and the only site I have found with a religious dictionary. They have many signs in reference to different religions including Christianity and Judaism. If you are working in a religiously affiliated school or providing care to your respective Sunday school, this is the resource for YOU!
Sign language can be a very effective tool in therapeutic environments if we can find a way to use it seamlessly. I have found that the best way to become comfortable with sign language is to learn the sign language ABC’s. The letters signed throughout the alphabet are the same letters that are used as building blocks for more complicated signs. For instance, many of the color signs are based off of the signed first letter of each word. Therefore, yellow would be a “y” shape with a twist at the wrist to denote the color.
In this week’s video I display all of the ABC signs and also quickly cover some of the more confusing signs as well. I hope you all enjoy and tune in next week!
Thank you for joining me again for our sign language series! This week we are learning our season signs. These four signs are a great tool to have in your back pocket. I am continually working to build awareness of environment and time in the therapeutic environment. One major way we can do that is by working to help all students to be able to correctly identify the seasons, weather, date, and so on.
When a student can understand the varying seasons that brings us one step closer to a greater understanding of how to care for oneself at the most independent level.
I hope you enjoy this week’s video and enjoy our bonus sign for Halloween!
It’s that time again!! We are in the process of putting together materials for our new music crate and class package. That means new songs, new materials, and new stories are coming your way VERY SOON!! I love creating new materials to share, but like everyone else I often struggle with the process of getting started. That’s why I want to share 3 quick songwriting tips and reveal the best time for writing new songs.
1. Let It Flow – One of my favorite things to do when writing new material is simply write everything down or record it all! That means writing down or recording, with no filter, every single word that pops into my head in the moment. It may not be perfect on the first try, but I can almost guarantee at least a new idea, a good line, or an awesome melody will come from just getting letting go and letting it flow.
2. Ask the “w” questions – Ask yourself the who, what, when, where, why questions when your are writing or refining your song. Who is this for? Why am I writing this? What is the purpose? By answering those questions, you can sometimes spark new ideas or stumble upon all new material.
3. Write it Now, Revise Later – If you are feeling unsure of your song or lyrics or feeling stuck, write something down. OR record something, anything. Then walk away. Physically walk away and do anything else that will consume your mind and take you away from the song writing process. Come back with a clear head and try again.
So, when is the best time for writing new songs….??
NOW and whenever you feel any little spark of inspiration. The more you write the easier it gets. The more ideas you have stored away, even in small, 5 second, snippets or single lines of lyrics, the more you have to pull from in the future. My favorite song ideas often hit when I’m least expecting it so I quickly pull out the nearest piece of paper and write down the idea or open the voice memo app on my phone and make a quick recording or note to self that I can easily return to later.
I’d love to hear more of your ideas on what helps you create new content. What is your favorite time to write new songs? Do you have any tips to share on your songwriting process?
You may be wondering, what on earth is a Guitten? As the name suggests it is a small mitten (without the fingers of course) for the head of your guitar! It securely covers the tuning keys. Everybody sing it with me… hallelujah!
And yes, it really is as wonderful as it sounds!
I know we have all been there. You are strumming along and having a wonderful session when you strum your guitar and it happens. Your beautifully tuned 6-string is now 4 keys way to low with a string dangling from the fretboard and you realize your guitar has been compromised. More than likely one of your clients decided to curiously turn and twist those tempting tuning keys on your guitar. At this point retuning your guitar may be untimely, and your only option may be to put it away.
Let me be honest here, I heard about the Guitten from their table at a music therapy conference. I liked the idea when I saw them and nabbed one for myself. But in all honesty I would consider this a must have for all MT’s. It is a wonderful tool and they come in all kinds of colors and designs.
Songwriting is a huge part of everything we do here at Music Therapy Connections. Wether we are writing new songs for our Listen & Learn for Little Ones Classes, composing original tunes for our individual clients, or encouraging our students to create their own compositions; songwriting is engrained in what we do.
Sometimes, the hardest part of songwriting is simply getting started. I remember sitting down to write some of my first songs as a new professional and feeling so self-conscious that I could barely put pen to paper. Even now, developing materials to suit the needs of my clients can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Overcoming that self-doubt and learning how to let it flow can be a tricky process, so Rachel and I took a little time today to talk about our favorite methods for getting past those songwriting blocks and challenges.
Below are ALL 9 tips in our Facebook Live video earlier today along with some extra ideas to get you started.
Morning Pages – In the book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, the author describes the practice of morning pages: taking time every morning for free writing. Creating the practice of setting aside time and putting all of your thoughts on paper every morning without editing. This free flow of thoughts can be an excellent bridge to songwriting.
Topic Journaling – Pick a word or single topic to write 10 lines or sentences on. You do not have to write complete thoughts or sentences and can use any number of lines or sentences you choose. Selecting a single topic for free writing can be a helpful way to get started on song ideas. (BONUS: other methods I love using are word associations and mind mapping to get my creative juices flowing). The primary goal here is to open yourself up to ideas and just jot them down. Save the editing for later.
Going back to music you enjoy – Is there a song that makes you feel amazing? Are there songs you simply love? Go back and give them a listen. See if you can find out why you love them or what feels good. Use them as your inspiration. OR simply take time to enjoy music other people have created. Create a playlist for your life or put together a set of songs for how you are feeling. Spotify is a great resources for this adventure.
Enjoy Yourself – My best songs almost always come from positive experiences in other parts of my life. Go do something you love and enjoy your life. Keep your voice recorder handy though because you never know when that inspiration will strike.
This little app is my best friend.
Think of Songwriting as a Conversation – Talk with someone about your songwriting or say your lyrics out loud like you are talking to someone. Sometimes, even just talking through why you are struggling will help you get over that hump.
Go for a Walk – Get outside. Get some fresh air. Clear your mind. Walk away for a minute and change your scenery.
Don’t Force It – If you start to get frustrated, put it all aside and come back later. Literally, walk away. Thinking about something else for a little while can be just the solution you are looking for. Sometimes, a good night’s sleep is also incredibly helpful.
Be Present – Clear both your physical and mental space of clutter and create the space to be present in songwriting and creating. This is your time to be in the moment and create.
Share Your Song – Share what you’ve written with someone. ANYONE. This can be a single client, a co-worker, your child, a friend, your significant other, a family member, or even your pet. Sharing your creation out loud with someone provides new perspective and a sense of accomplishment.
(bonus) Record your creation. The method could be a video, a simple voice recording, a full recording, etc. How you record does not matter. Capture what you have accomplished so you can listen later, remember what you’ve done, and visit your work in the future. Take a moment to listen and appreciate what you’ve created. Take pride in your accomplishment and give yourself some praise!
What are your favorite tips for starting the songwriting process? We’d love to hear from your and share your ideas with everyone!
