Video Blog

This music therapy video illustrates the following:

• Tapping Little Elf is a great song for using rhythm sticks to address gross motor skills such as crossing mid-line, bilateral coordination and increasing shoulder stability and strength
• Little Jingle Mouse is a fun song that uses jingle bells to work on therapeutic goals such as bilateral coordination, increasing shoulder stability and strength, and range of motion
• Be silly and dramatic to make these activities even more motivating
• Be creative with using instruments to address a variety of occupational and physical therapy goals

To read a transcription of this music therapy video, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with autism illustrates the following:

• Take the time to assess a child's learning style and use his or her strengths to work on challenging therapeutic goals
• For more information on multiple intelligences visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences
• Use wait time and silence to give children with special needs the chance to respond independently
• Rhythm and movement can give children with autism the proprioceptive feedback that some need in order to know where their body is in space
• Rememeber to take the time to imitate children with special needs in order to bond and open up opportunities for learning

To read a transcription of this music therapy video, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with Angelman syndrome illustrates the following:

• Using instruments can be a great way to address fine and gross motor skills
• Mirroring a client's instrument playing can increase attentiveness and can be a great way to connect and bond with a child
• Playing instruments with children with special needs can encourage eye contact

To read a transcription of this music therapy video blog post, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with special needs illustrates the following:

1. Music can be used to help children with special needs learn how to sequence 2 and 3 step directions
2. The music keeps this activity fun and motivating

To read a transcription of this music therapy video, please click here.

This music therapy video with a client with Angelman syndrome, illustrates the following:

• Being patient and giving plenty of wait time can bring out the best in children and teens with special needs
• Using dramatic pauses in music is an excellent way to prompt children and/or teens
• Having a client strum the guitar with one finger, typically the index finger, is excellent practice for developing the ability to target small areas such as icons on an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device
• Hello songs are great for teaching appropriate social greetings

To read a transcription of this music therapy and special needs video, click here