Video Blog

This video interview gives a parent's perspective on how music therapy has affected the life of her daughter with special needs

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

This video interview gives a parent's perspective on how music therapy has affected the life of her daughter with special needs

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

• The motivational power of music can be used to help a child with special needs learn and use communication skills such as the PECS system http://www.pecs.com/
• Home made instruments can be made and adapted to address specific therapeutic goals such as bilateral coordination and using arms while in a neutral position
• I include a bonus chapter on my DVD that demonstrates how to make three home made instruments and use them in fun and therapeutic ways with children with special needs http://www.therhythmtree.com/store
• Using a slap clap pattern while engaging a child in music can energize the music and lead to more of a connection with that child
• Following your client's or child's lead while making music can help him or her stay engaged and motivated
• Please share this with others and leave your comments

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

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

• Using hand puppets can take the pressure off a child who is struggling with a therapeutic goal
• When possible, have the child teach the puppet the correct answer
• Music allows lots of repetition without the monotony
• Nice set of small animal hand puppets http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002AK5EUY/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_SC_dp_1
• Nice set of animal finger puppets  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E3B9J8/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_SC_dp_2
• For high quality hand puppets search for Melissa and Doug Hand Puppets
• For a cheap set of hand puppets try http://www.orientaltrading.com/plush-happy-kids-hand-puppets-a2-58_1007.fltr

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

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.