Making Connections Through Music Leanne Belasco, MS, MT-BC Director of Music Therapy - Levine Music Diamonds Conference - March 8, 2014
Why Music? How do we respond to music: Movement dancing, swaying, tapping Mood calming, alerting, energizing, focus Language singing, vocalizing, vocabulary expansion Learning ABCs, phone number, body parts Creating playing instruments, singing Anything else?
Why Music? Music Is a non-threatening medium Provides multi-sensory input Is highly motivating and provides instant feedback Is processed in both hemispheres of the brain Can affect change in mood states Elicits physiological changes Is adaptable and success oriented to best meet the needs of the individual Inherently structured and organized Resembles language Is truly the Universal Language
Why Music? Music and biological functioning Heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, suck reflex in infants Entrainment and the isoprinciple
Music therapy What is music therapy? Where can you find a music therapist? What do you work on in music therapy sessions? How are goals accomplished? Neurologic music therapy for individuals with neurologic impairments
Physiological Motor Skills Communication Cognition Academics Music Psychological Emotional Social Skills
Music & physiology Motor skills Gross motor Range of motion, endurance, strength Movement with music (marching, jumping, dancing) Learning dance steps NMT gait training; range of motion exercises Fine motor Grasp, dexterity, flexibility, strength Playing instruments mallet percussion, piano, guitar
Music & physiology Motor skills Coordination and Motor Planning Crossing the midline Bilateral movements Jumping Multiple step directions Sequences Physiological responses to music Heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, etc.
Music & Cognition Pre-academic Skills Colors, numbers, letters, counting, labeling, etc. Prescriptive songwriting Movement and Music Instrument playing Academic concepts Reading, math, etc. Music as a mnemonic device Specifically designed music interventions
Music & cognition Memory Short term and long term memory Music as a mnemonic device Attention Increasing and sustaining attention, divided attention Improvisation exercises Instrument playing learning an instrument Motivation through preferred music
Music & Social Skills Conversation skills, taking turns, problem solving skills, teamwork, initiation, engagement, etc. Music is naturally social Group music making Singing, instruments, movement Individual sessions target foundational skills for mastery before engaging in a group. Prescriptive song writing Role playing Nonverbal interaction with instruments
Music & Emotion Adjusting mood states, increasing flexibility and tolerance for change, coping skills for anxiety or anger, increasing self-expression, building confidence and self-esteem Improvisation Lyric analysis Songwriting Learning an instrument
Music & Communication Speech skills articulation, fluency Vocal exercises Singing Prescriptive songwriting Expressive or receptive language Following directions in a song Increasing use of verbal language
Music & Communication Communication turn taking, social skills, nonverbal skills, listening Prescriptive songwriting Role playing Group music making structured or improvised
My child and music Is my child appropriate for music therapy services? No prerequisite skills needed Assessment process Location of services Private music therapy IEP services Types of services Individual Group Consultation
Questions? Contact information: Leanne Belasco, MS, MT-BC Certified Neurologic Music Therapist Director of Music Therapy - Levine Music lbelasco@levinemusic.org (202) 686-8000 ext. 1103 www.levinemusic.org
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