Spooky Sounds

Today's music therapy group was themed around Halloween! The group began with a musical game involving halloween themed words and phrases. Group members learned short rhythmic phrases that corresponded with spooky lyrics. The group played their phrases in a call and response fashion one by one.

We then moved into creating a spooky soundscape. The group went around the circle and took turns creating a spooky or scary sound on their instruments. Participants made sounds like footsteps, creaking doors and door knocking. The group then created a group improvisation with different spooky soundscapes.

We then moved into an opposite emotional landscape, the group brainstormed what a target emotion may be when experiencing fear. Words included calm, relaxed, peaceful, soothed, confident, free and capable. The group then created a second improvisation inspired by these words. One group member sang along and freestyled lyrics about the theme of facing fears and triumphing.

We then moved into our main Halloween activity, Halloween Bingo. Each group member was given a bingo card with a variety of spooky sounds like a thunderstorm, black cat, footsteps, whispers, a howling wolf etc. The music therapist played these sound effects and the group marked them off on their sheets. Group members shouted Boo! or Bingo to signal that they had completed a full line of sound effects.

We then closed with the requested song share activity. Group members shared a song of meaning with the group, discussed how they related to the song and listened with everybody.

Freedom in Music

The group began with a warm up to get acquainted with the different musical instruments and options. This was followed by some more structured exercises where group members were invited to create their own rhythmic phrases that the rest of the group would repeat back in a call and response fashion.

The group then began a melodic improvisation. Since the group was smaller, this gave us the opportunity to each play a melodic instrument, the ukulele, piano, guitar, kalimba and xylophone. Each melodic instrument had the C and E notes marked with a colourful sticker. The group improvisation consisted of two different sections; in section one participants were instructed to just play the two marked notes, in section two participants could then play freely and expand to all notes on their instrument. The group toggled between the two sections, any player could raise their hand to cue other players into the following section. The group laughed as the young baby raised her hand at one point to cue players.

In the verbal discussion that followed, group members shared their preference for section two where they had full freedom to play and express how they chose. The group then created a storm improvisation, where through using instruments they created the soundscape of a storm passing through.

Participants chose to finish with music listening and song sharing, each group member shared a song of meaning with the group and discussed its importance in their life and family. 

Loud, Soft, Fast and Slow

The session began by everyone getting acquainted with the instruments; the music therapist ran a brief demonstration of the instruments and everyone played different sounds with energy, joy and enthusiasm. The group then began a few warm up games using clapping. There was lots of smiling and laughter throughout the games as players tried to stay on track with their claps. The group then requested to dive into music making with the instruments. Each participant chose an instrument and the group engaged in a group improvisation. In the verbal debrief that followed, one group member shared that it was fun to play with others and that the music sounded pretty. 

The group then played a second improvisation; this time group members were invited to take a solo on an instrument of their choice. Every single group member decided to take a solo during the piece. Participants played enthusiastically and expressively during their solos. We then moved into a leadership exercise using music conducting. Each group member had the opportunity to play the role of music conductor with the group, there were four cues: louder, quieter, faster and slower, with corresponding gestures. As the group was led by each conductor, group members laughed and played alongside the respective directions. 

We then played a short bell choir exercise where each group member played a colourful bell with a specific note in the musical scale. The group played the bells together to create different chord progressions and patterns. 

To conclude, group members chose to do a singing exercise and a listening exercise. Group members engaged in a call and response game where they sang four different phrases and everyone repeated them back while playing different instruments. Finally, one group member chose a favourite song for the group to listen to to end the session. 

Superwoman

Today was the first time we met for music therapy this fall, and there were a few familiar faces. As a way to introduce ourselves to each other, the moms answered the ice breaker question: “If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?” There was laughter in the room and shared connection between the women as they discussed their superpowers and how their lives would be different if they had these superpowers.

We then moved onto a drumming activity where the women got to explore the drum and play a few games. They then played a steady beat on their drums to Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley, and they shared how powerful the lyrics were. To continue exploring songs with powerful lyrics, we sang Stand By Me, Lean On Me, and Three Little Birds. 

As the session came to a close, we started an activity where the women would create their own superwoman logo with an affirmation of what makes them a superwoman. We will be completing this activity during the following week. 

Time to Solo!

The group began by listening to a requested song shared by a group member. Some group members were already familiar with this piece of music. The group then learned how to play and sing the chorus of the song on a variety of instruments including guitar, ukulele, kalimba and various drums. The group played the chorus with alternating improvised verse sections. Group members shared that it was fun to learn how to play a song so quickly just through listening. The group was then invited to play a selection of musical games. The group shared laughter, silliness and connection throughout the series of activities and games. Group members then got the opportunity to improvise with one another and perform a short solo if desired. Four group members chose to take a solo on a variety of instruments. The group played together and at the cue of the music therapist, the soloists each got the chance to play their solo. Participants played expressively and beautifully with each solo. The group discussed how good it feels to play a solo and how we can sometimes get nervous when put on the spot like this. 

Sing, Listen, and Play

The session began with some warm ups to get used to the space. Group members were invited to select an instrument and begin playing and creating together. A few group members added their voice to the music through singing and humming. Group members shared which instruments they were drawn to and what they appreciated about the sound. One group member reflected how different an instrument can sound when played solo versus in different combinations of instrumentation. The group discussed how each musical piece created is original, unique and special based on the instrumentation, players, tempo, etc.

The group then played an instrument swap game, players were invited to select a handheld instrument such as a maraca, ukulele, small drum or kalimba. The group would play the instrument they had, then when a player raised their hand everyone passed their instrument to the person on their right. The group continued the game so everyone got an opportunity to play each instrument.

Group members then reflected on what instruments they preferred and why. This resulted in a great discussion about the different qualities of each instrument and how one could express their emotion on each instrument. After a few more musical exercises, the group switched into listening mode as members were invited to share a song of meaning with the group. We all listened to four different pieces. The pieces of music varied in style, genre, cultural background, language and meaning. Participants shared how each piece made them feel and what they took away from each song. The group members supported one another in their emotional expression and disclosure. 

You Are a Promise

The group began with several musical games and activities to get warmed up and acquainted with the instruments. One group member shared that they play the guitar, and chose the ukulele as their main instrument. Another group member shared that they enjoy singing and using their voice. Group members laughed and connected throughout the exercises. One group shared that it required a lot of focus to play the instrument and listen to everyone else at the same time. The group then moved into two free improvisations, one with words of intent and one completely free. The words chosen included peace, calm, and happiness. One group member shared after the improvisation that it felt good to find their own groove. The group then moved into a song share where each participant was invited to select a song of meaning and share it with the group. The group listened to three songs from different group members. The pieces of music brought up different emotions for different group members. The group engaged in discussion to process emotions and support one another. The remaining songs will be played next week.