Music Lessons

 by TPSMTS Team

Create Your Own Holiday Song – A Fun Activity for the Festive Season

By: Victoria Chan

The holiday season is about joy and creativity, so why not write your own holiday song? Whether you’re musically gifted or just love caroling, crafting a unique tune can make the season extra special.

Here are two different options to create your own holiday song!

 

OPTION 1: USE A FAMILIAR TUNE

Step 1: Pick A Song
Pick a song that you like to sing during the holidays!
Example: All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)

 

Step 2: Choose a Section
Choose a verse or chorus that fits what you want to write about.

For example, you can write about something you hope to get for Christmas:

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth,
My two front teeth, see, my two front teeth,
Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

 

Step 3: Change Up The Lyrics
Now, let’s change up the lyrics to sing about what you want for Christmas:

All I want for Christmas is a __________,
A __________, oh a __________,
Gee, if I could only have a __________,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

You could even repeat this multiple times to make a whole wishlist!

See our example below for our wishlist of instruments:

All I want for Christmas is a piano,
A piano, oh a piano,
Gee, if I could only have a piano,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

All I want for Christmas is a ukulele,
A ukulele, oh a ukulele,
Gee, if I could only have a ukulele,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

All I want for Christmas are some maracas,
Maracas, oh some maracas,
Gee, if I could only have some maracas,
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

 

Step 4: Perform And Share!
– Record and Share: Send it to friends and family instead of sending a written list!

 

 

 

OPTION 2: CREATE A SONG FROM SCRATCH

Step 1: Pick A Theme
Start with a theme that resonates with you. Is it about family traditions, a funny holiday mishap, or the magic of the season?
Examples:
– Grandma’s Famous Hot Cocoa
– The Year the Cookies Went Missing

 

Step 2: Decide The Style
Choose the mood of your song:
– Upbeat: For a lively beat, Jingle Bell Rock.
– Sentimental: A reflective ballad, Winter Dreams.
– Quirky: Add humor with a theme like Oops, We Forgot the Tree Again.

 

Step 3: Write The Lyrics
Stick to a simple structure:
1. Verse: Introduce your theme.
2. Chorus: Make it catchy.
3. Bridge: Add a twist or heartfelt moment.

See our sample song below:

Verse:
The snow is falling, the fire’s aglow,
We’re baking treats while the candles show.

Chorus:
Oh, it’s the season for laughter and cheer,
Our favorite time of the whole bright year!

 

Step 4: Create The Melody
Don’t stress about being a pro — try humming a tune or using simple chords like C, G, Am, and F. Apps like GarageBand can help if you need a boost.

 

Step 5: Add Personal Touches
You can include details unique to your family, like traditions, local landmarks, or inside jokes.

 

Step 6: Perform And Share!
– Record it: Use your phone for a quick keepsake.
– Perform live: Share it at a family gathering or party.
– Post online: Spread holiday cheer with friends and followers.

 

 

Creating your own holiday song is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate. Whether it’s silly or sentimental, your tune will become a cherished memory. So grab some cocoa and get started! 🎵✨

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 by TPSMTS Team

Embrace the Season: Autumn/Fall Music Playlist

By: Jane Hong

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, this season invites us to slow down, reflect, and savour the cozy moments.


Here is our Autumn/Fall music playlist, featuring a blend of genres that encapsulate the essence of the season, avalible on both Youtube & Spotify:

 

 

YOUTUBE

 

SPOTIFY

 

 

As you listen to these tracks, allow the music to transport you to the heart of Autumn – a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. Happy listening!

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 by TPSMTS Team

Practicing Self-Care – Don’t Forget!

By: Rena Yung


With the new school year now underway, many Music Therapists and Music Teachers are adjusting to their usual routines. With the business that comes with day-to-day life, it is easy to put self-care on the back burner.


It is so important to prioritize self-care for your well-being to maintain your physical, emotional and mental health! Self-care is defined as caring for yourself. It includes anything you do to keep yourself healthy —  “physically, mentally and spiritually” (Glowiak). Self-care is also important to relieve the pressure of everyday life and reset back to your usual self (Glowiak).

 

 

Here are 6 tips that Music therapists and Music teachers can use to help practice self-care during the school year, and all year long:

 

1. Musical Self-Care:

Engage in your own personal music practice that is for yourself and for your own enjoyment.  One suggestion is making a playlist for times when you need to lift your mood using Music or Self-Care – Five Tips from a Music Therapist.

 

 

2. Supervision and Support:

Regularly participating in supervision or peer support groups can help discuss cases and/or receive important feedback from others.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

 

 

3. Boundaries and Balance:

It is so important to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.

 

 

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation:

Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and/or relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and clear one’s mind. 

 

 

5. Self-reflection and Journaling:

Regularly reflecting on your experiences, emotions, and thoughts can be another outlet for expressing yourself. It can also be another way to gain self-awareness. It is also important to reflect on gratitude. Reflect on the positive aspects of your work that you are grateful for. “Gratitude is a powerful positive emotion and mindset, it is closely intertwined with self-awareness” (Crestani).

 


6. Continued Learning:

Invest in professional development workshops, courses, and conferences. This is a great way to learn new techniques and approaches to better yourself as a therapist and teacher.

 

 

By prioritizing self-care, Music therapists and Music teachers can avoid burnout as well as help maintain physical, emotional and mental health.

 

 

 

Works Cited

Crestani, John. “Gratitude and Personal Reflection: Deepening Self-Awareness through Appreciation.” Lampshade of ILLUMINATION, 13 June 2023, medium.com/lampshade-of-illumination/gratitude-and-personal-reflection-deepening-self-awareness-through-appreciation-4c10430a68a6.

“Getting Started with Mindfulness.” Mindful, 2018, www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/.

Glowiak, Matthew. “What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Important for You?” Southern New Hampshire University, 14 Apr. 2020, www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care.

“Using Music for Self-Care – Five Tips from a Music Therapist.” TEND®, 20 Aug. 2018,
www.tendacademy.ca/using-music-self-care/.

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 by TPSMTS Team

Reflections on the 2023-2024 School Year: Top 10 Lessons Learned

By: Tamara Leszner-Rovet

Since 2019, in addition to being Owner and Director of TPSMTS, I have also been an independent contractor music therapist at a small private school specializing in neurodivergent students from 18 months to 14 years of age.

I had the privilege of stepping into the role of music director for the 2023-2024 school year. Not only did this include continuing to see clients for 1:1 sessions, but also providing music classes to the entire school, seeing each class twice a week!

This was such a huge undertaking in addition to my usual TPSMTS obligations, and it was such an incredible and valuable learning experience that I absolutely loved.

While I will be returning for the upcoming school year, just not in the same capacity, here are 10 of the most important lessons I learned from this experience that I will carry with me moving forward (in no particular order!):

 

1. Connection, connection, connection!

Make the time and effort to get to know your students within the classroom setting and 1:1 if time permits. This investment will help you build rapport and trust, and help to foster an amazing teacher-student relationship in return.


2. You can’t win them all.

Even with your best efforts, you will not be liked by every student, parent, co-teacher, etc. and for various reasons you may not always be the best match for every student. This is normal and should not be taken personally! All you can do is try your best to work collaboratively from a place of caring and good intentions, even if this isn’t always reciprocated.


3. Set clear expectations.

Students thrive on routine and predictability. A “gentle but firm” approach is what I always aim for so students are clear about what is expected and unexpected in class. Set clear expectations and boundaries right from the start, reinforce when needed, and be consistent with your follow through. This will be your saving grace for the entire school year.


4. Ask for help and support when you need it!

I was able to collaborate and learn from so many different teachers, specialists, and staff with varying degrees of experience. Take advantage of learning from those around you and be open-minded and receptive to feedback. You are not going to do everything perfectly; take accountability and responsibility when you need to. You are not on an island; you do not need to overthink or reinvent the wheel. Do not be afraid to seek out help and support when you feel you may need it. This is a strength, not a weakness.


5. Be proactive!

If issues arise, work to rectify them right away to ensure they do not escalate or snowball into bigger issues. The bigger the issues become, the harder it becomes to resolve them.


6. One class at a time.

Classes typically do not go according to plan! Be prepared with back-up lessons and supplementary work just in case, and also be prepared that some lessons will take longer than expected. Take everything one class at a time.

 

7. Students behave differently in different settings.

It was truly astounding for me to see how different students can be in 1:1 sessions vs. in a classroom with their peers. There were times that I witnessed complete personality changes within a matter of minutes!


8. Work ahead of schedule.

By prioritizing completing my work a week ahead of when it was due, this helped me immensely balance my position at the school and my obligations to TPSMTS, not to mention obligations in my personal life as well!


9. Proper footwear.

Make the investment in supportive shoes and/or orthotics. Your feet will thank you when you are standing and moving from class to class all day long.


10. HAVE FUN!

Take pleasure and pride in your students’ learning journeys and recognize the impact you are having on their growth and development. It can be hard to see the big picture amidst the craziness that comes with being a teacher; take a step back when needed and enjoy the process 🙂

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 by TPSMTS Team

Accompaniment Patterns You Can Use on Piano and Guitar

By: Rena Yung

The guitar and piano are some of the most popular instruments music therapist use in their sessions. A very simple pattern that a lot of people use is playing 4 quarter notes and singing over it. Although this pattern is great and very simple, what are some other accompaniment patterns you can use that are more interesting?

Here are some accompaniment patterns that I have found useful in my music therapy sessions.

Piano

Left Right Pattern

The Left Right pattern, is an alternating pattern between the left and right hand.  It is a very simple and popular pattern you can use for many songs. You can also use this pattern a lot for upbeat songs and nursery rhymes.

 

Syncopated patterns

Sometimes to make the music aspect of the session different or more interesting, I like to incorporate syncopated patterns. It changes the session up and can also make it more interesting. Sometimes you can also use syncopated patterns to fill up space when playing pop songs as well. This can make the song sound a lot more intermediate than it really does.

 

Rock Shuffle Pattern

 This pattern is a pattern that was introduced to me a few years ago, you can play this pattern in your left hand while playing a simple melody in your right hand, eg: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. This type of style is a new style that can also add variety in your sessions. When playing this pattern there needs to be a groove in your left hand. “The eighth notes are swung or shuffled” (Johnny) It kind of feels like a long-short pattern. Think triplets, and the first note is a quarter note, and the last note is an eighth note (Johnny). 

Below is an example of how you can play it in your left hand.

Alternating pattern/Arpeggio Pattern – Left Hand

This pattern is a simple pattern that can be used for slower and calmer songs eg: ballads. This pattern can also be used to fill space throughout the song, or when transition from a verse to a chorus or vice versa. “One interesting fact about the word arpeggio is that it originates from the Italian word “arpeggiare” which means “to play on a harp”.” (Hoffman Academy Team). Harp players play a lot of arpeggio chords when they are strumming on the strings. 

 

 

Alternating pattern/Arpeggio Pattern – Right Hand + Left Hand

Arpeggio pattern can also be done by both hands. They are also a great way to help build up dexterity in fingers. 

 

Guitar

The guitar is something that I picked up when my music therapy journey began. The guitar has been referred to as one of the principal and essential instruments in music therapy (Kennedy, 2001, 2003; Lrout, 2003) (Krout). It is also a popular instrument as they are relatively accessible and easy to transport. Here are a few patterns that I have found useful in my sessions.

Syncopated Pattern

This pattern is a pattern that I have found very popular. It can be used across many songs, and also a very simple strumming pattern to pick up on the guitar. This pattern is quite upbeat and can also be used for a lot of fast-paced songs.

 

Chuck Style

 “Chucking” is a common technique with acoustic guitar, where open strums and dead note “chucks” are alternated to create a rhythmic pattern, and it is a primary technique used for playing chords and single notes in creating funk guitar rhythm parts” (Sweetwaters). This strumming pattern is a pattern I found very useful to learn for my therapy sessions as it changes the session musically, and can also make it more interesting.

Here is a video to learn how to chuck on the guitar:

If some of these patterns are confusing, I always like to start simple. 4 quarter notes, then slowly add more variety when you become more familiar with the simple patterns. Simplify everything first. When learning things on the piano I always like to use the LH as a grounding bass to keep rhythm. Of course, there are other patterns on the guitar and piano, but hopefully these patterns will help! 

 

 

Works Cited:

Harmony, Heart And. “Simple Accompaniment Patterns on Piano | Heart and Harmony Music Therapy.” Heart and Harmony Music Therapy, 3 July 2022, www.heartandharmony.com/simple-accompaniment-patterns-on-piano

“How to Play a Blues Shuffle for Beginner Piano.” Piano with Jonny, 14 Apr. 2021, Pianowithjonny.com/piano-lessons/how-to-play-a-blues-shuffle-for-beginner-piano/.

“How to Play Easy Piano Arpeggios.” Hoffman Academy, 1 Feb. 2024, www.hoffmanacademy.com/blog/how-to-play-easy-piano-arpeggios. 

Krout, Robert. (2007). The attraction of the guitar as an instrument of motivation, preference, and choice for use with clients in music therapy: A review of the literature. The Arts in Psychotherapy. 34. 36-52. 10.1016/j.aip.2006.08.005.

Sweetwater. “Chucking – inSync.” inSync, 9 June 2016, www.sweetwater.com/insync/chucking.

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 by TPSMTS Team

4 ways music can support your child’s daily activities

Written by Victoria Chan

Transitioning from one activity to the next can be challenging for many children. Music can be a great support and motivator, whether moving from a preferred activity to something less preferred or just getting ready for bed.

The following methods can be used alone or in combination with a visual schedule:

 

1. Using a musical timer

This musical timer can be used when wrapping up an activity. The audio and visual cues provide a concrete ending to an activity when it stops.

 

Check out this 1-minute musical timer:

2. Singing a song about the task

When building a routine, having consistent and predictable steps helps provide structure. Singing a song along to the specific task helps reinforce the structure and make it fun for children!

 

Check out this song about brushing teeth:

3. Using a transition song

Just like the musical timer, a transition song signifies the end or change of activity. These songs are short, catchy, and customizable!

 

For example: What’s next? What’s next? We’re going to (name of next activity). Let’s tidy up so we can (name of next activity).

 

Check out this video that outlines how to use transition songs at home:

4. Creating a playlist of preferred songs for non-preferred tasks

Trying to have your child stay on task? Use music as the motivator!

 

For example, create a short playlist of your child’s favourite songs. While it plays, your child can work on a task, such as cleaning their room. Once the playlist is over, they can stop cleaning.

 

Check out this playlist of songs for various daily tasks:

 

Perseverance is key – don’t forget to celebrate the little wins! Even if something doesn’t work the first time, try again. With time, these daily tasks will become part of a seamless routine!

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 by TPSMTS Team

Nature’s Symphony

Written by Jane Hong

From the design of instruments powered by the forces of nature, to the imitation of natural sounds in instruments, to the composition of songs motivated by natural scenes; nature inspires many elements in music.

Nature is arguably the most popular musical composer. There is timbre, harmony, and rhythm to be found in rustling leaves, whispers of the wind, birdsong, cicadas, flowing rivers, babbling brooks, crashing waves, and thunderstorms. Just as elements of music can be found in nature, elements of nature can also be found in music.

 

Some instruments are designed to be powered from the forces of nature. For example, wind chimes respond to the natural movement of air. On the other hand, some instruments are designed to resemble specific sounds in nature – such as ocean drums and rainsticks.

Even classical instruments have the ability to mimic nature.

  • String instruments like violins, cellos, and double basses can mimic the sounds of wind and waves through tremolo and glissando techniques. Raindrops can be imitated with the use of pizzicato.
  • Flutes, clarinets, and oboes can imitate bird calls and other natural sounds. By using techniques like flutter-tonguing and pitch bending, woodwind players can create realistic bird and animal noises.
  • Brass instruments can create powerful sounds that some would akin to thunder. By using techniques like growling and flutter-tonguing, brass players can paint a sense of natural power and force.
  • Finally, various percussion instruments can be used to emulate rain, thunder, and other natural sounds. For example, a snare drum can imitate the sound of a crackling fire, while a cymbal can imitate crashing waves.

Many composers have also written pieces depicting scenes in nature:

Lever Du Jour (Daybreak) – Daphnis et Chloe by Ravel

Forest Murmurs – Siegfried Act II by Wagner

Thunderstorm – An Alpine Symphony by Strauss

In essence, music in nature is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. It invites us to tune into the rhythms of the Earth, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. As we immerse ourselves in nature’s symphony, we discover that the beauty of this music lies not only in its complexity but also in its ability to evoke emotions.

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 by TPSMTS Team

10 ways music lessons support academic and cognitive development

Written by Yu Kwei Chan

Music lessons are more than just an extra-curricular activity to add to a student’s day. Many benefits come from the enjoyment of learning music.

Written by Yu Kwei Chan

Below are 10 ways in which music lessons can support academics and cognitive development:

1. Memory

When reading and learning a piece of music, we need to memorize the notes, rhythms, sequences, and patterns within the music. This will support the strengthening of memory and help with memorizing new knowledge.

 

2. Learning and Problem Solving

Whether it be understanding what a teacher has taught them and incorporating what is learned into practice at home, understanding learned concepts to sight read and figure out how to play a piece of music, learning from previous mistakes, or problem solving how to play a certain passage in a certain manner, music helps aid learning and problem solving.

 

3. Language Skills

Music in itself is a language. Interpreting and understanding notes, symbols and patterns helps improve language skills and supports students in becoming better readers and writers. In addition, music strengthens the ability to learn words, speak them correctly, and recognize pitch and tone.

 

4. Math Skills

With understanding of rhythm – breaking down beats (e.g.. how many eighth notes in one beat), and time signatures (e.g., how many beats in a bar, how can we count?), music can support the understanding of division and fractions.

 

5. Coordination

Playing a musical instrument enhances hand eye coordination. Being able to read a passage of notes and use the right fingerings to play the correct notes or
watching a conductor for cues of when to sing, or play strengthens skills of coordination.

 

6. Creativity

This can be demonstrated in one’s interpretation of a piece of music, in creating compositions, as well as a tool for self-expression.

 

7. Discipline/ Time Management

Practicing regularly and the commitment to learn encourages discipline and time management. How a student breaks down a piece and working on sections in order to achieve musical goals within a set time frame fosters these qualities that can be carried over across all learning.

 

8. Stress Reduction

Playing and listening to music can reduce stress and anxiety, as music can be used as an outlet when stressed.

 

9. Social Skills

Within group music lessons or playing music with others (e.g., duets or ensembles), students are able to work collaboratively, increasing their ability to work together as a team.

 

10. Motivation and Confidence

Working towards and achieving musical goals (e.g., learning a favourite song, passing an exam, performing in a recital) can boost a student’s confidence and help them understand they are capable of achieving set goals with dedication and practice.

Resource

Asasher. “The Benefits of Music in the Classroom.” CCEI A StraighterLine Company, 28 July 2022, www.cceionline.com/the-benefits-of-music-in-the-classroom/

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 by TPSMTS Team

Back To School: 5 Tips For An Easier Transition

Written by Gabriella Serruya

Welcome back!

I hope you had a good summer and a good start back to the school year. After a summer of fun and different routines, it’s always good to get back to the school routine. With it, we welcome our school year activities which include music lessons/sessions (unless you continued taking lessons/sessions through the summer!).

For me, back to school means getting back to “work” after a more leisurely summer – literally and figuratively! I get to start seeing students that took a break from lessons over the summer, and it’s also a good time for me to get organized and have a new start. After the summer, I’m always energized and ready to tackle the new year.

Here are some tips for making the transition a bit easier:

Make time for practicing

Getting back into routine includes making time for homework and practicing music. I put those together because they are similar. They both need to be done regularly to ensure success. For success at music, we need to be playing our instruments almost daily and playing the songs multiple times. While practicing isn’t always fun, the payoff is worth it!

 

Practice a small amount each day

These first few weeks can be challenging as we adjust to the new routine. Practicing a small amount every day or so is a good way to get going and start a new habit! This can also help keep frustration lower when learning new material.

 

Give it time

For some students, it’s been 2 months without a lesson/session (and likely practicing!). It will take time to get back into the swing of things.

 

Make sure your piano is properly tuned

If you haven’t had your piano tuned in a while, it might be time to take care of it. It’s harder to play on an untuned piano. It’s distracting and can take away from the music. For beginners, it can be particularly distracting because the notes might not sound the same at home and at the lesson/session.

 

Speak to your teacher/therapist about your goals for the upcoming school year

Your teacher/therapist is here for you! Having short term and long term goals to work towards throughout the year will help with motivation and practicing. Goals can be anything from learning how to play your favourite song, learning how to play a new style of music, completing an RCM exam, or starting very early preparations for our annual “End-of-the-Year Party and Recitals.” We want your lessons/sessions to always be productive, positive, and rewarding.

With these tips in mind, I wish everyone a smooth transition this month!

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 by TPSMTS Team

Four Ways to Tackle Your Recital Jitters

Conquering stage fright

Written by Beatrix Yip

With the end of the school year upon us and our End-Of-The-Year Party and Recitals around the corner, sharing music with others in a performance setting may feel scary and challenging. While preparing your song well in advance with your music teacher is a big help, it may not be able to calm all of your recital jitters (which is completely normal!).

Here are some ways to calm your nerves leading up to and during the big day:

 

Remind yourself that you are not alone!

More people have stage fright than you think, with approximately 73 percent of people reporting some kind of nervousness or fear about presenting or performing in front of people – this could even apply to your music teacher!

 

Talk to your music teacher, parents, and friends and ask them about their experiences with stage fright, as well as strategies they have used to cope with it. Not only is this a great way to remind yourself that you are not the only one feeling stage fright, you could even find new and different ways to prepare for your recital!

 

Practice performing!

While preparing and practicing your actual song is important, practicing for the performance aspect of the recital is just as important. Take some time when practicing at home or with your music teacher in your lesson to rehearse going up to the piano, sitting, playing through your song, and then going back to your seat.

 

Analyze, Discuss, and Create!

Studies have shown that analyzing the performance song in the context of the recital can help to minimize nerves and the impact of potential mistakes. Discuss and create strategies to deal with worries you may have such as making a mistake, or having many people watching you perform. Preparing well to set yourself up for success can play a large role in calming recital jitters leading up to the big day.

 

The order of your performance can matter on the big day!

Identifying and reducing factors that could potentially make you feel more nervous on the day of your recital can help as well. Performing at the beginning or near the end could potentially help, especially if you either want to get your performance out of the way so you can enjoy the recital without feeling nervous, or watch other students perform first to get a feel for the environment and the audience expectations. Talk to your music teacher about the possibility of arranging the order of your performance, or see if you can find out the performance order so you can prepare in advance.

 

Recitals are a wonderful way to show all that you have learned and worked on over the past year in your lessons, and every performer should be proud and trust in all the hard work and learning they have done to get to this point.

Whether this is your very first recital or if you have performed in recitals in previous years, feeling nervous is completely normal!

There are many ways you and your music teacher can work together to tackle any feelings of fear and nervousness so you can focus on what is important – having fun and celebrating all the wonderful things you have accomplished this year!

 

Resources

 

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