Music Therapy

 by TPSMTS Team

Staying Positive with Music

Boosting our moods with a happy playlist

Written by Jane Hong

 

It’s easy to feel cooped up and frustrated during uncertain times. The absence of normalcy can cause a lack of motivation to get things done. Research shows that listening to music releases endorphins in the brain, which in turn reduces anxiety and stress.

Here are some great examples of upbeat songs that send out positive messages (we included playlists below!):

  1. Happy by Pharrell Williams
  2. Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
  3. I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
  4. Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
  5. Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
  6. Walkin’ on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves
  7. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
  8. Fight Song by Rachel Platten
  9. Brave by Sara Bareilles
  10. Firework by Katy Perry
  11. Dynamite by Taio Cruz
  12. Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars

 

 

 

YouTube Playlist    Spotify Playlist

 

Other than listening to songs, we can also get creative and write our own! Song parodies are a great way to lighten up the mood. Songwriting may seem daunting at first, but you can always start simple. For example, by only switching out one word per line, the whole song can go a completely different direction. Deciding on an overall theme can also help with brainstorming new lyrics.

 

With many people moving onto online platforms, online jamming is also becoming popular! Strangers, friends, teachers, and students can play and sing together via video calls on platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, or Skype. More and more services have popped up in the last few months to help musicians connect with one another.

 

Music can help us stay positive during discouraging times, keep afloat and stay motivated. Besides, more music is always welcome!

 

Resource:

Why Listening to Music Makes Us Feel Good

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 by TPSMTS Team

We pivoted once, now we pivoted twice: Adjusting to our “new normal”

Written by Tamara Leszner-Rovet

How our music therapy practice and piano studio is moving forward

As you have seen on the blog over the past few months, we have been discussing our transition to Telehealth (online) lessons/sessions. We have discussed in detail the benefits we have seen, and what we have learned using this new platform to ensure our students/clients maintain a sense of normalcy, routine, and their motivation and progress during this unpredictable time.

 

Toward the end of May, we were given the go-ahead to begin resuming in-person lessons/sessions with strict health and safety protocols in place, as set out by our regulating college and public health.

 

This transition was slow, first starting with “urgent” students/clients who for a variety of reasons, could not be seen on Telehealth (online) through this time. About a week later, we were able to begin transitioning all our students/clients who were comfortable back to in-person lessons/sessions.

 

Very quickly, we needed to pivot again and put clear contingency plans in place to ensure the safety of our teachers/therapists, students/clients, and their families. Here are some examples of the health and safety measures that are now a part of our “new normal”:

 

Frequent hand sanitizing and hand washing:

Whether we are seeing students/clients in the studio or in their home, the first thing we do is ensure they wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after each lesson/session. Our teachers/therapists do the same.

PPE:

All our teachers/therapists are required to wear a mask during every lesson/session. We strongly encourage students/clients to wear masks as well, but in some circumstances this is not possible. If this is the case, our teachers/therapists wear face shields in addition to masks for everyone’s protection.

 

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!

In each studio and in the bathroom, you will find a litany of cleaning supplies used before and after each lesson/session, as well as during lessons/sessions to make sure that any used instruments and/or supplies, frequently touched surfaces, etc. are cleaned and disinfected promptly.

Checklists

If you are visiting the studio, you will see checklists around the entire space: entryway, stairwell, hallway, treble clef studio, bass clef studio, bathroom, and waiting room. There are checklists for all the possible items, surfaces, etc. that could be touched in each area, and students/clients and their families can see when everything was last cleaned.

 

Studio safety

Our studio is definitely quieter these days! We are allowing students/clients in one at a time (with some exception to siblings), typically with an accompanying adult waiting outside. We are starting to implement staggered start and end times as well. The waiting room is no longer a hub for coffee, snacks, toys, games, or a place to “hang out” while lessons/sessions are being conducted.

At all times, we respect the varying comfort levels of each student/client and their families. Telehealth (online) lessons/sessions continue to be available for families who prefer this platform, and/or for families to utilize until they are comfortable resuming in-person lessons/sessions.

 

Though this “new normal” has brought a lot of changes to how we run our day to day operations, there is no question that our teachers/therapists and students/clients alike have been so happy to start seeing each other in-person again!

 

As further restrictions begin to ease, we look forward to continue resuming in-person lessons/sessions with all our students/clients as the summer goes on, and into the new school year!

 

As always, we wish everyone continued health and safety amidst these extraordinary times!

 

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 by TPSMTS Team

End of the 2019-2020 School Year Wrap-Up During these Extraordinary Times

What our team has learned and experienced so far in 2020…

Though the beginning of our 2019-2020 school year started off strong, 2020 has already been quite the year and it’s already June.

 

Back in March, maybe you were thinking, “It’s only March and this is how the year is going?!” To be honest, a part of me was in disbelief as well. The year 2020 will be known for many reasons, one of which here at TPSMTS, will be the year that we had changes we never would have anticipated!

 

We moved to Telehealth

Our music therapy sessions and music lessons have thrived for 13 years as in-person, in-studio or in-home sessions/lessons and for the first time ever, and now offered on a regular basis, we moved to Telehealth (online). If you have not heard of Telehealth yet, it is “the provision of healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology” (SOURCE).

 

In March, we immediately shifted all of our lessons/sessions to Telehealth. If you want to read more about that experience, you can read our previous blogs HERE and HERE.

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 by TPSMTS Team

Six Takeaways from Telehealth Music Lessons/Music Therapy Sessions

What the TPSMTS Team Has Learned Through Telehealth (Online) Lessons/Sessions

Tamara’s Piano Studio and Music Therapy Services (TPSMTS) has now been conducting Telehealth/Online lessons and sessions amidst these extraordinary times for 8 weeks now.

Our teachers and therapists have learned many new skills and dedicated time to furthering our techniques through this process!

 

1. Our students and clients continue to focus.

There have been many students/clients that we initially thought moving to Telehealth lessons/sessions would be difficult for. Despite our initial reservations, we have found that students/clients we thought may struggle have been doing quite well! We have found that some of our students/clients are actually focusing better with Telehealth lessons/sessions!

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 by TPSMTS Team

Transitioning to Telehealth (Online) Music Lessons/Music Therapy Sessions

Providing a sense of normalcy and routine in uncertain times.

Written by Gabriella Serruya

 

During these extraordinary times, many businesses and services have unfortunately been halted or cancelled. This affects our daily routines, but not as much as it does for the children we work with.

We know that most children with developmental delays strive on having normalcy and routine with their activities, and not being able to go to school or have regular services throws a wrench in their growth and development.

Many services have moved to an online or virtual platform to continue providing services, and TPSMTS has done this as well. While Telehealth lessons/sessions will not have the same impact and effect as in-person lessons/sessions, they still have many benefits.

 

During this uncertainty in most parts of our lives, the thing that TPSMTS been able to keep consistent is our music lessons/sessions through Telehealth (online) lessons/sessions.

Online lessons/sessions are giving students/clients a small element of routine in an otherwise crazy time.

Telehealth lessons/sessions are provided through a video chat application that allows for real-time interaction and (virtual) ‘face-to-face’ communication. Through the use of a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant platform, services can be provided in a safe, fun, and consistent manner.

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 by TPSMTS Team

“I Can’t…Yet!”

Cultivating a growth mindset in music therapy and music education

Written by Yu Kwei Chan

A while back, I had the privilege of teaching a student who had given me a look while playing a difficult song and said, “wait, don’t help me, I can do it!” I was so impressed by the student’s willingness for independent learning that it made me rethink teaching approaches of not only music, but also of the mindset of my students.

 

So many times as a teacher, therapist, and caregiver, I have heard the words “I can’t,” “I don’t know,” or “I need help” after asking a question. Our desire for immediacy in answers and to “help” when people are in need can result in taking away a person’s ability to learn on problem solve on their own.

To combat this learned helplessness here are some phrases we can use to redirect and implement for not only the students, but also for ourselves when we are struggling with a task and doubting our abilities:

  • I don’t know right now, but I will be closer after I work on…
  • Please give me a minute to think about what should come next!
  • I’m confused about __________ (an exact point).
  • I know how to do ___________ but don’t know _________. The next step that makes the most sense is __________.
  • In the past when I didn’t know, one thing that worked for me was ___________.
  • I improve when I practice.
  • Let me try a different strategy.
  • “I can’t do it … yet!” and try again.
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 by TPSMTS Team

Music Transcends Language

Ways that music narrows the distance between cultures

Written by Jane Hong

Music plays a big role in many people’s lives. From pop to classical music, everyone has their preferences.

Top music lists are no longer confined to songs in English, and often consist of popular songs from foreign countries. In many cases, people can enjoy songs in languages that they don’t understand themselves. This is a great example of how music transcends the boundaries of language.

 

Another example of how music transcends language is through translated songs. One of the most translated songs in the world is Amazing Grace. It has been translated into over 60 different languages including Zulu, Mandarin, Farsi, Filipino, and Arabic. Through these many translations, the meaning of the whole song is kept very similarly and faithful to the original that was first published in 1779.

Another song that has been translated many times is a very popular Christmas tune, Silent Night. It has been translated into over 100 different languages (originally in German as “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”).

In addition, Happy Birthday To You has been identified by the Guinness World Record as the most recognized English song, and has been translated into more than 30 languages!

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 by TPSMTS Team

Reflecting on 2019

In the midst of the craziness of holidays and winter break and also just the natural chaos that happens as we wind down (or up!) in December, it seemed fitting to write another reflection post as 2019 was a big, big, big year for us at TPSMTS!

  1. In May, we had Jane join our TPSMTS team as a music therapist/teacher!
  2. We capped off our incredible 2018-2019 year with not three, but FOUR end-of-the-year party and recitals in June. This year, we’ll get to continue with that as our recitals grow in number and in talent!
  3. Right after recitals, we moved to our new studio! For our students, clients, and their families, thank you for being so incredible during this move and for making this transition a smooth one. We’re so excited to be in our new space and be able to provide even more services to you, including…
  4. We ran out first ever music group sessions this summer! Gabriella hosted for the first time and it was fantastic. It is our goal to offer more groups in 2020 — stay tuned!
  5. In August, two of our associates were promoted – Silvia as the Senior Music Therapist & Administrative Assistant and Gabriella as our Senior Music Teacher!
  6. We welcomed Yu Kwei as she joined the team as a new music therapist/teacher!
  7. September kicked off our 2019-2020 school year!
  8. Two of our associates became newly NMT certified, which means our entire music therapy team are all certified in Neurologic Music Therapy!
  9. We re-branded and gave our website a refresh!
  10. One of our social media posts went viral and reached over 170,000 people on Facebook. We also joined Instagram!
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 by TPSMTS Team

Sharing the joy of music

How our music teachers and music therapists experience music with their students and clients

Written by Gabriella Serruya

I love my job!

Not everyone can say that, but I still can – even after 30 years! I consider all of my students as my “kids.” They and their families become a part of my extended family.

 

Every day, I have the privilege of seeing students of all ages and abilities experience music. It’s still a wonder after all this time. When that lightbulb of understanding comes on in a student, I know it’s a great day for both of us.

 

There are so many things that go into a great lesson. Sometimes it’s the lightbulb, but that doesn’t happen every week. Sometimes it’s the laugh we share, the hard work at the lesson, or the home practicing. I always enjoy the time we get to spend together making music.

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 by TPSMTS Team

Real Lessons from Reality TV

How Kodi Lee continues to teach us…

Written by Yu Kwei Chan

 

 

Over the summer, you may have come across Kodi Lee and his achievement on America’s Got Talent (AGT) shared across the media. Kodi’s appearance on AGT highlights various lessons that we can all learn, especially in regards to how music helps and affects individuals with special needs.

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