Team

 by TPSMTS Team

Facing Stress with Humour

Finding a way to laugh in the middle of trying times…

Written by Jane Hong

 

Everyone deals and copes with stress differently.

 

While we previously explored a “Happy Playlist” to help promote positivity in our lives, most of us can agree that laughter is medicine. Humour draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Research shows that laughter strengthens your immune system, improves mood, relieves pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.

 

While we aren’t making light of the events in the past year (and TPSMTS takes its’ health and safety procedures and protocols very seriously!), we can always try to find light in dark situations.

Here are some examples of songs that have taken on a completely different meaning today:

  1. All By Myself by Celine Dion
  2. Don’t Stand So Close To Me by The Police
  3. I Want To Hold Your Hand by The Beatles
  4. It’s The End of the World As We Know It by R.E.M.
  5. Yesterday by The Beatles

 

Some people has also taken upon themselves to create parodies of existing songs to fit the situation:

Social Distance (Parody of Go the Distance)

Lockdown Rhapsody (Parody of Bohemian Rhapsody)

In Quarantine (Parody of Under the Sea)

Staying Inside (Parody of Staying Alive)

Hello From the Inside (Parody of Hello)

For a final laugh, and something that the TPSMTS teachers/therapists “perform” multiple times a day, we have a live performance of the Coronavirus Etude on the piano.
Fun fact: The composer who created this video and piece is a spouse of a music therapist!

Coronavirus Etude by Jeff DePaoli

We wish you all continued health, safety, AND humour among these unpredictable times!

Resource:

 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

 

in Jane / Music Lessons / Music Therapy 0 comments
 by TPSMTS Team

What does a Typical Music Lesson Look and Sound Like?

Written by Gabriella Serruya

 

There are many ways to organize a music lesson. There are some key components though that occur at most lessons. These include scales/technique, songs that are being worked on, new material, theory, downtime and often sight-reading and ear-training activities.

 

Music Technique

Some teachers start each lesson with technique – I don’t always do that. I tend to fit it in between songs. For many students, technique isn’t always fun to play, but it’s necessary. The technique exercises strengthen our fingers, help our hands move confidently around the keyboard, and encourage speed.

 

How much music?

For my students, I try to have 3-4 songs going at a time. One song that is fairly new, one that is getting close to being “finished” and 1-2 between those two! This gives a variety of levels of difficulty. The new song is generally the hardest. We don’t know it well enough to even hum it, it’s slow, and it doesn’t sound like much yet! The song that’s close to being finished is generally the easiest to practice. It’s comfortable, we can hum it, and we know when we are playing things correctly (or not!). The songs in the middle are just that. There are some parts that we know and still some new parts to learn.

 

New Material

New material can come in a couple different forms. Generally it’s the new parts of the songs. Sometimes it’s the addition of musical details – staccato, dynamics, other articulation. Either way it can be challenging! Sometimes I bring some completely different music to the lessons. This we call the “fun” stuff. It’s generally easier than the usual music so students get more immediate gratification – the song is finished quicker! This year, many of my students have learned Hallowe’en songs – something different to mix things up a little!

 

Music Theory

Theory is an important part of lessons. In the early years, it reinforces note recognition and timing, as well as dynamics and articulation. There are lots of books out there, but I prefer individual sheets. I used them to help with anything that is confusing or needs working on. I enjoy searching out themed sheets to use! It makes it seem more fun!

 

Downtime & Exploration

Downtime is a surprisingly important part of the lesson. Most students need a few minutes in between songs or after every couple of songs to give their brains a small break. Sometimes it’s chatting about what’s happening in their world, sometimes it can be a music game. Other times, it looks like playing their instrument creatively. For example, listening to how the piano sounds with the pedal down, playing high or low notes, or making “mystery” chords.

 

Sight-Reading & Ear-Training

Last is sight-reading (working on reading unfamiliar music so students can strengthen their note-reading skills) and ear-training (connecting what we see on the music to how we hear it). Both are extremely important for building a musical foundation.

 

Each lesson generally follows a predictable format so students know what to expect each lesson. We fit a lot into those lessons every week. We aim to have fun as much as possible while working hard.

 

As always, lessons are tailored to the particular students’ strengths and needs to ensure a positive and rewarding musical experience! If you or someone you know would benefit from music lessons, you can learn more here.

 

in Gabriella / Music Lessons 0 comments
 by TPSMTS Team

5 Musical Instruments to Make at Home (with Instructions!)

Get crafty and create music with these DIY Instruments!

Written by Yu Kwei Chan

Here are some creative instruments made from everyday items for a fun activity at home, to use during your music therapy sessions (especially if you are receiving sessions via Telehealth), or to begin building your very own band to make music with your family and friends!

Read More›
in Music Lessons / Music Therapy / Yu Kwei 0 comments
 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

in Jane / Music Lessons / Music Therapy 0 comments
 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!

 

in Music Lessons / Music Therapy / Tamara / TPSMTS News 0 comments
 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.

Read More›
in Gabriella / Music Lessons / Music Therapy / TPSMTS News 0 comments
 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.
Read More›
in Music Lessons / Music Therapy / Yu Kwei 0 comments
 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!

Read More›
in Jane / Music Lessons / Music Therapy 0 comments
 by TPSMTS Team

Practicing and Intrinsic Motivation

Encouraging students to progress and grow in music lessons

Written by Tamara Leszner-Rovet

With the new year now upon us, it is a time for reflection and resolutions, including when it comes to music lessons. One aspect of music lessons that comes up frequently in conversation, especially at the beginning of a new term, is practicing.

In general, I have found that the key to long term progress, success, and enjoyment of playing an instrument is intrinsic motivation.

 

Intrinsic motivation refers to behaviour that is driven by internal rewards. The motivation to engage in a behaviour arises from within the individual because there are natural rewards associated with it. In other words, students practice because they want to progress (similar to playing sports, where there is a motivation to practice in order to develop the strength and skills to progress). In my experience, students who want to practice their instrument and continue to progress are the ones who reap the most benefits and rewards for themselves, and are more likely to continue lessons long-term.

 

Extrinsic motivation typically doesn’t work well as a long term solution. Rewards such as candy, toys, etc. may not be effective when it comes to music practicing. This is not to say that they won’t work in the short term, but often they satiate and eventually are no longer motivating. The point is that practicing equates to further progress, which is motivation in itself. While rewards may not be an optimal long-term way to motivate, positive reinforcement (strengthening an action with praising words, a pat on the back, performing for others, etc.) can help to further encourage growth and skills to develop intrinsic motivation.

Read More›
in Music Lessons / Tamara 0 comments
 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!
Read More›
in Music Lessons / Music Therapy / Team / TPSMTS News 0 comments