Every once in a while, someone in a music therapy session or class will ask, “Why are you singing that song again?” Usually it’s an adult, wondering why he or she has to hear the song that’s been stuck in his or head head since the previous week.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick explanation, but there are two important reasons why songs are often repeated in my music classes and music therapy sessions.
Those 3 “P”s basically sum up the month of October for me! It’s been a busy one, between all the Halloween-related activities for my children, gigs I’ve played, and of course, the book I’ve been working on for the past 6 months.
Heading into October, I was worried about being able to accomplish everything I needed to do in between all of the events on my personal and professional calendar. Just opening the calendar app on my phone has been scarier than any Halloween movie — it’s packed with kids’ birthday parties (at least one every weekend!), school-sponsored events, local performances, family outings, mini deadlines related to my book, and of course, all of my responsibilities at my main gig, Music Therapy Connections.
Incorporating special holidays into my music therapy sessions and music classes is always fun — most of all, Halloween! I don’t know what it is that makes it extra special; maybe it’s how enthusiastic the kids are, the minor key that is often used for spooky music, or all the imaginative play, but it is just the best!
Since the beginning of October, I’ve been incorporating Halloween-themed songs into my music therapy sessions and music classes. Between the ideas that the monthly session plan gave me and my own favorite songs, I think my Halloween-themed session plan is so fun and goal-oriented, I just had to share!
After weeks on end focused on writing my book, taking a break to put together the November session plan was a breath of fresh air. As much as I’ve loved the writing process, it will be nice to get back to the music sooner than later.
I always look forward to singing Thanksgiving songs with my kiddos, and had to hold back from overloading next month’s session plan with them. Of course, you’re always welcome to add more if you love this season’s repertoire as much as I do!
Creating the perfect session is a true art form. There are moments of high energy, pure peace, genuine connection, and of course, musical goal-oriented fun! The perfect session ebbs and flows, and has a natural progression that keeps all of the students and clients engaged throughout the music therapy session or music class.
I’d like to think that I have become a session-shaping master, and over the years, I’ve come up with a system that has worked really well for me. I hope it can be helpful for you, too!
Welcome! I’m Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and creator of Listen & Learn Music — educational songs and musical materials for children. I love sharing my work with you, along with my behind-the-scenes creative process, adventures in business ownership, and life as a mom of two little ones.
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Session Plans
Next month’s music therapy sessions, early childhood groups, or classroom music…planned for you in advance.
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