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Listen and Learn Music: September 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

School Spirit

I've been blogging for about a month now, but I haven't talked much about the school where I work, the Hope Institute in Springfield, Illinois. I've been fortunate to serve as the music therapist there for the last year and a half, and it has been an extremely eye-opening and gratifying experience.



The Hope Institute is a residential school for children with multiple disabilities. Over 70% of our students have a diagnosis of autism; other diagnoses include Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, severe behavioral disorders, and various cognitive, physical and emotional deficits. Hope has a staff of over 500, including teachers, educational and habilitation specialists, therapists, and administrative officials.

As the only music therapist, I work with each class as well as several students individually. We work on social skills, movement, following directions, interaction, and many other goal areas. I also get to do all sorts of fun "extras" such as leading school singalongs, organizing student performances, and sharing the music of Hope with the community.

Last year I was asked to write a new school song, which the students sang at this year's pep rally. It was so much fun to write, but what I really love is hearing the kids sing it and showing their school spirit. Here it is:



We are the bulldogs,
We are the bulldogs,
The Hope bulldogs are we.
Mighty and strong,
At the top we belong,
Oh just you wait and see!

We are the bulldogs,
We are the bulldogs,
White and blue and proud,
We do our best,
Stand apart from the rest,
We sing our song out loud!

We are the bulldogs,
We are the bulldogs,
The Hope bulldogs are we.
Mighty and strong,
At the top we belong,
Oh just you wait and see!

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Monday, September 29, 2008

Tunes I Like

It would be nearly impossible to use only my own music in my work with children; besides, I wouldn't want to! There are so many great singers and songwriters who are producing top-notch children's songs - it would be a waste not to take advantage of such resources. When I'm looking for fresh material, iTunes and Amazon are it for discovering what's new and popular. Here are some of the gems I've discovered over the last few years.

1. Elizabeth Mitchell
Elizabeth is a fairly new discovery. She has a sweet, soothing voice and you'll recognize many of her songs. Favorites: Three is a Magic Number, So Glad I'm Here, You Are My Sunshine

2. Genevieve Jereb
This singer/songwriter is also an occupational therapist, and her Australian accent adds such charm to her already wonderful tunes. Favorites: I Am Me, Jellybeans, A-La-La-La-La-La- La- Le-Luia

3. Greg & Steve
If you're looking for a great movement song, these are your guys. All of their songs are fun, educational, and catchy. Favorites: Can't Sit Still, The Number Rock, Popcorn

4. Jack Hartmann
I saw him at a conference last spring, and not only is he full of energy, but kids love his music. And there are tons of songs to choose from. Favorites: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Birthdays, Powwow

5. Jim Gill
Another great resource for movement tunes. His songs are the perfect combination of silly and smart. Favorites: Alabama Mississippi, Toe Leg Knee, Rhythm in My Fingers, My Ups and Downs

6. Laurie Berkner
She is one of the very first songwriters who really caught my eye...er, ear, and she remains my go-to source for songs I know my kids will love. Favorites: Buzz Buzz, Walk Along the River, The Story of My Feelings, Mahalo, Shakin' Down the Sugar

7. Mr. Heath
If total silliness is what you're looking for, Mr. Heath is your answer. My students have been singing Spring Fever through three seasons! Favorites: Doo Wocka Doo, Spring Fever, Red Means Stop

These are just a few of the many, many music makers I adore. If you'd like more suggestions, just ask!

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Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter

The sun has finally taken a day off, and it's been replaced by storm clouds and raindrops. As much as I love sunny days, I am looking forward to singing a different weather song today. "Rainy Day" hasn't had much airtime since the spring, so it will be fun to dig it back out. Take a listen:



Pitter patter, pitter patter
Down comes the rain today
Clouds are forming in the sky,
Inside we'll have to stay.

Thunder crashes, boom boom boom!
We see lightning too.
Don't go outside,
Until the storm is through.

Pitter patter, pitter patter
Down comes the rain today
Clouds are forming in the sky,
Inside we'll have to stay.

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Sunday, September 28, 2008

Where Are Your Manners?

Yesterday it was all about appropriate language...today we'll continue in that vein with a song about using good manners. Children receive constant reminders to say "hello", "please", "thank you", and "you're welcome", so after a while, they can start to tune them out. What better way to teach manners than with a song?



Manners, manners, what are they?
It’s the way you talk, act, and play.
Using friendly words and being nice
Is having good manners, take my advice.

Is crying and screaming the right thing to do?
No, that’s bad manners for me and you.
But smiling and having nice hands and feet
Is having great manners, and being sweet.

Saying please and thank you is great,
So is being patient while you wait.
Following directions and taking your turn
Is having nice manners, you will learn.

So always remember to do these things,
And you will see the smiles it brings.
Use friendly words and be polite,
And your manner will be just right!

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Saturday, September 27, 2008

Friendly Words

An issue that comes up frequently when working with children is the use of appropriate language. I wrote this song for a student who had a habit of saying "pee-yew, you stink!" whether the person did or not (and most of the time, luckily, it was the latter). Now we sing this song together, and afterwards, I quiz her on which phrases are appropriate and which are not. After months and months of singing this song together, she has ceased holding her nose and uttering this phrase, and "Friendly Words" is her favorite song. Go figure!



Let’s sing a little song about the words we say
To make people smile every single day.
Friendly words are what we use
So think about the words you choose.

Hi and Hello and How Are You?
Are friendly greeting words through and through
Another friendly thing that you can say
Is “You look very pretty today.”

But if you say “pee-yew, you stink”,
That’s just not so nice, don’t you think.
Gross and yuck and disgusting
Are not friendly words for you and me.

So use nice words and then you’ll see,
It’s so cool to be friendly.
So use nice words and then you’ll see,
It’s so cool to be friendly.

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Friday, September 26, 2008

On the Radio

If you're interested in learning more about my work as a music therapist, you can listen to a radio interview highlighting a session that I led at The Autism Program in Springfield. The interview was conducted for WUIS, the University of Illinois - Springfield radio station. Scroll about halfway down the page and click on the link that says Music Therapy for Autism on their website.

If you have any questions about music therapy and autism, or want to learn more, feel free to email me. I am more than willing to share my knowledge and experiences!

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Another Sunny Day

It's been a beautiful week here in central Illinois, and actually, with the exception of a few days here and there, the weather has been consistently sunny and warm all month. You know how excited I am about the advent of fall, but I am definitely enjoying these last few summer-like days.

There's nothing better than a beautiful, sunny Friday, so to celebrate, I'll share one of my most popular songs: "Sunny Day." My students absolutely love singing along, especially the part that goes "la la la la la." I wrote it early last year, and I have to say it is one of my personal favorites. So I hope you like it, too!



Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day, yes sir!
Look outside and what do you see?
The sun is shining down on me.
Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day!

The air is warm, and the sky is blue.
A beautiful day for me and you.

Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day, yes sir!
Look outside and what do you see?
The sun is shining down on me.
Sun-sun-sunny day, lalalalala,
Sun-sun-sunny day!

Singing this song always puts me in a good mood. What songs do the same for you and your child or students?

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Brushin' My Teeth

To round out tonight's three-part self care series, here's a song that teaches the correct way to brush teeth. This can be a difficult task, so anything to make it a little more fun can help. The tune is recognizable and catchy; you'll most likely find yourself humming it tomorrow :) Check it out:



I’m brushin’ all my teeth to keep them clean,
Nice and white, not yellow or green.
I brush them in the morning, noon, and night,
This is how I do it right.

First I get my toothbrush nice and wet,
Squeeze the toothpaste and then I’m all set.
Now I’ll put my toothbrush in my mouth,
Brush east and west, and north and south.

Brushin’ up and down and side to side,
Keep my mouth open nice and wide.
Don’t forget my tongue, I’ll clean it now,
Brushin’ is easy when I now how.

Last I’ll rinse my toothbrush and put it up,
Take a sip of water from a cup.
Rinse my mouth, and now I’m done,
Brushin’ my teeth is so much fun!

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This is the Way We Wash Our Hands

Another essential self-care skill: hand washing. The lyrics are repetitive, making it easy to learn and fun to sing. All while the child learns how to correctly wash his or her hands! That is my goal: to make learning enjoyable, so that it doesn't feel like learning. Here's the song:


Sheet Music: $1
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This is the way we wash our hands,
When our hands are dirty we wash our hands,
After we use the bathroom we wash our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

First turn on the faucet with our hands,
Then put the soap in our hands,
Rub the soap all over, in our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

Wash the tops of our hands,
Wash the palms of our hands,
Wash between the fingers on our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

Next rinse off the soap from our hands,
Then turn off the faucet with our hands,
Use a paper towel to dry our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

This is the way we wash our hands,
When our hands are dirty we wash our hands,
After we use the bathroom we wash our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands.

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To The Bathroom I Go

Tonight I'm featuring a three-part series on self-care songs. I receive requests from teachers all the time for songs about using the bathroom, keeping clean, and other related topics, so I thought I'd share them with you. So here goes Part One:

Potty-training. It's not a fun job, but it has to be done. This simple song is set to a familiar tune and uses repetitive lyrics to deliver step-by-step instructions for using the potty. Take a listen:


Sheet Music: $1
Add to Cart

I have to go to the bathroom,
I have to go to the bathroom,
I have to go to the bathroom,
So that is where I’ll go!

I’ll shut the door to the bathroom,
Pull down my pants in the bathroom,
Sit down on the toilet and that is when
I’ll let it all come out!

I’ll let it all come out, I’ll let it all come out.
I’ll let it come out in the toilet,
And keep my pants all dry!

I’ll take some toilet paper,
I’ll take some toilet paper,
I’ll take some toilet paper,
And wipe from front to back!

Put the paper in the toilet,
Put the paper in the toilet,
Put the paper in the toilet,
And flush it all away!

Then I’ll pull up my pants, and wash my hands all clean.
I’ll wash my hands when I’m finished,
And now I can leave!

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More About Me

You've learned a little about me, but I'd like to tell you more. Specifically, how I got here and why I do what I do. Here goes:

I grew up singing. At home, school, church, community theaters, anywhere they'd let me, really. By high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue music as a career, and everyone encouraged me to go after my dream. So I applied to several college music programs, and ultimately chose to attend Rollins College, a small liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida.

My experience at Rollins was amazing. There I was exposed to top-notch musicians, and I received voice training from a world-renowed opera singer. As fabulous as this experience was, it taught me that I really did not want to be an opera singer. I loved singing in my women's trio; showtunes and pop were really more my speed. But nonetheless, I continued my studies while rethinking my future.

I knew music had to be a part of the equation; I just didn't quite know how it fit into the puzzle. Then I was assigned to research and write a paper about a topic of my choice related to music. While doing a little googling and exploring, I stumbled upon music therapy. I had heard of it in passing, but didn't really know much about it. The more I researched, the more I fell in love with the idea of it.

The professor of that class, who also happened to be the chair of the music department, was impressed with my paper and my interest in music therapy. He put me in touch with a local music therapist, who I job-shadowed for the remainder of the semester. I was so excited with the possibility of studying music therapy that I finished my degree a year and a half early, so that I could move on to graduate school.

I spent two years at Illinois State University, where I was a student in the music therapy graduate program. I completed clinical practicums in the field, wrote a thesis, and then spent a year in St. Louis interning with a private practice. Not once did I question my decision to pursue music therapy. I knew it was what I'm meant to do.

After completing my internship in St. Louis, I was ready for the real world. Luckily, there was a job waiting for me as a full-time music therapist at the Hope Institute, a school for children with multiple disabilities in Springfield, Illinois. My work at Hope allows me to work with students in both group and one-on-one setttings, and here I put my creativity to work in coming up with songs and activities.

So that brings us to the here and now. I'm always working on new songs and looking for topics to write about. My students are my biggest source of inspiration, but suggestions and requests are always welcome. I hope you are able to take something away from my blog, and that it keeps you coming back for more.

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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Fall Into Fall (Part 2)

This is a song I wrote last year, and I was happy to take it back out this fall. This song can be used to reinforce location of body parts, while at the same time teaching that not all scarecrows are scary. It was inspired by the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz -- one of my favorite movies of all time -- and I picture him every time I sing it. I bet you will, too!



Out in the field in a row of corn,
Stands a scarecrow so forlorn.
Crows on his head and crows on his feet,
He's the saddest scarecrow you'll ever meet.

Can't scare the crows, oh no no!
Can't scare the crows, oh no no!
Crows on his head and crows on his feet,
He's the saddest scarecrow you'll ever meet.

Out in the field in a row of corn,
Stands a scarecrow so forlorn.
Crows on his elbows and crows on his knees,
The scarecrow's even scared of a little breeze.

Can't scare the crows, oh no no!
Can't scare the crows, oh no no!
Crows on his elbows and crows on his knees,
The scarecrow's even scared of a little breeze.

Out in the field in a row of corn,
Stands a scarecrow so forlorn.
Crows on his nose and crows on his ears,
The scarecrow's crying scarecrow tears.

Can't scare the crows, oh no no!
Can't scare the crows, oh no no!
Crows on his nose and crows on his ears,
The scarecrow's crying scarecrow tears.

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Fall Into Fall (Part 1)

Say goodbye to summer...it's day two of fall and that gives us lots to sing about! I had no trouble coming up with this song, since there are so many great things about fall. Today I asked my students to share their favorite aspects of fall, and these were the most popular answers: jumping in piles of leaves, cool weather, and of course, Halloween. While my fall song doesn't mention this spooky day (there are plenty of others dedicated to it), it does cover most other bases. So take a listen!



Fall into fall,
the most colorful season of all.
Orange and gold, red, yellow, and brown,
Leaves are swirling all around.

September, October, November, fall is here.
At the end of December, we know that winter's near.

Fall into fall,
the most colorful season of all.
Orange and gold, red, yellow, and brown,
Leaves are swirling all around.

Football, and pumpkins, and hayrack rides abound.
Most of the leaves that were once on trees, are now upon the ground.

Fall into fall,
the most colorful season of all.
Orange and gold, red, yellow, and brown,
Leaves are swirling all around.

The air is getting colder, the wind is getting strong.
The days are getting shorter, but we keep on singing this song.

Fall into fall,
the most colorful season of all.
Orange and gold, red, yellow, and brown,
Leaves are swirling all around.

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Slowly But Surely...

...my voice is returning to normal. I am hoping to be able to record a few songs tonight, so check back in the next couple days for new additions.

In the meantime, here's a question for you: what types of social story songs would you be interested in hearing? Recently I wrote one about getting a haircut, and I'm planning to write about going to the dentist and doctor as well. Though social stories are usually written specifically for a child facing a situation, these can be personalized as needed. I'm taking suggestions!

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Friday, September 19, 2008

Coming Soon

Over the last few weeks, I've been dusting off my autumn-related songs and adding some new ones to the pile.  I've already shared "September" with you, but there are many more, including "Fall Into Fall," "Pumpkin, Pumpkin," and "Scarecrow Song."  I'll be featuring these over the next month just as soon as I kick this cough and sore throat that has kept me home from school today! 

But enough about that.  I'm trying to keep my mind off my stuffy nose and pounding head by thinking about all the great things fall has to offer.  Tomorrow is a kick-off of sorts: Fall Fest at the Hope Institute (where I work as the music therapist).  I'll be selling CDs as a fundraiser for the music therapy program, and hopefully we'll make enough to purchase several new instruments for the students.  It should be a fun day!

Stay tuned for sounds of the fall...

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

A New Look

If you are a returning visitor, you've no doubt noticed the changes I've made to the site. I just wasn't inspired by the previous design, so I gave it a major overhaul this week and am very happy with the results. I hope you are too!

I've been hard at work on my latest collection in the Listen and Learn series -- it's called "Counting Time" and not only is the content great, but it's colorful eye candy, as well! Not a bad combination. I employed lots of new fonts and graphics to make this song collection one that you and your child or students will want to pick up over and over again. Here is a sample page:


Each picture page is accompanied by a lyrics page. There are two counting songs per month, plus ten extras at the end of the book, which translates to 34 colorful pages of pictures. Counting to ten has never been so pretty, or so much fun!

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Friday, September 5, 2008

September

It's so hard to believe that September is here, and that the school year is in full swing. Over the past twelve months, I have written a song for each one of them which wraps up all the highlights of those thirty-something days into a neat little package. The first I'll share with you is September:



September, September, today it is September.
Month number nine for thirty days,
Fall weather cools the sun's hot rays.
We'll see the leaves turn from green to brown,
And pretty soon they'll all fall down.

September, September, today it is September.
The air is turning nice and cool,
And we spend all our days in school,
It's a wonderful time of the year!

September, September, today it is September.
Month number nine for thirty days,
Fall weather cools the sun's hot rays.
We'll see the leaves turn from green to brown,
And pretty soon they'll all fall down.

September, September, today it is September.
We'll celebrate on Labor Day,
Home from school is where we'll stay,
It's a wonderful time of the year!

September, September, today it is September.
Month number nine for thirty days,
Fall weather cools the sun's hot rays.
We'll see the leaves turn from green to brown,
And pretty soon they'll all fall down.

September, September, today it is September.
We'll go outside, roll up our sleeves,
Make a bed of crunchy leaves,
It's a wonderful time of the year!

September, September, today it is September.
Month number nine for thirty days,
Fall weather cools the sun's hot rays.
We'll see the leaves turn from green to brown,
And pretty soon they'll all fall down.

Be sure to check back in on the first of each month (and of course, all the days in between!) for a new song. See you again soon!

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Thursday, September 4, 2008

An Introduction

Well hi there. I'm Rachel, and I can't tell you how excited I am about this blog. It's actually an extension of my website, Music Therapy Connections, which is how many of you may have gotten here. If that is the case, you can just go ahead and skip over the next few paragraphs!

As a board-certified music therapist, I work with children of all age levels in both mainstream and special education settings. I use music to address nonmusical skills, including social, cognitive, emotional, and physical. Though levels of skill and functioning varies widely from child to child, a strong love and positive response to music is characteristic of most, if not all of them.

When I began my work as a music therapist, I realized how scarce great resources truly are in this field. I wanted materials that I could use across a wide spectrum, not just those geared towards children with severe disabilities or gifted children. I wanted materials that would appeal to all age groups - materials that teachers, parents, and adult caregivers would enjoy utilizing as well.

When I couldn't find anything that truly met my needs, I began to create my own. I wrote and recorded song after song and over time amassed a collection that I was able to use in every single setting. The children with whom I work know and love these songs, which is apparent by the big smiles on their faces and the sound of their voices singing along.

But what is most important is that while they are singing and having a good time, these children are learning. They are learning to count, they are learning the correct way to brush their teeth, and they are learning to use manners. The reason why my songs do the job they are meant to do is that listening to them doesn't feel like work. They truly make learning fun.

And that is why I started this blog...all this time, I have been selfishly keeping these wonderful tools to myself! So now, hopefully your child or student can benefit from my songs as mine have; and if they do, tell your friends. Tell your child's teacher. And keep coming back to visit me!

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