Music Therapy

Here’s a breakdown of a typical group session plan which can be easily altered for 1 on 1 engagement.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes): Start with a brief chat to make everyone feel comfortable. Introduce the session and its goals.
  2. Warm-Up (10 minutes): Gentle vocal or breathing exercises to get everyone engaged and relaxed. You might also include light physical movements, like hand clapping or foot tapping, to a simple rhythm.
  3. Sing-Along (15 minutes): Choose familiar songs from their era. Singing together can evoke memories and create a sense of community. Encourage participation and sing songs they love.
  4. Instrument Play (10 minutes): Hand out simple instruments like tambourines, maracas, or small drums. Guide the group in playing along with a familiar tune or create simple rhythms together.
  5. Listening Activity (10 minutes): Play a piece of music that could evoke memories or emotions. This could be classical music, jazz, or a popular song from their youth. Discuss any memories or feelings the music brings up.
  6. Creative Expression (10 minutes): Encourage participants to create their own music. This could be as simple as making up lyrics to a familiar tune or creating a group rhythm with percussion instruments.
  7. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes): End with a calming piece of music and a short discussion on how the session made them feel. Thank everyone for their participation and provide a preview of the next session.

Here are some song selections that resonate well with clients.

List 1:

  1. “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” – Traditional Spiritual
  2. “Take the ‘A’ Train” – Duke Ellington
  3. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
  4. “A Tisket, A Tasket” – Ella Fitzgerald
  5. “How High the Moon” – Ella Fitzgerald
  6. “Hound Dog” – Big Mama Thornton
  7. “Try a Little Tenderness” – Otis Redding
  8. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
  9. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
  10. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

List 2:

  1. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” – Traditional Spiritual
  2. “St. Louis Blues” – W.C. Handy
  3. “What Did I Do to Be So Black and Blue” – Louis Armstrong
  4. “Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday
  5. “A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
  6. “My Girl” – The Temptations
  7. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” – James Brown
  8. “People Get Ready” – Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions
  9. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
  10. “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye

List 3:

  1. “You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis
  2. “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” by Doris Day
  3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
  4. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  5. “The Sound of Music” by Julie Andrews
  6. “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
  7. “Moon River” by Andy Williams
  8. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
  9. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
  10. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole