Monday, February 6, 2012

Harry’s Letter – Alzheimer’s is Taking Me Away from my Family

January 31, 2012 · 0 comments

in Music and Aging Well,Music and Dementia,Music and Memory,Music and Seniors,Music Therapy

It was just before Christmas when Harry invited me to spend an evening with him and his family. When he suggested I come to facilitate a music-filled evening he included a very compelling reason – “It is the first time in 10 years that all my children will be home for Christmas, and I want to make it special for them.”  He went on to say, “you said that by giving people a choice of song, you are giving every person a voice and an opportunity to teach you something about themselves.  I want to hear what is important to my children and create an evening to remember.”  How could I resist?

David Aldridge, chair of qualitative research in medicine at the University Witten Herdecke (Germany) says “using songs in a therapy setting promotes communication,” he says. “Singing has many functions; it offers a communicative structure, stimulates and regulates, and enables dialogue.”

And that is exactly what happened – it was an evening to remember: full of songs, stories, emotions and heartfelt family spirit.  Music, the master connector, at work again.

A month later I received a letter from Harry.  He wrote:

Dear Jennifer,
I can’t thank you enough for coming to my home at Christmas time.  It was the ‘special time’ I knew it would be.  What I didn’t mention to you then is that I have been experiencing extreme and unusual mood swings.  These changes in behaviour have been very difficult and frustrating for my family.  They have been very worried. Just shortly after Christmas I was given the diagnosis I was expecting.  I have Alzheimers Disease. Last Christmas may be last Christmas I remember with my family. I hope the music will trigger the special memories we shared that evening.
Thank you for the gift of music.
Harry

 

After I stumbled over the words, and dare I say cry a bit in my car, I had an opportunity to reflect on Harry’s words.   He is exactly correct, music when used with the right intention it has the power to take you from feeling totally lost, to feeling comforted and less alone. Music can take you from unruly behaviours, to a calm demeanor in just minutes.  Music will continue to trigger associations to non-musical events for Harry and music will continue to help him connect with his family when he (and they) feel the most disconnected.

6-months prior to Harry’s letter I had the pleasure to videotape Jimmy Downey, music therapist at work with a group of individuals with dementia.  He then described what his music therapy process was for this special population group.

Enjoy these two videos!

SESSION WITH JIMMY DOWNEY AND SENIORS WITH DEMENTIA

 INTERVIEW WITH JIMMY DOWNEY

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Author : Jennifer Buchanan

JB Music Therapy is a socially conscious, hard working, talented group of professionals who desire to make a difference.

To book a music therapy session, conference presentation, or purchase a related product visit our website at www.jbmusictherapy.com

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3 Solid Reasons Why Music Should Be in EVERY School!

January 16, 2012 · 2 comments

in Music and Education,Music Therapy

Music Therapy in Education

Are we still having this conversation?  Are we still having to fight to have the arts in school because the arts are thought of as fringe and not fundamental?

I would have thought this discussion would have been over by 2012, so many years past enlightenment – but I guess I was wrong.  Music is still being cut from schools.

In the sometimes harsh reality of limited budgets, the inclusion of the arts in every student’s education is at risk.  However, I do find myself questioning if it is just budget constraints that are putting our music programs in jeopardy or is there a lack of belief that music truly matters in the big picture.

I believe music programs in school help our kids and communities BE better – at pretty much everything. Here are my 3 reasons why music should be in every school.

1. TO FOSTER CONNECTION AND BRIDGE CULTURE AND ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES

Although we have more instant access to our friends and family via technology there tends be a lack of connection that can only come with human to human contact working and being creative together.

Music is a celebration of who we are and an exploration into our diversity.  If we truly value this and believe that it is a strong component of our social fabric then music can celebrate these differences in a non-threatening, positive way. Music gives us an opportunity to gain a wider perspective on cultural history and backgrounds by being exposed to centuries of rich heritage.

“Music is a magical gift we must nourish and cultivate in our children, especially now as scientific evidence proves that an education in the arts makes better math and science students, enhances spatial intelligence in newborns, and let’s not forget that the arts are a compelling solution to teen violence, certainly not the cause of it!”
Michael Greene, Recording Academy President and CEO at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, February 2000.

2. TO DEVELOP OTHER ACADEMIC SKILLS

Music skills are proven to transfer over to study skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills – useful in every part of the curriculum AND music when done with the right intention is able to assist ALL children regardless of age or abilities – abolishing another potential societal gap (see video below – all children can express themselves through music).

Aside from the social benefits, students in high school music programs have higher test scores and cognitive development. A U.S. Department of Education study found that those who reported consistent involvement in music programs during school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12 – regardless of students’ socioeconomic status.

Additionally, students who learn music develop a greater ability to learn a new language.

3. TO GIVE STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOMETHING GREATER THAN THEMSELVES

Each of us wants our children to feel successful in school, successful in employment, and successful in the social structures through which they participate. Music gives an opportunity to reach out to others, participate in a joint experience and then share….share with the audience, share with their cohort, share with parents who support them, share with the teachers that help them learn and share with the community that pays the taxes to ensure students receive life-giving education – music gives something back and allows the listener to feel rewarded for their contribution in making it happen. Music is a two way communication that can make all people feel connected.

“Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation and by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective.” – Bill Clinton, former President, United States of America

Witness beautiful musical moments with Shannon Robinson at the Emily Follensbee School

__________________________________________________________________________

Author : Jennifer Buchanan

JB Music Therapy is a socially conscious, hard working, talented group of professionals who desire to make a difference.

To book a music therapy session, conference presentation, or purchase a related product visit our website at www.jbmusictherapy.com

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MM#50 – 5 Recommendations for Using Music with Greater Intention to Change Your Life

December 20, 2011 · 0 comments

in business,Drum Circles,JB Music Therapy News,Latest News - Music at Work,Music and Aging Well,Music and Autism,Music and Brain Injury,Music and Children,Music and Dementia,Music and Disabilities,Music and Hard of Hearing,music and medicine,Music and Memory,Music and Mood,Music and Relaxation,Music and Seniors,Music and Teens,Music and the Brain,Music Therapists,Music Therapy,Musical Motivators,Silence,Training

Our final musical motivator…# 50

Music is individual – Every person responds to music differently, and any one person may respond to music differently at various times throughout his or her life. Aside from some recent research on rhythm and movement, there are no peer-reviewed, published studies that show universal effects for any particular kind of music or harmony. An adolescent may show all the physiological signs of relaxation while listening to the loudest, most raucous music you can imagine. A child with a severe developmental disability may demonstrate her best responses to opera. Assessment is therefore, critical. If you want an assessment contact us :-)

Use music with discretion – Do you hear your refrigerator buzzing? Most of us don’t — because we’ve gotten so used to it, we block it out. If music is an effective tool, use it when you need it most. Playing music all day won’t make children smarter; it will just teach them to tune it out.  Playing music at designated times can be an effective trigger into a desired emotional state.  Think of your favourite TV theme song…you hear it…you feel good…you get ready for what is next.  Where can you start putting in your own music triggers to get you ready for what’s next.

Silence is as important as sound – Once we know a piece of music, we notice when it is interrupted. You can use unexpected pauses in music to regain attention that has wandered. Once a person’s attention is refocused, you can resume exactly where you left off — like the pause button on a CD player. No verbal cues are necessary, just silence. This can be a relief for both the client/patient and the caregiver, who may both be tired of the same prompts. Silence is certainly one of life’s treasured commodities.  however, silence can also signify a greater issue in your life. Silence in my own life indicated postpartum depression.  Do you have too much silence?  What could that mean for you?

Instrument quality is better than quantity – Rather than buying a “bargain” box filled with instruments that have a bad sound quality as well as being breakable (or even dangerous), choose a few high-quality instruments (a group can share and take turns). The timbre “the tone” of the instrument is what

Consider live music when possible – Live music is, in most cases, much more effective than recorded music. If you sing songs live, you can change the tempo and volume according to the mood and behavior of your clients/students/patients; you can pause to allow time for responses or to cue attention and you can change the words to fit the immediate situation. In addition, if the person with whom your working says or does something that you can incorporate into music (like a new lyric, or new notes as you play the piano together), live music allows you to “go with the flow.”  This is what music as therapy is all about.

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Jennifer Buchanan is the happy owner of JB Music Therapy, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2011. Our “Music Speaks” Blog: 50 Musical Motivators for 2011 (MMs) aims to Help you Relax, Reflect and Remember what you Value Most

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MM#49 – Music is Medicine (without the warning labels)

December 13, 2011 · 3 comments

in Drum Circles,Holidays,Music and Mood,Musical Motivators

Although Potent like a Drug – it comes with no warning labels….

We take music in by choice and at our own risk.

Music can open doors WIDE and SHUT them just as fast.  

Our team is ON ALERT every session we facilitate.  This is because many of our clients may have an adverse reaction to music.  It is up to us to react immediately and adjust our course of action, if or when they do.  We watch every furrow of brow and analyze why a toe stops or spontaneously starts tapping.  We are constantly assessing through our therapeutic lens.

For you see…many of our clients may not be able to tell us. From birth or perhaps due to an accident later in life many of the people we work with are not able to express themselves verbally.  It is then even more important that we are paying attention to their many other signals to ensure we are striking the right chord – EVERYTIME.

During This Season Music Therapists are sensitive to the additional needs of our clients including cultural needs and preferences.  We recognize that music evokes positive and negative memories sparked by the holiday season.  This month please be assured that MUSIC THERAPISTS ARE ON ALERT at all times and our primary goal is to ensure that you and your loved ones are getting exactly what you need from the music therapy sessions be it fun, social, meaningful, reflective or anxiety-curbing. Music can help and be the perfect treatment for the season.

Remember Music Therapists do a lot more than provide weekly music therapy programs.  We offer:

We have a special deal on 10 music therapy sessions right now – visit our shop to register – all ages, all abilities.

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Jennifer Buchanan is a professional speaker, performer and happy owner of JB Music Therapy.  She is available to present at your next conference to inspire your audience with music that aims to make each moment more memorable.

“Music Speaks” Blog: 50 Musical Motivators for 2011 (MMs) aims to Help you Relax, Reflect and Remember what you Value Most

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MM#48 – The Juice to Boost Your Productivity

December 6, 2011 · 0 comments

in business,Latest News - Music at Work,Music and Mood,Musical Motivators

I am completely exhausted with at least 6 loads of laundry to do and after a full day of work today I will be taxiing my two children to separate events for the evening.  As you can imagine and perhaps even relate to, anything to give a boost to my productivity (and frankly my mood) is more than welcome during these hectic times.

I have just turned on my favourite playlist, one that I can always count on to inspire me and help me through.  Some elite athletes use music as a legal drug (in their terms) and as a recognized means of improving their performance by up to 15%.  A LEGAL DRUG !  is music truly that powerful?

Research in business seems to also support such a claim. For example, a trial where 75 out of 256 workers at a large retail company were issued with personal stereos to wear at work for four weeks showed a 10% increase in productivity for the headphone wearers. Other similar research conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois found a 6.3% increase when compared with the no music control group.

Research is quite clear on this point: if music improves your mood then your productivity will also be improved. So if we accept that music does increase productivity, does it matter what types of music we listen to? Does all music have the same effect or are certain types better in certain circumstances?  The answer: our body’s reaction to the music we choose to listen to, be it toes tapping, improved focus or inspired creativity are the key indicators that the music is working.

Clinical findings suggest that it is not necessarily music with an upbeat tempo and a strong back beat that can make you want to move faster or more efficiently. It comes down to choosing music that INSPIRES you to do so.  That means that any music can give you a productivity jolt: classical,  jazz, drumming or a favourite rock ballad of yours that you have loved since the 1980’s.

Music That Inspires YOU = Boost in Mood = Improved Productivity

What is your MUSIC JOLT?

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Jennifer Buchanan is a professional speaker, performer and happy owner of JB Music Therapy.  She is available to present at your next conference to inspire your audience with music that aims to make each moment more memorable.

“Music Speaks” Blog: 50 Musical Motivators for 2011 (MMs) aims to Help you Relax, Reflect and Remember what you Value Most

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MM#47 – Music Highlights the Possible

November 29, 2011 · 0 comments

in Drum Circles,Music and Children,Music and Teens

Registration for all 2012 JBMT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS (inclusive choir, drum circles, online special for music therapy and adapted music lessons)

In another time and place (Saskatchewan, Canada) an opportunity for persons with disabilities to reach their performance dreams has been underway under the talented direction of Raymond Marcotte.

At 15, Raymond led the student council where he had opportunity to interact with the student and general community at large on a regular basis. While researching local charities for his school to support, he came across research papers indicating that music could aid children with autism.

As an accomplished musician with experience teaching music to underprivileged children, Raymond set out to translate his passion for music and knowledge into a program for these children. “I wanted to teach those who wouldn’t normally have a chance to learn and enjoy music.” stated Raymond.

Raymond approached Saskatoon’s Autism Services with his idea – to create a volunteer-based music instruction program for children aged 3 to 18. The Music Sensory Awakening Program now in its fifth year, has revealed some remarkable results. Each May, the program’s students perform musical pieces to an audience of several hundred at an annual benefit concert. Both musical and behavioural accomplishments are highlighted to the surprise and delight of their families and friends.

Providing a person with disabilities the chance to perform contributes to the self – esteem of the performer. The barriers that many diseases and disorders seem to present to our general community are melted away in music’s soothing and familiar messages.  Music is a force we all recognize and can relate to.   I have witnessed performers who could not speak, communicate in the language of music, reaching far into the audience and sharing a piece of themselves – for some for the very first time.

Music highlights the possible.  Music highlights the potential.  Music highlights the person.

The process of learning and teaching is not easy.  Coming up with each person’s unique cues for best outcomes takes patience and often many weeks of trial and error.  The final performance requires much courage on everyone’s part.  The end result – priceless.

If you are a teen or young adult with disabilities bring your siblings and friends or meet new friends at our NEW COMMUNITY CHOIR!

Registration for all 2012 JBMT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS (inclusive choir, drum circles, online special for music therapy and adapted music lessons)

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Love Songs for Our Children

November 27, 2011 · 0 comments

in mothers,Music and Children

I don’t typically write the feedback I get from blogs posted but with your permission here are just some of the messages I received after writing “A Love Song for My Children” from some incredible mothers and grandmothers.  Thank you ladies.

I know the pulls and tugs when we can’t possibly be a super mom, super wife, super worker and then also expect to have anything left for ourselves. We also need to be just as caring and loving to ourselves. That’s the next learning! And that comes when our kids move on to greater independence. Isn’t that the goal all along? We hold them close only to release them and find their own wings, with them returning as they wish, which they will. In the meantime, it’s our turn. And that transition comes with some re-evaluation and turbulence, as change always does. All is as it should be!
With love, Nell Smith
founder: www.retiretothelifeyoudesign.com

Jen, as always you are a beautiful , sentimental human being, giving love and receiving love from so many. Every time you say I’m a mentor to you, I am touched by your feelings and friendship. We have worked together so long, and know how each is feeling as we share like thoughts on so many occassions. But you have to know that your warmth and caring reach not only the clients you work with but the family of friends that you have gathered around you as you pass through your life. Your song is beautiful.. I’m sure your kids will grow up the better for it. …Always
Fran Herman
One of the Founders of Music Therapy in Canada and of the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund and My Mentor
www.musictherapytrust.ca

I feel honored to be included in your mother list. Just for fun I share here my version of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s most famous poem, How Do I Love Thee?

How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the sound of the
Toilet seat going down.
And receiving your support
Though often I frown.
I love cuddling in bed as we grow old,
With ‘ner a grumble re my feet, ice-cold.
Patricia Morgan, President, CAPS Calgary
www.SolutionsforResilience.com

Each week or so I receive your newsletter in my inbox.  Each week, I take the time to read it – whether it pertains to something in my life or not… and today – I received your Musical Motivator # 46!  It is amazing how we can become so out of touch with our loved ones, yet be so close.  I remember you singing that song a few years back when I was happily living out my music therapist dream in Calgary – and as I listen to it now as a mother of three – I have tears streaming down my cheeks! 
Elizabeth
Graduated Staff of JB Music Therapy now in PEI

Oh, Jen, what an absolutely beautiful song. It obviously came straight from the heart, and I am so glad you shared it with me and your readers! It reminds me of a poem I wrote for my grandson years back!

Brand New Day

I awoke.
A cough, a small cry –
Heard through the walls
Between his room and mine.

I stumbled
Nakedly from my bed
Across the hall,
Turned the knob,
Crouched,
And gathered up
The tiny warm body that
Hurled itself into my arms.

I waited
Silently
As he snuggled his head
Against my shoulder,
Calmed,
Quieted,
Melted to me.

I lay down
On his small bed,
Covering us both,
Hoping
That he wasn’t really
Wide awake
At 5:00 a.m.

I yearned
For just another hour
Of restful sleep
As he curled up
Next to me,
Head buried in the vee
Of my neck,
Fine baby curls
Tickling my chin.

I almost dozed,
But for the tiny hands that began
Patting my face
And hair.
Then he giggled
And wiggled loose,
Running off
To explore
His brand new day.

And I thanked God
For such great pleasure
In being alive,
Awake, and aware
Of the marvellous gift –
This two-year-old bearer of joy
Whose soul reaches
Past every other part of
Who I am
To tap the well of profound love within me.

Grandson mine.
© Jean Hudson, 1997        www.execucoach.net

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MM#46 – A Love Song to My Children

November 22, 2011 · 11 comments

in Music and Children,Musical Motivators

During a particularly difficult time in my life I felt overwhelmed and out of touch with what was important.  I know there are many of you in this position – managing work, obligations at home, managing family schedules, doctors visits, grocery shopping, not to mention finding time to shower.

It was after on particular long day that I realized how much I was missing my children who were in daycare… so I could make music with other people’s children.

I was heart-sick.  For weeks my children had not been getting my best songs, my best smile, my best behaviour – they were getting the remnants of the day.  Do you know this feeling?

When I arrived at the daycare to pick them up, my daughter jumped up to hug me and my son wrapped his arms around me.  They skipped and smiled and got in the car while telling me stories of their day.  I couldn’t stop crying.  How could they still love me when I wasn’t at my best?

I began to sing a song to my children – a song I had never sung before. Later that evening, after the children had gone to bed, I finished writing the song.

First thing in the morning, before I played a note or smiled at anyone else, I sang to my children….my special love song to them. Here it is:

I Love You by Jennifer Buchanan

I love you, you here within me rocking so gently
Everyday will be so brand new
I’m so glad that you’ll be here soon.

I love you, you who are sleeping, peacefully dreaming
As the stars light up the sky
I am blessed to know you are mine.

No matter what this world may bring to you
I pray that my God will watch over you.

I love you, you who will kiss me and hug me freely
Because of you my heart will sing,
Joy to my life you bring

No matter what this world may bring to you
I pray that my God will watch over you

I love you, you who makes music with your soul and your spirit
Oh I love you, you who are right here.

- Jennifer Buchanan 1999

HOME EXERCISE

Choose a melody you know well.  Write out all the words and then begin to change the words to write your own love song to your child or children.  Your children do not have to be 4 and 5, they could be 40 and 42.  Writing a love song to your children (and singing it to them – or just to yourself) is great therapy for all of us.

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Jennifer Buchanan is a professional speaker, performer and happy owner of JB Music Therapy.  She is available to present at your next conference to inspire your audience with music that aims to make each moment more memorable.

“Music Speaks” Blog: 50 Musical Motivators for 2011 (MMs) aims to Help you Relax, Reflect and Remember what you Value Most

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MM #45 – Create the Ultimate Sound Spa

November 15, 2011 · 0 comments

in Music and Autism,Music and Mood,Music and Relaxation,Music and the Brain

Three Doctors give Three Statements that Suggest Music Can Soothe you like the Spa.

1. In 1959 a doctor named Teirich undertook one of the earliest studies into the therapeutic effects of music and vibration. He built a couch which contained loud speakers and which transferred vibration from J.S. Bach’s D minor Toccata and Fugue straight to the solar plexus. He used his fellow doctors as a subject group. They variously reported immediate warmth in the solar plexus, a feeling of complete relaxation in the stomach and a very pleasant dream-like state.

2. Alfred Tomatis found that the types of music in the frequency range from 500 to 8000 Hz promoted the greatest amount of relaxation.

3. The effects of music have even been researched on plant growth. Dorothy Retallack played rock to one group of plants and soothing music to another. The group that heard rock turned out to be sickly and small whereas the other group grew large and healthy. What was more surprising is that the group of plants listening to the soothing music grew bending towards the music source.

CREATE YOUR OWN SOUND SPA (have you ever tried this? So simple.  So restorative.)

a) find a quiet place where you can lean back for 10 – 20 minutes

b) use quality speakers and head phones

c) play 3 to 5 selections of music that are known to relax you (remember it is important that this music is music that affects you personally)

d) let the music WASH over you like a bath.

_______________________________________________________________________
Jennifer Buchanan is a professional speaker, performer and happy owner of JB Music Therapy.  She is available to present at your next conference to inspire your audience with music that aims to make each moment more memorable.

“Music Speaks” Blog: 50 Musical Motivators for 2011 (MMs) aims to Help you Relax, Reflect and Remember what you Value Most

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MM#44 – Let Us Entertrain You

November 8, 2011 · 0 comments

in Music Therapy

Entrainment is when one vibrating object is placed next to another vibrating object and they both move towards becoming the same vibration.  It is also known as phase-locking or a sympathetic response. As you can imagine, entrainment can have its benefits as well as some difficulties depending on what is being entrained.

When working with a young 4-year old boy with autism I noticed several things about his environment.  There were “things” everywhere including many toys with diverse sounds and colours.  The whole house had been modified to become his play and learning ground – from the kitchen to the living room to the bathroom to the basement.

Mom would move very quickly around the house, often darting in different rooms catching up on her daily work routine.  Mom spoke in a fast, high-pitched voice and every sentence she would say would go up at the end, sounding almost more like a question than a comment.  In addition to fast, she spoke loudly to her 4-year old in an attempt to get his attention as he moved from area to area in the home with little or no apparent acknowledgement of her. To me, mom kept saying how exhausted she was.

All persons including children with autism vibrate with and against their environment. When working with the 4-year old I asked mom if she would prepare the small room in her house for our session, removing all the toys and distractions. Each session would start with one large drum in the middle of the room being played with a consistent beat.  The child would soon move towards the drum and play intermittently.  As soon as he would strike the drum mom spoke encouraging him to continue, while clapping in an unrelated tempo to what was being created.  The child’s unsolicited playing would decrease.

It was important I discuss entrainment with mom.  Together we discussed different timbres (what sounds affect us in certain ways – using high questioning tones with our voice vs. low, solid tones) and tempo (what speed of voice and movements brings about feelings of relaxation? anxiety?). We then discussed the goals she had for her child that included increased communication and increased attention span. We discussed a program that we felt would accomplish these goals but required an opportunity for the “music (all sounds and silences) to speak” and that meant other distractions including speaking voices and supportive clapping could not be used. We also looked at using deeper and slower movements and tones throughout his day to day.

It only took a week of changes for mom to say – I am feeling much more relaxed at home and am listening to music that is soothing for my son and me.  I am also noticing that my son is seemingly more relaxed and focused.

_______________________________________________________________________
Jennifer Buchanan is a professional speaker, performer and happy owner of JB Music Therapy.  She is available to present at your next conference to inspire your audience with music that aims to make each moment more memorable.

“Music Speaks” Blog: 50 Musical Motivators for 2011 (MMs) aims to Help you Relax, Reflect and Remember what you Value Most

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