Maybe Next Time

So... I didn't get to play "name that tune" on Friday, which, while unfortunate for me, is not really a bad thing in itself: here's why.

Group music therapy is thought to be useful and effective in groups up to as large as twelve or thirteen people. At the daycare center however, this one hour segment of the day is such a hit, that EVERYONE wants to participate, and that is upwards of twenty five people! Because of such high demand, instead of doing one hour-long session with only twelve people, we did two half hour-long sessions so that we could cater to twenty four(ish). As a result, "name that tune" became a very brief exercise as there was not much time after introductions and movement exercises. While I did not get to play, everyone did get to participate.

Also, the intern forgot her viola so she ended up using my violin instead.

While I was disappointed, having two groups made of different people did reveal how the therapists must change their tactics in order to reach their audience. For example, we only did a brief round of "name that tune" in the first group, one peopled by members who were more aware, alert, and in-touch with reality and themselves. "Name that tune" is a great exercise for them, because their recognition of certain songs strengthens their memory, improves their focus, etc. [See my previous post to learn more about how "name that tune" is so beneficial for the participants.] However, we did not play "name that tune" with the second group, one made of participants in a more faded mental state. While they might have enjoyed the music they were hearing, even if they could not show it, they would not have the ability to identify songs, though they might recognize them. In addition, such an exercise requires a large amount of focus and attention, something that would be much more difficult for the second group. Instead, the music therapists prioritized movement and rhythm, and did other, easier focus/attention exercises that were more geared towards the level of the group.

I am bringing my violin again on Wednesday and hope the circumstances are better for my purpose. I will be sure to post about it if they are.