Before becoming a music therapist I was a music educator. After completing my Bachelors is Music education I took a job as a general music teacher in a public elementary school. My training had prepared me to teach children to sing and play instruments as well as music theory and appreciation. What it didn’t teach me was the power of music and the ability to harness that power.
My biggest struggle as a music teacher was discipline. Getting the children excited to be there week after week, to want to engage with me and with each other, and to learn something new, was all a challenge. Had I known how to grab their attention by singing a simple song or how to use music as a reward and reinforcer I think I would have been much more effective.
What I now know is that it’s easy to grab a room full of children by singing your words rather than speaking them. They hear talking all day long. If I were to start the class by singing or playing an instrument I would immediately have their attention. It’s different, it’s intriguing.
Had I understood the magic that takes place when a group of people makes music together I would have grabbed lots of percussion instruments and had a drum circle to end the class. Every child playing a drum or maraca or cabasa, making music together, learning to listen to one another. Then as a reward, allow chosen children to lead the group, to be a star, to experience the power of conducting.
Had I understood how specific instruments offer sensory input and learned to recognize which children need that sensory input, I would have figured out a way to make sure that those children got just a few minutes to take a sensory break to help them get back to listening as learning.
My education and training as a music therapist has given me the tools to be an effective therapist, but it has also made me a more effective educator. Its even given me invaluable tools as a parent! I am grateful to have this platform to share my knowledge and experience with others.
Interested in finding a music therapist in your area? Contact the American Music Therapy Association or Certification Board for Music Therapists for a music therapist near you.