Song Spotlight: “Mama Tried”

Mamma Tried - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Regretful, Defiant, Wistful Theme: Regret, Motherhood/Parenting Tempo: Moderately Fast Genre/style: Classic Country Mother’s Day is coming up in a few days, and in honor of the holiday, I’ve been sharing many songs about motherly advice and love with clients in music therapy. In fact, a few that I’ve spotlighted before work well for this holiday,…

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Song Spotlight: “Hound Dog”

Hound Dog - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Upbeat, full of attitude Theme: Dogs and/or freeloading gigolos Tempo: Moderate Genre/style: Rhythm and blues/Rock and roll We have a new family member in our house! This one gets around on four legs and has very long, droopy ears. His name is Duke, and he’s the adorable basset hound pictured above. I alluded to the inevitable canine addition…

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Song Spotlight: “Cuddle Up a Little Closer, Lovey Mine”

Cuddle Up A Little Closer - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Sentimental, tender Theme: Love, physical tenderness Tempo: Relaxed Genre/style: Popular/Easy Listening Love songs appear frequently in music therapy sessions, especially when the goal is bringing loved ones together in the music. There are so many GOOD love songs, too, which is to be expected, I guess, since love has been the subject of artists of…

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My #1 Musical Resource for Christmas

If you are someone who wants to start singing again, who wants to make music together with family and friends, or who just wants a ready reference for lyrics to some of those old Christmas favorites, I have got the perfect resource for you. It’s The Easy Christmas Fake Book. I picked this book up…

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Tools of the Trade: Ocean Drum

I am always looking for musical materials and methods that will capture the attention of my older adult clients with moderate to late stage dementia. Because of where they are in the disease process, these folks often have a harder time engaging in singing, sharing in discussion, and instrument playing. Some clients also have more…

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Song Spotlight: “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?”

How Much is that Doggie in the Window - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Silly Themes: Pets, Relationships Tempo: Relaxed Genre/style: 1950s novelty song One of the joys of home care is meeting all the beloved pets that live with and are loved by my older adult clients. There are many sweet dogs around, and they are sure to draw attention from even some of the most quiet…

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Song Spotlight: "What a Wonderful World"

What a Wonderful World - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Relaxed, Romantic Themes: Love/Romance, School, Lack of Academic Knowledge Tempo: Relaxed walking speed Genre/style: 1950s soul Among my favorite songs to celebrate school is Sam Cooke’s song “(What A) Wonderful World.” It starts with these words: Don’t know much about history Don’t know much biology Don’t know much about a science book Don’t know much about…

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