Posts Tagged ‘songwriting’
Easy Songwriting: “Rattlin’ Bog”
Songwriting can be a great way to foster joy and self expression. Here’s an easy songwriting experience using a traditional Irish song. (Click here for a video explanation.) “The Rattlin’ Bog” is a traditional Irish folk tune that has over 120 different recorded versions. Since it has been passed down through time by oral tradition,…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”
I work in eldercare settings, but that doesn’t mean all of my clients love Frank Sinatra and Hank Williams. In fact recently, I’ve been learning a bunch of of songs from the 1970s, so I can have new ways to connect musically with people in their 50s and 60s, who might be caring for loved…
Read MoreFred Stobaugh, "Oh, Sweet Lorraine," and the Therapeutic Value of Musical Expression
Song Spotlight: “Danny Boy”
Mood: Sentimental, Wistful Themes: Ireland, Saying Goodbye, Missing a Loved One, Death Tempo: Slow to moderate Genre/style: Ballad “Danny Boy” is one of those songs that is at once ubiquitous and mysterious. I’ve been singing this song a lot in the last week for music therapy sessions leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, and two clients reacted in ways…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Hound Dog”
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…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?”
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…
Read MoreHelp Seniors Write a Song for Labor Day
Song Spotlight: "What a Wonderful World"
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…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Sloop John B”
Mood: Upbeat Themes: Sailing, Caribbean Travel, Wanting to Go Home Tempo: Brisk Genre/style: 1960s Surf Rock During the recent heat wave in our part of the world, I have been integrating the recording of “Sloop John B” by the Beach Boys into group music therapy sessions centered on the ocean and boating. Not only does this song provide beach-y musical…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”
Mood: Silly Themes: Swimming, Summer, Trips to the Beach, Wardrobe Selection Tempo: Walking speed Genre/style: 1960s Novelty song Ahhh, summertime. For many people, the hot days of July go hand in hand with trips to the beach (or, here in Kansas City, the swimming pool). This is certainly true for many of my younger music therapy clients. Perhaps…
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