Tuned into Learning with Music!

Strategies for your classroom

PRESENTED BY PAMELA FISHER

 What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a research-based practice and profession in which music is
used to actively support people as they strive to improve their health,
functioning and wellbeing.
Music therapists incorporate a range of music making methods within and
through a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy is different from music
education and entertainment as it focuses on health, functioning and
wellbeing.
Music therapists are committed to supporting people of
any age and ability regardless of musical skill, culture or
background.

Australian Music Therapy Association website (2016)

 The use of music to therapeutically address:

Physical

Cognitive

Social

Emotional

Behavioural
 AUTISM Characteristics:

Lack of Social Communication

- Eye-contact
- Reciprocity
- Theory of Mind
- Building relationships
- Display emotions inappropriate times
- Melt Downs/Temper Tantrums
- Self-Injurious behavior
 AUTISM Characteristics:
Sensory Processing issues and Repetitive Behaviours
- Coordination (hand-eye/ bilateral and vestibular)
- Processing and organising information effecting how to connect with
rhythm with movement
- Muscle control
- Spatial awareness
- Sensory seeking
- Sensory aversion/avoidance
- Limited interests and imagination in play
- Stimming
 AUTISM Characteristics:

Communication
- Language / Communication / Speech
- Expressive

- Receptive

- Functional Language

- Echolalia
 Characteristics of music

Beat (underlying pulse can be fast or slow)

Rhythm (combination of long and short beats)

Melody (a tune)

Harmony (different pitches being used together)

Tone colour (the quality of a sound brassy, bright)

Texture (layers of sound)

Structure (how its put together)

 What makes MT a useful mode of treatment for a child with
Autism?
Structure

Stimulates senses

Socialization

Self-Expression

Attention

Communication

Motor Development

Motivating
 WORKSHOP

GET INTO A GROUP OF 4, CHOOSE AT LEAST 4 OF THE MUSICAL ELEMENTS

IMPROVISING WITH THEM. PRESENT TO EVERYONE WITHOUT TELLING US

WHAT THE MUSICAL ELEMENTS ARE. YOU MAY USE A MIXTURE

INSTRUMENTS AND VOICE.

 EVERYONE IS UNIQUE
Interests

Background

Culture

Age

Cognitive ability to process information

Emotional capacity

Physical ability
 WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ENGAGE YOUR STUDENTS?

Musical Story books Wonky Donkey etc

Puppets
Close proximity
Animated facial expressions but not forced!
Movement
Scarves
Bean bags
Laminated visuals
Parachute play
Ball
 SINGING INSTRUCTIONS

Keep it simple
Use familiar tunes and change the words
Use your own melodies
Always keep it light and positive
Use the musical elements to emphasise what you
are working towards.
 SONGS WITH INSTRUMENTS

Ram Sam Sam Tambourine, Shaker and Bell

Twist and Shout

Oh we can play on the big bass drum Playschool

 EXAMPLES OF DRUMMING ACTIVITIES

We Will Rock You Queen

Funge Alafia

Call and Response keep it simple and develop

Conductor game

Rhythm name game

 RESOURCES

Julie Wylie

Susie and Phil Splitter

Taketina Movement, drumming and body percussion

Arthur Hull Village Drum Circles

Kodaly

Orff-Schulwerk
AUTISM ADVISORY AND SUPPORT SERVICE
88 Memorial Ave, Liverpool 2170
www.aass.org.au
Autism Hotline:1300 222 777
pamela@aass.org.au
THANK YOU !