Using a Music Therapy Collaborative Consultative Approach - World ...

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Ben. “You and I” is a song written for subject 2. A transcription of the song is
shown in Figure 6.5. The song builds on Ben’s available communication skills, imitation
skills and musical preferences, and mirrors his mellow personality musically. The following
IEP goals, developed by the interdisciplinary team of the FPG Childcare program, are also
addressed in the song: improve communication and sign language, increase interest in and
awareness of others, increase imitation of peers, increase choice-making. The theme of the
song reflected the central therapeutic goal for Ben, which was to increase interest in
interacting with others. American Sign Language (Bornstein, Saulnier & Hamilton, 1992), as
practiced in Ben’s class, was applied for “You,” “I,” and “music.” Ben was also encouraged
to sing the lyrics of the song. In measures seven and eight, the children’s attention to get
ready to play is supported through the accelerando. Peers model how to play the instrument
in measure nine, immediately imitated by Ben in measure ten. This alternation is continued
throughout the song. The lyrics and music clearly cue the children how to proceed.
Choosing and naming instruments in the Music Hut increases choice making. Overall the
song provides opportunities for positive peer interactions and purposeful outdoor play. Table
6.3 gives an overview of the IEP goals incorporated in the song “You and I.”
Table 6.3. Overview of Ben’s IEP goals incorporated in the song “You and I.”
Improve communication and sign language
Increase interest in and awareness of others
Increase imitation of peers
Increase choice making
IEP Goals Song
Singing the lyrics of the song combined with
signing “You”, “I,” and “music”
Joint peer activity
Play what peers model
Choose an instrument in the Music Hut