Enriching lives through participation in music
Music Therapy Services of West Music
Let’s Talk Technology!
Technology can be intimidating, but with some practice it can really open doors for clients with a variety of limitations. I have found many apps and instruments that help me help my clients . Here are 3 that I’m particularly loving right now:
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GarageBand
If you have an Apple Device, there are so many things that can be done with GarageBand. Your client can play any number of instruments, and melodic instruments can be set up to play specific scales including every music therapist’s favorite: the pentatonic scale! Your client can experience success on every instrument in a band and record a favorite song. Quantization allows you to correct rhythms, setting up one-touch chords provides the desired harmonies, and looping allows you to repeat the same pattern over and over without having to get it “right” every time.
- Adaptive Communication Apps & Devices
One of my clients who is nonspeakingl recently got a “Tobii Dynavox” eye gaze communication device. At first, I was terrified to try to implement in sessions. It was extremely daunting to have to learn and understand this system. I heard some stories of my client’s success using the device, so I finally arrived early to our session one day to learn how it worked so I could test it during our session that day. To my delight, the program was more intuitive than I expected, and I can see the positive responses in my client as she has more control over the session as she picks what she wants to do that day. App Stores also have a wide variety of apps that can be set up to provide better communication opportunities for your clients (I use GoTalkNow). It takes some practice, but these modalities may present a new, meaningful way to connect with your clients!
- Yamaha Sonogenic Keytar
Not only does this instrument provide a portable, extremely lightweight keyboard option, it has many features that make it accessible for even non-piano players. Connect it to a device that has the Yamaha ChordTracker app, and it can sync to recordings in your library and allow you to play along without hitting a “wrong” note. It has many sounds and other features that make it a fun device for a wide variety of clients.
Technology is daunting. I won’t say it’s always easy to understand a new app or device. But I can attest to the benefits I see as my clients engage with new technologies and I encourage you try something new, even if it’s something small!
How is technology benefitting your clients in sessions?
By Rachel Burchett, MT-BC
