Well, September has certainly been a busy one!
I know I said in my first blog that I was hoping to write a blog each month, so here we are. This is September's blog, following on from my introduction blog, More Than Just Music: A Peek Inside Signing Music Therapy.
The plan is for these blogs to be posted at the end of each month, giving me a chance to look back on what we've been up to, share some thoughts and perhaps give you a little glimpse into life as a music therapist.
And, if people enjoy reading them, which I really hope they do, I may even find myself writing a few extra ones along the way. There's always plenty to talk about when it comes to music therapy!
After the slower pace of summer, September always seems to bring a little bit of everything: changing routines, new faces, fresh plans and that feeling of getting back into the swing of things.
For us, it has been a particularly exciting month. We've welcomed new clients to our service, started getting to know them and, of course, made plenty of music along the way.
New Beginnings
Starting something different can be exciting, but it can also feel a little uncertain. For someone coming along to music therapy for the first time, there are people to meet, an unfamiliar environment to explore and, of course, figuring out what this thing called "music therapy" is all about!
So, before we get anywhere near making grand musical plans, there's often a much simpler starting point: getting to know each other.
What music do they enjoy? What catches their attention? Are they drawn to a particular instrument? Do they like loud sounds or quiet ones? Do they want to join in, listen, explore or simply see what happens?
There's no rush. We can take our time, see what sparks their interest and let the sessions develop naturally.
Sometimes, the most useful thing we can do is simply follow their lead.
When Words Aren't Needed
One of the things I've been reminded of this month is just how much can happen without anyone saying a word.
A look, a smile, a change in rhythm, a particular note or a movement towards an instrument can all tell us something.
It might be copying a rhythm.
It might be taking turns.
It might be making a wonderfully enthusiastic noise together!
Or it could be sitting quietly and sharing a piece of music.
For people who communicate differently, these moments can be particularly meaningful. Music gives us another way to notice preferences, responses and feelings without everything having to be put into words.
There isn't a single way to take part, and that's what makes each session so interesting.
Celebrating the Small Moments
September has also reminded me just how important the little things can be.
Progress isn't always obvious. It isn't necessarily about learning to play a particular instrument or singing an entire song from beginning to end.
It might be choosing an instrument independently.
Joining in with a well-loved song.
Waiting for someone else to have their turn.
Making a musical choice.
Starting an interaction.
Or simply staying in the room for a little longer than before.
These might seem like small things, but they can tell us a lot about what someone enjoys, what helps them feel at ease and how they are beginning to engage with the world around them.
The small things often tell us the most: a choice, a turn taken, a moment of staying just a little longer.
A Change in the Air
September also brings another kind of change. The seasons are beginning to shift. The mornings are a little cooler, the evenings are getting darker and autumn is slowly making its way in.
Change isn't always easy, particularly when routines and surroundings are important to us. This is another place where music can offer reassurance.
A favourite song doesn't suddenly lose its meaning because the season has changed. A well-known rhythm can still bring a sense of calm. And that piece of music someone loves? Well, it can be there whenever they need it.
There can be something comforting about returning to something we know and enjoy, especially when other things around us are shifting.
Looking Back at September
As I look back over the month, I'm struck by how varied it has been. Different people, different approaches, plenty of discoveries and lots of little things to celebrate along the way.
Every client brings something different, and that's one of the things that makes this work so special. We never quite know what a session will bring, and I think that's part of the magic.
There may be a beautiful piece of music.
There may be a completely unexpected musical moment.
There may be laughter.
There may be silence.
And there may be something that happens that wasn't on the plan at all!
Those are often the bits we remember.
So, as we wave goodbye to September and head into autumn, we're looking forward to whatever comes next. More music, more discoveries and, I'm sure, a few surprises along the way.
From My Music Room
This month has reminded me that every person brings their own way of experiencing music. There really is no "right" way to join in.
After all, who knows what the next musical adventure will bring?