Each week I work with a variety of people, from very young children in preschool to older adults in memory care and skilled nursing facilities. One of my adult groups has individuals from age 22 
and up with the oldest member in her late 50’s. They have all been diagnosed with a variety of developmental delays such as Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism. The program director told me a few weeks ago that he wanted programs that had more vocational skill development.
Now many of these individuals can and do get jobs in the community, they can bag groceries, sweep floors, wipe tables, and many other important tasks where they are interacting with customers. So am I going to write songs about sweeping floors so they can practice those skills during our music therapy groups? Probably not because it’s not the best use of my skills and resources.
But let’s look at some other basic skills necessary to have a job in a community setting. First, a person needs to have basic social skills such as making eye contact with others, speaking to other employees and customers, and cooperation and teamwork. All of these skills are addressed multiple times in each music therapy group. During the “hello song” I greet each person individually and make eye contact and ask how they are doing today. Basic manners are essential to any workplace.
Other important vocational skills are making choices, taking turns, and sharing. These are also addressed during the music therapy group. I will often give a participant the opportunity to choose the next song or activity, I give them a choice such as “Do you want “Blue Suede Shoes” or “Hound Dog?” and they tell me which one they want. Often times another group member will want the song that wasn’t chosen and they are told to be patient, that we will do this one first and then the next one. I also tell participants to trade instruments between songs. This supports turn-taking, sharing, trading, and cooperation. As we are making music together we become a team working together and having fun while we are doing so. Music therapy can and should be an ongoing part of vocational training programs. Call Mind-Full Music Therapy Services, LLC today to schedule or pass this blog on to a vocation training center or sheltered workshop that you think would be interested.