Resound Music Therapy - Australia

06/06/2025

Parents, everything you do is enough 💕...My friends if you've found a way to make your 'therapy homework' something digestible, fun or all- up more easy for you, please share it in comments below 👇 (let's help each other!)

04/05/2025

Don't mistake overstimulation for disinterest in music time! 🫣 Often it's the things that are most exciting that become the more difficult things to process (physiologically) - but instead of removing kids with sensory processing differences from the group environment how about we try to make the environment a little easier for them?!

Here's a few simple things to think about when modifying how you're introducing music time to your group of kids (or even your one kid at home!!)🤓I could have gone on for way longer but there's only so many words I can fit into a post...

💕I want to hear from you!!!I know this community is full of creative solutions!!

What's your top tip for helping your kiddos regulate in music time? 👇

14/03/2025

💕Music+GLPs belong together 💕 As a music therapist I see the number one mistake people make is thinking their GLP kiddo is singing for fun and entertainment and in doing so missing EVERYTHING ELSE their brain is doing 😭

Once we understand the truth about how music impacts growing brains we can use music intentionally to support them wherever they are on their journey 🌈

The key take aways are:
✨ Recognize all communication is valid and meaningful
✨ Using singing to teach kids language is the BEST way to ensure it's engrained in memory
✨ Music has a double-bonus of being calming to kiddos who have difficulty with sensory integration, but recognize that using music for regulation is applied differently for learning!

So if you're keen to get more intentional music for kids check out my ⛓️‍💥 songbook designed to help kids of all neurotypes...it's completely 🆓 💕!

12/02/2025

Let's find out ...🤔🫶

(Okay I'm being a little cheeky in this one but HONESTLY there are unlimited ways we can use music for regulation for kids of all ages... But we gotta know why to be intentional about it!)

So as a music therapist I understand there are a few universal ways in which music has an effect on our bodies, in our relationships and on our emotions:

❤️ Coregulation - our little ones adults to coregulate with them before they can learn how to do this themselves...
🧡 Connection and relationships - these are the foundations for healthy attachment, and developing basic independence and interdependence.
💚 Physiological input (sensory) - providing coherent sensory information where brain might otherwise not be receiving it (or too much) helps overcome an overwhelmed or understimulated nervous system
🩵 Predictability - feeling safe in routines, relationships and yes, even feeling safe in the music basically comes down to how predictable and know-able these things are. Music is a pretty predictable pattern, which when familiar can sooth and contain big feelings.



Which ones you're favorite song?!

28/01/2025

Is this your little kiddo (or someone you know)? 🤔 This question or variations of it comes up a lot in my clinical practice...

🧠We know that neurological differences play a huge role in kids ability to regulate, communicate, and reach various developmental milestones - but music 🎶 and singing really does seem to be one of those nearly universal tools to open so many opportunities for kids of all brain types 🥳...

And it's more than anecdotal (though as a music therapist I am biased) - Brain research that looks inside 👀 the brain while singing vs speaking to kids has seen the difference in how our kids brains are lighting up to song ✨ it can get a little technical trying to understand scientific papers but here's a couple take-away conclusions from a few studies I've been brushing up on 🙌

So all this to say...Can I convince you to PLEASE sing with your kids today?! 😂

Happy humming! ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜

P.s there are also other reasons that kids might be non/minimal-speakers, and this is just the neuroscience lens - no one person or child can be explained by a single factor of influence but I hope this can help in understanding a small piece of the whole big beautiful being they are!

14/12/2024

In light of everything happening within the NDIS and music therapy, I am so grateful for these musician's support!!

Music therapy belongs in the NDIS as a therapy support... and these acclaimed Australian musicians agree.Artists including Tim Rogers, Bernard Fanning, Stell...

03/12/2024

✨Representing our Families and participants on International Day of People with a Disability✨

Today we visited the office of Hon Ged Kearney to discuss our concern around the recent announcement that Music Therapy would be removed from therapeutic supports under the NDIS from Feb 2025. We know the significant negative impact this decision will have on the people we serve through targeted music therapy interventions and support - SO we've handed a 2-page document of testimonials and a 42 page document outlining the evidence for music therapy in supporting people with a disability produced by .

We weren't able to meet with Ged today however we look forward to her responding with a suitable date, so we can share our concerns, evidence, and most importantly participants perspectives, such as the ones below:

👉Tom: "Music therapy has significantly improved Johns* ability for joint attention and for much longer. From just 1-2 minutes of joint attention on other therapies, John has been able to stay concentrated and engage with the music therapist for 30 to 45 minutes (!). John also became more comfortable with transitions, expand his vocabulary and functional language, and overall improved his communication skills and ability to follow routine.

👉Anonymous: "...Our daughter will experience lifelong difficulties with her motor, speech and cognitive development...Music therapy continues to play a huge role in her life. Currently she is working with her music therapist on drumming, encouraging bilateral arm movements and writing and signing songs improving her speech... Recently she participated in a school wide performance of the school band and read aloud a story she had written to the entire school community. All things made possible by the confidence and skills built in music therapy."

(ID: Carousel, slide one: three female identifying registered music therapists standing in front of building, with sign behind them reading "Ged Kearney MP, Federal member for Cooper". Slide two: printed documents on a wooden table)
*Pseudonyms used to protect identity

Sign the petition in bio 🙌🔗

22/08/2023

It's essential to honor neurodivergent ways of connecting, listening, and expressing. Requiring eye contact, staying seated, or insisting on verbal responses is NOT appropriate for everyone. 💬🧠 I'm committed to creating spaces where every individual feels comfortable to communicate authentically.

🎶✨ Through music, we understand that connection can happen in countless unique ways. Whether it's tapping out a rhythm, humming a melody, or moving to the beat – all expressions are valid. 🎵💙

Remember, it's about understanding, not conformity. Let's embrace the richness of diverse communication styles and pave the way for a more inclusive world. 🌍💕

21/06/2023

"This drum is a frying pan!" YES "This shaker is a ladybird!" YES "i play guitar with a mallet" YES...Play is a powerful tool that we use in music therapy to connect with children and support their creative, emotional and social development. Although there are some guides for us to understand the stages of play, in music therapy we accept all forms of play as they are - whether that looks like playing a drum on top of a piano, rolling a cabasa up and down our arm, or creating a magical world of pretend.

There are so many ways to describe play, but here are two important ways we think of play:

1️⃣ Independent, Parallel, and Cooperative Play: In music therapy, we encourage independent play, where children explore instruments and materials freely. We also facilitate parallel play, where children play side by side, sharing the experience but not directly interacting. And we love fostering cooperative play, where children join together in a musical journey, taking turns, and collaborating.

2️⃣ Object Play, Imaginative Play, and Symbolic Play: We embrace the magic of object play, where children explore different instruments and props to create unique sounds and textures. Imaginative play allows children to express themselves through music, embodying characters, and creating musical stories. And we encourage symbolic play, where children use music to represent ideas, feelings, and experiences.

Through these diverse types of play, children can develop their social skills, creativity, and emotional expression. So let's sing, dance, and explore together in the world of music therapy!

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21/06/2023

🎶 Unlocking the Musical Mystery: Why Your Neurodiverse Kid Hates the Happy Birthday Song SO MUCH 🎂?!

Is your little one going into full meltdown mode every time the "Happy Birthday" song starts playing? Have you had to send 'apologies' to their friends parties for fear of the song being sung? Firstly, you're not alone! And it's definitely not easy to miss all those social events, it can have a real impact on your family and personal life and in some cases can lead to further isolation if people are unwilling to make accommodations, or understand your neurodiverse-family needs.

First we're going to dive into the likely reasons behind their aversion to this song (as opposed to any others) and unravel the mystery together:

1️⃣ Sensitivity to Sound: We know children with sensitivity to music and sound can become dysregulated by unexpectedly loud noises. The sudden burst of singing and clapping may overwhelm their delicate sensory system, leading to discomfort or anxiety.

2️⃣ Lack of Control: The group singing aspect of the song can make your child feel less in control. Being surrounded by a chorus of voices can be intimidating, especially if your child prefers predictability and a quieter environment, and their usual tactics in telling someone to stop singing won't work in this setting.

3️⃣ Pitch Sensitivity: For highly aurally-sensitive children, the off-key renditions of the song may be particularly frustrating. Their acute hearing picks up even the slightest discrepancies, making the out-of-tune harmonies an auditory challenge to bear.

4️⃣ Past Negative Experiences: Sometimes, a negative experience in their early years may have left a lasting impression. It could be an overwhelming birthday party, a startling noise, or an uncomfortable social situation, contributing to their aversion to the song.

One or all of these could be a factor in your child's reaction, and have the key to a solution. Consider whether it's the sound itself, or the setting or experience is more problematic for your kid to support them.

13/06/2023

Imitation is nothing to be sneezed at! It's a powerful tool in music therapy for fostering empathy, social skills, positive attachment, motor planning, and rhythmic entrainment (to name a few).
~ Rhythmic entrainment refers to the phenomenon where individuals synchronize their movements, behaviors, or internal rhythms with an external rhythmic stimulus, such as music or a metronome. It is the natural tendency of humans to align their rhythm and movement with a perceived beat or pulse. In music therapy, rhythmic entrainment is utilized as a therapeutic technique to promote synchronization, coordination, and regulation of movement, as well as to enhance social interaction and emotional expression.

Together, we create a harmonious connection that boosts empathy and overall well-being.

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13/06/2023

To calm down, sometimes kids need to go from 100 to 0 immediately (a few times in a row) before they can calm their nervous system down for good.

Using their favourite songs and "freezing" them is one way to start this, but there are also a few songs with this intention in mind:

- "Freeze Dance" - This classic children's song is a perfect way to get kids moving and practicing their listening skills. When the music plays, they can dance their hearts out, but when it says "freeze," they have to stop in their tracks. It's a fun and interactive way to promote gross motor skills and musicality.

- "Shake Your Sillies Out" - This energetic song by The Wiggles encourages kids to let loose and shake their sillies out. It incorporates instructions like "jump up and down," "clap your hands," and of course, "freeze" to add an element of fun and excitement. It's a fantastic way to engage children in active movement and boost their coordination.

- "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" - This classic action song is perfect for young children. It guides them to touch different body parts as they sing along. You can add a twist by incorporating a freeze element, where they have to freeze when the music stops. It promotes body awareness, and if you add some squeezes can help with proprioception too.

TIP: MAKE SURE YOU FINISH THE SONG ON A FREEZE!! Lest we be stuck in an eternal dance party!

Remember, these songs can be adapted and personalized to fit the needs and preferences of your kid. Have fun and keep the music and movement flowing!