Fall Music Ideas and Resources for Music Therapists
As you can probably see here at Aspire, I embrace all the fall colors. I love seeing the trees change color, getting to wear cozy sweatshirts, and having a tasty slice of pumpkin bread. For a well-loved season of the year by many, here are some of music therapy intervention ideas that would be great for all ages (and for the music education classroom too!). 🍁
If you’re looking for Halloween resources, we have a separate blog FULL of additional ideas for the holiday! Find it here.
Fall Movement Props
Several of our clients have motor skills goals, so here are some ways we’ve incorporated a fall theme into movement music experiences. As a bonus, some of these props can be created in sessions with clients to provide a creatives arts experience as well!
DIY Ribbon Rings, using fall-colored ribbon or fall themed patterned ribbon
Scarves
Candy Corn fillable plastic eggs for DIY egg shakers
Music Themed Books
Since I was turned onto music-inspired books as a new professional, I’ve created quite the collection of books set to song lyrics. Here are some that are fit for fall!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves & There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey (I’ll often sing these books along with a drum)
Pop Song Recommendations
I love giving some recommendations that can be used with teens and young adults! What’s popular can be ever changing and I know many therapists who can find it intimidating to try relating with teens. Here are my recommendations to use this fall for lyric discussions, songwriting, or other music therapy experiences:
“cardigan” by Taylor Swift
“Stick Season” by Noah Kahn
“The Fall” by Imagine Dragons
“Gust of Wind” by Pharrell Williams
“Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood
“this is what autumn feels like” by JVKE
“Autumn Leaves” by Ed Sheeran
“Yellow” by Coldplay
“Girl on Fire” by Alicia keys
“Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde
Find an already-created Spotify playlist with these songs here.
Fall Rhythm Worksheet
I’ve created so many variations of these rhythm worksheets because 1) a few of my clients love them and 2) they are flexible to meet a variety of goals. Breaking down the syllables in words can support communication goals, while including a drum can include motor skills treatment. I often will also take this as an opportunity to incorporate some social skills discussion, asking clients questions such as what they like about fall, what their favorite fall flavors are, if they do anything special to celebrate fall, etc.
A copy of this rhythms worksheet is available to download below.
“September” & “thank u, next” Songwritings
I love a good songwriting template and have made several that celebrates this season (plus some others that you can find in our Halloween blog!).
First, I introduce the changes of the season through our “September” songwriting, based on the Earth, Wind, and Fire classic. The songwriting gives opportunities to explore the sensory changes experienced with the new season and look ahead to what can be enjoyed in October. It’s a versatile song that can be used with all ages!
Come November, there’s often many opportunities to reflect on things to be grateful for and the year coming to a close. I’ve created a simple songwriting to Ariana Grande’s hit “thank u, next” to develop an attitude of gratitude.
Both of these songwritings are available to download below.
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