Nicole Verret

9/28/2015

LEI 4724

Lyric Analysis
Citation Source: Kaplan, R.S., Steele, A.L. (2005). An analysis of music therapy program goals
and outcomes for clients with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Journal of Music Therapy
42(1): 2-19.
Equipment Needed: 1-2 songs prechosen by facilitator, lyrics for every participant, Cd or MP3
player with speakers, pencil for each participant.
Activity Description: This activity is designed for a group of individuals who have mental
health issues. This could be done with adolescents or adults, however with adolescents this
works best past the age of 14-15 (who have some level of maturity developed), and for adults
this works best with individuals who have limited to no cognitive impairment, as this works best
with individuals who are able to think abstractly. This works best in groups of 5-7 participants.
The facilitator will start group and introduce the topic for the session or for the focus of the
group (or they can leave this out in the beginning and incorporate this into the discussion portion
with a follow up question such as what do these songs have in common with each other? Is
there a theme?). The facilitator must decide prior to the group depending on time how many
songs will be played in the session and whether they will be played individually and discussed or
back to back. The facilitator will play the music and provide lyrics and pencils to the
participants so they can take notes or mark the lyrics as they desire.
Leadership Considerations: When working with adolescents it is important to help participants
maintain focus. When leading the follow up discussions to the songs, you will want to have some
songs to get the group started, especially if working with adolescents; however it is important in
any group setting to allow the group participants to take ownership and assist in leading,
encourage them to talk to their peers rather than directing all comments back to the facilitator.
For a group like this it does require some research to find songs with topics that relate to the
topic of the group. It is helpful to make an spreadsheet of songs and their topics such as:
Dave Matthews Band Grey Street (mood/depression)
Florence and the Machine Dog Days are Over (Change)
Natasha Bettingfield- Unwritten (Change)
Blink 182 Adams Song (Suicide)
Possible discussion topics may include:
What feeling(s) do you think this song shares?
Was there a specific lyric or word that you connected to? What about it?
What was your favorite part about this song? Your least favorite?
How does this song connect with other songs weve listened to in this group?
Adaptations : One adaptation is to use art for individuals who may have a decreased ability to
verbalization and need more sensory stimulation such as individuals with autism or those with
limited communications skills. During the time that songs are listened to art materials such as
11x17 paper, markers, oil pastels, chalk pastels or colored pencils can be provided so that they
can use art to make a response to the music. Offer follow up questions and encourage individuals
to share what they are able. For individuals with visual impairments you can provide larger print,
or braille of the lyrics. For hearing impaired you can provide individual MP3 players and
headphones for each person in the group.