Abstract

This practical guide to running music therapy groups with senior citizens provides effective strategies that encourage therapists to be creative and engaging, and involve participants fully in the music-making process.

Ideal for those working with older people in assisted living or nursing care homes, the book covers initial assessment, setting measurable goals, and evaluating progress; discusses current music therapy techniques; and offers an improved plan of intervention. The author explains how to choose or create music that is accessible to this age group, designing strategies that utilize cognitive, motor, social-emotional, and music skills to the fullest. The book provides useful original music and shows readers how to compose their own songs that relate to the experiences of the group they are working with, emphasizing shared common interests and enjoyment in the moment.

As well as being fun, these are powerful means of communication at a deep emotional level.
Caring Times
As Pinson engages one in a lively discourse about therapeutic interactions with older persons, the reader is prompted with practical, step-by-step ways to facilitate meaningful music-making by seniors. This book delivers the what, when, where, why, and how all within the context of an animated conversation.
Anita L. Gadberry, PhD, MT-BC, Director of Music Therapy, Marywood University, and Regional Liaison for North America, World Federation of Music Therapy
I am delighted to find a book which acknowledges that group music with older people can be much more than a sing-along. Anyone who has suspected this, but feels that they don't have enough musical training to set up therapeutic music groups, should be encouraged by reading it.
Plus
Joseph Pinson, MA, MT-BC, is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Texas Woman's University where he teaches courses on music therapy. He also provides music therapy services to older people in local facilities on a regular basis. He has degrees in music from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, and American University, Washington, District of Columbia. He is a published composer and he is the founding director of the Denton Bell Band, a community-based group whose members are adults with developmental disabilities. He has served as President of the Southwestern Region of the American Music Therapy Association. In 2009 he received the Community Arts Recognition Award in Arts Education by the Greater Denton Arts Council. He resides in Denton, Texas.