Music is Therapy for Families During COVID-19

Just prior to this pandemic I came across my old iPod that had a long list of songs loaded. A number of years ago I would use it during evenings to relax or when waking in the middle of the night would listen to it to sooth and distract my mind back to sleep. I had no idea how much it would come in handy given the pandemic. I have returned to using it when waking at the bewitching hours between 2-4.

After talking about taking piano lessons for the past year, hemming and hawing, my husband, Mark (yes, The Elf King) decided to seize the found time and recently purchased on line with curb-side pick up, a portable electronic piano. His elementary education was spent at St. Michael’s Choir School where part of his curriculum was to learn piano. He managed to achieve grade 8! Now at 67 he chuckles wondering if he will be able to resurrect his keyboard skills. We are luck to have a concert pianist across the hall from us, Dear Maureen, who also teaches piano. She has agreed to coach and teach Mark remote during the pandemic. He hope is that the music will work on his brain neuroplasticity as he ages, while providing comfort and distraction during the pandemic.

Last week, our friends Sheila and Jude, showed us all how music has helped their family. Jude has set up a drum kit and garage band stage in his garage where he practices with their son Julian. How fun! Sheila on the other hand, with all her positive energy, serenaded neighbours with a boom box of special uplifting tunes and they had a short social distancing dance party. She has also played around with doing short lip-synching videos with their son, combining dance, drama and of course the rhythm of the tunes.

On Facebook I have been thoroughly enjoying the multitude of parody videos that have been surfacing from individuals, families and friends. There are so many creative, courageous (I wouldn’t be caught singing on YouTube yikes lol) and fun loving people. I hope they don’t stop as they bring such joy.

So friends music is a great resource to help stay calm and mindful, reduce anxiety and provide a fun platform.

Dazzle’s Challenge:

  1. Make instruments with your kids then use them to play as a family band, maybe even do your own video. (recycled materials can make great drums and percussion instruments) see below.
  2. Have a family dance party.
  3. Take up an instrument. There are many music apps and videos that can teach you how to play.

Quick Links:

A WOW!

Music Therapy/Dance

Music Courses

Craft Instruments

Amazing motivating song links given our times:

Music is Therapy for Families During COVID-19

Just prior to this pandemic I came across my old iPod that had a long list of songs loaded. A number of years ago I would use it during evenings to relax or when waking in the middle of the night would listen to it to sooth and distract my mind back to sleep. I had no idea how much it would come in handy given the pandemic. I have returned to using it when waking at the bewitching hours between 2-4.

After talking about taking piano lessons for the past year, hemming and hawing, my husband, Mark (yes, The Elf King) decided to seize the found time and recently purchased on line with curb-side pick up, a portable electronic piano. His elementary education was spent at St. Michael’s Choir School where part of his curriculum was to learn piano. He managed to achieve grade 8! Now at 67 he chuckles wondering if he will be able to resurrect his keyboard skills. We are luck to have a concert pianist across the hall from us, Dear Maureen, who also teaches piano. She has agreed to coach and teach Mark remote during the pandemic. He hope is that the music will work on his brain neuroplasticity as he ages, while providing comfort and distraction during the pandemic.

Last week, our friends Sheila and Jude, showed us all how music has helped their family. Jude has set up a drum kit and garage band stage in his garage where he practices with their son Julian. How fun! Sheila on the other hand, with all her positive energy, serenaded neighbours with a boom box of special uplifting tunes and they had a short social distancing dance party. She has also played around with doing short lip-synching videos with their son, combining dance, drama and of course the rhythm of the tunes.

On Facebook I have been thoroughly enjoying the multitude of parody videos that have been surfacing from individuals, families and friends. There are so many creative, courageous (I wouldn’t be caught singing on YouTube yikes lol) and fun loving people. I hope they don’t stop as they bring such joy.

So friends music is a great resource to help stay calm and mindful, reduce anxiety and provide a fun platform.

Dazzle’s Challenge:

  1. Make instruments with your kids then use them to play as a family band, maybe even do your own video. (recycled materials can make great drums and percussion instruments) see below.
  2. Have a family dance party.
  3. Take up an instrument. There are many music apps and videos that can teach you how to play.

Quick Links:

A WOW!

Music Therapy/Dance

Music Courses

Craft Instruments

Amazing motivating song links given our times: