Tips for recreational music activities for people with aphasia

by Linda Dessau - Part II


SING-ALONG

  • ACCOMPANIMENT: Live accompaniment (piano, guitar), or taped accompaniment such as a sing-along tape

  • CHOICE: Allow the person with aphasia to help choose songs
    - For someone with more severe aphasia, you can write down the names of two songs (include pictures to aid understanding) - ask them to point to the one that they like
    - Others may be able to read through an index of songs and select their favourite(s) by pointing or indicating in another way

  • TEMPO: In a group setting, play the songs at a pace that is comfortable for singing (Maybe slightly slower than how you would typically play them) - some people with aphasia still may not get all of the words in, but encourage them to compensate by humming the melody in between words
    - If you are working with someone individually, you can slow the song down and give them a chance to pronounce each word

  • FOCUS ON FUN: Focus on enjoyment and social interaction, and not on how many words the person can sing

  • SYLLABLES OR HUMMING: Model other ways of singing the melody, such as "la", "da", or humming

  • SONGBOOKS: Songbooks are only helpful if they are manageable for someone with aphasia
    - Only print one song per page
    - Use large print (i.e. font size 16)
    - Use small and large letters (not all CAPITAL LETTERS)
    - Number the pages - when asking people to turn to a page number, write down the number and show it to them - they may recognize the number if they see it but not just by hearing it
    - If the person only has use of one hand, have them share a book with a neighbour, have them sit at a table with the songbook on it (there are table-top music stands that make this even easier), or place the book on a music stand or podium in front of them
    - It may sometimes be helpful for a neighbour to help the person with aphasia follow along on the page by pointing their finger along the line that is being sung


    MUSIC APPRECIATION (Discussion)

    OR

    RHYTHM BAND (Percussion Instruments)


  • VARIETY: Use to a variety of music, some that will be familiar and some that may be new to the person or group

  • RHYTHM: For rhythm band, choose music that is upbeat and motivating, with a strong and steady beat

  • YES/NO: Hold a discussion about the music, using yes/no questions

  • FOCUS: Do not discuss the music or give directions while the music is playing - it is often distracting for someone with aphasia to concentrate on a discussion with music in the background

  • PARTICIPATION: Do encourage and model musical expression during such as singing or humming along, waving the hands or arms, tapping the toes or playing hand-held percussion instruments

  • INSTRUMENT CHOICES: Make sure the instruments only require one hand, such as shakers, bells or tambourines

  • REST STOPS: Watch for signs of fatigue and allow people to rest in between songs

    ©Linda Dessau, 2006

    Since writing this article Linda Dessa has left the Aphasia Institute.

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