Music Movement Therapy & Exercises
Movement to music is defined as physical use of the body with the incorporation of music.
Movement to Music
Movement may be stretching, exercise, movement games, and even dancing video games.
Music therapy is a powerful expressive art form that touches various aspects of our lives—physical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral. It has been widely used in hospitals, educational institutions, and clinical settings to ease clients and enhance their well-being.
Hany Matar visiting from Cairo, Egypt has a vast knowledge of Golden Age and Modern Argentine Tango orchestras.
He's adept at demonstrating to dancers and long term care residents on how to listen, feel and move to the music.
Matar teaches how to do so by explaining the differences between half time, tempo and pulse, as well as the differences in music genres.
Hany Matar won over the hearts of many during both of his Minnesota visits in 2023 and 2024.
He along with Kian Dwyer got residents engaged by clapping, tapping and rythmically moving at Benedictine Living Community, New Brighton, MN.
Matar is a favorite Argentine Tango DJ and dancer among other dancers in Minnesota and Cairo.
Benefits of Music Therapy:
- Improves the quality of life.
- Helps manage pain, attentional disorders, and relationship issues.
- Facilitates relaxation and mood enhancement.
- Argentine Tango music dance therapy and rehabilitation for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and other complex medical conditions.
Lewy Body Dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Protein deposits called Lewy bodies develop in nerve cells in the brain. The protein deposits affect brain regions involved in thinking, memory and movement. This condition is also known as dementia with Lewy bodies. Mayo Clinic link for more info... https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lewy-body-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352025
Here are some insights into Music Therapy
Benefits of Tami Brigg's Harp Therapy Musical Reflections
1. Relaxation and Mindfulness:
- Music therapy helps reduce stress and promotes mindfulness.
- Listening to calming music during stretching sessions can create a soothing ambiance.
- It shifts attention from problems to solutions, offering a rhythmic structure for relaxation and deep breathing.
Joel Shapira is a nationally acclaimed musician residing in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN. He performs regularly with world class musicians, has numerous recordings to his credit, and is an artist featured on the NYC record label Unseen Rain Records.
Shapira has done nearly 4,000 gigs since he became a professional musician in 1983. He's performed at many venues from jazz clubs, restaurants, churches, International airport, and Community Care Centers to name a few.
Steve Clarke is an award-winning bandleader and wind player (saxophones and flutes). He's done hundreds of performances and recordings with local, regional, and national artists.
Clarke plays at many venues such as concert/dance halls, restaurants, MSP airport, and jazz clubs, as well as Long Term Care Centers where he focuses on relaxation, meditation and movement. Clarke also performs with Laurie Knutson on Native American-style wood flutes and bass clarinet.
2. Expressive Communication:
- Whether you're writing a song, singing, or listening to music, communication and expression are essential. -
- Music therapists use specialized tools, including musical instruments like guitars, harps or pianos.
- Imagery is also incorporated, where clients imagine pleasant situations while soothing music plays.
3. Stretching Exercises with Music:
- Combining stretching exercises with music enhances the experience.
- Here are some ways to incorporate music into your stretching routine:
- Relaxing Stretching Routine: After a long day, unwind with gentle stretches accompanied by calming music¹.
- 15-Minute Music Set: Use a short music set specifically designed for stretching exercises².
- 1-Hour Stretch Music Playlist: Create a playlist with stretch songs before or after workouts, or whenever you need calm music.
Remember, music therapy is a versatile tool that can be tailored to individual needs. Whether you're a musician or not, stretching to music can enhance your well-being and create a harmonious experience. 🎶🧘♀️.
Exercising to Music:
- Music and exercise go hand in hand. Whether you're lifting weights, doing cardio, or practicing yoga, music can enhance your workout experience.
- Benefits:
1. Cardiovascular Health: Dancing or exercising to music gets your heart pumping, meeting recommended activity guidelines for adults.
2. Balance and Strength: Different dance moves challenge your body from various angles, improving balance and strength.
3. Gentle on Your Body: Many dance forms are suitable for people with limited mobility or health issues.
Moving to Music:
- Moving to music isn't just about structured workouts; it's about letting loose and enjoying the rhythm.
- Benefits:
1. Cognitive Performance: Dancing can boost memory, planning, and organizing skills as you age.
2. Emotional Well-Being: Grooving to music lifts your mood, combats depression, and fosters happiness.
3. Physical Fitness: Dance engages muscles from all planes of motion, improving strength and balance.
Dancing to Music:
Dancing is a joyful expression that transcends age, shape, and size. It's a celebration of movement and rhythm.
BENEFITS
1. Heart Health: Dancing combines aerobic and weight-bearing exercise, benefiting your heart, muscles, and bones.
2. Mental Agility: Research shows that dancing maintains cognitive abilities and sharp thinking.
3. Social Connection: Dancing often happens in groups, fostering connections and a sense of community.
So whether you're doing a high-energy Zumba class, practicing ballet, or simply grooving in your living room, remember that music and movement are powerful allies for your overall well-being. 🕺💪🎵.
Another relaxation technique uses Rhythmic Breathing to Music to train the body to breathe over specific intervals of time.
Music cues the rhythmic pattern of inhalation, breath holding, and exhalation. It's a conscious and deliberate alteration of your breathing patterns, with the goal of synchronizing your breath with your body's natural rhythm. Patients who are comfortable with the group may also close their eyes, breathe naturally, and count the number of cycles. Suggested to count up to five and start over to remain grounded in the here and now.
BENEFITS
1. Reduces Stress: Rhythmic breathing directly influences the body's stress response. By activating your parasympathetic nervous system, it helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone). This leads to a calmer and happier state of mind, allowing you to better cope with stressors.
2. Enhances Focus and Concentration: When you practice rhythmic breathing, you become fully aware of the present moment, avoiding distractions. This heightened awareness improves focus and concentration. Better concentration positively impacts cognitive functions, enhancing attention spans and problem-solving abilities.
3. Improves Heart Health: Rhythmic pattern breathing affects your heart rate and blood pressure. It promotes a steady and regular heartbeat, while also relaxing blood vessels. Long-term practice can contribute to better heart health and potentially prevent heart-related ailments.
Remember, rhythmic breathing is a simple yet effective technique that can lead to a calmer, healthier you. Incorporate it into your daily routine for overall well-being!
What about the Kids?
Children's Movement Activities: are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial for their development.
BENEFITS
1. Brain Development and Vocabulary Growth: When kids move to music, their brains light up! The combination of rhythm, melody, and movement stimulates neural pathways. As they dance, sway, and jump, they're not only having a blast but also enhancing their cognitive abilities. Plus, exposure to music helps expand their vocabulary as they sing along to nursery rhymes and action songs.
2. Social Skills and Emotional Expression: Group music and movement activities encourage participation and a sense of belonging. Children make new friends, learn names, and collaborate. Expressing themselves through song and movement also helps them manage emotions. By dancing and singing, they gain control over their feelings and develop coping skills for the future.
3. Motor Skills and Balance: These activities strengthen motor skills, spatial awareness, and balance. Whether they're wiggling, marching, or swaying, children refine their coordination and body control. The rhythmic aspect of music fosters a sense of balance and rhythm, which is essential for overall physical development.
So, let's celebrate the joy of music and movement—it's not just playtime; it's a powerful tool for growth! 🎶🕺🏽🌟Using the combination of music and movement to increase fine motor, gross motor, socialization, and other goals/objectives in children.
Are Video Games More Your Game?
Video games as a form of physical exercise to music provides a very engaging multisensory approach to physical exercise. It can be an exciting and engaging way to get moving. Here's how it works:
1. Dance Games: Dance-based video games like Just Dance or Dance Dance Revolution encourage players to follow on-screen dance moves in sync with the music. These games provide a full-body workout, improving coordination, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Plus, they're loads of fun!
2. Rhythm Games: Games that involve hitting targets or buttons in time with the music (think Guitar Hero or Beat Saber) challenge your reflexes and timing. As you groove to the beat, you're also burning calories and working those muscles.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) Fitness Games: VR games often incorporate music and movement. Whether you're boxing, dancing, or slashing through virtual obstacles, the immersive experience keeps you engaged while providing a workout.
Benefits of exercising through music-based video games include improved mood, stress relief, and enhanced cognitive function. So, next time you're gaming, turn up the volume and dance your way to better health!🎮🎶💃
Resourceshttp://songsabout.com/2012/01/songs-for-shaping-up/ Balance movement to music with Lyric Analysis about getting up and moving!
https://musictherapyactivities.fandom.com/wiki/Movement_to_MusicMusicTherapyActivities.Wikia.com ReferencesCevasco, A. M., Kennedy, R., & Generally, N. R. (2005). Comparison of movement-to-music, rhythmic activities, and competitive games on depression, stress, anxiety, and anger of females in substance abuse rehabilitation. Journal of Music Therapy, 42(1), 64-80.Strutzel, Michelle. (April 7, 2011). New Activity! I Can Transform Ya. [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://beyondthemusicmt.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-activity-i-can- transform-ya.html