"Hello/Goodbye" Transition Songs
Using highly structured, predictable greeting and farewell songs to help children with ASD manage transitions, build routine, and practice social greetings.
"In My Room" Songwriting Worksheet
A fill-in-the-blank songwriting worksheet based on the song "In My Room" by The Beach Boys. It provides a structured way for clients to express their feelings about their safe spaces and personal experiences through songwriting.
Auld Lang Syne - Transition
Lyric sheet for New Year celebration.
Bluetooth Stethoscope Heartbeat Recording
Discover how to use a Bluetooth stethoscope to record a client's heartbeat, a powerful technique for creating legacy heartbeat recordings in hospice and palliative care.
HAPI Drum Techniques for Music Therapy
Laura Anderson, MT-BC from Coast Music Therapy demonstrates 5 techniques for using the HAPI drum as a therapeutic instrument, focusing on relaxation, improvisation, and sensory engagement.
Here is the Beehive - Early Childhood Intervention
Julieann Hartley, MT-BC shares a classic early childhood music therapy intervention using the song 'Here is the Beehive'. Great for finger isolation, counting, and anticipation.
Here to Share a Rhythm: A Movement Song
A motor sequencing movement song designed for music therapy sessions to encourage gross motor coordination and following directions.
I Got Rhythm Re-Write
A structured song-writing activity that allows for expressing gratitude and getting to know client preferences.
Identifying Emotions with Pumpkins - Heart and Harmony
Join Jordan Bailey, MT-BC of Heart and Harmony Music Therapy for this creative music therapy intervention using pumpkins (or any thematic visual aids) to identify and discuss emotions.
Intro to Boomwhackers - Color Matching
An introduction to boomwhackers in music therapy. Jean-Michael Diaz, MT-BC from Heart and Harmony Music Therapy demonstrates how to introduce boomwhackers, use color-coded visual aids, and practice basic striking techniques.
Lyric Analysis Guide: "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World
A printable lyric analysis guide featuring "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World. It includes discussion prompts and themes to help clients explore resilience, self-acceptance, and not giving up during difficult times.
Lyric Analysis: "Hand in My Pocket"
A lyric-analysis activity exploring mixed emotions, acceptance, and coping. (PDF by WA DSHS Behavioral Health.)
Music Therapy & Learning Disabilities (Fact Sheet)
A clinical fact sheet on music therapy for learning disabilities. (PDF by The Music Therapy Center of California.)
Music Therapy Visual Schedule Template
A printable visual schedule toolkit to structure music therapy sessions. Visuals help clients anticipate what comes next, reducing anxiety and increasing participation. Includes instructions for laminating and using picture icons to represent each step of the routine.
Musical Autobiographies
A life-review and identity exploration intervention where clients curate a playlist representing significant periods, events, and relationships throughout their lifespan.
Rhythm of Life - Boomwhacker Group Activity
An energizing boomwhacker rhythm activity for older adults, demonstrated by Becky Watson, MT-BC. Focuses on group cohesion, upper extremity movement, and cognitive engagement through rhythmic patterns.
Rhythmic Entrainment in Neurologic Music Therapy
Neurologic Music Therapist Meredith Sharpe explains and demonstrates rhythmic entrainment, a powerful technique used to synchronize a client's physiological rhythms (like gait or breathing) with an external auditory stimulus.
Teaching Emotional Regulation in Preschool Groups
An intervention designed for preschool groups to teach emotional regulation and identification. Using music and visual aids, children learn to recognize and express their feelings in a supportive group environment. Original Credit: Jaycie Voorhees
Teaching Impulse Control with Music
An intervention focused on teaching impulse control using music. By utilizing stop/go cues in songs like "Watch Me Dance", clients practice controlling their impulses, waiting, and following directions. Original Credit: Jaycie Voorhees
I Have a Bean Bag: Body Awareness Song
An engaging early childhood music therapy song designed to improve body awareness, following directions, and gross motor skills using bean bags as a prop. Original Credit: Rachel Rambach, MT-BC (Listen & Learn Music)
Music Therapy Interventions for Children with Down Syndrome
A collection of simple yet effective music therapy-inspired interventions designed for young children with Down syndrome. Includes deep breathing with bubbles, a hello song, rhythm copying for self-control, inspirational beats on drums, a rhythm circle with trading, a shaker start/stop game, and a goodbye song. Promotes focus, sharing, leadership, turn-taking, and social interaction.
Rainbow 'Round Me – Color ID, Self Expression & Joint Attention
A fun song adaptation of Ruth Pelham's 'Rainbow Round Me' targeting color identification, self-expression, and joint attention. The therapist sings through verses while clients look around the room to find objects matching a chosen color, then sing about what they found. Simple chords (D, G, A7) make it easy to learn and adapt.
A Musical Story - Meet In The Music (MITM)
Offer your learners opportunities to practice character representation and association. A performance of the story involving characters represented by a variety of instruments. From the Meet In The Music© (MITM) program by ET Music Therapy.
Adaptive Instrument Play in the Medical Setting
An intervention tailored for the pediatric medical setting, utilizing adaptive tools (like grip assists) to ensure children of all physical abilities can actively participate in instrument play, providing empowerment and procedural support. Original Credit: Sophie's Place Music Therapy
Calm-Down Breathing Song
A breathing / self-regulation song set to the Hokey Pokey. (Video by Music Therapy Tunes (Margie).)
Coping Skills Toolbox Resource
A comprehensive coping skills toolkit containing worksheets and ideas for building a coping strategies toolbox, including music therapy, creative self-expression, and stress reduction techniques.
Cycles: DBT Based Music Therapy Intervention
A DBT-based music therapy intervention designed to help clients understand and navigate emotional and behavioral cycles. Combines psychoeducation with active music making and listening. Original Credit: Music Therapy Education Now
GarageBand Beat Making for Emotional Expression
Learn to facilitate beat making using GarageBand to help clients express their emotions through rhythm and digital instrumentation.
Musical Activities Resource Book (Adults with Learning Disabilities)
A comprehensive PDF resource book containing numerous example interventions, activities, and visual structures specifically adapted for adults with learning disabilities. Includes guidance on facilitating sessions and promoting engagement.
Rainstick Relaxation Intervention
A mindfulness and relaxation intervention utilizing a rainstick to facilitate the R.A.I.N. technique, aiding in emotional regulation and stress reduction.
Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) Drumming
Using a djembe or paddle drum for Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) to improve motor control, gait symmetry, and stride length for individuals in neurologic rehabilitation.
Self-Regulation Playlist Worksheet
A printable worksheet intervention designed to help clients create a music playlist for self-regulation. Includes visual prompts and writing spaces for identifying emotions and matching songs to help regulate them.
Sing For Speech - NMT Melodic Intonation Therapy
Alie Chandler, MM discusses and demonstrates techniques used in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) for speech rehabilitation, specifically Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) for stroke survivors.
Snow Falls - Boomwhacker Improvisation
A structured improvisation and songwriting activity using Boomwhackers, demonstrated by a music therapist. It uses a pentatonic scale setup to allow for free expression and motor movement without the possibility of 'wrong' notes.
Soundtrack of Your Life Worksheet
A "Soundtrack of Your Life" worksheet that prompts clients to imagine their life as a movie and select songs to represent different chapters or moments, such as their childhood or a time they needed help. Great for identity exploration and life review.
Stop, Think, Safe Hands, Calm Body
A behavioral and emotional regulation song designed for early childhood. This intervention teaches actionable steps ("Stop, Think, Safe Hands, Calm Body") to help children manage impulses, practice self-control, and calm down using music and movement cues. Original Credit: Sarah Jane Mason, MT-BC
Wake Up! Morning Greeting Song
Julieann Hartley, MT-BC demonstrates 'Wake Up!', an engaging morning greeting song perfect for group sessions to promote orientation and social engagement.
We Will Rock You - Group Drumming
Group drumming to We Will Rock You.
Wheels on the Bus - Motor Skills
Classic children's song for motor skills.
Easy Songs for Groups – Shake Shake Shake & That's the Way
Board-Certified Music Therapist Kalani demonstrates two simple, effective disco-based song interventions for group sessions. Using 'That's the Way (I Like It)' and 'Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty)' by KC and the Sunshine Band, this approach builds from group singing to call-and-response, fill-in-the-blank, and direct social interaction between participants. Great for encouraging vocalization, eye contact, purposeful communication, movement, and laughter in group settings.
Hello song
Greeting song
Brahms Lullaby - NICU Entrainment
Live lullaby singing and guitar playing to entrain with infant vitals and promote sleep.
Music Therapy Emotion Mapping Worksheet
A structured worksheet guiding individuals to answer questions about emotions, memories, and experiences while listening to a specific song. Great for emotion mapping.
The Wheel: Interactive Songwriting and Improvisation
The Wheel' is an interactive music therapy intervention and visual aid used to facilitate songwriting, improvisation, or lyric analysis. It introduces an element of chance and gamification to clinical work, encouraging spontaneous expression and reducing anxiety. Original Credit: Music Therapy Education Now
Circlesinging – Collaborative Vocal Improvisation
A facilitated group vocal improvisation exercise where a leader assigns simple vocal parts to participants standing in a circle, building a layered, collective musical piece. Emphasizes deep listening, mutual support, openness, and the idea that everyone has the right to sing regardless of skill level. Different cultural backgrounds naturally influence the group sound.
Eye of the Tiger - Physical Rehab
Workout sheet with rock music.
General Music Therapy Reflection Worksheet
A general music therapy worksheet to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through listening to music. Includes prompts for identifying emotions, memories, and personal reflections tied to specific songs.
Lose Yourself - Speech Rehab
Rap along for rhythmic speech.
Star Wars Theme - Listening Map
Listening map for the Star Wars theme.
Song Analysis & Meaning Worksheet
Printable worksheet for analyzing the meaning of lyrics. Includes sections for favorite lyrics, personal meaning, and emotional reflection.
"Fight Song" Empowerment Drumming
A rhythmic empowerment intervention using Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" to build self-esteem and physical expression of emotion.
"Here Comes The Sun" Coping Skills (Lyric Analysis)
A lyric analysis of the Beatles' "Here Comes The Sun", focusing on hope, resilience, and finding light after a dark period.
"Lean On Me" Songwriting/Fill-in-the-blank
A fill-in-the-blank songwriting exercise based on Bill Withers' "Lean On Me" to explore social support networks.
"Let It Be" Lyric Analysis
A lyric analysis intervention using The Beatles' "Let It Be" to explore themes of acceptance, letting go of control, and developing coping skills in mental health and substance abuse recovery.
"Three Little Birds" Relaxation & Grounding
Using Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" for active music engagement and grounding techniques to reduce anxiety.
15 Hello Songs Collection
A whole collection of hello-song ideas to keep your openers fresh. (Video by Music Therapy Tunes (Margie).)
5 Upbeat Hello Songs
Five upbeat and engaging hello songs frequently used in music therapy sessions to welcome clients and start the session with positive energy. Original creator: Mr. Roy Here.
A Million Dreams - Goal Setting
Song for sharing dreams and goals.
Ain't No Sunshine - Motor Rehab
Bassline exercise for left hand rehabilitation.
Baby Shark - Visual Aids
Visual aids for singing Baby Shark.
Beat Making Intro - Hip Hop
Guide to making a simple hip hop beat.
Blowin' in the Wind - Lyric Sheet
Lyric sheet for discussion on social justice.
Brave - Procedural Support
Using 'Brave' by Sara Bareilles to empower pediatric patients during painful procedures.
Clair de Lune - Guided Relaxation
Relaxation and guided imagery.
Country Roads - Singalong
Classic country singalong.
Defying Gravity - Empowerment
Anthem for breaking boundaries.
Don't Stop Believin' - Motivation
Classic rock anthem for motivation.
Finger Plays in Preschool Music Therapy Groups
Using finger plays in preschool music therapy groups to enhance fine motor skills, imitation, and joint attention. This intervention is highly engaging and supports early childhood development. Original Credit: Jaycie Voorhees
Firework - Lyric Analysis
Lyric analysis for self-esteem.
Fly Me to the Moon - Discussion
Jazz discussion and reminiscence.
Four Seasons - Listening Guide
Listening guide for Vivaldi's Four Seasons.
Goodbye Song Idea
A flexible goodbye song to close out a session. (Video by Jessica Leza, MT-BC.)
Goodbye Song for Sessions
A simple, flexible goodbye song to bring closure to any session. (Video by CreativeVibesMT.)
Group Music Therapy - Addressing Play and Social Skills
A group music therapy intervention focused on addressing play skills and social interaction. Children engage in structured musical activities that promote turn-taking, sharing, and peer awareness. Original Credit: Jaycie Voorhees
Halloween Theme - Sensory
Halloween sensory exploration.
Happy Birthday - Celebration
Universal celebration song.
Harry Potter Theme - Attention Focus
Attention focus exercise.
Hello Song for Music Therapy With Kids
A welcoming hello song for music therapy with kids, providing a structured and engaging way to start a session.
Hip Hop Gait Training
Rhythmic entrainment for gait.
Identifying Emotions with Pumpkins
A creative music therapy intervention using visual aids (pumpkins with faces) to help children identify, mimic, and discuss different emotions in a fun, seasonally adaptable way. Original Credit: Jordan Bailey, MT-BC (Heart and Harmony)
If You're Happy - Direction Following
Direction following song.
Improvising with Circle Singing Exercises
Dr. Suzanne B. Hanser (board-certified music therapist, Berklee College of Music) and Annette Philip demonstrate three progressive circle singing and improvisation exercises for wellness. Includes 'Emotion Radio' (free vocal expression of feelings), 'Round the Circle' (building layered rhythms one person at a time), and a Bobby McFerrin-style circle singing exercise with a leader assigning parts. Also introduces using a looping app (Loopy) for solo practice.
Intro to Boomwhackers for Group Therapy
An introductory group intervention using Boomwhackers. This activity promotes group cohesion, gross motor movement, following directions, and sustained attention through collaborative music-making. Original Credit: Jean-Michael Diaz, MT-BC (Heart and Harmony)
Jazzy Hello
An upbeat, jazzy hello song to energize the start of a session. (Video by Archtop Music Therapy.)
Jolene - Lyric Analysis
Lyric analysis.
Let It Be (Relaxation Adaptation)
A classic adapted for relaxation and reminiscence. Focus on deep breathing during the chorus.
Let It Go - Emotional Release
Singing Let It Go for emotional release.
Many Ways to Say Goodbye
Explore farewells in many languages and styles in one goodbye song. (Video by Archtop Music Therapy.)
Music & Memory: Music Therapy for Alzheimer's
A resource on using preserved musical memory with people who have Alzheimer's. (PDF by Iowa State University.)
Music Therapy & Autism (Fact Sheet)
AMTA's evidence-based fact sheet on music therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder. (PDF by American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).)
Music Therapy & Dementia Care (Fact Sheet)
AMTA's overview of music therapy for older adults living with memory disorders. (PDF by American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).)
Music Therapy Song for Non-Verbal Students
A goal-directed music experience designed specifically for non-verbal students. This intervention uses simple vocalizations, repetitive structures, and rhythmic prompts to encourage communication, engagement, and self-expression. Original Credit: Sarah Jane Mason, MT-BC
Music Therapy for Mental Health & Substance Use (Fact Sheet)
AMTA's fact sheet on music therapy for adults with mental health and substance use conditions. (PDF by American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).)
Music Therapy in Pediatric Medical Care (Fact Sheet)
AMTA's fact sheet on music therapy in pediatric hospitals and medical settings. (PDF by American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).)
Music Therapy with Military & Veterans (Fact Sheet)
AMTA's fact sheet on music therapy with active-duty service members and veterans. (PDF by American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).)
Music Therapy, Alzheimer's & Dementia (Fact Sheet)
A clinical fact sheet on music therapy for Alzheimer's and dementia. (PDF by The Music Therapy Center of California.)
My Favorite Things - Reminiscence
Worksheet to list personal favorite things.
NMT Overview & Interventions for ADHD/Autism
Beth Katz, MMT, MT-BC, NMT-F provides an overview of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) and demonstrates interventions tailored for individuals with ADHD and Autism.
Ode to Joy - Easy Piano
Easy piano chords for Ode to Joy.
Program Goodbye Song
A friendly group goodbye song for closing out a children’s session. (Video by Music Works Northwest.)
Puff the Magic Dragon - Storytelling
Musical storytelling.
Respect - Boundaries Discussion
Self-esteem and boundaries.
Ring of Fire - Guitar Tab
Guitar tab for Ring of Fire.
Roar - Empowerment Worksheet
Empowerment worksheet based on Katy Perry's Roar.
Sample Group Session Walkthrough
Watch a full sample music therapy group session for ideas. (Video by mmlearn.org (Amy Standridge, MM, MT-BC).)
Seasons of Love - Harmony
Peer bonding through harmony.
Session Plan Template
A blank, competency-based template for planning and documenting a session. (PDF by Utah State University Music Therapy.)
Shake It Off - Emotional Regulation
Using Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' for emotional regulation and shaking off negative thoughts.
Shake and Say Hello
A fun and engaging hello song to start the session with movement.
Simple Hello Song
A clean, simple hello-song idea to start any children’s session. (Video by Ashley Lundquist, MT.)
Simple Songs for Early Communication
A collection of silly, fun, and simple songs designed for early childhood and early intervention. The focus is on encouraging vocalizations, simple communication, and active engagement through highly animated musical play. Original Credit: Jennifer Pacht-Goodman, MT-BC (Jammin Jenn)
Snare Drum Rudiments for Motor Control
Learn how to use basic snare drum rudiments and techniques in music therapy to help clients improve fine and gross motor control.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Song Bundle Interventions
Interventions using songs and visual aids focused on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Designed for school settings to help children identify emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop empathy. Original Credit: Patina Jackson, MT-BC (Music Therapy Joy)
Special Education Music Resources
Free special-education music resources and intervention ideas. (Video by Ryan Judd, MT-BC (The Rhythm Tree).)
Stand By Me - Group Cohesion
Song for support and connection.
Take Five - Rhythmic Improv
Improvisation guide over 5/4 meter.
The Iso-Principle Playlist
An active listening and playlist creation exercise utilizing the Iso-Principle to help clients manage anxiety and transition from a high-arousal state to a state of calm.
This Land is Your Land - Group Singing
Group singing for community building.
Under the Sea - Fine Motor Coloring
Coloring page matching the song.
Using GuitarTuna for Client Independence
A tutorial on teaching clients to use the GuitarTuna app to tune their own instruments, fostering independence, auditory discrimination, and problem-solving skills.
Using Simple Instruments for Autism
Ideas for engaging children on the autism spectrum with simple instruments. (Video by Ryan Judd, MT-BC (The Rhythm Tree).)
Waltz of the Flowers - Movement Activity
A classical music movement activity using Tchaikovsky's 'Waltz of the Flowers'. This intervention incorporates scarves or ribbons to encourage gross motor movement, active listening, and creative expression to the sweeping 3/4 waltz rhythm. Original Credit: Sarah Jane Mason, MT-BC
Welcome Hello Song
A gentle hello song to open a session and greet each child by name. (Video by Miss Julieann.)
Welcome Hello Song
A warm hello-song idea for greeting children at the start of a session. (Video by Children's Music Fund (Music Therapist Sophie).)
What a Music Therapy Session Looks Like
A quick look at what actually happens in a music therapy session. (Video by M3 Music Therapy, LLC.)
What a Wonderful World - Reminiscence
Singalong for reminiscence.
Where Is Shaker? (Egg Shaker Song)
An egg-shaker movement song based on "Where Is Thumbkin?". (Video by Miss Caitlin Music.)
Yellow Goodbye
A calming, color-themed goodbye song, lovely for special-needs groups. (Video by Archtop Music Therapy.)
You've Got a Friend in Me - Social Skills
Friendship and social skills.