Often times in my sessions, I incorporate cognitive work as well. Age appropriate learning such as shapes, colors, numbers, and letters are all topics that I include in my songs. One way I like to incorporate shapes and colors in our work is by using shape drums! Shape drums are just as they might sound, they are hand drums that are in different shapes like a triangle, circle, and square. They also come in various colors, too. Whenever I’ve used them in the past, clients love them because they have a little bit of a different sound than typical drums and… they’re in fun shapes! This month I’ve recreated a song that music therapists can use to incorporate shape drums. You can totally adapt this to meet your specific client’s needs and feel free to incorporate other things as well like fast/slow or loud/soft. Happy drumming!

 

(To the tune of “London Bridge”)

Find the (shape) drum and drum with me, 

Drum with me, drum with me. 

Find the (shape) drum and drum with me, 

1 (pause for client to drum 1 time), 2 (pause for client to drum 2 times), 3 (pause for client to drum 3 times). 

 

-Alternative-

Find the (shape) drum and drum with me, 

Drum with me, drum with me. 

Find the (shape) drum and drum with me, 

Fast! (pause for client to drum fast), and slow (pause for client to drum slow). 

 

 

Sara Chigani, MA, MT-BC