a song says a thousand words - room 217 foundation · fill-in-the-blank . example #1 learning from...
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A Song Says a Thousand Words Songwriting in oncology music therapy
Sarah Pearson, MMT, Music Therapist April 9, 2014
Music Care Webinar Series
Room 217 Foundation
Today’s presenter!
Sarah Pearson, MMT, Music Therapist Grand River Regional Cancer Centre
HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre
Room 217 Foundation
Reflection: Fill in the blank
Hope is _________
______ gives me hope
Why songs matter
“[Songs are] our musical diaries,
our life stories”
Bruscia, 1998
A personal journey with songwriting
HOW SONGWRITING HEALS
Validating
Expressing
Meaning-Making
Integrating
Three Methods of Songwriting
Client-led lyrics
Client-led lyrics and music
Fill-in-the-Blank
Example #1
Learning from the River
Reflecting back
the client’s words
with music
Example #1
Learning from the River
Learning from the River
I know you’re still close to what you lost
But you won’t have to lose her again.
I offer you this sentiment, hopefully a solace for your soul
And I know the memories will ebb and flow.
So let these recollections take you where you want to
And let the river whisper gently, flow softly into your peace
And as the river flows into an azured, cerulean lake
She will be waiting for you
Where she’ll walk with you and talk with you
And you’ll never have to lose her again
Example #1
Learning from the River
Validating
Collaborative
Empowering
Reflective
Song Structure
Verse
Chorus
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Verse
Chorus
“Candle in the Wind” – Elton John
Goodbye Norma Jean
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered into your brain
They set you on the treadmill
And they made you change your name
chorus:
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Loneliness was tough
The toughest role you ever played
Hollywood created a superstar
And pain was the price you paid
Even when you died
Oh the press still hounded you
All the papers had to say
Was that Marilyn was found in the nud
(repeat chorus)
Goodbye Norma Jean
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
Goodbye Norma Jean
From the young man in the 22nd row
Who sees you as something more than
sexual
More than just our Marilyn Monroe
WHAT IS THE TAKEAWAY?
WRITING A
HEALING CHORUS
EXAMPLE #2
“The Glue That Holds Us Together”
Group Songwriting with
Caregivers
EXAMPLE #2
“The Glue That Holds Us Together”
The Process
Early Snippets
Our memories are the glue that holds us together
I am who I am, you are who you are
There are sides of me that I don’t show
We are fighting uphill battles
I need your love, and I know I have it freely
Your love for me keeps me alive
I’ll keep fighting
Are we together on this journey?
Love is what we do for each other
Loneliness is the greatest disaster
We are made up of the good and the bad
Am I hearing what you really want to say?
EXAMPLE #2
“The Glue That Holds Us Together”
The Process
The Song is Complete
There are sides of me that I show
There are sides of me no one will
ever know
You are who you are, I am who I am
We are there for each other
And the memories that we
made…they will last forever
Chorus:
The good and the bad, all our
memories
Are the glue that we have that holds
us together
The good and the bad, all our
memories
Love is what we do for each other
Is what I hear you say what you said
Are we together on this journey?
Your love for me keeps me alive,
And I need your love
And I know I have it freely
Chorus
The battles they always feel uphill
I will fight them stronger still
I won’t have to give in to fear
I’ll keep fighting year after year
Example #3
Fill-In-The-Blank
Hope is _________
______ gives me hope
“The Rose”
Some say hope ____
Some say hope ____
Some say hope ____
We say hope _______
Songwriting Can Happen Anywhere!
Some suggestions:
Artist-in-residency program
Grant for CD project
Workshops Music teachers
Music therapists
Coffee house projects
Find a songwriting mentor
Use fill-in-the-blank techniques
Get in touch!
Grand River Regional Cancer Centre
Room 217 Foundation