Module 3b of “Using the Arts to Create Joy & Connection”
Music & Movement: Doodle Dancing to Music Memories
Please watch the video above. The text below, is the written version of what you’ll see and hear in the video.
This activity is “Doodle Dancing to Music Memories”. Here’s what you need to do the activity:
• a soundtrack of music (various genres) that was popular in the 1950’s & 60’s, 70’s & beyond. It can be handy to create your own playlists on your phone or computer, and bring them along with you on your visits to the person you’re caring for. There’s lots of great downloads & CDs out there that focus on specific genres from different eras.
• You’ll need to provide each person (including yourself and support people) with blank pieces of paper (any size is fine, but bigger can be a lot of fun), and a variety of colours of crayons, pencil crayons & markers. Invite your participants to use the crayons/pencil crayons/markers of their own choosing to doodle on the paper to show how the music makes them feel. It’s helpful to demonstrate with a large piece of paper where everyone can see it - perhaps attached to the wall or other flat surface.
• Simply, play the music, allowing your body to feel the rhythm, mood, and emotion of the piece. Using a coloured pencil/crayon/marker of choice (several colours and markers can be used!), just make marks on the paper that reflect those feelings. There’s no right or wrong, just let the music guide you.
• After playing one song for at least 2 or 3 minutes, stop the music. If you’re working in a group, ask everyone everyone to hold up their “doodles” to show the group what they did. This allows others to see there is no talent necessary for this type of activity. Ask the group, “What does this song remind you of?” Accept answers from anyone who is willing to share. It’s worthwhile to take note of, or record, the answers people give you. You can then use their answers as the basis of a story that can be built on through other arts modalities.
• Move on to the next song - perhaps of a different genre, rhythm or mood. After playing the music for 2 or 3 minutes (or right to the end if everyone is enjoying the process) and then ask the same questions. The responses are often great conversation starters and can give you glimpses into the life of your loved one or client.
Materials List:
• soundtrack of music from the 50’s, 6o’s, 70’s and beyond & a way to play them (cell phone, tablet, CD player, etc.)
• pieces of blank paper
• crayons, pencil crayons, and/or markers
