5 Must-Haves for MT-BCs
by Sara Yoon, MT-BC
Every music therapist has their go-to list of instruments they use regularly. As a traveling music therapist, I’ve acquired some instruments and adaptive products that have proven versatile in my practice. Here are a few items I use to support various goals in sessions!
Now, I want to preface that you do not need to have these products for a successful practice. I’m a firm believer that you do not have to “buy” your way into effective treatment or get the most high-end instruments to bring about results. These products are simply supplementary and have brought some novelty and interest to my sessions! Some of these required budgeting over time. With that said, here are some items to consider adding to your Amazon Wish List that might peak your interest for upcoming birthdays, holidays, etc.! Click here to find the whole list!
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1. Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
During a Christmas party I won a Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone and instantly thought, “Wow, I bet my clients would love to try this out!” Many of my clients now use it to sing along to their favorite songs! One client uses it as a prop for their “Late Night Talk Show,” complete with supportive background music, to practice reciprocal conversation (here’s my Spotify Talk Show Music playlist). I’ve even used this mic on a whim for a large group session of 40+ people, which turned into a fun, unplanned karaoke session. No sound system, no large speaker – just one bluetooth karaoke mic and a portable speaker. What a happy accident!
This mic has motivated even my most reluctant clients to vocalize and sing, targeting both verbal and non-verbal communication as well as socio-emotional skills. I highly recommend the BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone, 3-in-1 Portable Handheld Mic Speaker over other brands you can find in stores. I’ve tried others, but the quality of this one takes the cake. It comes with a case, adjustable volume/echo, wireless speaker, mp3 player, and recorder. [BONUS: Here is a link to the foam covers I add for precautionary purposes. I use colorful ones so my clients can have their own fun designated color!]
2. Roll-up Portable Electric Drum Set
In addition to traditional drum heads, lollipop drums, and djembes, I bring a roll-up portable electric drum set into my music therapy sessions. I use it with nondisabled clients, but I’ve also noticed many of my clients with physical disabilities prefer it over typical percussive instruments due to its high tactile sensitivity/sound output. This electric drum set can be placed on the floor, a table, lap, or a chair, making it super versatile and adaptable for sensorimotor skills and a variety of goals.
I personally use the 9 Pads Electronic Drum Set, 19×13 Inch Roll-Up Drum Portable Drum Pad Kit which comes with Bluetooth function and a standard/USB MIDI jack, so you can connect the drum pads to external speakers, if you’d like. It has a rechargeable battery and rolls up, which saves space and is convenient for travel. It also comes with drumsticks and foot pedals. There are various drum pads similar to this that I’ve tried in the past; however, as a former drum kit player, I personally appreciate the accuracy in placement of the snare, kick, toms, and cymbals in this one compared to other models.
3. Adaptive Instrument Learning Devices for the Ukulele
The ukulele is popular among my clients. Oftentimes I use adaptive devices to help clients achieve these instrumental learning goals and avoid quitting too early out of frustration!
I use a chord buddy and add either colorful washi tape, stickers, or paint on the buttons to differentiate between the chords in conjunction with color-coded lead sheets. This is also useful for clients born with congenital hand anomalies and malformations who aren’t able to form chord shapes with their fingers. Using this tool helps them practice finger chord switching and reading lead sheets. Some start with the chord buddy then graduate to learning the actual chord shapes. I also use this adaptive pick for clients who struggle with a pincer grasp, which attaches to their thumb with a Velcro strap. These adaptive devices can be integrated for adaptive music lessons and instrument learning interventions to address fine motor skills and cognitive skills.
I personally use this uke chord buddy with much success. There are other models available on the wish list that I’ve also included; however, I have not tried them all so I cannot attest to how effective they may be. This list also includes chord buddies for the guitar, which I also have not tried, so please buy and use at your own discretion!
4. Portable Keyboard
As a board-certified music therapist, I obviously endorse using preferred music to motivate clients in interventions and instrument learning. I personally own a portable keyboard with a transposition function for this specific reason, allowing clients to play chords in the key of C along to the recorded music – regardless of the song’s original key! As with the ukulele, doing this spurs fun and increased self-efficacy, opening the door to more advanced piano techniques. Mine is labeled with piano stickers, but sometimes I use colored stickers to correspond colors to specific chords. Again, this can be integrated for adaptive music lessons and instrument learning interventions to address fine motor skills and cognitive skills.
I personally invested in the Casio Casiotone, 61-Key Portable Keyboard with USB which is decently sized, has a built-in carry handle, sustain button, carrying case, detachable stand, and power cable – but you can also use batteries to go wireless instead! Please note that it is 7.3 lbs. It’s not the lightest keyboard ever, but it’s perfect for my purposes.
5. Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Essential to many of my group and individual sessions is my portable mini Bluetooth speaker. It truly enhances the recorded music we play and is often used in conjunction with the other products mentioned above. The one I currently own is the JBL Clip 4. Despite its small size, it can play big audio, is waterproof and dustproof, and provides 10 hours of playtime. It also has an integrated carabiner in the design, which is super handy for clipping onto my bag, stand, and all sorts of things.
The only downside I’ve found is that the silicon buttons have started to wear; however, they have since released the JBL Clip 5 which addresses this issue with its new design, boasts 12 hours of playtime, and is made in part with recycled materials! Whether you’re on a budget and are interested in the older versions (JBL Clip 4, JBL Clip 3) or would rather upgrade to the JBL Clip 5, I can attest that these portable chargers are worth it if you’re a music therapist constantly on-the-go.
Honorable Mention
This all-in-one portable charger comes with 4 built-in Cables (USB C, Micro, iPhone lightning, USB A) which has saved me multiple times mid-session when some battery inevitably dies. It can charge four different devices at the same time!
