Music Therapy Amazon Supplies and Materials Recommendations
Black Friday shopping is around the corner. As our company grows, we continue to find new supplies and materials to make our lives as therapists easier, visuals better, and sessions more engaging! So whether you’re a student asking for supplies for Christmas, a therapist looking to snag some deals on new materials, a music educator looking for classroom ideas, or a private practice owner trying to stay organized- here is a list of things that I would personally recommend.
Session Materials
Piano and Keyboard Note Labels
I bought this in the past year to make playing the piano accessible to clients who don’t know how to read music - and it has certainly made facilitating this so much easier on my end! No more taping tiny labels on each key or putting stickers on just to take them off again for another client. These labels lay right on top of the keys, are color coded for adapted music, are portable, and can be cut to whatever size you need!
Bluetooth Microphone
Several of our therapists picked up Bluetooth microphones this year and clients have sung praises about enjoying using them in sessions. These can come in handy, especially for clients who are working on communication goals or self confidence. I am biased to the gold colors, but there’s lots of color options to choose from too!
Resonator Bells
A favorite instrument this year has using the resonator bells to play along to a variety of songs or games. The possibilities are endless. I use these bells most to work on coordination by using both of the mallets, to work on visual motor integration, sequential memory using color coded cards, and manual dexterity.
Multi-Color Floor Dots
A flexible tool for groups or individual sessions. These can be used to provide spacial direction, motivate movement, and teach about color. Pair these floor dots with the resonator bells above to create an around-the-room, multi-sensory music experience!
Remo Paddle Drums
A favorite instrument this year has been Remo Paddle Drums to play during a variety of songs or games. The possibilities are endless - you can use these with groups, in individual sessions, and more! My favorite way to use these is by playing along with our Rhythm Game Bundle. These can provide great opportunities for turn taking, following directions, visual tracking, and reading via the instructions.
Light Up Drumsticks
This particular brand is new to me, but I’ve really enjoyed including light up drumsticks in sessions this year. It provides instant sensory feedback - visually lighting up every time the client plays. The drumsticks come in a variety of colors,
Singable Books
On my list again this year is a variety of musical books that I’ve used in sessions over the course of 2023. Several of my clients have speech goals and needs associated with apraxia, so having a visual to follow along with significantly helps them practice their verbal communication skills. “Puff the Magic Dragon” could be a great book for all ages and here are some others I’ve loved:
Guess Who Game
I bought this Guess Who game to go with my adapted Social & Emotional Skills Guessing Cards (can be found at the link). I sing an adapted version of “Anti Hero,” with the lyrics -
”It’s me, hi! Who do you think it is?
Can you guess by asking some questions”
The visuals I created fit right in the 2022 version of this game!
Office Supplies
Wet Erase Markers
I’ve used dry erase markers to write on laminated sheets or page protectors for years - it’s been a frequent battle to erase them or not have staining. I tried these wet erase markers with our latest intern and have found they are much easier to use and erase! The fine tip gives a clean writing line & who doesn’t love using a fun color in sessions.
Velcro Sticky Dots
What music therapist or even music educator doesn’t make a bunch of visuals? We do around here. I’ve loved having a bulk batch of velcro sticky dots - they go so much farther than the tiny packs you can pick up at the store. I never have to worry about having some on hand when I need to make something in a pinch.
Ear Plugs
My brother was a drummer and used these ear plugs all throughout marching band and winter percussion. So when I had some clients who loved to drum, I got a pair for myself to help protect my ears from the volume. These are great because they filter the sound, but don’t muffle it - so you can still hear and understand your clients!
Binder Rings
If you haven’t noticed, we use a lot of visuals and printed materials here at Aspire. I got this pack of binder rings to keep flash cards together (such as our Long Term Self Care Cards or Conversation Cards) or even to act as binder rings with page protectors for our printed materials. One pack has kept us stocked for a while!
Paper Cutter
When making visuals, it makes a HUGE difference to be able to quickly cut large sections of paper. My paper cutter like this is a life saver (thanks mom for being a scrapbooker and introducing me). I get one for every new employee who starts with us (along with a laminator!).
Extra Large Utility Totes
Like the trunk storage from last year’s wishlist, these tote bags are for your convenience to use while transporting all of your session materials from one session to the next. I have been able to carry my instruments, music book, binders with materials, movement props, and more to sessions using these tote bags.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All of the items I am sharing are ones that I’ve purchased and personally recommend!
