Using TikTok in Music Therapy Sessions

Do you know much about TikTok? Yeah, me neither. I came across a “duet” online though and realized there are several ways TikTok could be incorporated into music therapy sessions, so I did some research. The app seems to be really popular with the younger crowd, so this could be the perfect opportunity to bring some fresh ideas into sessions and connect with teenage or young adult clients.

Songwriting

I’ve come across many creators that create chord progressions or instrumental tracks, asking other users to “Duet” with them. “Duet” is a feature on the app that allows you to record a new video that will be played side-by-side with the original. The intent for these videos are for others to be able to create new lyrics and melody lines over the musical foundation they’ve provided.

Some videos I would recommend are:

• Alt Rock Cello Beat with Kevin Olusola

• “Backstreet Boys” vibe with Meghan Trainor

• Guitar Licks with John Mayer (songwriting or instrumental improv!)

• Finish the Song with Jason Derulo

• Cover of a new Mark Ronson song

• Thomas Ng’s profile - a creator who posts tracks, often including prompts for lyric ideas (check out this video!)

• Instrumental Track with Andy Grammar

• Rap with Andy Mineo

• Ukulele Track from Jason Mraz

• Electronic Beat by @veggibeats

Singing Opportunities

Many famous singers and talented musicians are also on TikTok, often providing opportunities to sing with them. This can come in the form of karaoke-style videos, trading lyrics, or you singing the melody line with the original creator harmonizes.

Here are a few videos that would work well for singing along:

• “I Should Probably Go to Bed” Karaoke with Dan & Shay

• “Afterglow” duet with Ed Sheeran

• "A Million Dreams" Karaoke Cover

• "Remember Me" Sing Along from Coco & Disney

• “Drivers License” Duet by Olivia Rodrigo with Revoiced

• “Cabinet Battle #2” Duet with Hamilton

Some Technical Information

New to TikTok? Me too. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

• I would recommend making an account, so you have the ability to create videos & save your favorites for quick reference! You can make your account private and can save your videos without posting them for client confidentiality. I would also recommend having a media release to ensure your clients give you permission to take pictures or videos.

• On each video, you have three button options - a heart for “liking” the video, a chat box for comments, and a forward arrow for more options. Click on the arrow button to find the “Duet” feature and an “Add to Favorites” feature. You can later access your favorited videos on your profile, indicated with a “tag” icon.

* Disclaimer * I am unaware of the depths of content on TikTok - I was careful to start with profiles of famous artists that I’ve heard of and work my way backwards, based on videos that they had posted. I’m sure just like all other social medias, there could be inappropriate material or triggering videos. Please keep this in mind - I’m here to share some helpful videos, maybe not recommend the entire app as a whole!

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