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The Archives

Music Sense, LLC — Wed, 13 May 2020 17:16:26 +0000

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Finding Your Melody For Those With Autism

Music Sense, LLC — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 16:23:42 +0000

Taylor (Left) and Paul (Right)

Do you have someone in your life with Autism? Taylor Laube wrote Searching For A Melody to help spread Autism Awareness to those families that need support. She is her brother’s biggest advocate and she is inspired to write songs that send out a message of hope and love. Taylor started writing music when she was 12 years old. Her brother Paul is her inspiration to write music. Help us spread this message to others. Please like, comment, and share her song. We’d love to hear from you!

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Music Classes for Children

Music Sense, LLC — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 05:11:21 +0000

Music Sense is offering music classes for children from 2-5 years of age!

Movin’ and Groovin’ to My Music Sense

Promotes language skills through songs and play
Helps to develop fine and gross motor skills
Builds creativity
Improves communication
Increases social Interaction among peers
Develops music and art skills
Enhances parental bonding

The goal of music therapy is to teach the children to play together and learn using music and art. The sessions include a fun and interactive way to prepare for early childhood development. They will learn basic music skills through dance and rhythm band. The classes will help to develop their language, social, musical, motor and emotional skills. Parents are encouraged to attend and have fun!

We have open enrollment for Fall 2016. Ages 2-5. Session will be held at:
Pavilion Play Place
11000 Excelsior Blvd
Hopkins, MN 55343
Call (612)245-4650 or email us at musicsense01@gmail.com. Spaces are limited.
For more info about music therapy and Music Sense log on to:
Gomusicsense.com

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National Autism Awareness Month and Music Sense, LLC

Music Sense, LLC — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 17:22:22 +0000

The Story of Devin Wildes

Devin began music therapy with My Buan when he was just 5 years old. He started with group sessions and eventually began private sessions at home. He has a passion for music and art. He began playing the piano when he was 6 years old and made vast improvements in his musical skills. He learned to read notes, excelled in music theory, and continued to develop his piano playing skills. He is now 20 years old and continues to play the piano and create magnificent art. He lives in Bayport, WI with his sister Ava and his parents Aj and Pete Wildes.

Devin with his current music therapist, Kirsten Lakeman, MT-BC.

“April is Autism Awareness Month and provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of support for research, early intervention, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The national statistics are startling. One in 68 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD.”

Signs and Symptoms

Many children with ASD will show developmental differences from a very young age. They may reach milestones such as sitting, crawling and walking, but differences can be seen in spoken language and social behaviors. There is also a great deal of variability in how each individual child acts. Some early warning signs include:

· Not making or keeping eye contact;

· Not responding to a parent’s smile or facial expressions;

· Not saying single words by 16 months of age;

· Not being soothed by human contact;

· Engaging in odd, repetitive mannerisms;

· Having difficulty with change;

· Sensitivity to sounds, light, texture, and smells.

– Fox News Health

Please join Music Sense, LLC in supporting those families affected by Autism. With early intervention, such as social groups, speech, occupational, physical and music therapy, children with ASD are able to conquer many obstacles and show significant progress in their daily lives. Help us by reaching out to the community and sharing this amazing video! Let’s show our support and get a million likes!

For more information about music therapy, check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gomusicsense/

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Check Out Our New Facebook Page!!!!

Music Sense, LLC — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:52:39 +0000

Like us on Facebook!

Music Therapy can be rewarding and enjoyable for the music therapist and their clients. Here is a short clip of My Buan at The Birches at Trillium Woods Health Center. Singing and dancing is great way to promote social interaction and enhance quality of life. Like what you see? Check out our Facebook page for more updates on our current events. https://www.facebook.com/gomusicsense/

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Music Therapy And Alton Memory Care

Music Sense, LLC — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 18:19:53 +0000

I have worked at the Alton Memory Care for quite some time now. The recreation staff headed by Cindy has been quite an inspiration to work with. She plans amazing theme parties and gets the residents motivated and enhances their daily living. She recently made a video with the residents and recruited a few staff members to participate. You’re never too old to dance! Here’s their video of Uptown Funk Alton Style!!

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April is Autism Awareness Month

Music Sense, LLC — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:08:34 +0000

April is Autism Awareness Month. Gage and I are joining the students and staff of the Next Step Transitional Program in North Saint Paul, Minnesota to share his great musical abilities. Music Sense is doing it’s part to help increase the awareness of autism through knowledge, information and music therapy. To host us in your school or organization. Please feel free to contact us via email at musicsense01@gmail.com or call us at (612)245-4650.

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AUSM- Autism Society of Minnesota and Monkey Mind Pirates

Music Sense, LLC — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 18:21:38 +0000

I added this post recently because I am very proud to share that my awesome music therapy student Max, is a member of this star studded cast. He has worked very hard and will be performing along with his crew of pirates . Please join me for this very special show! Way to go Max!

Autism Society of Minnesota invites you to attend a great show that is sensory friendly for children with special needs. The show is called Monkey Mind Pirates. Some of the amazing performers include kids with autism who have worked hard in the last six weeks to present this great show. Enjoy the award-winning music and adorable puppets. This show is free and has limited seats.

For FREE tickets, call today! 612.724.1435 ext 9.

The show is at 2:30pm on February 15th, 2014.

Please join us. Click on the link below for directions and maps.

Children’s Theatre Company
Cargill Stage
2400 Third Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404

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Blindness and Autism

Music Sense, LLC — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 18:11:50 +0000

This article was written by Karin Craig, a local reporter for the ABC Newspaper in Andover, MN. Click Music therapist Maria Buan works with Gage Cook, a talented 16-year-old musician who has a deep love and talent for music, rhythm and singing – despite living with blindness and autism. Photo by Karin Craig

" target="_blank">here for the original newspaper article.

Community

Blindness, autism can’t stop Andover teen from pursuing love of music

By Karin Craig August 23, 2013 at 3:00 pm

Music therapist Maria Buan works with Gage Cook, a talented 16-year-old musician who has a deep love and talent for music, rhythm and singing – despite living with blindness and autism. Photo by Karin Craig

How many people do you know who can sit down to play a new song on the piano by ear and sing it perfectly after only having heard it a couple of times before?

Gage Cook, 16, of Andover, can which is amazing on its own. But when you consider the fact that Gage can do this despite facing some serious challenges, it’s even more incredible.

Born blind and diagnosed with a serious case of autism by age three, Gage can’t even see musical notes – much less read them – and he struggles with communication. Most of his class time at Andover High School is spent in a special education setting. He can never be left completely alone, and relies on the help of his longtime personal care attendant, Ashley Rentner, when his parents aren’t able to be home with him.

But even these tremendous challenges have not been enough to stop Gage’s love and talent for music, rhythm and singing.

Gage’s parents, Gary and Jessica Cook, noticed his musical ability very early on. As a toddler, he taught himself how to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on a little toy xylophone.

He loved singing with his grandma, Patty Derfler, and listening to old country music with his grandpa, Ernest Cook. As he got older, Gage loved memorizing and playing songs.

Gary and Jessica had heard about music therapy and they thought it might be a good choice for Gage. They were right.

Gage was eight years old when music therapist Maria Buan entered his life.

“After meeting him, I knew he had a gift,” said Buan, who comes and works with Gage in his home twice each week. “He was blessed with amazing ears. He is a natural musician.”

Gage was also gifted with a voice with perfect pitch, she said.

Because of his blindness and autism, Gage was not able to learn music the traditional way, so Buan’s challenge was to find other ways to teach him. To her amazement, Gage was very quick to learn music by ear and memory, Buan said.

Buan chose a selection of songs that fit his vocal range and style of music, and Gage learned to sing them perfectly as Buan played along on her guitar. Later he learned to hold his melody while Buan harmonized.

“He picked up that skill very quickly and was able to come up with his own harmonies when he was very young,” she said.

Buan also helped Gage learn to play the piano. Their lessons began on a smaller electronic keyboard that did not have the full set of keys that are found on a standard piano.

Gage mastered the keyboard very quickly, but – to everyone’s amazement – his fingers would often automatically reach to the left of the keyboard for the “missing” keys that would have been there on a full piano.

His mind knew exactly where those keys should be and it was frustrating for him to not be able to access the missing notes as he played. And so, it was time to upgrade to a full-size piano.

Music therapy is not just providing a way for Gage to enjoy and express himself; it is also making a difference in his ability to manage his autism. Gage can use music as a way to help him calm down when he is in a fidgeting, agitated state.

Autism makes it difficult for Gage to deal with changes, but his music therapy sessions frequently offer opportunities for him to practice adjusting to changes.

“He has learned to be flexible and adapt to the situation,” said Buan. “If he can use the coping strategies that he acquires in his sessions and apply them to his daily life, then his parents and I have succeeded in helping him deal with the daily challenges.”

Gage’s sessions with Buan are also helping him learn to make decisions. Originally, Buan chose songs for Gage to sing. Now, he chooses the songs he wants to sing himself. He particularly likes Johnny Cash, the Monkees, the Beatles, Merle Haggard, Faron Young, George Strait and Garth Brooks.

He has recently mastered Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere.”

After eight years of working with Gage, Buan said she wanted to share Gage’s talent with everyone.

“He is amazing and we have worked so hard in the last few years to polish his skills,” she said. “I knew he was ready and I knew that people would be amazed and inspired by his ability to overcome obstacles in his life to pursue his passion for music.”

Buan, who is a member of a small band, was going to play a gig at JJ’s Coffeeshop and Wine Bar for a friend’s photography show in February 2013. She asked Gage if he would like to join her and perform a few of his songs in front of an audience.

Gage said he wanted to do it.

“He did a great job; it was a hit,” said Buan.

The crowd loved it and so did Gage.

Since then, Gage has performed concerts at several other locations, with Buan always at his side playing the guitar. They have played at Joseph’s Grill, Little Szechuan, St. Paul Union Depot for the Art Crawl in St. Paul and in June, he sang at Beef O’Brady’s in Andover.

They are hoping to schedule at least one more local performance this fall.

They often end their performances with a special song Buan wrote specifically for Gage, titled “I’m Just a Kid.”

Buan wrote this song when they were considering having Gage record a CD. She wanted him to have a song that was all Gage’s and that would be free and clear of any copyright restrictions.

“The response from those who see Gage sing has been overwhelming,” said Gage’s mother, Jessica Cook. “People come up and tell us how amazing he is; some of them have tears in their eyes.”

According to Jessica, some of those who have come to see Gage perform had learned of him through the YouTube videos that Jessica has posted of Gage singing and they wanted to see him in person. (Search for his videos on YouTube using the words Gage Cook’s Gig.)

Gary and Jessica are obviously proud of Gage and they said that watching their son perform his concerts lets them see him in such a completely different light. Gage loves to hear the audience clap after each of his songs, they said.

So where did Gage’s musical talent come from? Gage’s father, Gary, is quick to point out that he did not get it from him.

“The extent of my musical ability is that I can choose what CDs I like,” he said. “His mother can sing, but neither of us can read music or play an instrument.”

Gage has two younger brothers, Gus, 14, and Jack, 12, and neither of them is involved in music. But they are both very proud of Gage and are amazed that he can memorize new songs and perform so well.

Gage’s incredible ability to memorize extends beyond just songs.

He excelled in his Spanish class at Andover High School because it was easy for him to remember the Spanish words. He can also name the capitals of every state, every Canadian province and most of the countries of the world.

He has a long list of beloved knock-knock jokes committed to memory.

“Gage is a hilarious person,” said Jessica. “He’s always telling jokes and trying to make people laugh. He likes to make up jokes, even though they usually don’t make any sense.”

Gage enjoys playing baseball in the Miracle League, a league for special-needs youth in Blaine, where he hits a beeper ball off a tee.

He is looking forward to beginning his junior year at Andover High School this fall and he is excited to share his music in additional concerts in the near future.

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Trance Music to Relieve Stress?

Music Sense, LLC — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:20:39 +0000

Click on the link above to watch an awesome video!

video by: Jack Feinberg

Have you ever thought about using trance music to help relieve stress? Several music therapy articles document how trance music has been used to promote relaxation.

Trance music emerged in the 1990s in Germany. Trance music has a tempo ranging from 130 to 150 beats per minute, and is said to leave a “high” feeling. The beats are consistent, making it natural to move to the beat and follow the rhythm. Most trance music incorporates electronic sounds, vocals and recurring melodies that fade in and out.

This particular video is unique because it doesn’t have the typical electronic synth sounds or the kick drum beats. But what it does have is the driving rhythm that creates that “trance”-like feel. The guitarist uses a classical guitar to create trance music. Like most trance music, it has a recurring melody. He plays the melody in several octaves and variations. He creates the feeling of movement throughout the song; it’s tough not to move your head or tap your toes. He also stays within the 145-151 bpm. The combination of repetitive notes and the fluid melody generates a calm and relaxed feeling. His fingers fly gracefully over the frets. The rhythm, sound, and sight of his fingers on the strings leaves you in a trance.

Some prefer classical music to help relieve stress. Most assume that fast paced music with fast drum beats and multiple electronic sounds can cause overstimulation and anxiety. But music of all kinds has been used in healing rituals all over the world. Music can leave you in an altered state of consciousness. It can trigger thoughts and feelings. It can be as a used to energize or motivate one to move. It can also be used to relax.

So before reaching for Bach and Beethoven, how about some trance music for a change?

P.S. For those in the Minneapolis area, check out Electronic Music – Minneapolis, MN Events on Facebook!

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Gage and My’s 3rd Gig – Little Szechuan, 4/13/13

Music Sense, LLC — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:16:32 +0000

Last night was another successful performance by Gage Cook. As always, I had a wonderful time playing with Gage.

We premiered the new song “I’m Just A Kid,” and Gage sang it for the first time. A great big congratulations, Gage — You’re a rock star, buddy! Keep up the good work. I’m very proud of you!

Musicians Krissy Giesler, Ramon Villanueva, and Joseph Jardio were part of this awesome show. Gage’s parents Gary and Jess and many other family members were cheering him on as always.

Thanks to Little Szechuan for hosting our acoustic night in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. We had a great turn out and appreciate those who helped make it a special night.

— My Buan

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Autism Awareness Night: Gage and My’s Gig

Music Sense, LLC — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:53:36 +0000

Just a few days till our third gig! Join us:

Little Szechuan
This Saturday, April 13, 2013
8:30 p.m.

The acoustic night features Krissy Giesler, Ramon Villanueva, and Gage Cook. Come and show your support for Autism Awareness month.

Bring your friends and family for a night of music, food, and fun.

P.S. We will be releasing Gage’s new song, “I’m Just A Kid.” Don’t miss it!

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Gage and My’s Gig Information

Music Sense, LLC — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:06:20 +0000

When: April 13th, 2013

Time: 8:30pm

Where: Little Szechuan West End, St. Louis Park, MN

5377 W 16th Street, Saint Louis Park, MN 55416.

Call us at (952) 322-7671!

Come and join us for acoustic night! There will be several performers throughout the evening. Bring your friends and family for a night of great food, music and fun!

See you there!

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Music Therapy and Autism

Music Sense, LLC — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:16:09 +0000

Music Therapy: In the beginning

A four-year-old child diagnosed with autism attends her first music therapy session. She has trouble with speech, cognitive, motor and social skills. She also has difficulties staying on task.

The music therapist begins to assess her social skills by singing a hello song. Is she able to make eye contact? Does she participate? Does she have the verbal and auditory skills to sing along? Does she have the motor skills to play instruments? These are some of the goals and objectives that a music therapist can incorporate into a therapy session.

Thinking in Pictures and Songs

“I THINK IN PICTURES. Words are like a second language to me. I translate both spoken and written words into full-color movies, complete with sound, which run like a VCR tape in my head. When somebody speaks to me, his words are instantly translated into pictures. ” — Dr. Temple Grandin

As a music therapist, I have encountered many situations where regular teaching methods don’t apply. Kids with autism learn using multiple media such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. And now, music. It really should be added to the five senses. Music can enhance mood, change behaviors, improve motor skills and encourage social interactions.

Let’s go back to our story about the four-year-old girl with autism. Fast forward: She is now nine, and she can communicate her needs, read, write and even do her multiplication table perfectly. She got excited about English and grammar by watching old re-runs and singing along to Schoolhouse Rock. How did she learn the sounds that animals make? Through “Old Mac Donald,” of course!

Music is a reward! We can dance in her living room to Hannah Montana. She can read notes and play the piano. She loves her cat and she practices her recorder daily. Her parents are very proud of her.

Music therapy from A to B

So how did she get from A to B? She worked hard. We began working on increasing her attention span. We played musical instruments that kept her engaged and interactively learning. During the sessions, we worked on verbal skills through sing-a-longs; motor skills through dancing; and cognitive skills through musical games. She attended a music therapy social group for while.

Her parents encouraged her and reinforced what she was learning in the school. Her teachers provided extra help. Piano and recorder lessons were most important.

She was afraid of performing, singing and playing an instrument in front of her class. We’ve all been there. Piano lessons start off fun, and then the hard part comes along and we want to quit.

Sometimes it’s not about creating beautiful music and playing perfectly. In music therapy, its about learning to develop problem-solving skills to muster through the challenges and accomplishing something beautiful in the end. Her hard work is translated through music. It’s not perfect, but its beautiful because she never gave up.

Together. We work together as a team to get her from point A to B.

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Got A Favorite Song? Gage Wants To Sing It!

Music Sense, LLC — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:02:37 +0000

Gage is getting ready to do his next gig. We need your song suggestions and fast!

We have a couple more weeks and we need two more songs to add to our list! If your song gets picked, we will perform it on his next gig. Post your suggestions in the comments!

Rock on, Everybody!

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Facebook Question from Mr. Nazareno

Music Sense, LLC — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:45 +0000

Question:

One of my students’ parents has told me she is thinking of taking Music Therapy in the U.S. for college. But she has been advised to quit Rep (my show choir). As a music therapist, could you please explain:

Why staying in show choir is a good choice to prepare her for her plans?
How will acting, singing and dancing help with music therapy instead of just plain instrumental music alone?
What skills does she need to really develop to prepare her for music therapy?

Answer:

Dear Mr. Nazareno,

Thanks for asking some fun questions! To start, I wanted to share a bit of background about how Mr. Nazareno influenced me in becoming a music therapist. I was a student in his honor choir and I also participated in plays and the show choir. The show choir was a special group, because it incorporated dancing, acting, speaking roles and singing. A show choir is smaller than an average honor choir and members in the show choir posses stronger musical skills. They must be confident in their musical skills to be able to sing and dance simultaneously. Coordination, a very good ear, and strong vocal skill are necessary. These are just a few of the desired traits that will come in handy when you are studying to be a music therapist.

Other skills that will be useful are a strong background in music theory and ear training. You need an instrument such as voice or piano in which you excel. Show choir was a great introduction for many opportunities for me in college. It allowed me to perform in specialized groups such as women’s chorus and Gospel choir. Because I was comfortable with singing, dancing and acting, I was able to audition with other groups. My favorite group was opera chorus. This was the closest to a show choir. It’s useful to have strong vocal skills, dance, and performance experience. To put it in simple terms, show choir is a great display of talent and diversity, which is very desirable when studying to become a music therapist. You need to be comfortable performing in front of people and being confident in your actions.

It is important to pick a primary instrument that you can master. Piano is a great instrument to learn. Almost everyone in the school of music will have to take basic piano. Volunteer in places where you will experience working with children with special needs and the elderly population. Experience is necessary to narrow down and help you decide which population you prefer to work with. It is mandatory that you learn to play the guitar. It is the easiest instrument to transport. You must be able to play and sing at the same time. Learning to sing and transpose songs in various keys is something that you will learn in your training. Find a college that will allow you to get field experience in your freshman and sophomore years in college. That way, you can determine if this is a good career path for you.

The qualities that make a music therapist are flexibility, compassion and strong musicianship. Mr. Nazareno is a perfect mentor because he displays these qualities. He may not be a music therapist, but he provided the foundation and inspired me to follow my dreams to become one. His passion for music and his dedication to his students makes him a valuable teacher. I learned a great lesson from Mr. Nazareno. I remember him telling me long ago, “Never lose sight of your dreams”.

I hope this was helpful.

– My Buan

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Music and Health

Music Sense, LLC — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 02:59:55 +0000

This was an interesting article I read about music and health. I would love to get some comments about your experience with music and health.

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Music Sense

Music Sense, LLC — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:05:47 +0000

Music Sense, LLC was created to fulfill the emerging need for in-home therapeutic services. Music Sense, LLC provides music therapy services for individual, group, and family sessions. The client is able to reach their peak performance in a comfortable and safe environment. Music Sense, LLC has built its reputation on the personal growth and success …

Music Sense Read More »

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Music Therapy and Alzheimer’s

Music Sense, LLC — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:01:40 +0000

As a music therapist, I met Lee and Agnes a few years ago working at Solbakken, Inc. Sometimes, they would attend the music therapy sessions and sing along to hymns while holding hands. Lee visited Agnes everyday and during the afternoon, they spent time together listening to music in her room. He played music in the form of cassette tapes that he found in Agnes’ car from long ago. He brought them to the home in hopes that listening to them would help her remember the good times. He would talk and sing to her. He wanted her to know that he loved her and was with her everyday. A year ago, when they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary, Lee requested a particular song to be sung. The Hawaiian Wedding Song, sung by Elvis Presley was “their song”. In 2012, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

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Gage’s Second Gig

Music Sense, LLC — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:52:11 +0000

My’s gig with Gage at Joseph’s Grill in St. Paul, March 2, 2013. Gage is blind and has autism; we’ve worked with him since he was eight years old.

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Rock On!

Music Sense, LLC — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:30:32 +0000

Everyone learns differently. In many cases, traditional piano lessons does not apply to someone with special needs. A music therapist can adapt the lessons to fit the needs of a person. One great technique is to use a dry erase marker and label the keys on the piano. A dry erase marker in black ink tends to work the best. DO NOT use a RED dry erase marker. It will leave a red stain on the white keys. Happy playing!

-My

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We’re LIVE on Twitter!

Music Sense, LLC — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:59:25 +0000

Hey everyone, check us out on Twitter….

My @mymusicsense

Keep up with the latest posts and events. See you soon!

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