CREATE AN ALBUM COVER THAT

REPRESENTS YOUR INNER SELF

 MUSIC-INSPIRED
Choose a piece of music that resonates with you or evokes specific emotions.
Play the selected music and let it inspire and guide your creative process.
Respond to the music intuitively, allowing the emotions and images it evokes to flow
through your artwork.
Use colors, lines, shapes, or patterns to translate the feelings and images evoked by
the music onto the space below.

HOW DOES THE MUSIC INFLUENCE YOUR EMOTIONS AND THOUGHTS?

Brain
Storming.
Brainstorming is a creative problem-solving technique that involves generating a large number
of ideas in a short amount of time. The key to successful brainstorming is to suspend judgment
and criticism of ideas during the initial idea-generation phase. This allows for a free flow of
ideas and avoids limiting creativity.
Brainstorm more ways to use music in a therapeutic manner in your life.

Reflect on past music therapy activities that have been particularly beneficial for you. What
aspects of these activities made them helpful in coping with challenges or emotions?

Consider your current emotional or mental well-being. What specific coping skills or
techniques would you like to explore or enhance through music therapy?

Think about a recent difficult situation or emotional experience. How can music therapy
activities be utilized to process and navigate through these challenging emotions?

Reflect on your preferred methods of self-expression. How can music therapy activities
provide you with a creative outlet to express your thoughts and emotions?

How can you integrate music therapy coping skills into your daily routine or self-care
practices?

Start doing:

Notes:
WRITE SONG LYRICS ABOUT A SPECIFIC
MEMORY OR TIME IN YOUR LIFE
 STRIKING A CHORD
Write down the name of a song that resonates with your emotions

Explore the meaning behind the song's title. What do you think the title signifies
in relation to the lyrics?

Reflect on the song's overall theme. What message or story do you think the
artist is trying to convey?

Discuss any personal connections you have with the song. How do the lyrics
relate to your own experiences or emotions?

Imagine an alternate interpretation of the lyrics. How might a different

perspective change the song's meaning?

Explore the possibility of using the song as a therapeutic tool. How could the
song's message be applied to your own personal growth or coping strategies?
WRITE DOWN THE SONG LYRICS THAT HAVE CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND
WHAT ABOUT THE LYRICS MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOU.
TIME TRAVELLER
PRETEND THAT YOU WILL WRITE A SONG FOR YOUR YOUNGER SELF
THAT YOU CAN SEND BACK IN TIME. WRITE LYRICS OR COMPOSE A
SONG TO SEND BACK TO YOUR PAST OR CHILD SELF.
 Mixtape
A song a listen to when I'm happy:

A song I listen to when I'm upset:

This song reminds me of a memory:

A song I like to sing along to:

A song that makes me feel powerful:

I just like how this song makes me feel:

This song understands me:

This song expresses what I cannot:

A song for when I'm angry:

A song that makes me feel hopeful:

This song says what I cannot:

USE A SONG AS INSPIRATION TO CREATE A
STORY OR POEM. SHARE YOUR STORY AND
DISCUSS ITS CONNECTION TO THE MUSIC.
YOUR CHOSEN SONG:
 HARMONY WITHIN
Use the prompts below to create instrumental tunes.
Choose an instrument or digital music software that allows you to create
melodies and sounds. Experiment with different musical elements, such
as tempo, dynamics, and rhythm, to convey your emotions effectively.

Design a musical Create a calming

Compose a music Craft a
piece that and meditative
piece that composition that
embodies the music
reflects the expresses the
experience of composition to
feeling of being emotions of joy
overcoming help regulate
overwhelmed and and contentment.
challenges and emotions during
gradually finding
finding emotional moments of
inner peace.
strength. stress.

Design a music Create an

Compose a piece Create a
composition that uplifting and
that conveys the composition that
mirrors the inspiring music
emotions of represents a
process of letting piece that
sadness and loss, sense of calm
go of negative encourages
ultimately leading and tranquility.
emotions and emotional
to healing and
embracing expression and
acceptance.
positivity. growth.

Craft a no-lyric
Craft a Create an piece that
composition that expressive and conveys the
Design a gentle
reflects the emotive music emotions of
music piece that
experience of composition that happiness and
expresses
emotional release allows for a safe joy, celebrating
sadness.
and finding relief outlet for moments of
through music. expressing anger. emotional
triumph.
 SOUND ZOO
LISTEN TO VARIOUS RECORDINGS OF INSTRUMENTS PLAYING AND DRAW
HOW EACH ONE MIGHT FEEL, OR LOOK JUST BASED ON ITS SOUND.

SOUND 1: SOUND 2:

SOUND 1: SOUND 2:

SOUND 1: SOUND 2:
 MUSIC BINGO
MARK OFF THE SQUARES AS YOU
ENCOUNTER THEM DURING SESSIONS OR IN
YOUR LIFE.

Song that Song that Song with a

makes you Song with a Pop song surprised unique
feel hopeful dance beat you instrument
or sound

Song with a Instrumental

Classical Song with a Song with a track
piece sad theme nostalgic feel guitar solo

Song that
Song that Song with a you Song with a
makes you love theme associate motivational
feel happy with a message
memory

Song with Song from a Song that Song that Song that
the word movie reminds you says makes you
"heart" in soundtrack of a person something feel heard
the title you cannot

Song that Song that Song that Song with a

makes you you could Song from
makes you meaningful the 80s
feel calm listen to all feel lyric
day energized
Choose a song that resonates with you. Lie down and
pay attention to your body. Write down how the song
makes you feel physically.
DRAW OR WRITE ABOUT HOW DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSIC
MAKE YOU FEEL. USE COLORS, SYMBOLS, OR WORDS TO
EXPRESS YOUR EMOTIONS. GOOGLE AN USE AN
EMOTIONAL WHEEL TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC EMOTIONS.
THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
LISTEN TO A SONG IN A DIFFERENT
LANGUAGE AND REFLECT ON HOW
EMOTION CAN TRANSCEND LANGUAGE
BARRIERS THROUGH MUSIC.

Did you find it challenging or liberating to listen to a song without understanding the lyrics?
How did the lack of language comprehension impact your emotional connection to the
music?

Did the song evoke memories or feelings from your own life, even though you couldn't
understand the language? How do you think the music was able to evoke such emotions?

Consider the universal aspects of music that may allow emotions to transcend language
barriers. What elements of music do you believe are most powerful in conveying emotions?

Consider the role of empathy in connecting with the emotions expressed in the song. How
did the music enable you to empathize with the artist's emotional expression, despite the
language barrier?
 CREATE A PLAYLIST THAT
REPRESENTS A SPECIFIC EMOTION
 MINDFUL MUSIC
Find a comfortable space to relax outside. Turn on music.
Use all of your senses to pay attention to what is going on
around you, what you hear, smell, feel, see...

Observe any physical sensations you experience while listening to the music. Does it create a
sense of relaxation or tension in your body?

Practice active listening by trying to identify different layers or elements in the music and
environment, such as melodies, harmonies, birds, the wind, and rhythms.

How do you feel after listening to music mindfully? Compare how you felt before and after
listening mindfully.

Write down surprises you experienced during the

music session. It could be emotions you felt, things
you noticed in the environment, etc.
COPING THROUGH MUSIC
BRAINSTORM AND LOOK AT YOUR PERSONAL PLAYLISTS
TO FIND SONGS THAT HELP YOU COPE WITH STRESS

THINK OF STRATEGIES TO HELP REMIND YOU TO

LISTEN TO MUSIC OR EVEN PRACTICE PLAYING OR
SINGING YOUR FAVORITE SONGS WHEN YOU FEEL
UPSET, STRESSED, ANGRY OR OVERWHELMED:
MUSIC & MOOD DIARY
Recognising links between your mood and your environment, may allow you
to become more self-aware. At the end of each day, fill out the chart with
the mood you felt most of that day. You can even track how different
types of music influence your mood throughout the week by listening to
different types of music each day, e.g. pop, rap, instrumental, classical,
etc. Reflect on any patterns you notice.

WEEK OF:

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

REFLECTION NOTES
 JAZZED UP
SELECT AN EMOTION YOU ARE NOT ALWAYS FREE TO OPENLY EXPRESS,
POSSIBLY ANGER, GRIEF, OVERWHELM, OR ANXIOUSNESS. CHOOSE A PIECE
OF MUSIC FITTING OF THE SELECTED EMOTION AND EXPRESS THAT
EMOTION THROUGH DANCE AND MOVEMENT, ALLOWING YOURSELF TO DO
WHATEVER YOU FEEL LIKE TO EXPRESS THE EMOTION WITH NO
JUDGEMENT.

Identify the emotion that you often find challenging to openly express. What
generally adds to your inability or prevention of expressing the emotion?

Did the dance and movement session allow you to process or release any pent-up
emotions related to the chosen emotion? If so, how did it feel to release those
emotions through movement?

Did you find it challenging to let go of self-judgment while expressing the emotion
through movement? How did you navigate any self-criticism that arose?

Were there any insights or realizations about the chosen emotion that emerged
during the exercise? Did you gain a deeper understanding of the emotion through
this experience?
MUSICAL MEMORIES
Name three songs that remind you of happy
memories in the photos below and describe the
memories associated with each.
MUSICAL COPING SKILLS CHECKLIST
REMEMBER THAT TESTING COPING SKILLS USING MUSIC AND MUSIC
THERAPY TECHNIQUES IS AN ONGOING PROCESS. LOOK AT THE COPING
SKILLS BELOW THAT UTILIZE MUSIC AS A COPING SKILL. GO THROUGH
ALL OF THE ITEMS AND MARK THE CHECKLIST TO RECORD WHAT YOU
HAVE TRIED FROM THE LIST.

Assemble a playlist or collection of music

suited for expressing your emotion.
Engage in a mindful listening exercise with
calming music.
Try moving or dancing to different music
styles and rhythms.
Use songwriting or improvisation to express
your feelings.
Practice deep breathing exercises with
guided relaxation music.
Practice progressive muscle relaxation
techniques to music.
Set up an energizing and motivating playlist
and listen to it while getting ready in the
morning.
Find lyric templates on the internet and write
lyrics that express your thoughts.
Use or DIY your own drum and rhythmically
drum until you feel calm and centered.
 LISTEN TO A PIECE OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AND
DRAW A PICTURE OF THE IMAGES OR SCENES IT
EVOKES IN YOUR MIND.
 MASH-UP
CREATE A MUSICAL COLLAGE OR MASH-UP USING
SNIPPETS OF DIFFERENT SONGS THAT REPRESENT A
CERTAIN EMOTION, THOUGHT, THEME, IDEA OR MEMORY.

WHAT EMOTION, THOUGHT, THEME, IDEA OR MEMORY DID YOUR

SELECT AS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR MASH-UP?

WHAT SONGS AND ELEMENTS OF SONGS HAVE YOU INCLUDED?

DESCRIBE A SPECIFIC MOMENT DURING THIS ACTIVITY THAT

MADE YOU FEEL PARTICULARLY CONNECTED TO THE PIECE.

REFLECT ON THE THOUGHTS YOU HAD WHILE

PARTAKING IN THIS EXERCISE.

WHAT CAN YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EXERCISE TO

HELP YOU IN THE FUTURE?
 DESIGN A MUSIC-THEMED T-SHIRT OR
POSTER THAT SHOWCASES BANDS OR
MUSICIANS THAT MADE AN IMPACT ON YOU.
RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCE
USE MUSIC AS A SOUNDTRACK FOR A RELAXATION
OR MEDITATION SESSION, FOCUSING ON DEEP AND
SLOW BREATHING TO THE RHYTHM.
Choose a calming instrumental piece of music that resonates with your
relaxation goals. Describe the mood and emotions it evokes.

Create a playlist of soothing songs with slow and steady rhythms to

accompany your relaxation session. List the titles and artists of the selected
songs.

Close your eyes and begin your relaxation session. Focus on your breath,
syncing it with the rhythm of the music. Take note of how the music
influences your breathing patterns.

During the session, visualize a peaceful scene or place that brings a sense of
tranquility. Describe the imagery and sensations you experience while
breathing to the music.

Reflect on the effectiveness of using music as a soundtrack for relaxation.

Did the music enhance your ability to achieve a deeper state of calm and
meditation? Explain the impact of music on your overall relaxation
experience.
 PMR TO MUSIC
THIS PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION MUSIC THERAPY CHECKLIST AIMS TO
HELP YOU RELEASE TENSION AND ACHIEVE A STATE OF RELAXATION THROUGH
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDED MUSCLE TENSING AND RELAXING EXERCISES, COMBINED
WITH SOOTHING MUSIC.TICK OFF EACH STEP AS YOU GO!

Find a comfortable and quiet space to sit or lie down.

Begin by taking deep breaths, inhaling slowly and exhaling fully.

Focus on your body and identify areas of tension or stress.

Starting from your feet, tense the muscles for 5-10 seconds, then release
and relax them completely.

Move up to your calves, tensing and relaxing each leg.

Continue to your thighs, glutes, and abdomen, repeating the tensing and
relaxing process.

Progress to your hands and forearms, making sure to fully release tension
between each muscle group.

Move up to your shoulders and neck, releasing any built-up tension.

Finally, focus on your facial muscles, including your jaw and forehead, and
relax them completely.

As you go through each muscle group, imagine the stress and tension
melting away.

Throughout the exercise, use calming music or gentle instrumental tracks to

enhance relaxation.

Take your time with each muscle group, allowing yourself to fully experience
the release of tension.

Pay attention to your breath and try to synchronize it with the music,
deepening your relaxation.

After completing the progressive muscle relaxation, take a moment to notice

how your body feels.

REFLECT ON THE EXPERIENCE AND ANY CHANGES IN YOUR

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STATE
 SOUND STORIES
WORK IN PAIRS TO CREATE A MUSICAL STORY USING
IMPROVISATION, WITH ONE PERSON PROVIDING THE
MUSICAL BACKDROP WHILE THE OTHER NARRATES THE
STORY. AFTER, DRAW OR WRITE DOWN THE STORY.
MUSIC GOALS
GOAL

TODAY

MOTIVATION

STEPS TO REACH MY GOAL PROGRESS ESTIMATE

SKILLS TO IMPROVE OR
INSTRUMENTS TO EXPLORE
 A MUSICAL ESCAPE
IMPROVISE USING A VARIETY OF SOUNDS OR INSTRUMENTS TO CREATE
A MUSICAL LANDSCAPE THAT REPRESENTS A SPECIFIC LOCATION OR
ENVIRONMENT, SUCH AS A FOREST OR BEACH. WHILE YOU ARE
CREATING, THINK OF THE SMELLS, SIGHTS, TEMPERATURE, FEELINGS,
SOUNDS, AND OTHER DETAILS OF THE PLACE. WHEN YOU ARE DONE,
DRAW THE LOCATION YOU IMAGINED HERE:
 FINDING YOUR KEY
USE THIS SONGWRITING TEMPLATE BY FILLING IN THE BLANK SPACES
WITH YOUR OWN NOUN AND VERB WORDS TO CREATE YOUR OWN
UNIQUE SONG! LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW AND EXPRESS YOUR
EMOTIONS THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC.

(Verse 1)
In the [ ] where we used to [ ],
Underneath the [ ] and the [ ],
We [ ] together, you and I,
Lost in a [ ], just you and I.

(Chorus)
Oh, [ ], [ ],
Let's [ ] in the [ ] all through the day,
Our hearts [ ] as we [ ],
In this moment, everything feels so [ ].

(Verse 2)
We [ ] like the stars above,
With every [ ], [ ],
Our laughter [ ],
In this [ ], we have [ ].

(Bridge)
With every [ ], we soar so high,
Our [ ], reaching for [ ],
Together we [ ] a memory,,
In this [ ], I'm [ ].

(Chorus)
Oh, [ ], [ ],
Let's [ ] in the [ ] all through the day,
Our hearts [ ] as we [ ],
In this moment, everything feels so [ ].

(Outro)
In the [ ], where [ ],
Our [ ], it seems [ ],
With each [ ], I [ ],
In this [ ], I know [ ].
MUSICAL AFFIRMATIONS
WRITE MUSICAL AFFIRMATIONS TO MOTIVATE AND AFFIRM YOURSELF.
THINK OF JINGLES AND TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THE CATCHY AND
POSITIVE JINGLES YOU HAVE HEARD IN THE PAST.
STRINGS AND THINGS
DRAW 3 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS YOU'D LIKE TO
EXPERIMENT WITH IN THERAPY OR LEARN TO PLAY
AND EXPLAIN WHY EACH ONE APPEALS TO YOU.

INSTRUMENT: WHAT APPEALS TO YOU?

INSTRUMENT: WHAT APPEALS TO YOU?

INSTRUMENT: WHAT APPEALS TO YOU?

IMAGINE YOU ARE TAKING A MUSICAL JOURNEY
TO A NEW AND EXCITING PLACE. USE
INSTRUMENTAL COMPOSING TO REPRESENT
DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE JOURNEY, FROM
DEPARTURE TO ARRIVAL. IMPROVISE AND
COMPOSE THE TUNE IN THE MOMENT, THEN
DOCUMENT THE EXPERIENCE HERE:
HITTING THE HIGH NOTES
USE THIS SONGWRITING TEMPLATE BY FILLING IN THE BLANK SPACES
WITH YOUR OWN NOUN AND VERB WORDS TO CREATE YOUR OWN
UNIQUE SONG! LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW AND EXPRESS YOUR
EMOTIONS THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC.

(Verse 1)
In the [ ] I see, a [ ] of me,
With flaws and [ ], I'm learning to be free.
No need to [ ]or pretend, I'm embracing who I am,
With [ ], I'll rise and take a stand.

(Chorus)
I am [ ], I am [ ],
I'll [ ] and I'll belong.
With [ ] and [ ], I'll be so [ ],
No longer afraid, I'll embrace my [ ].

(Verse 2)
In every [ ] I face, I'll stand tall and [ ],
With [ ] and grace, my soul I will [ ].
I'll [ ] that kept me confined,
For in self-acceptance, [ ] I'll find.

(Chorus)
I am [ ], I am [ ],
I'll [ ] and I'll belong.
With [ ] and [ ], I'll be so [ ],
No longer afraid, I'll embrace my [ ].

(Bridge)
The past may have [ ] me, but I'll rise above,
I'll [ ] my own [ ], a tale of [ ].
With [ ] for every twist and turn,
I'll [ ] my flaws, for they make me [ ].

(Chorus)
I am [ ], I am [ ],
I'll [ ] and I'll belong.
With [ ] and [ ], I'll be so [ ],
No longer afraid, I'll embrace my [ ].

(Outro)
With each step I take, I'll [ ] and [ ],
In self-acceptance, [ ].
I am [ ], I'm finally [ ],
In the journey of [ ], I'll forever be [ ].
 MOVEMENT MADNESS
CHOOSE A PIECE OF MUSIC AND RESPOND TO IT
THROUGH DANCE AND MOVEMENT, ALLOWING
THE MUSIC TO GUIDE YOUR MOVEMENTS AND
EXPRESSIONS.

NAME THE PIECE YOU CHOSE:

CREATE A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF WHAT YOU FELT

IN YOUR BODY DURING THE EXERCISE:

WERE THERE ANY SURPRISES OR UNEXPECTED MOVEMENTS THAT EMERGED

DURING YOUR DANCE? HOW DID YOU RESPOND TO THOSE MOMENTS OF
SPONTANEITY?
SOUNDS OF THE MIND
TAKE A SONG YOU KNOW WELL AND EXPERIMENT WITH CHANGING ITS
TEMPO, LYRICS, KEY, OR TIME SIGNATURE. OBSERVE HOW THESE
ALTERATIONS IMPACT THE SONG'S OVERALL MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE.
PLAN OUT YOUR CHANGES AND DOCUMENT HOW YOU REINVENT THE
SONG HERE:
 JUKEBOX JAMS
WRITE SONGS THAT REPRESENT DIFFERENT EMOTIONS THAT
YOU FREQUENTLY EXPERIENCE.

HOW DO THE MUSIC YOU WROTE DOWN

CONNECT TO YOUR FEELINGS AND
MEMORIES?
 COMPOSING
YOUR STORY
In this music therapy worksheet, you will have the opportunity to
compose a musical representation of how you WANT your life story
to go. Go through the prompts below and choose one or more ways
to explore how you want your life to go from here.

Musical Elements: Identify musical elements (e.g., fast tempo, slow

tempo, major key, minor key, etc.) that best represent how you
wish your life story to go.

Melody Creation: Use a simple musical instrument to compose

melodies that embody how you want to tell your life story.

Rhythmic Patterns: Create rhythmic patterns or drumming

sequences that reflect the rhythm that represents how you want to
tell your life story. Use different percussion instruments or body
percussion to express various moods and experiences.

Dynamic Changes: Experiment with volume changes to represent

the intensity of different life chapters and to represent in music
how your life story will sound if it was translated into rhythm.
Consider how dynamics can symbolize growth or transformation.

Reflective Writing: Write lyrics about how you wish to see your life
story.

Reflect on how you want to tell your life story and any realizations you
had during this exercise:
SESSION REFLECTION
How did you feel before the music therapy session began? Were you excited,
anxious, or unsure about what to expect?

What emotions or thoughts surfaced during the session? Did you notice any
changes in your emotional state throughout the session?

Were there any moments during the session that felt particularly meaningful or
impactful? What made those moments stand out to you?

Reflect on any insights or realizations that occurred during the music therapy
session. Did the music bring clarity to any personal issues or challenges?

Did the session evoke any memories or associations with past experiences? How
did the music help you process those memories, if at all?

Reflect on your overall mood and emotional state after the music therapy session.
Did you experience a shift in your emotions or an overall sense of well-being?

Consider any personal growth or progress you

observed during the session. How do you feel the
music therapy experience contributed to your
therapeutic journey?