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Patricio Robayo
Songs of Discovery for Music Therapy: A Practical Resource for Therapists and Educators has been released, offering a unique collection of 32 original songs designed to be useful in therapeutic and educational settings.
Developed by music therapists at The Center for Discovery (TCFD), this book serves as a comprehensive tool for improving social, motor, and cognitive skills through music.
Co-editors Conio Loretto and Amanda Rudy Belcastro shared insight into how this book came to be.
“Our main goal was to continue the tradition of using music to captivate and inspire people,” Belcastro said. These songs originate from decades of real-life clinical situations and reflect the diverse scenarios in which music has become a powerful tool for connection and healing.
“Every song in this collection was tested in our practice,” Loretto added. “This is a testament to years of creativity and spontaneous songwriting during the sessions.”
This book includes greetings, rhythmic chants, and songs for self-awareness and social connection. These pieces encourage educators and therapists to adapt and customize songs to support activities that promote motor skills, emotional expression, and cognitive development.
Each song comes with sheet music and instructions, making it easy for children, adults, and seniors to incorporate it into a variety of situations.
Belcastro said these songs are like recipes that others can adjust as needed.
“You can use the songs as is or arrange them. It’s all about finding what works best for your session,” she said.
Loretto emphasized this adaptability, noting that the book encourages therapists to modify melodies and rhythms to meet each individual’s unique needs.
“We say use it in a way that makes sense…sometimes the song can be the basis for someone else’s idea,” Loretto added.
The book, released by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in July 2023, is gaining attention on platforms such as Amazon and OverDrive.
This book is available as an e-book and can also be purchased directly from TCFD. TCFD hopes to have it available in local stores throughout Sullivan County soon. For those who prefer a digital format, the collection is also available for download, making it easily accessible to therapists looking to incorporate these songs into their sessions.
“I was so excited to see this book come out,” Belcastro said. “This is a way to preserve the creative work we do and share it beyond our walls.” She and Loretto believe that educators and therapists can utilize these resources in a variety of settings and create their own We are proud that our music is already beginning to reach a wide audience.
“One of my students even recognized that I was a co-editor of this book,” Loretto said, highlighting the book’s growing influence within the therapeutic community.
This book is not just for professional music therapists. It also serves as a resource for educators and those leading musical activities.
“Even the music teachers were incorporating our songs into their curriculum,” Loretto added. The song’s flexibility allows for a wide range of uses, from early childhood programs to elderly care.
The Center for Discovery employs eight full-time music therapists working day and night shifts, seven days a week. All TCFD music therapists are certified by the Music Therapist Certification Commission, and the center has been a leader in training since 1999, training students from more than 40 universities, including international interns from Japan, Korea, and Israel. We accept over 150 university students.
TCFD music therapists are also regular speakers at national and regional conferences, and many hold leadership positions within their professional organizations.
“We are serious about advancing the field of music therapy and sharing best practices from our work at the center,” Belcastro added. “Songs of Discovery is part of that effort.”
Songs of Discovery for Music Therapy is available for purchase on Amazon and other major online retailers.
