The Story of an Independent Music Maker: An Interview With Crystal King
Applying her professional knowledge from assistive technology, Crystal King makes music making accessible to everyone! She challenges the listener to re-think what music making means and illustrates her points by telling Tiegan’s story. In this podcast, Crystal explains the importance of including visual supports and schedules and shares products that support her client in being an independent music maker. She also suggests collaborating with occupational therapists and speech language pathologists to adapt equipment and communication devices for purposeful music making. Her top advice is to try out what works for individual clients and not be afraid to adjust.
Products
- Instamorph: A polyester thermoplastic that can be used to create custom jigs or grips for instruments.
- Little Step-by-Step: A switch that can be pre-recorded with phrases or words allowing clients to participate in a singing activity.
- LessonPix: A website that provides an inexpensive solution for creating visual supports.
- Adaptive Mallets by American Drums: Various options for clients who need support to hold a mallet.
About The Interviewee
Crystal King, MSEd, MT-BC, is a music therapist at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School and an assistive technology specialist at the South Shore Educational Collaborative in Massachusetts. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Music Therapy department at Florida Gulf Coast University. Her passion is to provide accessible music making opportunities for clients of all abilities. Contact: cking@fgcu.edu
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2023, July 15). The story of an independent music maker: An interview with Crystal King [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz