Hello from The Sonatina Center!

Welcome to November! As we enter this season of gratitude and togetherness, I’m spending a lot of time reflecting on the incredible growth I’ve witnessed in our community. From new enrichment classes to expanding partnership to our incredible providers, I’m grateful for each family that makes The Sonatina Center what it is. This month, I’m excited to share some technique insights, big practice updates, and ways you can give back with us. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Marissa Scott, Owner

📰 In This Issue

• Spotlight: Discover the Iso Principle - one of music therapy's most powerful and widely-used techniques for mood regulation!

• Cool Things We’re Doing: Expanding class times (Monday Makin' A Mess + morning Groove & Grow for homeschoolers!), honoring families at the WDH Infant & Pregnancy Loss Remembrance Ceremony with Cacia, spreading holiday cheer with caroling at the hospital (join us!), giving back to our community with a food drive for SOCC (help us collect!), saving YOU 40% during our Black Friday punch card sale this month, launching our LGBTQIA+ Music & Self-Care Support Group TONIGHT!, and sharing November art class themes!

• Resource Corner: Thanksgiving gratitude activities, fall music recommendations, DIY instruments, and LOCAL Dover restaurants stepping up for neighbors in need.
  

• Music Therapy in Action: Get into songwriting with Marissa's original gratitude song "Thank You" - a simple fill-in-the-blank activity perfect for families!

🎵 This Month’s Spotlight

Music Therapy Technique Feature:
The Iso Principle

Have you ever noticed that when you're feeling sad, listening to upbeat music sometimes doesn't help—or might even feel jarring? That's where the Iso Principle comes in, one of music therapy's most powerful and researched techniques for mood regulation.

What is the Iso Principle?

The Iso Principle, first introduced in the late 1940s by Altshuler, means meeting clients wherever they are at that current moment. The music therapist provides music that matches the client's mood, then gradually changes the music to help shift to a different mood. The word "iso" comes from the Greek word meaning "equal to."

How Does It Work?

Think of it like this: if someone is feeling anxious or sad, starting with fast, happy music can feel dismissive or overwhelming. Instead, the Iso Principle comprises listening to music that matches the current mood first, and then gradually shifting to music that represents a desired mood.

For example, if a child comes to therapy feeling frustrated and dysregulated after a tough school day, I might start with music that has a stronger, more intense rhythm that matches their energy level. Then, over the course of the session, I gradually introduce slower tempos, gentler dynamics, and calming melodies. By the end of the session, we've journeyed together from frustration to calm—not by denying their initial feelings, but by meeting them there first.

Why Is This Effective?

When patients listen to music that is congruent with their current state, their internal and external experiences match. They may experience solace and feelings of being understood in the present moment. The supportive nature of these experiences helps patients to have new external experiences. It's about validation before transition.

How You Can Use This at Home

You don't need to be a music therapist to apply the Iso Principle! Here are some practical ways to use it with your family:

• Morning struggles: If your child is having a slow, grumpy morning, don't immediately blast energetic music. Start with something gentler that matches their low energy, then gradually shift to more upbeat songs as they wake up.

• After-school decompression: Instead of immediately trying to "cheer up" a child who had a rough day, let them listen to music that validates their feelings first—maybe something slower or in a minor key—then gradually shift to more hopeful music.

• Bedtime routine: If kids are still wound up at bedtime, start with moderately energetic music that meets their current state, then gradually introduce slower, calmer lullabies.

• Your own mood management: Create playlists that start where you are emotionally and gradually move toward where you want to be. This is much more effective than jumping straight to "happy" music when you're not feeling it.

The Iso Principle reminds us that all feelings are valid and deserve to be acknowledged. Sometimes the path to feeling better starts with honoring exactly how we feel right now.

🏢 Cool Things We’re Doing!

New Enrichment Classes Starting!
We're excited to expand our enrichment programming with two new class options:

• Not a “new” class but… A NEW Section of Makin' A Mess (Sensory-Oriented) - Mondays at 11:00 AM: Our Tuesday sensory art class fills up every single week, so we're adding a Monday morning section with Kathryn! Perfect for ages 18 months - 3 years who love messy, sensory-rich art experiences.

• Groove & Grow for Big Kids (Morning Section) - Calling All Homeschoolers!! We're launching a morning time slot of our popular Groove & Grow for Big Kids class, specifically designed with homeschooling families in mind! Ages 5-8 will explore music fundamentals, movement, and instrument play in this independent (parent-free) class. (Ages are a suggestion older and younger may be interested in this class as well. Send us an email if you have questions!

Register for both classes on our website at https://www.thesonatinacenter.com/music-classes!

Community Highlight: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Ceremony On October 15th, our music therapist Cacia facilitated a meaningful songwriting experience at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Ceremony. Through music, families were able to honor their babies and express their grief in a supportive, healing environment. We're honored to have been part of such an important community event.

Upcoming Event: Holiday Caroling at Wentworth Douglass Hospital! Spread holiday cheer with us! On December 11th from 5:30-7:30 PM, our music therapist Madeleine will be leading a caroling group of all ages through the halls of Wentworth Douglass Hospital. Everyone is welcome to join—no musical experience necessary, just bring your voice and holiday spirit! This is a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to patients and staff during the holiday season. There is a shareable flyer for this event at the bottom of this email!

November Food Drive
This November, we're collecting non-perishable food donations to support the Seymour Osman Community Center's food pantry. SOCC is rapidly expanding their food access programs in response to community needs, including extended pantry hours and daily meals throughout the week. We're proud to support their vital work in our community.

Most Needed Items for Meal Kits:

• Proteins: Canned tuna, chicken, salmon, beans (black, pinto, chickpeas), peanut butter

• Grains: Rice, pasta, oatmeal, cereal

• Canned Vegetables: Green beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, mixed vegetables

• Canned Fruits: Peaches, pears, applesauce, fruit cocktail

• Complete Meals: Canned soups, chili, stew

• Pantry Staples: Pasta sauce, cooking oil, shelf-stable milk

• Easy Additions: Mac and cheese, crackers, instant mashed potatoes

How to Donate:

Food Donations: Bring non-perishable items to our Dover location (750 Central Ave, Suite U, Dover, NH 03820) during regular business hours and place them in the collection bins in our waiting room.

We'll be delivering all donations to Seymour Osman Community Center throughout the month. Every contribution—whether big or small—makes a real difference in helping families have nutritious meals this season. Thank you for helping us support our neighbors!

Black Friday to Cyber Monday: 40% Off Enrichment Punch Cards!
Mark your calendars! From Black Friday (November 28th) through Cyber Monday (December 1st), save 40% on all enrichment class punch cards. This is the perfect time to stock up on classes for the winter months or give the gift of music and art to someone special. Punch cards can be used for any of our enrichment classes: Groove & Grow, Makin' A Mess, and more!

As a side note and heads up - this is also the one time of year where we do send out quite a few more emails than our monthly tune in, but it’s a great sale and we don’t want anyone to miss out.

Music & Self-Care Support Group for LGBTQIA+ Adults Launches November 4th!
We're incredibly excited to announce that our free, ongoing Music & Self-Care Support Group for LGBTQIA+ young adults (ages 18-40) begins Tuesday, November 4th at our Dover, NH location. This group provides a safe, affirming space focused on emotional wellbeing, community building, and expressive communication through music. Registration for each session can be found on our website at https://www.thesonatinacenter.com/therapy-groups. All are welcome in this judgment-free, supportive environment. Check out the flyer at the bottom of this email!

November Art Class Schedule
Our November Makin' A Mess art class schedule is up! You can find the full calendar hanging in our waiting rooms at both locations, or check out photos and project descriptions on our Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/thesonatinacenter. Expect festive Thanksgiving-themed projects, gratitude art, and plenty of autumn creativity! There’s also a photo of the schedule at the bottom of this email!

Parent & Caregiver Support Group with The Parent Forge - Starts Tomorrow!
We're thrilled to share that Ama Brew, founder of The Parent Forge, will be facilitating a free monthly virtual parent and caregiver support group exclusively for active Sonatina therapy clients! Ama is a passionate advocate for parents of children with disabilities and complex needs who deeply understands the emotional journey of caregiving. If you’re an active client you should have received an email from us by now on how to join the group. If you did not receive that email but would like to participate, reach out to Marissa Scott by email at marissa@thesonatinacenter.com.

📚 Resource Corner

Tip of the Month: Gratitude Music Ritual
Create a daily or weekly gratitude music ritual with your family! Choose a specific song that becomes your "gratitude song" and play it during dinner or before bed. As it plays, take turns sharing one thing you're grateful for that day. The consistent musical cue helps children know it's time to reflect, and over time, hearing that song will automatically trigger feelings of gratitude and connection. Try "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong or "Count Your Blessings" by Bing Crosby for timeless options, or choose a family favorite!

Tunes of the Month: "Grateful" by Art Garfunkel - This beautiful, contemplative song is perfect for exploring gratitude with kids of all ages. The melody is gentle and singable, making it ideal for family sing-alongs or quiet reflection time. We love the singable book version that pairs the song with illustrations—it's a wonderful way to combine music and literacy while talking about thankfulness. For younger kids, try "Count My Blessings" by Rachel Rambach—it's engaging, age-appropriate, and captures the spirit of gratitude beautifully!

Make of the Month:
Gratitude Shaker Jar! Have kids decorate a clear jar or plastic container, then throughout November, add small items that represent things they're grateful for—a button for "my cozy sweater," a leaf for "playing outside," a small toy for "my friends," etc. Add rice or beans to turn it into a shaker instrument. By Thanksgiving, you'll have a beautiful gratitude jar that's also a musical instrument! Shake it during your gratitude song ritual or use it in family music time.

Community Gem: Local Restaurants Supporting Our Community - In response to recent SNAP benefit disruptions, local restaurants are stepping up in beautiful ways. Christopher's Third Street Grille has set up a makeshift food pantry where anyone can stop by and take what they need—no questions asked. Donations are also welcome. The Brunch Club Dover is offering free meals for government employees and those with SNAP/EBT benefits (just show your ID or card). Nearby, Black Trumpet in Portsmouth is also providing free lunches every Monday from 12:00-2:00 PM for anyone in need. Our seacoast community is showing up for neighbors during challenging times. If you're able to donate food or funds, these businesses welcome your support. If you need help, please don't hesitate to visit—that's what community is all about.

🎧 Music Therapy In Action

🎧 Music Therapy In Action

This Month's Intervention: Gratitude Songwriting - "Thank You" by Marissa Scott

This month in sessions, I've been using songwriting as a tool for gratitude expression! During the COVID shutdown, I wrote a song called "Thank You" specifically designed for clients to personalize and make their own. Songwriting doesn't have to be complicated—this simple fill-in-the-blank approach makes it accessible for everyone while still giving that powerful feeling of creating something uniquely yours. You can hear me sing it on our YouTube Channel here!

How It Works:

This songwriting activity uses a predictable song structure with a catchy chorus and fill-in-the-blank verses. Clients become co-writers by choosing their own words about what they're grateful for. The predictable melody and repetition make it accessible for all ages and abilities, while the personalization makes it meaningful and memorable. In the video, I use some single word signs to add another layer of expression to the song.

A Note About Sign Language: In the video, I use some single-word signs alongside the lyrics. I want to be transparent that I am not fluent in American Sign Language. The signs I use are basic vocabulary signs that I've learned from multiple sources to support communication and add a visual element to the song. If you're interested in incorporating sign language into your music time at home, I encourage you to check multiple reliable sources (such as ASL dictionaries, Deaf community resources, or local ASL classes) to ensure accuracy and respect for ASL as a complete language. Using signs can be a wonderful way to make music more accessible and engaging, but it's important to approach it thoughtfully and continue learning.

Example verse structure: "I'm grateful for my [mom], I'm grateful for my [dad], I'm grateful for my [family] too. I'm grateful for my [home], I'm grateful for my [friends], and I'm grateful to be me."

How I Support Success in Sessions:
I always start by modeling the songwriting process—singing the song with my own examples (like in our YouTube video where I sing about my mom, dad, family, home, and friends). This shows clients what's possible. Then we brainstorm together—what are YOU grateful for? We might make a list first, then pick favorites to put in the song. For younger children or those who need more support, I might offer choices ("Are you grateful for your dog or your cat?"). For older clients or those with more language skills, we can write multiple verses, get creative with our gratitude expressions, or even change the melody to make it completely their own. The beauty of songwriting is that there's no wrong way to do it!

Goals This Targets:

• Creative Expression & Songwriting: Experience of being a songwriter, making creative choices, claiming ownership of original work

• Emotional Expression & Awareness: Identifying and articulating positive emotions and gratitude through music

• Language & Communication: Vocabulary building, sentence structure, expressive language, word retrieval

• Cognitive: Categorizing (people, places, things we're grateful for), working memory, creative thinking, problem-solving (fitting words to melody)

• Social-Emotional: Building positive self-awareness, recognizing relationships and support systems, perspective-taking

• Musical: Melody recognition, rhythm, pitch matching when singing, following and creating song structure

At Home Adaptations:
You can watch and sing along with our video on The Sonatina Center YouTube channel! Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC5dJwiCoGc

Try creating your own verses as a family—maybe everyone takes turns adding one thing they're grateful for. Make it a songwriting session! You can:

• Write it at dinnertime as a gratitude ritual

• Compose verses during car rides

• Create a bedtime version as a calming reflection

• Write new verses throughout November as a Thanksgiving countdown

• Record your family's original version and save it!

Make it a tradition! Record your family's songwriting sessions and save them to listen to next year. Kids love hearing how their voices, their songwriting skills, and their gratitudes change over time. You might be surprised at what becomes a cherished family keepsake.

The beauty of this songwriting activity is its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you write one verse or ten, whether you're grateful for big things or small things, the song creates a musical container for expressing thankfulness. And that experience of being a songwriter—of creating something that's uniquely yours—adds an extra layer of meaning and pride to the gratitude practice.

And now for all those flyers I mentioned….

Every Tuesday 6-7 PM
In Person at our Dover Location

💫 Connect With Us

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thesonatinacenter.janeapp.com

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Look for your next Tuesday Tune In on October 7, 2025

We’d love to hear from you!

Get in touch with us if you or someone you would like to learn more about music therapy, mental health counseling or creative arts early childhood enrichment and its incredible benefits! We offer services in 1:1 and small group settings to children, teens, and adults. We’d love to tell you about what we do, what creative arts therapy is, and how it might be helpful!