We are living in unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic. Most likely, you are finding yourself in isolation and distanced away from friends, family, and your community of music therapy clients and their loved ones.

People are looking for connections in these trying times.

You can show up for your community in many ways. You can be present to them and continue building trust. When we have passed this trying and difficult time, your community will be right with you as you resume your amazing work.

So, show up and be of service. Be present. Be there for your community.

One way to connect with your community is by streaming Live videos via social media platforms. As of 2020, Facebook and Instagram are the most popular platforms where you can reach your audience live. YouTube requires your business account to have 1,000 subscribers before you can stream live content.

If you prefer to pre-record your videos and then upload them to social media, that’s OK, too! If you do invest in recording Live videos, your reach and engagement will likely will be far greater since you are actively interacting with your audience.

So, how do you get started in using video to connect with your music therapy community?

The tech details:

I want this to be easy for you — use what you already have to get started. Use a device that has video capabilities. That may be your desktop computer, your laptop computer, your phone, your iPad. I recommend that you test each device to get an idea which one has the best quality of sound and image.

There is always time later if you want to upgrade your videos by investing in a good microphone, lighting, headphones, etc.

Best Practices when Using Video to Connect with your Music Therapy Community

1. Create a content plan. Have an idea of what you’ll talk about. If you are nervous, create a simple script to use during the Live video.
2. Promote your video event before (for example: if you are presenting in the afternoon/evening, post a reminder a day before and the day of).

Right before you hit Live or publish:

• Write an informative description about what you will be sharing. Be mindful of when your audience will be online (check your social media Insights to track this). If you give a call to action to your audience, make sure to include the appropriate links and information.
• Prepare your space (declutter!)
• Face a window for the best lighting.
• Turn your screen horizontally on your mobile device.

During your video:

• INTERACT: Ask your viewers to interact with you. Call them to action. Ask for comments. Have them hit the Like or Love buttons. The more your viewers interact with you, the more the social media platform will recognize your content.
• CALL TO ACTION: Give your audience a call to action at the end of the video.
  • Make sure to Share this video with your friends.
  • Click the like button or double tap.
  • Subscribe/Like our page.
  • Share this to your Instagram Stories.
  • Visit our website for more info on future events (include your website in your description).
  • Join our newsletter list to get emails about our next Live event.
  • Visit our website for our upcoming programming and services.
• HAVE FUN! Smile! Be present with your community. Even if they are not tuning in live, they may watch when they have time in their schedule.

After your video:

After your Live video is finished, don’t forget to hit publish/upload so that it will save to your account. Take note that Instagram Live videos disappear after 24 hours.

Share your video again with a simple message — “In case you missed it…” or “Did you see this?”

Video Content Ideas that you can Share with your Music Therapy Community

1. Think about your audience first and foremost. Who will you be engaging with? Who will you be interacting with?
2. What is the goal of your video (decrease boredom, increase interaction, destress, lessen anxiety, etc.)?

Here are some specific content ideas that you can share with your music therapy community:

• Lead an online music class
• Read a musical storybook appropriate for your audience
• Guide a music and relaxation session
• Show your audience how to put together a playlist on Spotify
• Share your favorite self care exercise
• Hit the share button on what your local community is doing during this crisis (libraries, museums, stores, schools, etc.)
• Teach a dance (look to TikTok for inspiration)
• Share your favorite resources (audiobooks, podcasts, books, puzzles, games, playlists) that is related to the goal that you set
• Name that Tune (thanks to Infinity Music Therapy for this idea — a great way to engage with your audience!)
• Give out sheet music resources for your audience to help with combating boredom
• Explain, demo, or tour a product that you sell
• Make a homemade instrument and teach your audience how to do it at home
• Share a musical or sound experiment (do a Pinterest search — there are dozens!)

I highly encourage you to take the step and offer engaging video to your music therapy community, especially in this high time of need.

You’ve got this!

Julie

Creative Director, Serenade Designs