Mad Lib Songwriting

Songwriting is a very popular intervention for music therapists! It is an extremely versatile activity that can be adapted to any client’s needs and song preferences. For some clients, songwriting may be a daunting new challenge, but that’s where music therapists come in!

One of my favorite methods for songwriting is what we call the “Mad Lib” method. We take an existing song, remove some lyrics, and help our clients fill in new ones to make it their own. Our clients love this because we can take a song they already know and love, and make it personal!

One of my favorite songs to use the “Mad Lib” method with is Weezer’s “Island in the Sun.” I typically ask my clients about their favorite activities and places to visit in the Summer, and how it makes them feel. With just a short conversation about Summer fun, we can fill in the blanks of our song!

Here’s what a completed “Mad Lib” song might look like:

I have used Mad Lib songwriting to target executive functioning goals pertaining to problem solving, social goals like creatively collaborating with peers, or simply as a means of creative expression. Mad Lib songwriting can be adapted for any population, but I tend to use it most with children and teens. Many of my clients with autism benefit from the imbedded structure of this intervention. Nonverbal clients can select new lyrics with speech generation devices or the music therapist may choose to prompt them with visual choices (holding up a picture of ice cream or pizza).

Mad Lib songwriting can be adapted to any client’s preferred song! The music therapist can choose to omit as many words as their client can fill in and add new verses over time. This style of songwriting provides enough structure to make composition accessible to anyone!

-Emma