Trauma-Informed Music Resources for Teachers
Equip your classroom with strategies that heal, connect, and inspire. Explore practical tools, research-based approaches, and classroom activities that help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn through music.
NEWS, STORIES, & CASE STUDIES
News
Articles & Research
Case Studies:
NEWS, STORIES, & CASE STUDIES
1. Cedar Park – Music Therapy for Anxiety & Emotional Regulation
Lentil Music Therapy in Cedar Park highlights creative arts therapists such as Juliane Kowski (LCAT, MT-BC), Timothy D. Doak (Creative Arts Therapist), and Stephanie Schecter (Art Therapist, MT-BC) who specialize in using music and play to support stress, anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation across all ages. This includes interventions like drumming or singing that help clients process anxieties creatively. lentilmusictherapy.com
Beaming Health’s directory emphasizes that music therapy in Cedar Park helps many kids improve communication skills and reduce stress and anxiety. Beaming Health
Gibson Counseling describes how therapists create spaces where children can use music, sand trays, or toys in play therapy to help express and alleviate emotional discomfort. Though not rhythm-specific, it demonstrates how creative, semi-musical methods aid emotional regulation. gibsoncounseling.com
2. Austin – Mindful Music and Brain Breaks in Classrooms
On The Happy Music Teacher podcast, educator Brielle D’Souza shares techniques like video play-alongs and brain breaks that blend movement, music, and mindfulness. These tools are meant to keep young learners focused and energized—a great classroom model for mindful music integration. The Happy Music Teacher
There are also accessible video tools such as a 20-minute classroom timer with calming visuals and sounds and other long-format ambient music options for “quiet time” or stress relief in the classroom. YouTube+1
3. Lago Vista – Youth Programming through Trauma-Informed Approaches
While there weren’t any direct stories linking youth leaders in Lago Vista with music-plus-movement programming, here are relevant paths to explore:
Lago Vista ISD’s 2024–25 Student Handbook features trauma-informed care policies and student support systems, indicating the district’s emphasis on emotional safety and regulation. Lagavista Independent School District
Young Life Lago Vista mentions a strong volunteer leadership structure, which could include youth leaders or mentors who integrate expressive or movement-based approaches (though not explicitly musical). lagovista.younglife.org
CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
Predictable Routines — To create safety, use consistent opening and closing rituals (like songs or drumming patterns).
Music for Regulation — Introduce humming, drumming, or breathing with rhythm to help students calm down during stress.
Group Music-Making — Ensemble work or call-and-response activities encourage community and connection, strengthening belonging and trust.
Choice & Voice — To foster agency, allow students to select instruments, songs, or creative expressions.
Reflective Practices — Use songwriting or journaling paired with music to help students process emotions safely. Music listening, lyric writing, and improvisation to process emotions.
Co-Regulation Through Rhythm – Use teacher-led steady rhythms (clapping, strumming, or percussion) to help students sync and feel supported.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
5 Ways Music Supports Trauma Healing (PDF)
Coping Skills Toolkits (PDF)
VIDEOS & MEDIA
Educator Toolkit: Trauma-Informed Music Classroom (PDF)