Using the music of José-Luis Orozco in Music Therapy sessions with Spanish-speaking children
By Julliana Castaneda, MT-BC
As a music therapist, I’ve been trained to seek and use client-preferred music whenever possible to achieve the best possible outcomes. As a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) music therapist, I’m highly passionate about using bilingual songs and songs in Spanish when I have Spanish-speaking children in my groups. The music of José-Luis Orozco offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, education, and fun that can enhance music therapy sessions.
Who is José-Luis Orozco?
José-Luis Orozco is a bilingual educator, children’s author, and recording artist. Much of his career has been dedicated to creating music that is both educational and entertaining for children. His music is rich with culture, rhythmic melodies, and engaging lyrics, making them perfect for music therapy groups with children.
Benefits of Using Orozco’s Songs in Music Therapy
- Cultural Connection: José-Luis Orozco’s music is deeply rooted in Latin American traditions, providing a sense of familiarity and cultural pride for Spanish-speaking children. This connection can help children feel more comfortable and open during music therapy sessions.
- Language Development: His bilingual songs are excellent tools for language learning. They introduce new vocabulary and concepts in a fun and engaging way, supporting both native Spanish speakers and also non-native speakers.
- Emotional Expression: Emotional expression is one of the many goals that a music therapist might focus on while supporting children in sessions. Many of Oroszco’s songs cover a variety of themes and emotions, providing a safe space for children to explore their feelings.
- Cognitive Skills: Music therapists know that songs that use repetition in their melodies are some of the greatest to use with kids. The repetitive nature of his melodies and rhythms can aid in developing memory, improving cognitive skills, and improving attention span.
Song Recommendations
Here are a few of my favorite songs by José-Luis Orozco that I hope can be added to your repertoire:
- “De Colores”: A traditional Mexican folk song that would be a widely recognized song among individuals from or with family from Mexico. This song celebrates the beauty of nature and diversity. It’s a good song to pair with scarves and can be used to discuss colors and seasons.
- “Diez Deditos”: “Diez Deditos” is a fun bilingual finger play song. This would be a good choice in a session focused on counting or development of fine motor skills.
- “Los Pollitos”: This is a song that I remember listening to as a young child. “Los Pollitos Dicen” is well known across several Spanish-speaking countries. This would be a great song to use when working on identifying nurturing behaviors and the different sounds that animals, like chicks, make.
For Spanish-speaking children, using culturally familiar and appropriate music can be a wonderful way to validate, build rapport, and make sessions a bit more meaningful. Incorporating José-Luis Orozco’s songs into music therapy sessions, and with Spanish-speaking children, can significantly enhance the overall therapeutic experience. His music not only supports emotional and cognitive development but also fosters a deep connection to cultural roots. By using his music, we can create a welcoming environment that celebrates the unique identity of each child.
