Resources & references

Jaycie Voorhees, a board-certified music therapist, shares why hello and goodbye songs are important in preschool group music therapy sessions. See how the children sing, move, and engage with the music to build social interaction and encourage active participation.

Tiana Malone, certified music therapist, sings a hello song in English and French for children and demonstrates how it can be implemented.

Click here to learn about the benefits of hello/goodbye songs for children.

Watch how certified music therapist Catherine Vesic helps Sam learn to use his voice to express himself and connect with the adults around him.

Watch as a music therapist sings and plays a hello song for a child during an individual music therapy session.

Music therapists often begin sessions with a hello song and end them with a goodbye song. Read about the function of these songs to support music therapy goals with children.

Click here to see an example of a hello song in both French and English.

Hayley Echols, a board-certified music therapist, explains how she incorporates hello and goodbye songs to enhance emotional expression and communication, with examples for different ages.

Charlotte Stewart, a board-certified music therapist, sings a hello song to a child during an individual music therapy session, helping the child develop their verbal communication skills through singing.

This article analyzed hello songs composed by music therapists to identify best practices in their composition and use. 

Ryan Judd, a board-certified music therapist, explains why hello songs are used in music therapy sessions. He also provides an example of a hello song and demonstrates how it can be adapted for both children and teenagers.

A board-certified music therapist sings a hello song to a child with a chronic condition, in an individual music therapy session with his caregiver. Through singing and instrument play, the child improves his nonverbal communication skills.