June 18, 2019
- By : Ambassador Team
Marlon Sobol- MT-BC, LCAT is a professional percussionist and music therapist who has performed extensively throughout the world. Marlon has worked as a music therapist in long term and sub-acute healthcare facilities for over 16 years. His work has been featured in “DRUM!” Magazine; in “Preserving Your Memory” Magazine; in the Journal News, on Armand DiMele’s, “The Positive Mind,” and on NPR’s “Soundcheck” with John Schaefer. We’re thrilled that Marlon has chosen The Ambassador of Scarsdale for his latest venture as our Music Director.
It was important for me to pick a place to work where providing the highest quality of programming and care was the top priority. Upon entering the building, I saw smiling staff escorting residents, therapeutic educational and hand selected TV programming in the Bistro, and an overall well run facility.
The son of classically trained musicians, Marlon’s father was a concert clarinetist, producer, and educator, and his mother is a pianist, music educator and college professor. He began playing the drums at 2 years old and went on to get a BFA from The New School’s Mannes Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. He was introduced to the field of Music Therapy by Dr. Louise Montello’s Creative Arts Therapy Program at the New School and went on to become a Board Certified Music Therapist in 2004, and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in 2006. Marlon has been CBMT since 2004, LCAT since 2006, and a Member of the Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America since 2017.
Marlon shared his thoughts on staying musically inspired and a little about his experience here since joining us in February 2019. In his words…
What inspires me and keeps me passionate about my job as a music therapist is that I continue to grow as a musician and person. When I keep challenging myself musically by playing music with great musicians as well as writing my own music and getting involved with recording projects, and concerts, then I am able to bring a high level of musicality to the residents. When I have inspiration I can share it. I need to be honest with myself and be proactive with my mental, physical, and spiritual health. When I feel whole and energetic I can share and bring out the best in others.
So far I have noticed that all residents have a deep connection to music. Whether it be residents that want to explore drumming and improvisation, movement or sing-alongs, or whether residents want to take an intellectual approach and participate in lyric analysis or music appreciation. Some want to reminisce and share music with personal significance with their peers – each person here as his or her own very deep connection to music. Music is the language of emotions, expression of experiences, communicator of dreams, unifier of people, motivator of movement, and elevator of spirits. When people share meaningful musical experiences together, we get to know one another from a place that is beneath the surface and a place that would take others a lot longer of a time to get to know. I’m looking forward to continuing to get to know everyone’s musical personalities and facilitating programming that will meet everyone needs, and aspirations.
Our music program offers a wide variety of interactive, participatory, receptive, and creative opportunities for residents to express themselves and feel connected to each other. The group programs include Rhythmic Exploration (World Drumming), Sing Alongs, Tone Bar Ensemble, Music Listening, Lyric Analysis, Move and Groove, Music Appreciation, Music and Ambulation, and Improvisation sessions. Each program is aimed to strengthen either some or all of the cognitive, physical, emotional and/or spiritual domains. Drumming strengthens stamina, focus, short term memory, reduces stress, increases socialization, provides an accessible creative outlet, and brings unity and cohesion to a community. The Tone Bar Ensemble provides an opportunity to create an aesthetically pleasing sound, increases relaxation, contributes to a soothing environment, allows participants to create melody, harmony, and layers of sound, increases awareness of self and peers and it gives participants a feeling of a sense of accomplishment. Music Listening allows participants to share their favorite songs with each other and discuss why it is meaningful to them. Lyric analysis allows participants to take a deeper look at the meaning and derive personal relevance from the experience. It also allows for the residents to hear their peers interpretation and learn about different perspectives. The Listening group and Lyric analysis both help build tolerance within a community. Our Move and Groove program is a musical fitness program incorporating live music, dance, exercise, improvisation, and spontaneity. It is a collaborative program with Fox Rehab along with the Music and Ambulation program. Having live music accompany movement maximizes the results, personalizes the experience, brings the team closer, and makes the exercise experience super fun and groovy!
Tags: Assisted Living New York, Marlon Sobol, Music Therapy, The Ambassador Of Scarsdale