In this post we will discuss the importance of only using the specially-composed TACPAC music in TACPAC sessions.

Music and memory…and touch!

Think of a piece of music you really like, or perhaps one you really dislike. Or you could think of one that makes you feel nostalgic, or that makes you feel energetic.

We all know that our association with a piece of music, whether a song or music without words, can evoke very strong memories. These memories may be happy, sad, or attached to any other emotion. We have only to hear that music, and we’re transported right back there, embedded in that memory, no matter how long ago it took place.

Likewise, in a sensory way, we have strong associations with touch. We remember that hug, or that landing on the trampoline, or the smoothness of that piece of silky material.

TACPAC and sensory alignment

All those who have been on our TACPAC training will know and understand the importance of matching various sensory input, and of sensory alignment: what our Receivers see is what they hear is what they feel.

It means that we have tried to match and align the texture of the touch to the texture of the music. We do this because it gives coherence to what we are communicating to our Receivers. Instead of receiving sensory messages with different intentions, we direct our communications to ONE message with ONE intention. We match the sound of the music with the feel of the touch.

The music has been composed with this in mind.

For example, the music for the silky material is smooth and winding, whereas the music for the spatula or chop sticks sounds wooden and is very definite and precise. Each object has been chosen for its texture, and each piece of music has been “felt” in a tactile way in order to produce matching music.

We have also tried to keep the rhythms to a minimum, so that the beat is very clear and supportive.

If we were simply to use our favourite music in TACPAC sessions, or whatever was on the radio that morning, we might be listening to as many as 30 different tones, rhythms or systems. What message does that give to our Receivers who will be experiencing the touch as well? All this could result in sensory overload, which is precisely what we’re trying to avoid in TACPAC!

We therefore encourage you to enjoy the purpose-built music for the purposely-chosen object in your TACPAC sessions. This will result in one clear sensory message, where the Receiver is free to relate to the sensory response. In this way, without confusion, and without distraction, the TACPAC partners can learn about each other’s sensory vocabulary in a secure and predictable way. This happens every time the same bespoke music is played and matched with its corresponding tactile feeling.

This is how associations are formed and how memories are made. Over a period of time, our Receivers can predict and anticipate the sounds and feelings to come.

One little boy had just to hear the introduction to a piece of TACPAC music and he would stop what he was doing and go to his mat to start the session. Strong, positive matching and trusting associations take place in a good TACPAC session, where the music is made to match the activity.