Vaya a Dormir, Go to Sleep – A Spanish/English Lullaby

At the end of a session with a Spanish speaking client, the client told me they were tired and going to sleep.  The mother in the room asked if I knew any bedtime songs or lullabies in Spanish.  Regretfully, I said no.  As I was about to leave the room, a thought occurred, “Why not write one?”.  So, I asked the mother how to say “go to sleep” is Spanish.  She responded “Vaya a Dormir”.  Now, the dialect they speak has a “b” sound instead of a “v” sound and my pronunciation may be a little off, but the following is the simple lullaby I created on the spot.   I hope you enjoy and fund some peace in this simple song. Read More

5 Simple Children’s Songs in Spanish!

Here is a quick list of some simple children’s songs in Spanish!!! “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes!” (with English instruction)   Colors, colors – ¡Colores, colores! Hello Song – Buenos Dias Simple Numbers Songs Happy Birthday in English and Spanish This lovely website also has a LONG list of simple Spanish children’s songs.  ENJOY!! Read More

We Are…Musicians

As MUSIC therapists we are defined as being MUSICIANS. MT’s have often debated whether we are primarily musicians or whether we are mostly therapists but, personally, I believe it is a good balance of the two.  When completing a degree in MT, students must learn to play guitar and piano, as well as learning to sing.  MT’s are also required to take courses in music theory & music history, perform in ensembles, and take lessons on their primary instrument.  On top of all that, MT’s are always learning new music, practicing, and performing. Many of the MT’s I know are involved in performance groups or bands and some record their own music.  When I tell me\y students that I practice almost every day, I’m not kidding.  I am making music all the time! Being in a music related profession was never a question for me.  Music has always been a huge part of my life and I feel so lucky to have found a profession where I can use my love of music to better the lives of others! Read More

Last Minute Music Therapy Intervention Ideas for the Holidays

We’re already in the middle of December! Can you believe it? If your clients are anything like mine, they all want to hear the same three Christmas songs over and over. If you’ve mastered Jingle Bells and sung all of the fa la la’s out of Deck the Halls, then it might be time for a a couple fresh ideas. Below are a couple of my wintery songs as well as links to some other amazing holiday resources posted by music therapists! Songs – It’s Christmas Time Counting Snowflakes    Free Christmas Sheet Music HERE Educational snow and winter chants from Tuned Into Learning 12 Goals of Christmas from Music Therapy = <3 Music Therapy Christmas Carols from Coast Music Therapy Holiday Piggy Back Songs also from Coast Music Therapy  Fresh Holiday Intervention Ideas from Sound Scape Music Therapy   Happy Holidays! Read More