Now let’s be serious, how many adjectives do you know that start with the letter “x”. If you know any that are appropriate for music therapists, please let me know and I while certainly update this post. However, for the moment, I am sticking with xylophone players. It’s true, many of us have played a xylophone or another instrument similar to a xylophone. There are some amazing improvisation interventions based around xylophones and Orff instruments. MT’s also play tons of other awesome instruments as well! AND often lug them everywhere they go! As evidenced by this picture: Some of the other wonderful instruments I keep in my arsenal include these items: Djembes Rainsticks Bongos A Ukulele Kalimba Ocean Drums Shakers Paddle Drums Boomwhackers Handdrums Shakers AND tons of other small instruments I, along with many other MTs, am continually acquiring new instruments and still my “wish” list is growing! MT’s play so many instruments and are always learning new things! Read More
Category: advocacy
We Are… Well-rounded
If you take a look at the diverse populations and settings MT’s work with, the intense and varied curriculum MT’s have to complete, and the practicum experience MT’s are required to complete, it would be evident that we are pretty well-rounded. We (MTs) are so many things and wear several hats! Shall we do a brief review? We Are… advocates collaborators educators journal writers musicians songwriters therapists AND SO MUCH MORE! I personally am also a… business owner blogger PR chair for IAMT lesson instructor contractor and all of the behind the scenes jobs that come with being a business owner On top of all of those hats, we are musically and clinically well-rounded. In a single day I often play 3 or more instruments, sing songs ranging from the ABC’s to Johnny Cash to Ke$ha, and work with people across a vast range of ages with a multitude of diagnoses. Read More
We Are… Varied
Music Therapists work with a diverse population across an incredible range of settings, thus we cannot be expected to all use the exact same cookie cutter approach. Music therapy is so individualized and specific to every client, that using the same methods and approaches for everyone would not make sense. That is one of the many reasons MT’s have to be resourceful and creative! We have to use what we know and have learned from all the research and apply and adapt that to meet our clients’ needs. The same song and intervention aren’t going to work the same way for a toddler as it will for a teen. This variance that occurs within populations and settings also leads to specialization. Some MT’s work exclusively with older adults or in hospice care, while others work primarily with children in hospitals. There are unique trainings and continuing education courses that help MT’s become better in these areas and more highly trained and specialized. Each MT has their own unique skills sets, strengths, and specializations that make them a wonderful asset to Read More
We Are.. Therapists
When I am working at the children’s hospital, I often hear people say, “Hey Music Lady!” While I love that people enjoy having me around and love that I make music with the kids, they are missing a full HALF of my job title. A very, very important half. I am not just the music lady. I don’t simply play with the kids. I don’t haul around multiple bags of instruments and things just for fun. I AM A THERAPIST! When people use the term “music lady” to describe me, I often start up a casual conversation about the music I provide at the hospital and throw in the words, “goal-oriented“, “board certified“, and “therapist”. Those words generate a lot of questions and start a real conversation about the therapeutic side of my job. Like other therapists, MTs treat physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs and work to improve clients’ health. The difference? MTs use music-based interventions to achieve our goals. Being a therapist means that we have a therapeutic relationship with the client. We are not their parent, friend, Read More
We Are… Songwriters
If you have spent any time on my blog or follow me on facebook, twitter, or pinterest, then you certainly know that I love song writing! Like many music therapists, I write several of the songs that I use in individual and group music therapy sessions. These songs are written to address the specific needs of my client, but can be used with other individuals as well! Instead of writing a lengthy post about my song writing process, I thought it would be a appropriate to share a NEW song with all of you! Happy Listening! Hey! How Are You Today? by On A Good Note Read More