We Are… Universal

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “Where words fail, music speaks.”  ― Hans Christian Andersen “Where words leave off, music begins.” ― Heinrich Heine   All of these quotes speak to the universal properties of music.  Though we may not all speak the same language, rhythm and melody are understood be people of all nationalities and cultures.   Recent studies have shown that even with a language barrier, individuals can understand the emotional context of a song based on how it sounds. Often, our clients are not looking to talk, but instead they express themselves or learn by making music, moving with music, or listening to music.  No matter the culture, rhythm and music are always present.  Rhythm is with us through every part of every day, with every step, every breath, every heartbeat in time.   Music therapists work with people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities.  We work with people of all races, beliefs, faiths, and nationalities.  We work in many countries around the world and use all kinds of music to treat each individual. Music 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

We Are… Resourceful

When I typed “resourceful” into google, this is the definition that popped up. re·source·ful riˈsôrsfəl,-ˈzôrs-/ adjective adjective: resourceful 1. having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. synonyms: ingenious, enterprising, inventive, creative; More   Music Therapists have a huge toolbox filled with ideas, instruments, interventions, etc.  Because we are a people-oriented profession we have to be flexible and are constantly pulling from our toolbox of resources. When we can’t come up with a particular solution on our own, we either create it (like many of the songs and interventions I post on the blog), improvise based on the knowledge we have and what is at our disposal, or we look to others for inspiration! I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of my favorite MT resources! CMTEs Sometimes, when I have to learn something new, the best way to do it is by taking a CMTE course like the ones over at MusicTherapyEd.com Songs When in doubt, youtube, google, and pandora (or spotify) are great options for finding songs on the fly!  However, if you are looking for songs geared toward Read More

We Are… Quality

 Like most foods, products, and other services, Music Therapy has quality controls.   In previous posts I’ve talked about some of those quality controls such a… Being Board Certified Data Driven & Documented Journal Writers but I haven’t talked about the ethic of Music Therapists.  MTs adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice.   As a preamble to the Code of Ethics, the American Music Therapy Association makes this poignant statement: “This Code of Ethics is applicable to all those holding the MT-BC credential or a professional designation of the National Music Therapy Registry and professional membership in the American Music Therapy Association. This Code is also applicable to music therapy students and interns under clinical supervision. We shall not use our professional positions or relationships, nor permit ourselves or our services to be used by others for purposes inconsistent with the principles set forth in this document. Upholding our right to freedom of inquiry and communication, we accept the responsibilities inherent in such freedom: competency, objectivity, consistency, integrity, and continual concern for the best interests of Read More

Music Therapy Social Media Advocacy Month – Guest Post

We are taking a short break from the ABC’s of Music Therapy today to bring you a Guest Post from Judy Simpson, MT-BC. Enjoy!    “We are…MUSIC THERAPISTS!” Judy Simpson, MT-BC Director of Government Relations, American Music Therapy Association When I started my career as a music therapist in 1983, it was not uncommon for me to describe my profession by comparing it to other professions which were more well-known.  If people gave me a puzzled look after I proudly stated, “I use music to change behaviors,” I would add, “Music therapy is like physical therapy and occupational therapy, but we use music as the tool to help our patients.” Over the years as I gained more knowledge and experience, I obviously made changes and improvements to my response when asked, “What is music therapy?” My enhanced explanations took into consideration not only the audience but also growth of the profession and progress made in a variety of research and clinical practice areas. The best revisions to my description of music therapy, however, have grown out of government relations and Read More