One Year in the Studio

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When my husband and I started house-hunting in January of 2009, I had one prerequisite: our home must have a dedicated space for a music therapy studio.  I’d been traveling to my students’ homes (in addition to my full-time job at The Hope Institute) for two years, and I was exhausted.  Not to mention that I had to turn away potential new students, because with all the commuting I was doing, I just didn’t have the time for them.

It didn’t take long to find the perfect house; in fact, it was the very first house we toured.  Two months later, we were all moved in and I got to work furnishing, decorating and organizing my office/studio.  On June 15, 2009, the doors were opened to my students.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Music Therapy Connections studio, and what a year it has been!  Since last June, we’ve doubled in size from 15 students to 30, and a lot of progress has made within these four walls.  I love the fact that there is a room in my house devoted to all of the things I love: writing, recording, and using music to help children learn and grow.

Just for fun, here is a video I made last summer which takes you on a tour through my brand-new (at the time) studio.  A lot has changed since then, but you get the general idea.  Oh, and don’t mind my novice camera skills – they have since improved!

Pssst…Want a Preview?

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Behold, the cover art for Listen & Learn’s debut studio album: Time to Sing Hello.  Although we’re still a few weeks away from its official release, I just couldn’t help but share my excitement with you.  My experience in the recording studio was amazing, and I’m thrilled with how the tracks turned out, but this whole project didn’t feel real until I saw the finished album artwork.

Jason Taylor, a graphic designer on the East Coast, gets all the credit for the concept and design of this album.  I approached him via email back in March, and he responded with an offer to donate his work to the cause.  Needless to say, I was more than thrilled, especially considering his talent and impressive portfolio.  Jason was a dream to work with; he managed to completely capture my vision for this album, and every aspect of the design is perfect.

I’ll unveil the back cover and actual CD artwork when the album is released on July 10, but for now, I’ll leave you with a preview track.  “My Clothes and Shoes” turned out to be my favorite song of the bunch, and I hope you like it, too!

I’m eager to hear your thoughts on the song and the album cover. Please take a moment to share them with me in the comments section.

Confessions from My Comfy Couch

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Okay, I’ll admit it: most of my work is done not at my desk, but rather, on my couch.  If you were to visit my house on any given evening, you’d likely find both my husband and I sitting on our brown leather couch, respective MacBooks atop our laps.  In fact, I’m actually in that very spot as I write this.

And since I know I’m not the only person who is blogs, tweets, facebooks, and partakes in various other computer activities from sofa central, I thought I’d let you in on this handy dandy little item right here:

The Old School Lap Desk not only keeps my legs from frying under the heat of my laptop, but it also holds papers, computer accessories, and anything else I might need while camped out on the couch.  I have my friend Nabilah to thank for the recommendation; she clued me in on the awesomeness of this lap desk last fall.

Now it’s your turn to ‘fess up: are you reading this from the comfort of your couch?  And if so, do you use a lap desk or something similar?

Friday Fave: Birthday Weekend Begins!

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The first week of June just might be my favorite week of the whole year.  Not only did summer break officially begin yesterday, but tomorrow is my birthday.  To tell you the truth, I started celebrating this afternoon with a shopping trip, but the real celebration happens tomorrow night.  My family is getting together for dinner at my favorite Japanese restaurant, and I can’t WAIT – their sushi is seriously amazing.  Oh, and the company’s not too bad either :)

The fun will actually continue into Sunday, when my dad, brother and I head down to St. Louis for a Cardinals’ game.  Heck, I might as well call it “birthday week” because my summer break continues through the 13th.  (No school, but my private practice’s summer session begins on the 14th.)

In summary, I am one lucky girl. I have a loving family, wonderful friends, and a community of awesome people (YOU!) to connect with on a regular basis.  I have a feeling that year #27 is going to be a great one.  Here’s to a fabulous weekend, whether or not it’s your birthday!

So Long, School Year!

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A year ago today, I sat in this same chair and wrote a blog post very similar to the one I’m writing now.  I can’t believe an entire school year has flown by since then!  It really has gone by quickly, not that I’m complaining :)  As much as I love my time here at The Hope Institute, I sure am looking forward to having a few months away to tackle new projects and recharge my batteries so that when I return in August, I’m refreshed and ready to rock.

While cleaning out and organizing my office today, I’ve come across quite a few reminders of how busy, productive, and fun this year has been.  There were leftover CDs my students and I created for our Celebrity Chef fundraiser, copies of my presentation at the Illinois State Board of Education’s nonpublic schools conference, an issue of the magazine in which our school (and my music therapy program) were featured, the programs from our holiday sing-along and spring sing-along, and my favorite: the numerous cards, gifts and artwork my students have given me throughout the year.

I’m a big baby when it comes to good-byes, so I’m trying to focus on all the big things this summer holds.  Get ready for an onslaught of new songs, the release of my first studio album, and everything else I’m cooking up for you, my cherished Listen & Learn readers!