by Rachel | May 31, 2011
On Friday afternoon, the spring session ended and I taught my LAST LESSON EVER in the original Music Therapy Connections studio. My lovely student Grace was happy to pose in a few pictures commemorating the occasion and showing off the extremely empty digs.
The very next day, my helpful (and strong) brothers-in-law came over to help my husband move the last remaining item — the piano — into the new studio. It was sort of sad to close the doors of the room that has served me so well over the past two years; it’s the end of an era.
It won’t stay empty for long: the room will be a temporary home to a few miscellaneous furniture items in the coming weeks. Zach and I had plans to make that happen this weekend, but after all the painting, organizing, picture hanging, and arranging I did over the last three days, my energy is drained.
Speaking of all that, I have lots of pictures to share in my next studio renovation progress update! A lot has happened since my last pathetic update…and you’ll get to see it all later this week.
by Rachel | May 30, 2011
…honoring those who have served our country.
…spending time with the ones we love.
…yummy food on the grill.
…kicking off the summer!
I hope you’re lucky enough to have as beautiful weather as I do on this Memorial Day. I’m getting ready to take my dog for a walk, and then it’s off to my parents’ pool (my summer hangout) for some swimming and a cookout. Talk about the perfect day. Enjoy the holiday, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow!
by Rachel | May 25, 2011
This post is inspired by JoAnn Jordan, music therapist and author of the blog Musical Gems. She’s reading the book The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature by Daniel J. Levitin, which prompted her to ponder this question: If I had to summarize my life in six songs, what would those songs be?
You can read JoAnn’s answer here, and my six songs are below.
- The Rainbow Connection: I wrote about this song recently, and the importance of it during my childhood. Every time I hear or sing it, I’m flooded with happy memories of being a little girl.
- Don’t Rain on My Parade: This was my go-to audition song during my high school musical theater days, and I felt so empowered every time I sang it. I still do, in fact. I LOVED that it was Rachel’s theme song on Glee last season!
- The Remedy: I listened to Jason Mraz nonstop during my last semester of college, and it was his music that inspired me to learn the guitar. “I won’t worry my life away” is a good lyric to have stuck in your head, especially for a worrywart like me.
- You Make Me Feel So Young: I have my dad to thank for my love of Frank Sinatra, and this is the song we danced to at my wedding (here’s a pic). Frank Sinatra will forever be the happy voice of my adolescent and high school years, even though he came way before my time.
- Blessed: Martina McBride is someone I look up to as a singer, and I like her even more because of this song. I certainly feel blessed with all the wonderful people and experiences in my life, and this could be my theme song (minus the part about having kids, for now at least).
- Ready: Kelly Clarkson’s CD “All I Ever Wanted” has been in my car’s player for a few months now. This is my favorite track off the album — it’s an affirmation to myself that I’m ready for everything the future holds, plus it’s really fun to sing along to :)
So there you have it. Now that I’ve summarized my life in 6 songs, it’s YOUR turn. Please share your list in the comments below or post it to your own blog!
by Rachel | May 23, 2011
When I first found these canary sticks, I wasn’t sure exactly how I’d use them — I just knew I had to have them. They are easy to “play” and the bird chirping sound they make is pretty realistic.
They sat unused for a few months, but I finally decided to try them out with my students. But before I did that, I asked my Twitter friends for songs about birds. I received about 15 or so great suggestions, but ended up going with two pretty well-known songs. I combined them into one, and it turned out like this:
He rocks in the treetop, all day long,
Hoppin’ and a boppin’ and a singin’ its song.
All the little birdies on jaybird street
Love to hear the robin go tweet, tweet, tweet.
Rockin’ robin! (Tweet, tweet, tweet.)
Rockin’ robin! (Tweet, tweet, tweet.)
Go rockin’ robin ’cause you’re
Really gonna rock tonight.
All the little swallows, all the chickadees,
All the little birds in the tall oak trees.
The wise old owl, the big black crow,
Flappin’ their wings, singin’ “go bird, go!”
Rockin’ robin! (Tweet, tweet, tweet.)
Rockin’ robin! (Tweet, tweet, tweet.)
Go rockin’ robin ’cause you’re
Really gonna rock tonight.
Don’t worry about a thing,
Because every little thing
Is gonna be alright.
Rise up this morning,
Smile with the rising sun.
Three little birds perch on my doorstep.
Singin’ sweet songs,
Of melodies pure and true,
Singin’ “this is my message to you.”
Don’t worry about a thing,
Because every little thing
Is gonna be alright.
One of those birds,
Its name was _______
And it made a pretty tweeting sound.
Singin’ sweet songs,
Of melodies pure and true,
Singin’ “this is my message to you.”
Don’t worry about a thing,
Because every little thing
Is gonna be alright.
In the second verse of “Three Little Birds” I leave a space for the child’s name. I repeat this verse for each child in my group, giving them each a chance to be the birdie star. The little ones like that part, and their parents dig the fact that they know both songs and can sing along.
Have you ever used these sweet little instruments? I’m thinking another great use for them might be a singable story with designated places for bird chirps…another project to add to the hopper (along with too many others to count).
