Ever since starting this podcast, I had plans to eventually record an episode where I would share my own story as it relates to music therapy and motherhood. But I put it off until now, knowing that the story would evolve once my daughter was born. I finally went for it this week, and it was not an easy episode to record! I didn’t have the benefit of back-and-forth conversation as I usually do, so it felt a little awkward and I had to make quite a few edits where I found myself rambling.
But despite that, I enjoyed having the opportunity to open up about my journey and share the highs and lows along the way so far. I’ve always admired my guests for being so honest and vulnerable in their interviews, and I wanted to do the same.
I talk about cutting my undergraduate experience short to pursue music therapy, working 12-hour days at the beginning of my career, and making huge changes to my private practice while caring for a newborn and toddler in Episode 28 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about me, along with links to the resources I mention in the episode.
This episode is sponsored by Music Teacher’s Helper, which is software for music teachers and therapists that helps manage your private music lesson studio and/or music therapy practice. I’ve used Music Teacher’s Helper every single day since 2011, and it is one of the best tools I have to keep my private practice running smoothly.
Sign up here for a 30-day no risk trial. If you choose to sign up after the trial using my link, you’ll save 20% off your first month!
Click here to subscribe on iTunes, or search “Guitars & Granola Bars” in the podcast app on your Apple device. Click here to listen and subscribe on Stitcher, or download and search the app on your mobile device.
Jennifer Hezoucky’s story is different from almost all of the guests I’ve featured on the podcast thus far. I don’t want to give any spoilers aside from the short synopsis below, so you’ll have to listen to find out why I was so intrigued by what she shares in the episode (you will be too!).
I will say that Jennifer gives a whole new meaning to the word “determination” — and it’s clear that her strong will has served her well in her career so far.
Jennifer talks about her long gap between finishing school and getting her first music therapy job, raising two teenagers while building a private practice, and how implementing the “miracle morning” has changed her life in Episode 27 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Jennifer, along with links to the resources she mentions in the episode.
This episode is sponsored by Music Teacher’s Helper, which is software for music teachers and therapists that helps manage your private music lesson studio and/or music therapy practice. I’ve used Music Teacher’s Helper every single day since 2011, and it is one of the best tools I have to keep my private practice running smoothly.
Sign up here for a 30-day no risk trial. If you choose to sign up after the trial using my link, you’ll save 20% off your first month!
Click here to subscribe on iTunes, or search “Guitars & Granola Bars” in the podcast app on your Apple device. Click here to listen and subscribe on Stitcher, or download and search the app on your mobile device.
Last Sunday night, I felt completely overwhelmed thinking about the week ahead.
We’re in the midst of having our new building renovated, and we had yet to find a painter after my regular painter broke his foot. We also needed to choose carpeting, finalize the design for our building signs, and tie up some administrative loose ends.
On top of that, we needed to finish planning and rehearse for our Midsummer Music Celebration, happening tomorrow afternoon. The to-do lists and emails were endless.
Monday morning I woke up at 5 am as usual and as I got to work, that feeling of overwhelm starting to dissipate. It was replaced with excitement as I tackled each to-do. My husband took on the task of finding a new painter, and my business partner Katey and I came up with a game plan for the days ahead.
It was a busy week (especially with a baby in tow at all times and my toddler home with me for 2 of those days), but I took things one at a time rather than letting the big picture stress me out. A painter was secured, carpet was chosen, rehearsals were had, and all of our ducks are in a row for tomorrow’s event.
Though I don’t usually get up early on Saturdays to work, I did today. I’m feeling completely overwhelmed again — with excitement and gratitude rather than stress. I’m excited about all the growth and changes coming for my business, and grateful for a career that I love and that fulfills me to the point where I enjoy waking up before the sun to work, on a weekend, no less.
I wanted to write this post, as cheesy and rambling as it is, so that I can look back in many years and remember how and why I was able to manage such a full plate at this time in my life.
(I should also mention that it’s only been possible because I have an infant who has consistently slept through the night since she was two days old…redemption for baby #1, who didn’t sleep a full night until he was 11 months old. And now I’ll go knock on wood for the rest of the day.)
Fun fact: Michelle Erfurt is the very first music therapist friend I made online. The funny thing is that it wasn’t through Facebook or Twitter; we actually met via the email listserv (old school!). She contacted me right after I launched Listen & Learn Music and shared a link on the listserv way back in 2008, and we got together in person while I was in Florida a couple months later.
Michelle and I hit it off immediately. Not only did we become fast friends, but we also became business partners. She published my very first songbook, and then we joined forces with Kimberly Sena Moore the following year to create the Music Therapy Round Table and Music Therapy Pro. Michelle and I text or chat on almost a daily basis not only about business stuff, but also about raising a toddler and just life in general.
Michelle talks about her zen pregnancy experience, making the decision not to return to clinical work after maternity leave, and why she prioritizes self-care in Episode 26 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Michelle, along with links to the resources she mentions in the episode.
This episode is sponsored by Music Teacher’s Helper, which is software for music teachers and therapists that helps manage your private music lesson studio and/or music therapy practice. I’ve used Music Teacher’s Helper every single day since 2011, and it is one of the best tools I have to keep my private practice running smoothly.
Sign up here for a 30-day no risk trial. If you choose to sign up after the trial using my link, you’ll save 20% off your first month!
Click here to subscribe on iTunes, or search “Guitars & Granola Bars” in the podcast app on your Apple device. Click here to listen and subscribe on Stitcher, or download and search the app on your mobile device.
Where has this summer gone? It is flying by wayyyy too quickly, which is a little bittersweet since I’m currently on maternity leave (well, kind of). This weekend, we’re throwing a Midsummer Music Celebration for our students, clients, friends and family, and that inspired me to celebrate midsummer here at Listen & Learn, as well.
So here’s the scoop: I’m offering a pretty sweet deal on membership to my premium site, Listen & Learn Plus. Current members pay $10/month and receive unlimited access to 6+ years of archives in addition to all new releases. Hundreds of songs, music therapy resources, visual aides, and other premium content worth thousands of dollars for a total $120 yearly.
But now through August 1, you can purchase a one-year membership and receive full access to ALL of those resources for $99.
Here’s the kicker: I’m closing the archives to new members at the end of the summer, which sweetens this deal even more. After September 1, those who purchase a monthly membership to Listen & Learn Plus won’t have access to those 6+ years of premium content. Existing members will continue to enjoy full access plus all new releases.
Please take advantage while this sale lasts! Now is the time to stock up on materials for your music therapy sessions, classroom lesson plans, early childhood groups, or your own kiddos.
You can click here to learn more about the Listen & Learn Plus membership, but make sure you purchase using the button below to receive the megasale discount.
Welcome! I’m Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and creator of Listen & Learn Music — educational songs and musical materials for children. I love sharing my work with you, along with my behind-the-scenes creative process, adventures in business ownership, and life as a mom of two little ones.
New Book + 6 CMTE Course!
This is the book + course that will help you shape your music therapy career in order to make more money and live your ideal lifestyle. Details here.
Session Plans
Next month’s music therapy sessions, early childhood groups, or classroom music…planned for you in advance.
Free Download
Click the image below for this free resource and song collection!
Click here to subscribe on iTunes, or search “Guitars & Granola Bars” in the podcast app on your Apple device.
