My son’s school has the most precious tradition: a Mother’s Day Tea hosted by the two kindergarten classes. I heard about it last summer from another mom whose son had just finished kindergarten, and I’ve been looking forward to it ever since.
I have to say, this event definitely lived up to my expectations! Imagine 50 kindergarteners dressed in their Sunday best, serving their moms treats and performing songs about how much they love their moms…that’s what I got to experience last night :)
Over Easter, my family had the rare opportunity to all be together in one place at the same time. We met up in Denver, where my stepsister and her family hosted all 18 of us — including 8 kids ranging in age from 2 to 12!
We not only celebrated Easter, but also my mom’s 60th birthday. One of the things she really wanted was current photos of all of us, along with some of the entire family together.
Last week, I told you that my colleagues and I were hard at work on a new resource centered around our go-to props and instruments: drums, rhythm sticks, scarves, and shakers. Today is the day we get to share that new resource with you!
In this comprehensive downloadable PDF, we are sharing:
Overviews for each instrument/prop, which include a list of general objectives that can be targeted using those materials, additional intervention ideas, and 10-15 extra songs that pair well with each instrument/prop. We created Spotify playlists for all 4 categories, which are linked in the overviews.
16 applications that you can easily put to use in your own sessions. Each application includes a demonstration video and link to lyrics/chords, along with a detailed facilitation guide outlining the targeted objectives, procedure list, and multiple adaptations.
A quick reference spreadsheet containing an overview of the objectives for each application. Although many of the songs may seem simple or you’re familiar with them already, we have found a variety of ways to facilitate them in order to help our clients meet their goals.
2 extra applications that can be used not only with the big 4 instruments/props, but also incorporate many meaningful signs that can be used across populations. Sign language demonstration videos are included.
These tried-and-true applications have been effectively put into practice in schools, hospitals, early childhood centers, senior living facilities, and private practice, and our clients ranging from 3 months old to 90+ years old have benefited from them. We hope that your clients will, too.
Give your instrument- and prop-based repertoire a big goal-based boost with Keep It Simple, created by our team of 4 board-certified music therapists. You will find all of the details and option to purchase right here!
As a new music therapist, I was constantly on the hunt for new, unique, and unconventional items to add to my instrument and props collection. And although they were fun and different at first, the novelty wore off quickly…especially when I realized they weren’t super versatile for use across settings and populations.
It took a few years, but I finally came around to the fact that the most traditional instruments and props in my collection are also (usually) the most effective.
I still remember my first early childhood music therapy experience like it was yesterday, even though it was well over a decade ago during graduate school. My practicum client was a 2-year-old girl diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, and it was during our first session together that I knew I would end up working with children.
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.
My Book + 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.
