Yesterday during my presentation at the Sharing a Vision conference, I may have gotten a little carried away explaining just how powerful music can be, and how much I love what I do. If the attendees walked away having learned nothing at all (which I hope is not the case!), at least they will have recognized my genuine passion for music therapy.
And today, for the second time this week, I have the opportunity to educate another person about this field and what it’s like to be a part of it. A high school senior with an interest in music therapy is coming over to talk with me today, which is exciting but scary. I always feel a great deal of pressure when I talk to students, because I want to make sure I represent my field enthusiastically yet accurately.
After all, one of the most influential factors in my decision to do so was a job shadowing experience I had with a music therapist as an undergraduate student. Her passion was apparent; I saw with my own eyes just how much she enjoyed the work she was doing and how it was benefiting her clients.
As much as music therapists are advocates for our profession in the community — to parents, educators, legislators, other kinds of therapists, and the list goes on — I also feel like I have a responsibility to help our field grow. I’ve had many students come to observe or interview me about music therapy, and each time, I hope that I’m influencing them in the same way I was by a music therapist all those years ago.
Early last spring, I was invited to present at Illinois’ statewide Sharing a Vision early childhood conference. I’ve been looking forward to it ever since, and today is the day! My presentation, Music Therapy Techniques for School, Home & Play, is set to begin in just a couple of hours.
I’ve given similar presentations at quite a few conferences in the last couple of years, yet I never grow tired of sharing my passion with others — especially people who work with children like I do.
The opportunity to educate an entire room full of people about music therapy is priceless, and the fact that I get to make music with them (yes, I am bringing my guitar and a boatload of songs!) is just icing on the cake.
Singing this song always puts a smile on my face, because it reminds me of one of my former students at The Hope Institute who absolutely LOVED it. He got such a kick out of singing it and finding each body part as it was mentioned in the song!
It’s fun to pull out all my seasonal songs that I haven’t thought about for ages — it’s like rediscovering them all over again. Look for more to be featured in Sunday Singalong videos over the next couple of months!
Happy “First Day of Fall” to you! Summer is officially over, and I have resolved to stop whining about it and fully embrace the new season. After all, it’s hard to deny that this early autumn weather is absolutely spectacular.
Last week, I featured the song Fall Into Fall in my Sunday Singalong video, so today I’ll share another fall fave with you. “All About Autumn” is the newer of the two, and one I always enjoy singing throughout the season.
Lead Sheet Download: $1.50
I originally posted this song back in 2009, but I’m pretty sure most of you haven’t dug quite that deep into the archives — unless you’ve been reading the blog for that long! I’m going to make a habit of re-sharing some of my older tunes for that very reason, because there are some hidden gems from way back when :)
Do you have big plans for the first weekend of fall? My plan is to spend some quality time with my family, put the finishing touches on my Church Mice music class that begins on Sunday, and do something outside in this lovely weather. I hope you are able to do the same!
It’s no secret that I <3 Taylor Swift. Maybe she’s not the best live performer or most diverse artist, but she writes catchy songs that are fun to sing and I don’t mind my students looking to her as a role model. There is no doubt that her music is the most frequently requested in my studio.
One of my favorite Taylor Swift songs is “The Best Day” — and that is the very song my student Jenna chose to record this past week. She’s been working very hard on it for the last couple of months, and I think she did a wonderful job! Take a listen:
It makes me so proud to hear my students’ practicing pay off, but not as proud as they are. I love playing back a recording after they have finished singing, and seeing their faces as they realize how great they sound. That’s one of the best parts of my job.
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.
