by Rachel | Motherhood
As a mom and business owner, I am constantly struggling with the tug-of-war between my family and work. I’m not talking about setting my priorities, because without question, my husband and children come first above everything else. I’m talking about the day-to-day stuff.
The “I could send this email really quick while Parker eats his breakfast” stuff. The “I should really put Mia in her crib rather than hold her a little longer while she sleeps so I can go record that song” stuff. Because there’s always stuff to be done, but never enough hours in the day.
(more…)
by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music
Once upon a time, I had a rotation of 2 or 3 hello and goodbye songs that I used across the board. But now that Katey and I write a new class curriculum every few weeks, I have amassed quite a collection of greeting songs.
This is one of the simpler goodbye tunes I’ve written. In fact, I realized this morning that I didn’t even have it written out (it only took a few minutes to create a quick lead sheet since the chords are nice and easy), nor do I have an instrumental track since I just used bare-bones ukulele accompaniment.
(more…)
by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music
I wrote this song a WHILE back, but it’s kind of perfect that I waited until now to share it with you. My baby girl has been attempting to clap her hands for the last couple of weeks, and then this morning in music class, she totally nailed it!
This song was written for young children to encourage them to clap their hands, which is pretty obvious when you listen to the song! The lyrics are to the point, and allow each child in the group to take his or her turn clapping.
Clapping is such a joyful skill, especially as children first master it and then practice nonstop. And Mia will surely get LOTS of practice, as her big brother loves to instruct us to clap for him after his singing and dancing performances :)
Members of Listen & Learn Plus! have instant access to this album. Membership includes just about everything in my collection along with tons of helpful resources — come over and join us!
by Rachel | Personal Development
Happy Leap Day! February 29 only comes once every 4 years, you know. It just so happens that this year, it falls on a Monday, which made it the perfect day to take a big leap in my life.
After my family, work has been the biggest priority for me over these last few (okay, many) months. And while it still remains among my top areas of focus, I’m putting another one right up there: my own health and fitness.
I used to be super health-conscious — we’re talking daily workouts and balanced meals — back in the day. But after Parker was born, I never quite regained the motivation I once had. Mia is 9 months old now, and I’m finally ready to get back to my healthy self.
I have my friend Crystal to thank not only for giving me the nudge I needed to make this decision, but also for doing it with me! We took the leap together this morning, starting our day bright and early with a workout in her basement. Buddy system for the win :)
The program we’re following includes meal plans and workouts, and we’re journaling our progress as we go. I’m excited to see how returning to a healthier lifestyle will affect not only my body, but my energy, mood and productivity, too.
I wasn’t feeling inspired in this area AT ALL when the new year began, but I think starting on Leap Day is much more fitting. Are you taking a leap of any kind today?
by Rachel | Resources & Tips
Any music therapist will tell you that it’s really hard to pick favorites when it comes to instruments. After all, they are our tools, and we choose them based on the specific needs and goals of our clients.
That being said, there are definitely certain instruments I tend to gravitate to more often than others. And since I frequently receive emails from students, interns, and new professionals asking which instruments I recommend, I’m sharing them here with you. I left off the very basics (shakers, tambourines, rhythm sticks, jingle bells, etc.) as those are a given.
(more…)
