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The Songwriting Challenge
Songwriting, whether for work or just for fun, is one of my favorite things to do. But I won't lie: it can be a challenge. Finding the time, motivation, and creative energy required to write a good song doesn't always come easily. Luckily, I have an advantage in that...
Week of the Young Child
This is a good name for all 52 of 'em in my calendar, between my work and little one at home. But each year in April, a week is devoted especially to celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers and families. "Week of the Young Child" is sponsored by the...
{Guitars & Granola Bars} Episode 12
For years, I would lament that I was the only music therapist in my city of Springfield (luckily, that is no longer the case). But interviewing Aksana Kavaliova-Moussi for this week's episode of the podcast really put things in perspective for me: she's the only music...
{Guitars & Granola Bars} Episode 11
Trust me when I say that you'll definitely want to listen to this episode of the podcast. I'm always up for being inspired by others, and Danielle is one of the most inspiring people I've talked to in a long time. After our interview, I have a completely new...
I Love You From Your Toes to Your Nose
Bonding songs are essential to my early childhood classes, because they foster parent-child interaction and help us wind down toward the end of the session. I wrote this one specifically for my baby (0-18 month) class, though I have most definitely used it with kiddos...
Night of Music Therapy
Once upon a time, I was a graduate student at Illinois State University studying to become a music therapist. And even though it's been almost 8 years since I sat at a desk in a classroom, I still remember the feeling of wanting to soak up every last bit of...
{Guitars & Granola Bars} Episode 10
Today's podcast episode marks an exciting milestone: we've reached episode #10! When I first had the idea for the podcast, I was worried I would have a hard time recruiting guests. But to my happy surprise, I haven't had to recruit at all -- I've had a long list of...
We’re Gonna Wave
I'm really lucky that my colleague Katey is crafty, because when it comes to anything involving sewing, I certainly am not. She volunteered to make ribbon streamers for the most recent session of our early childhood classes, and I did my part by coming up with a song...
The Miracle Morning
For most of my adult life, I've been a morning person. Up until my son was born, I started every weekday with a workout, followed by coffee and a couple solid hours of productive work. I loved my morning routine, and I really did try to get back into it post-baby. But...