by Rachel | Guitars & Granola Bars

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.
by Rachel | Guitars & Granola Bars

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.
by Rachel | Guitars & Granola Bars

25 episodes feels like a big milestone, so I was celebrating a little as I hit “publish” this week. How is it possible that an entire half of a year has passed since I came up with the idea for this podcast and recorded the first episode? Slow down, life.
This week’s guest doesn’t know the meaning of the word “slow” — with 3 boys and a thriving private practice, how could she!? Oh, and did I mention that she’s also working on her doctorate degree? Karen Sanchez is an impressive lady, as you’ll find out when you listen to this episode.
Karen talks about pursuing multiple degrees and how they have benefited her private practice, lets us in on her strategies for managing her family of five’s busy schedule, and shares how she keeps up her musicianship (in all her spare time, ha!) in Episode 25 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Karen, 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.
by Rachel | Guitars & Granola Bars

The honest truth: running a private practice and working with clients is not easy when you’re pregnant. Music therapist Noel Anderson knows this all too well, having done so while pregnant with TWINS.
I was so excited to talk to Noel about her experiences, especially since she is the first podcast guest who has twins. This episode is packed with great insight and helpful advice — I learned a LOT during our interview!
Noel talks about working in private practice, the challenges of being pregnant with twins, and the importance of giving yourself grace when it comes to both motherhood and career in Episode 24 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Noel, 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.
by Rachel | Guitars & Granola Bars

I’m changing things up BIG TIME for the month of June on the podcast. In celebration of Father’s Day, I’m featuring four DADS who are sharing their perspective on parenting and life as a music therapist.
Andrew Knight is the fourth and final guest in this special series, and I have to say, he gives a darn good interview. Not only does he have a lot of valuable insight to share, but he has the perfect “radio voice” — I’m sure you’ll agree as you listen to the episode!
Andrew talks about making the shift from clinical work to academia, the active role he plays in his children’s extracurricular activities, and how his self-care practices are benefiting the field of music therapy in Episode 23 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Andrew, along with links to the resources he 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.
by Rachel | Guitars & Granola Bars

I’m changing things up BIG TIME for the month of June on the podcast. In celebration of Father’s Day, I’m featuring four DADS who are sharing their perspective on parenting and life as a music therapist.
William Murray is a music therapist from Canada who I met through LinkedIn, of all places. He sent me a message asking about my music therapy songs a couple of years ago, and I knew from that first email conversation that we would get along well. Since then, we’ve had several Skype chats and stayed in touch via Facebook. He’s been a big inspiration to me in expanding my private practice as I’ve watched his grow by leaps and bounds.
Bill talks about the challenges of being a male in a female-dominated field, how making the decision to start a family ignited his passion for working in pediatrics, and the rock band he started which is doing some extraordinary things in Episode 22 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast.
Be sure to check out the show notes page for more information about Bill, along with links to the resources he 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.