Free Download: “Little Red Apples”
This is one of many counting songs I’ve written, which focuses on counting both up to 5 and down from 5. I created simple apple visual aides (using red construction paper and then laminating) which my students can then manipulate as we count.
Click here to download the mp3 and lyrics/chords.
P.S. If you want access to my entire collection of over 200 songs (mp3, lead sheet, and instrumental track), videos, tutorials, and visual aides, plus ALL new releases from Listen & Learn Music, consider joining me over at Listen & Learn Plus!
Friday Fave: The 7 Link Challenge
Earlier this week, Darren Rowse of ProBlogger (an awesome resource for anyone who blogs) posed a challenge: publish a list of 7 links to posts that you and others have written that respond to 7 specific categories.
- Your first post
- A post you enjoyed writing the most
- A post which had a great discussion
- A post on someone else’s blog that you wish you’d written
- Your most helpful post
- A post with a title that you are proud of
- A post that you wish more people had read
Since I started Listen & Learn back in September of 2008 (almost two years ago!) and have written over 450 posts, choosing just 7 will indeed be a challenge. But I always enjoy going back and reading through the archives, so this should be a fun project!
1. First post: An Introduction
Luckily, this one was easy :) I posted my first blog entry on September 4, 2008, not knowing exactly what I was doing or having a clear goal. I’ve learned a lot since then!
2. Post I enjoyed writing the most: The Best Birthday Gift Ever
This post came exactly one year later, on Listen & Learn’s first birthday. That was the day I reached my Kickstarter fundraising goal of $2,000, which I later used to record my first studio album. Needless to say, I had a huge smile on my face as I typed each and every word.
3. Post which had a great discussion:
Halloween Song Topic Contest
Last fall, I asked my readers to suggest topics for a new Halloween-themed song. They came up with some extremely creative ideas, which they shared not only in the blog comments, but also via email, Facebook, and Twitter. The winning topics inspired the songs Patrick & Polly Pumpkin, All the Candy I’ll Eat, and Costumes on Parade.
4. Post on someone else’s blog I wish I’d written:
Black Eyed Peas + Boomwhackers
My friend and fellow music therapist Kat Fulton is an amazing percussionist, and in her blog post, she shared a video she created for her boomwhackers-only version of “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. The song and video were simply awesome, and although I wish I’d come up with them and the corresponding post, I’ll leave the heavy duty percussion to Kat!
5. Most helpful post: Safety Comes First
From time to time, a reader emails me with a request for a song on a specific subject. Although I can’t honor each and every request because of my busy schedule, I sure do try! This particular song post stemmed from one of those email readers, and not only did it fulfill her need, but quite a few others were able to benefit from it, as well. (Okay, I had to include a runner-up: 1 Cool Bass Line = 2 Singable Stories.)
6. Post with a title I’m proud of:
Publicity, Performance, and Praise, Oh My!
You know while trying to answer this one? That I am not very creative when it comes to writing blog post titles. Usually, I’ll use the title of the song I’m posting or keep it short and to the point. The title of the post I chose was inspired, of course, by The Wizard of Oz (one of my favorite movies of all time).
7. Post I wish more people had read: Taming the Tidal Wave
This particular post doesn’t necessarily fit in with my regular subject matter, which is probably why it didn’t receive much feedback. I wrote it last winter, when I was juggling too much on my plate and feeling completely stressed. I know that other music therapists, and everyone else, for that matter, have been in similar situations, and the strategies I listed might just be as helpful to them as they were to me.
Listen & Learn has definitely grown up a lot since that first post I linked to in #1, and I have a feeling that if I were to do the same challenge a year from now, I would have new links to share for almost every category. I would love to see some of my fellow blogger friends follow suit…how ’bout it?
D-O-G, My D-O-G
That’s my D-O-G, Sadie, but believe it or not, she actually wasn’t the inspiration for this song! Just yesterday during my last group music therapy session at The Autism Program, one of my students asked me if I had a dog. I saw this as an opportunity to start a conversation, so I used an adaptation of Cathy Bollinger’s song “I Like Movies, So Do You” (replacing movies with pets) to encourage my students to discuss their own pets or favorite types of animals.
Almost every student in the group had a dog, so I asked questions like “What is your dog’s name?” and “What kind of dog do you have?” and so on. Most could answer the first one, but some of the other questions were a bit trickier for them. So I came up with this song, which has these questions and more built right in.
D – O – G, my D – O – G,
My dog’s a part of my family.
I take her for walks, we run and play,
She’s by my side, every single day.
D – O – G, my D – O – G,
My dog’s a part of my family.
People ask me questions, like
“What’s your dog’s name?”
And this is what I say: __________
They also want to know:
“What kind of dog do you have?”
So I answer in this way: __________
D – O – G, my D – O – G,
My dog’s a part of my family.
I give her water, food, and toys,
When she barks, she makes so much noise.
D – O – G, my D – O – G,
My dog’s a part of my family.
People ask me questions, like
“How old is your dog?”
And this is what I say: __________
They also want to know:
“Can I pet your dog?”
So I answer in this way: __________
D – O – G, my D – O – G,
My dog’s a part of my family.
I teach her tricks like how to shake,
We take her swimming in the lake,
D – O – G, my D – O – G,
My dog’s a part of my family.
Notice that I fill in the answers to each question using Sadie as an example. But if this is a song that might be useful for your child or student, let me know and I will send you two versions: one with the answers left blank, and one with answers pertaining to your specific dog (just make sure you provide those answers in your email).
I think I almost have to write the song “My C-A-T” so that I don’t leave out all the cat owners who are reading this right now! Look for that one soon :)
Release Party Recap
I work with students of all ages and abilities both in my studio and at school, so to have many of them gathered in one place, all participating and having fun, was a joy to see. The CD Release Party was a huge success, based on the feedback I’ve received from parents as well as my own assessment – I know I had a great time!
Many of the children came right up to the front of the room, where they sang and danced along with me. A few opted to sit in the audience with their moms and dads, which was just fine, too!
We managed to get a good number of kids into this group shot, though let me tell you, it was a challenge :) I just love this picture, especially the little waves a few of the kids are giving.
Nathaniel is a piano student of mine, and he marched right up to me afterwards to ask for a picture. His little sister, also named Rachel, was at home napping, but their mom has reported that she is a big fan of the CD.
My father-in-law (an avid photographer) took these pictures and many more, all of which can be found here. Funny enough, he can be seen in action during almost all of the videos from the performance, along with my husband, who was also taking pictures. I’ll have more videos up on my YouTube channel soon, but here’s one to give you a taste:
Sunday Singalong: CD Release Edition
But I couldn’t let the party preparations get in the way of creating this week’s “Sunday Singalong” video! I actually recorded this on Friday morning, before the chaos began…and thank goodness I did. Watch as I talk a little about the CD and then do an acoustic version of “The Feelings in My Heart”.
My husband is going to record the live performance this afternoon, so look for new videos this week. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in the “happiness” and “excitement” with me. Oh, and don’t forget to visit Time to Sing Hello and download the album!
Release Day
No more waiting…go, go, go!
Friday Fave: My First Review!
When I mailed out the preorders of my new CD on Tuesday, I expected for them to arrive either today or tomorrow, which is the official release day. So I was incredibly surprised when I received an email from one preorder customer last night, telling me that her copy had arrived on Thursday!
It is so fitting that my first review comes from Sandie, a Listen & Learn reader who has also become a friend and great source of encouragement over the last year or so. Sandie is a mother to Matthew, who was born with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC). Matthew absolutely loves music and has a growing collection of Listen & Learn CDs at home. You can read more about Matthew at Sandie’s wonderful blog.
Her email was as follows:
Hi Rachel,
Yesterday we took a day trip to the beach…about 90 minutes away from where we live. On the way to the beach we played some of your CDs in the car. Matthew still really likes listening to your songs. They are just so much fun.
Today (back at home) I heard the screen door to our house opening up this afternoon and wondered if someone was at my door and who it was. So as I peeked out my peephole I saw the mailman slipping envelopes inside my screen door and front door. As he drove off I opened the front door and scooped up the mail. Well, I was really surprised to find an envelope from YOU mixed in with our mail and I knew exactly what it was even though I wasn’t expecting it for a couple days.
Thank you very much for the CD and for the picture of you with the sweet note you wrote. It was so kind of you and it is very special. I am going to put it in a frame. We listened to your CD and it’s so wonderful!
Matthew signed “shoes” each time that you would sing the word “shoes” in “My Clothes and Shoes” song. He also really liked listening to the “Clean Up Song” and when it was over he made a happy “whooo whooo” sound and was excited. The songs are really great, Rachel.
I think my favorite is “Clothes and Shoes” but need to listen a few more times since they are all so good. I’m not sure which songs is Matthew’s favorite yet but will let you know. I think it just may be the one where he “whooo whooo’d” :)
I especially like how some of the songs have such a beautiful message that speaks to a person’s sense of self esteem and feeling good about who they are. We will definitely be listening to the CD a lot more and will still be playing the other CDs you’ve made for Matthew too. Congratulations, Rachel on your brand new CD!!
I hope that you have an absolutely wonderful CD celebration party on July 11th. And, thank you very much. :)
Sandie & Matthew
As I explained to Sandie in response to her email, it’s a bit scary putting so much of yourself into something (in this case, the music) and then sending it out into the world for others to experience. So to read her words and know that the songs are doing just what I had intended was a huge thrill – not to mention, a big relief!
I hope that the rest of you enjoy Time to Sing Hello as much as Sandie and Matthew have. Tomorrow you’ll be able to listen to all of the songs and download the album for yourselves. I’m so excited to finally share it with you.
Happy July!
Any other summer, I’d most likely tell you how bummed out I am that July is already here. But not this year! I have so much to look forward to this month that I’m not even thinking about the fact that summer is one-third of the way over. (Okay, maybe the thought has crossed my mind…however, I choose to ignore it.)
In the next four weeks, I will be: attending my best friend’s engagement party, traveling to Indianapolis for a 4th of July wedding, releasing my album, throwing a big CD release party, and giving a music therapy presentation at a big conference. Whew!
Back in June I re-recorded all of my Months of the Year songs, and this is the first time I’ve had a chance to share one with you at the start of a new month. (You can download the entire album, which comes with all 12 songs + instrumental tracks + lead sheet songbook here.)
Picnics, ice cream, apple pie,
Clap your hands ‘cause it’s July!
The seventh month of the year,
For thirty one days July is here.
Wave your flag, way up high,
Celebrate the fourth of July.
Let’s all wear red, white, and blue,
Fireworks for me and you!
Picnics, ice cream, apple pie,
Clap your hands ‘cause it’s July!
The seventh month of the year,
For thirty one days July is here.
Independence is the word,
Patriotic songs are heard.
Let’s join in and sing out loud,
For our country we are proud.
Picnics, ice cream, apple pie,
Clap your hands ‘cause it’s July!
The seventh month of the year,
For thirty one days July is here.
Summer’s coming to a peak,
It gets hotter every week.
Hear the crickets chirp at night,
Until the morning sun shines bright.
Picnics, ice cream, apple pie,
Clap your hands ‘cause it’s July!
The seventh month of the year,
For thirty one days July is here.
What are you up to this July? Any big vacations or 4th of July parties planned? My students have been filling me in on their holiday weekend plans, and they all sound like so much fun. Whatever your plans may be, I hope you start the month off right by enjoying this gorgeous summer day. Clap your hands ’cause it’s July!
Time to Sing Hello: Sneak Peek #2
Now that there are only 10 days remaining until the release of Time to Sing Hello, I’m more anxious than ever to share it with you. First came the cover art and “My Clothes and Shoes” (admittedlly, my favorite track); today’s preview includes the actual CD art and the final song on the album.
“Time to Say Goodbye” was written for children who struggle with separation anxiety and need the constant reminder that goodbyes don’t have to be stressful. So many of my students fall into this category, especially those with autism spectrum disorders. The song is mellow and calming, which I think provides the perfect ending to an album made up mostly of upbeat tunes.
I began accepting preorders for hard copies of the CD yesterday, and have been overwhelmed with the response thus far! I guess many of you agree with me that although digital downloads are incredibly convenient, there’s just something about receiving a pretty, full-color album in the mail (shipping is free) along with extra goodies (from yours truly). More about all of that here.
In case you couldn’t tell, I’m really excited for July 10 to arrive! And possibly even more excited for July 11, the day of my CD Release Party (including an interactive performance especially for children and reception). Your family is invited; if you live in the central Illinois area and would like to come, RSVP right here on Facebook.
Set to Music: The Pledge of Allegiance
As the Fourth of July approaches, I’m probably not the only one with patriotic themes on the brain. Songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” are being sung and taught to children all over the country this week, and I know that my own students are hard at work learning the Pledge of Allegiance.
In fact, the occupational therapist at my school emailed me a couple of weeks ago, asking if I had any songs or resources for teaching the Pledge. I didn’t at the time…but I do now!
I came up with a simple rhythmic line, and that serves as my foundation for the chant and song I created to teach the Pledge of Allegiance. Listen below as I speak it in rhythm, and then download (for free) the rhythmic line for your own use.
I pledge allegiance, to the flag
Of the United States of America.
And to the republic for which it stands,
One nation, under God, indivisible,
With liberty and justice for all.
Next, I came up with a super simple melody on top of the rhythmic line, which I orchestrated with trumpets. Here is my sung version:
And here is the same track, only without my vocals. You can download (again, for free) the instrumental track for yourself:
When I was in elementary school, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was part of our classroom’s morning routine. Nowadays, most schools don’t do this, but there are other times at which a child might need to know it. It doesn’t hurt to learn, especially when it’s done through music!
Sunday Singalong: I See a Girl Named…
Out of all the songs I’ve written, “Everybody Has a Name” might just be the one I use most often. As I mentioned in the video, the idea came from a teacher…and it seems that the really good ones almost always do! The look of pride on a child’s face after spelling his or her own name is priceless, but getting to that point is half the fun.
And isn’t that the case with so many things in life? I think that so often, people focus on the end result that they don’t take pleasure in the process. I’ve been guilty of this on numerous occasions, but I’m making a conscious effort to enjoy every small milestone, every flower along the path, every long car ride to state board meetings (as I did just yesterday, thanks to Audible and iTrip), and so on.
But I digress. Getting back to the topic at hand, “Everybody Has a Name” is one of those universal songs I’ll probably be using in the school and early childhood setting until the day I retire my guitar. There is a long list of songs I can hardly stand to sing and play anymore, but this isn’t on that list (well, yet). What about you? Do you have go-to songs that never get old?