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!

Listen & Learn Plus!

Focusing on the Elements of Music: Rhythm

Focusing on the Elements of Music: Rhythm

As musicians, we have all studied music intensely for years, and for many of us, even decades. We know and understand music on a very deep level and bring that knowledge into our clinical work and classrooms every day. 

Because our knowledge is so intrinsic, sometimes we forget how complex and special music really is. We’re somewhat blind to the special power that we have, which is our deep understanding of music and how to utilize it. 

So, I’m remedying this blind spot! My upcoming blog posts will focus on the various elements of music and how to highlight them in music therapy sessions and music classes. 

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Innovative Income for Music Therapists {Launch Bonuses Ending!}

Innovative Income for Music Therapists {Launch Bonuses Ending!}

Innovative Income for Music Therapists {Launch Bonuses Ending!} | Rachel Rambach

Leading up to the launch of Innovative Income for Music Therapists: Beyond Direct Service & Private Practice, I was in a perpetual state of stress. There was SO much to do, between finishing up the audiobook, writing the emails, prepping the social media posts, and making sure the website was updated and ready for orders.

Now that I’m almost two weeks out from the initial launch, I can happily say that my stress levels have drastically decreased, and I’ve been able to actually enjoy the fruits of my year-long labor (starting with the surprise party my amazing friends and husband organized the night of launch).

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To Memorize or NOT to Memorize Repertoire?

To Memorize or NOT to Memorize Repertoire?

To Memorize or NOT to Memorize Repertoire? | Listen & Learn Music
I always keep my music next to me in my Listen & Learn classes.

Memorizing repertoire can be a daunting task. For some people, it is incredibly difficult to do. It is time consuming. You may not even be sure if those around you care or benefit from the music being memorized or not. It can be an internal battle when deciding whether to memorize a song or not.

When teaching classes and providing music therapy sessions, memorization of pieces can be crucial to the success of an experience, or it could really not matter in the grand scheme of things. Throughout my week, I utilize three different methods: memorization, having my music off to the side, and putting the music on a stand in front of me. 

Here is what I consider when deciding which setup to use.

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A Music Therapist’s New Year’s Resolution {2020 Edition}

A Music Therapist’s New Year’s Resolution {2020 Edition}

A new decade is here, and with that, new exciting challenges and opportunities are upon us. Last year, I resolved to learn or write a new song every week. I’m not sure I quite accomplished my goal, but I learned so many songs and wrote quite a handful too!

In 2019, I finished my master’s degree, started a new job, began working with older adults, and began teaching at the collegiate level. Who knows what will happen in 2020, but my professional goal is clear: I want to remain focused on my students’ and clients’ goals. 

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My Word for 2020

My Word for 2020

2020 Word of the Year | Rachel Rambach | Listen & Learn Music

I have mixed emotions about leaving 2019 behind. It was a great year on so many levels both personally and professionally, but it was also a year filled with more “hustle” and less “self-care” than I’d like to admit.

My word for 2019 was CREATE, and that I did. My big goal for the year was to write a book, and I accomplished that goal with over a month to spare. Writing Innovative Income for Music Therapists was anything but easy, though, and when I reflect on the past year, the difficulty of that process is at the forefront.

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Being a Music Therapist During the Holiday Season

Being a Music Therapist During the Holiday Season

Well, Christmas has passed and the New Year is almost here. To my fellow music therapists out there: Congrats! You’ve almost made it through the holiday season!

The holidays bring so much joy, cheer, excitement, and fun; they always provide for an interesting music-making experience. This is my first holiday season as a music therapist, and I’ve noticed just a few things:

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A Very Rambach Christmas 2019

A Very Rambach Christmas 2019

A Very Rambach Christmas 2019

This holiday season felt like a total whirlwind, and I can hardly believe Christmas is already over. Despite how fast it went, this was one of my favorite Christmases yet for so many reasons.

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Winter Recital 2019

Winter Recital 2019

Winter Recital 2019 | Listen & Learn Music

Years ago, watching my students perform in our annual Music Therapy Connections recital, I remember thinking, “Someday that will be my own kids up there.”

Parker was a toddler and Mia Belle was an infant at the time, so the idea of them performing in a recital seemed like light years into the future. I didn’t quite understand back then how fast time goes by when you are a parent, but now I can fully appreciate that fact.

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