Thanks so much for watching my video and heading over to Listen & Learn Music! I’m excited to share “The Toolbox Song” with you because it truly is one of the most effective tools in my musical toolbox (pun totally intended).
My students and clients request this song time and time again, and I am always happy to oblige, because it allows me to work on so many goals at the same time.
To receive the mp3, instrumental track, lyrics/chords and facilitation guide, simply enter your first name and email address below. Then I’ll deliver the download link to your inbox.
{GGB 77} Our Favorite Accomplishments of 2018
This is the final episode in our current season, during which I’ve been so lucky to have Jaime Lawrence as a co-host. I hope you’ve enjoyed her added perspective here on the podcast just as much as I have!
Since we’re making our way towards the end of 2018, Jaime and I thought it would be fun to share our favorite accomplishments of the year, both personally and professionally. This was such a fun episode to record, and it made me excited to think about all that I want to accomplish in 2019.
The Music Therapy CEO Project
It’s been an eventful month at Music Therapy Connections! My co-owner Katey and I started a new season of the Creative Business Breakdown, went on our inaugural “boss vacation” to Clearwater Beach, and launched a brand new program for music therapy business owners. Whew…what a whirlwind!
Incorporating Educational Skills into Thanksgiving Songs
There are quite a few Listen & Learn Music songs about Thanksgiving, and several of those Thanksgiving themed songs address educational skills. Talk about doing double duty: songs that are educational and holiday-themed? That’s what music therapists’ dreams are made of!
Sitting Out #AMTA18
For the first time in 9 years, I’m not spending the first weeks of November preparing to attend the AMTA national music therapy conference. I’ve been to every national conference since my first in 2009, and this would have been my 10th, but I made the very intentional decision to reach that milestone next year, instead.
Preparing for Thanksgiving Through Song
Thanksgiving is one of the most delicious and humbling holidays of the year. However, when it comes to my students and clients, many of them are hesitant about the food and have a difficult time understanding what it means to be thankful.
For children with special needs, many of the aspects of Thanksgiving are challenging: eating so many different foods, often with lots of unfamiliar family members, a change from their typical routine, and being thankful (what does that even mean?!?) can be overwhelming.
Celebrating the Little Victories
When I was working on my undergraduate degree, one of my music therapy supervisors said something to the effect of “We’ve got to celebrate the little victories, and sometimes it takes a long time to achieve them”. As a young music therapy student, I thought I understood what my supervisor meant, but looking back, I realize I didn’t completely get it.
{GGB 76} All Things Halloween!
Halloween is coming, and we are ready! So of course we had to dedicate an entire episode to how we celebrate this special day at home — including decorations, our family’s costumes, and favorite traditions — and at work — the songs we sing, how we integrate Halloween into our groups and sessions, and ways we get festive in our workplaces.
Let’s Get Visual, Visual (Aides!)
Visual aides are an essential part of my music therapy practice, and I use them every day. I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me five years ago that I would spend my nights with my laminator (yes, of course I have my own laminator) making endless visual aides, but I would seriously be lost without them!
{GGB 75} Our Favorite Working Mom Hacks
This week, Jaime and I are sharing our favorite working mom “hacks” — big and little ways in which we’ve discovered make life just a little bit easier, both in terms of work and home.
We actually ran out of time recording this episode, and have already planned a part 2 so that we can give you the rest of our hacks. In the meantime, we hope you find these just as helpful to your life as they are to ours!
Setting Children Up for Success
Making music with young children is so much fun, and incredibly beneficial to their growth and development, but it’s not always smooth sailing in music therapy sessions or music classes.
Sometimes kiddos don’t follow the directions or participate appropriately, so it’s important to make sure that each child participating in music therapy sessions or music classes is set up for success so that he or she can reap the benefits of all we have to offer.