“The Toolbox Song” for Rhythm Sticks

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.

The Toolbox Song | Listen & Learn Music

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.

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Ukulele Giveaway!

Kala Waterman Ukulele Giveaway | Listen & Learn Music

What better way to end my favorite month of the year than by giving away one of my favorite instruments?! I’m SUPER excited to be teaming up with Kala Brand Music Co., Music Therapy Ed, Music Therapy Memes, and Music for Kiddos to give away not 1, but 4 Kala Waterman ukuleles.

The giveaway is happening over on Instagram, and the rules are simple. Head over to my latest post for the details, and then if you want 10 extra entries, simply enter your name and email address below and grab my free resource, “10 Go-To Instruments for Music Therapy” (spoiler alert: the uke is one of them!).

The giveaway ends at 12 pm ET on Tuesday, so make sure to enter ASAP! We’ll be announcing the 4 winners (one per music therapy account) on Wednesday at 12 pm ET. See you on Instagram…and I hope YOU win!

“It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” {Coping Song During COVID-19}

It's Okay Not To Be Okay | Coping Song for COVID-19 | Rachel Rambach

Words and melodies have, for the most part, eluded me over the past 6 weeks. The best I could muster was an adaptation of Maggie Rogers’ “Give A Little” for bells, which I used in my livestream classes recently, but otherwise…nothing.

And then last Friday, our governor announced that all schools in Illinois are closed for the remainder of the school year. Even though I was 100% expecting this news, it hit me hard. I still haven’t told my kids, who are only 4 and 6…young enough to be content at home, but old enough to love and miss their school, teachers, and friends. Needless to say, the rollercoaster my emotions have been on plunged downward.

That night, I sat down with my guitar, and all these lyrics came pouring out, along with a melody to go with them. “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” was the result, and I want to share it with you if you need a reminder of this message as much as I do.

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42 Music Therapy Songs for Older Adults

Listen & Learn for Older Adults | Music Therapy Songs for Older Adults | Rachel Rambach

When I first started writing my own songs, I was working with children and young adults ages 0-22 in both the school and private practice settings. Not only did I want my songs to be effective tools for my students and clients, but I wanted them to appeal to the caregivers who were present in sessions, as well.

From the very beginning, my goal has been for my songs to transcend age ranges and developmental levels, but little did I know that many of them would also work well with older adults, too. It wasn’t until I started leading sessions in a senior living facility a couple years ago that I realized this was the case.

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Focusing on the Elements of Music: Tempo

Focusing on the Elements of Music | Tempo | Listen & Learn Music

This post is the third in a series all about utilizing the elements of music in music therapy sessions or music classes, check out the first two posts on rhythm and dynamics right here! The elements of music series will continue with a focus on tempo.

There are so many fun things about music therapy sessions or music classes, but I bet my kiddos would tell you that their favorite part of music is playing FAST. And you know what’s even better than that? Playing FASTER!!

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How to Get My Audiobook for Free on Audible

How to Get My Audiobook for Free on Audible | Innovative Income for Music Therapists

The fact that my audiobook is available on Audible is crazy exciting for me, because I am an Audible addict. I’ve had a gold monthly membership since 2014, which means I receive a credit to purchase a new audiobook every month. When I am driving, doing laundry, working out, grocery shopping, or engaged in anything else that doesn’t require full brain power, I am listening to an audiobook.

Since I know that many other music therapists, including my very own team at Music Therapy Connections, are also fans of learning through listening (both in audiobook and podcast form), turning Innovative Income for Music Therapists into an audiobook was a no-brainer.

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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!} | 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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