My almost-three-year-old nephew Mason came over to play last week! This was a big treat, because he lives in St. Louis and doesn’t often spend an extended amount of time in Springfield. So I had to take advantage of this occasion, and Paw Paw (Mason’s grandpa and my father-in-law) captured some great shots of our playdate.
We spent some quality time playing the guitar…
The drums were a big hit, as expected…
Mason enjoyed setting up the handbells and then knocking them down like dominoes…
But the best part of our playdate was the big hug I got at the end.
Yes, I’m channeling Carly Simon as I write this blog post. The week ahead is full of things I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time, and frankly, all this anticipation is making me a little stir-crazy!
So in an attempt to ease the butterflies, I’m laying it all out here for you. FYI: blogging is a great form of therapy, even for us music therapists ;)
The launch of Music Therapy Pro. Check out the ol’ countdown clock in the left-hand sidebar…time is ticking down and the big moment is almost here. If you haven’t already gotten the full scoop, be sure to go check it out.
The end of my studio’s summer session. It’s been a great eight weeks of music therapy and lessons, but I can’t say I’m not looking forward to having some down time beginning a week from today.
My first gig with a full band. I’ve played lots of solo gigs, and recently teamed up with an amazing guitarist who I’ve been performing with regularly. But next Friday, I’ll be filling in for his band’s lead singer. I have some big shoes to fill!
There are a few other events on the horizon, including my three-year wedding anniversary (!) and a trip to Chicago, but I’m focusing on these big 3 in the coming days. Are you anticipating anything exciting as these summer days dwindle away?
It seems like all anyone can talk about this week — both on Facebook and in person — is how darn hot it is outside. Here in central Illinois, we’ve been under a heat advisory since Sunday…but the truth is, I don’t mind one bit.
Yep, I’m one of those people who likes it hot. It came as no surprise to anyone that I chose to attend college in Florida, and as hard as it was to adjust back to winters in the Midwest, I like the summer heat here. I can even handle the humidity, as long as there is a pool nearby!
All this heated talk has got me thinking about the songs revolving around that same topic. So if you’re currently experiencing a heat wave, too, here are some tunes to serve as a soundtrack:
“Heat Wave” from White Christmas
“Summer in the City” by Lovin’ Spoonful
“Hot, Hot, Hot” by Buster Poindexter
“Heat Wave” by Martha and the Vandellas
“The Heat is On” by Glenn Frey
“Too Darn Hot” by Ella Fitzgerald
Are you melting over in your neck of the woods? And what songs would you add to my list? (For more children’s tunes about summer, take a look here.) Have a good weekend…and stay cool!
Recently my almost-three-year-old nephew and I were sitting together in the backseat of the car. I had my iPhone out, and he asked if we could play Angry Birds. So I opened the app and handed the phone over to him, at which point he asked me (ok, ordered me) to “turn on the music!”.
Then just last week, I was treated to stories of Angry Bird conquests by not one, but FOUR students during their lesson time. Angry Birds fever has taken over the world…and the Music Therapy Connections studio is no exception.
So when my friend showed me this video a few days ago, I knew I had to share it with you here at Listen & Learn. And since I didn’t already have a “Sunday Singalong” video of my own planned yet, today is the day:
I know, I know; there’s not a whole lot of “singing”, per se. But at least the “lyrics” are easy, right?! I am always so entertained by Pamplemoose’s videos, and musically, they’re always extremely cool.
So that’s my not-so-original edition of Sunday Singalong for you this week. If you really need a fix of the usual fare, you can find all 70 of my past videos here. Enjoy this beautiful Sunday, and see you back here tomorrow!
I’ve noticed a common theme among the songs that I’ve been choosing for both my students and myself lately. While there have been a few exceptions, most have been songs that just make me feel really good, whether I’m singing them or just listening. Judging by my students’ feedback and performance, I think the songs have the same effect on them!
Summer is all about having fun and enjoying life, in my opinion, so here are the top 10 songs (in no particular order) that are helping me do just that at the moment.
“King of Anything” by Sara Bareilles
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson
“The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
“Sing” from Sesame Street
“Blackbird” by the Beatles
“Any Dream Will Do” from Joseph
“Change the World” by Eric Clapton
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl
“Be OK” by Ingrid Michaelson
“Shower the People” by James Taylor
The more I brainstormed, the longer my list grew…but I’ll stop there and leave the question open to YOU. What are your favorite feel-good songs at the moment?
Welcome! I’m Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and creator of Listen & Learn Music — educational songs and musical materials for children. I love sharing my work with you, along with my behind-the-scenes creative process, adventures in business ownership, and life as a mom of two.
My Book + Course
This is the book + course that will help you shape your music therapy career in order to make more money and live your ideal lifestyle. Details here.
