Friday Fave: Pecha Kucha

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pecha-kucha-springfield

Pecha whatcha?  That’s what I said when I was first told about this event, which was held for the second time around last night in my city.  Pecha Kucha originated in Toyko back in 2003 and is the Japanese term for “chit chat” — which is basically what the event is all about.

The idea is that each presenter shows and discusses 20 slides for 20 seconds each on any creative topic.  Last night’s presenters included an archaeologist, a “Legomaniac” (my personal favorite), an art gallery employee, a Zumba instructor, and several others…including me!

I had the opportunity to talk about my work as a music therapist, teacher, and singer/songwriter in front of about 200 people.  I was a little intimidated at first by the huge crowd, but it is a very casual and laid-back atmosphere (there was a “beer break” in the middle of the event).  My husband snapped the picture above on his iPhone.

If you are interested in seeing my presentation, come back on Sunday — it will be this week’s “Sunday Singalong” video!  In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend.  I know I will…I’m off to Chicago this afternoon, where I’m meeting up with my best friend for a girls’ weekend :)

Friday Fave: Sticky Productivity

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online-sticky-notes

My favorite method of staying organized and on top of my life is making lists.  But sometimes it’s just so much more convenient to scribble a note on a sticky pad and stick it somewhere I know I’ll see it later…like on my computer.  I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that my computer screen at work looked nearly identical to the one pictured above, with just a little more visible screen space, until I discovered the online resource I’m going to share with you today.

Lino It provides a virtual blank canvas to which you stick post-it type notes — simple as that.  You can color code the notes, like I do for different areas of my life:

online sticky notes 2

That’s a snapshot of part of my current to-do canvas.  When I complete a task, I simply click the little checkmark and the sticky is “peeled” off.  It’s much more satisfying to see a sticky disappear than it is to cross an item off of a paper list :)  I set Lino It as my homepage so that each time I open my browser, the first thing I see is my to-do canvas.  Let me tell you…it is quite effective!

Another cool thing about Lino It?  Not only can you post sticky notes, but you can also post pictures, videos, and documents right to your canvas.  I have another canvas that I use as an inspiration board; I post my goals, pictures that motivate me, and anything else that boosts my happiness level just by glancing at it.  I look at my inspiration board throughout the day and add new items all the time.

This “Friday Fave” isn’t music-related, but hey, everyone needs to stay organized!  Have you tried Lino It or another online tool to boost your productivity?

Friday Fave: Association Memberships

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Professional Music Therapy Association MembershipsThis week, professional association membership has been a hot topic in the digital world among music therapists.  It all started when music therapist Kat Fulton posted a link to an article she wrote in which she listed 10 reasons why she is a member of the American Music Therapy Association.

Kimberly, Michelle and I (also known as the Music Therapy Round Table) were so inspired by Kat’s article that we decided to continue the conversation on our podcast.  So in Episode 9, we each discuss why we are members of various professional associations (both music therapy-related and otherwise) and what the benefits — and drawbacks — are.

So if you want to hear all about our thoughts on professional association memberships (among other things), head over to the MTRT and listen to Episode 9 or download it for free from iTunes. A perfect way to spend your Friday morning, in my opinion!

Speaking of Friday…what are your plans for the weekend?  While my husband is in New Orleans for a guys’ weekend, I’m going to catch up on some recording I didn’t get done this week (thanks to a nasty cold) and spend some quality time with my dog.  I’m so exciting, I know :)  Have a good one!

Friday Fave: It’s October!

by | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized

First Day of October

I love when the first day of the month falls on a Friday, because that gives us two reasons to celebrate! And on this particular Friday I have a third reason to celebrate…a weekend all to myself! No traveling, performances, or big commitments (unlike last weekend); just time to get caught up on some work and hang with my family.

How will you be spending the first weekend of October? Perhaps learning a song all about the 10th month of the year? I’ve been brushing up on my original October tune so that my students and I can sing it together this morning (and all month long). It goes like this:

Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.

Today it is October,
The leaves are turning brown.
The air is getting chilly,
And soon the leaves fall down.

Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.

Today it is October,
It’s time to celebrate
Fall festivals and Columbus Day
Oh, I can hardly wait!

Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.

Today it is October,
It’s time for Halloween.
Candy, spooks, and costumes,
And all those scary things.

Today it is October,
The tenth month of the year.
Summertime is over,
and autumn weather’s near.

What’s on your calendar for October? I have a relatively calm month ahead: singing at one wedding, a speaking gig, and a weekend trip to Chicago with my friend are the highlights. But it is definitely the calm before the storm; November will be a whirlwind of activity between my brother’s wedding, AMTA National Conference, and Thanksgiving.

Enjoy this beautiful first day of October, and have a great weekend. (And come back on Sunday for a new “Sunday Singalong” video — the hiatus is over!)

Friday Fave: Music Therapy Week in Illinois

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Illinois-Music-Therapy-WeekThis week, we’re celebrating and advocating for music therapy (even more so than usual) in the state of Illinois.  The Illinois Association for Music Therapy is holding its annual Fall Meeting and CMTE this Saturday at Illinois State University.  I’m especially excited, since as Secretary/Programming Chair,  I’ve been planning and preparing for this event over the last few months.  The perfect culmination of an entire week devoted to music therapy!

The goal of this week is to educate as many people as possible about music therapy and its many benefits.  The Chicago Tribune featured fellow Illinois music therapist Emily Sevcik in an article called Tune In to Music Therapy Week — how cool is that?  You can help join us in our efforts just by sharing links to Listen & Learn (you are here!) and the Illinois Association for Music Therapy via email, Facebook, Twitter, and so on.

Every week is Music Therapy Week for me, but it’s nice to have an “official” statewide one…especially since I get to spend part of it with my colleagues from all over Illinois (none of whom live near me).  I’m sure I’ll have lots to share with you after our event on Saturday.  Thanks for your support, and enjoy your weekend!