I first read about Temple Grandin during my music therapy internship several years ago, and I was completely fascinated. The way she was able to describe her autism, and the way her brain worked, was completely unique and as far as I knew, unheard of. I have since learned a lot more about Temple Grandin, and now, thanks to HBO, so have a whole lot of people who otherwise might not have.
On Saturday, February 6th, the full-length film Temple Grandin premiered, starring Claire Danes as the title character. I had the opportunity to watch the film at The Autism Program of Illinois headquarters, which was a pretty amazing experience. TAP and The Hope Institute for Children and Families (where I work as the music therapist) officially endorsed the film, and even sponsored its Chicago opening at the end of January.
Dr. Nyre, Hope’s President/CEO, was interviewed by several sources and spoke at the viewing I attended on Saturday. I wholeheartedly agree with his assertion that this film should and will be used as a teaching tool in schools and facilities all over the country, because it provides such an accurate depiction of autism. The film uses on-screen graphics to let us look into Ms. Grandin’s brain, to see the world as she sees it.
Have you seen the film yet? If so, what were your thoughts and reactions? I can tell you that by the end, there weren’t many dry eyes in the room where I was watching it. Claire Danes is amazing as Temple Grandin; in fact, you really do forget that you’re watching an actor, not the real deal. The film is educational and eye-opening, yes, but it is also extremely entertaining and touching. Take my advice and watch it.
If you’ve already had your fill of winter, then you’ll be disappointed to hear that Punxsutawney Phil did indeed see his shadow this morning. I have most definitely had enough of this season, but I resigned myself long ago to the fact that the groundhog ALWAYS sees his shadow, and there will ALWAYS be six more weeks of winter.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a song about Groundhog Day…but I know someone who does! Fellow music therapist Wade Richards of Time for Music has a wonderful podcast, and his latest episode features not only a rockin’ Groundhog Day song, but also a super-fun tune for Super Bowl Sunday. Check it out!
Spring may be six weeks away, but now that it’s February, we are one step closer :) What are your plans for this month? I’m excited about the upcoming Illinois Federation of Music Clubs’ annual Festival, in which several of my piano students will be participating. It will be both their first time and mine, so it should be a great learning experience for all of us. Other than that, I have some fun projects to share with you in the next couple of weeks. I know I have been hinting at them for a while now, so I promise to spill the beans soon. In the meantime, here’s the song my students and I are singing all month long:
February is month number two, The shortest of all the months, it’s true. Usually twenty-eight days, but sometimes At leap year, then there’ll be twenty-nine.
February second is Groundhog Day, We’ll wait for the animal to come out and play. Let’s hope his shadow he does not see, It means spring will soon be here for you and me.
CHORUS
February fourteenth is Valentine’s Day, We’ll give out cards and “I love you,” we’ll say. Time for chocolate, and candy hearts too, Pink and red flowers for me and you.
CHORUS
February also brings President’s Day, Remembering those who paved the way For the US to become so great, And that is why we celebrate.
I found Little Miss Ann by way of iTunes last winter, and immediately fell in love with her song, “Clap For Love”from her CD of the same title. I try to include at least one fun movement-focused tune in each music therapy session, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The actions are simple, the language is straightforward and repetitive, and it is easily adapted to include additional or different movements, depending on the student or group with whom I’m working. Not only do my music therapy students love it, but it has also been a hit with my Church Mice kids, all of whom are typically developing.
In fact, I make sure that all of the songs I write or cover would be appealing to any child, no matter what level of functioning, as well as the adults that accompany them. If the parents, teachers and other caregivers have to listen to the same song over and over again, they might as well enjoy it…right?
How cute and fun is that?! That is why I think children’s music artists like Little Miss Ann, Justin Roberts, Laurie Berkner, etc. are so popular: they most definitely appeal to their target demographic, but adults like it, too. And that is what I always strive for with each new tune. I want to make sure it addresses the targeted goals and objectives properly, and I want it to be universally likable. Hopefully I’m achieving these two goals, at least, most of the time!
Today’s announcement has been over a year in the making, and I have been bursting at the seams to share it with you all. Listen and Learn: Educational songs for school, home, and play is a songbook containing 24 of my most popular songs, and it is now on sale! Listen and Learn’s debut songbook includes the melody line and chords for songs that address goal areas such as counting, daily care, directions, transitions, friendships, and more along with activity suggestions for each one. It was developed for other music therapists, educators, parents, or anyone who works with children.
This came about last fall, when Michelle Erfurt, MT-BC, came across my blog. She lived in the Orlando area at the time, where I just happened to be planning a visit for a friend’s wedding. We met up while I was in town, and that is when Michelle proposed the idea to collaborate on a Listen and Learn songbook. From that point on, we communicated via phone and email as I wrote and prepared the music, which she then edited and published through her company, Erfurt Music Therapy.
We will be hosting a display table at the American Music Therapy Conference in San Diego next week, where other music therapists can purchase Listen and Learn: Educational songs for school, home, and play at a discounted conference price of $25, which includes a free supplemental CD of all 24 songs. The best part is that this conference price will also be available to YOU (and anyone else who would like to purchase the book) through November 22. After that, the regular price, Book $25/CD $10, will go into effect. You can purchase the book by following the link in the sidebar, and you’ll also find it in my store.
Michelle and I will be talking more about Listen and Learn: Educational songs for school, home, and play (among other things) on Janice Harris’ “Music Therapy Radio Show” this Saturday at 4 pm CST. Follow this link to listen live on the internet, and you can even call in to ask questions during the show. That number is (646) 652-2850. If you miss it on Saturday, you can find it on iTunes or by following this link.
If you have any questions about the book, do not hesitate to send me an email! I couldn’t be more excited about Listen and Learn’s leap to the page, and I hope you are, too.
Today’s edition of “Friday Faves” is brought to you by Twitter, because that is how I discovered Model Me Kids. Little did I know that many of my students already knew all about Model Me Kids, and used their videos at home.
From their website:
Model Me Kids® is dedicated to producing high quality teaching tools for children, adolescents, and teenagers with Autism, Aspergers, PDD-NOS, Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD or NLD), and developmental delays. The videos are used by parents, teachers, and therapists. They are also helpful for teaching children with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome and may be used with typically developing younger children. Model Me Kids® videos demonstrate social skills by modeling peer behavior at school, on a playdate, at a birthday party, on the playground, at a library, restaurant, and more. Real children model and narrate each skill. DVDs for ages 2-17.
Shortly after following Model Me Kids on Twitter, I received an email from Sue Klein, MMK’s founder and president. She had visited Listen & Learn and thought my songwriting style might be a good match for a video they were currently producing. I loved the idea, and immediately called her to tell her so. Creating the music for Model Me Faces & Emotions™ became one of my summer projects, and it was so much fun! But the best part was receiving my copy of the finished DVD just last week. Actually, I take that back…the VERY best part was having my students receive their copies only to discover my picture on the back cover and hear my familiar voice narrating the video :)
Model Me Kids currently offers 8 DVDs: Model Me Faces & Emotions, Time for School, Time for a Playdate, I Can Do It!, Model Me Conversation Cues, Model Me Friendship, Model Me Tips & Tricks, and Model Me Confidence. You can view sampleson their website.
Teaching social skills is a huge focus for the students with whom I work, which made this collaboration truly exciting. If you work with or have children (whether they have autism, another developmental disability, or are typically developing) and want to learn more about Model Me Kids, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, and their website.
So that does it for today’s Friday Fave. This week has flown by, and I am in disbelief that it is already time for another weekend. I have sheet music to edit, two presentations to prepare, articles to write, and songs to record, but somewhere between that I am going to squeeze in some time with friends. What are your weekend plans?
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.
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from her 
of the same title. I try to include at least one fun movement-focused tune in each music therapy session, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The actions are simple, the language is straightforward and repetitive, and it is easily adapted to include additional or different movements, depending on the student or group with whom I’m working. Not only do my music therapy students love it, but it has also been a hit with my 
