by Rachel | Uncategorized
Spring not only brings a change in the weather, but it also brings a change in mood. At least, that’s true for me and many of my students — like me, lately they’ve seemed just a little more smiley and excited than usual. Day after day of sunshine and warmth has been amazing!
But I also appreciate a good spring shower, which is what this week’s song is all about. There are already so many great songs I use in music therapy sessions on this topic, but I was inspired by a friend to write this one. Check it out:
A couple of good showers have snuck their way in amongst all this sunshine, and already the trees and flowers are blooming. Just the other day, their beauty caught me by surprise as I drove down my tree-lined street, and at that moment, it felt really good to be alive. Corny, yes? But like I said, spring has that affect on me!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
That’s exactly what I need to do…because after a long day that started at 4 am and included traveling by plane followed by a full schedule of lessons and music therapy, I need to find the energy to catch up on lots of work!
But the long weekend I spent in Mexico with my husband and another couple was well worth the tiredness I’m experiencing now, because my batteries are feeling recharged and I’m ready to take on the week — which just happens to be full of big projects and events.
I’m hoping this song helps charge up the batteries of my students and all of the other kiddos who will hear it. It’s meant to get them up and moving at the start of the day (and I’m thinking I’ll probably need it myself tomorrow morning).
This song is part of what promises to be an exciting collaboration, which I’ll tell you more about later :) Until then, I hope it will serve its purpose for you and your kiddos as a way to get those muscles moving and blood pumping!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
One of the goals that I’m constantly targeting with many of my music therapy students is eye contact. And while there are many ways to build this into other interventions and activities, I’ve never written a song specifically for this purpose…until now.
I kept the lyrics very simple and very repetitive, with one main directive: “look into my eyes”. I also included some opportunities for movement — not only to make the song more interesting, but also to show that you can still make eye contact while moving in different ways. As with all of my songs, these verses are meant to be adapted as needed to fit your students’ abilities and specific objectives.
What are your favorite ways to work on eye contact? I would love to hear about specific songs and interventions you use, or even ways you might change up this song to get the most out of it.
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Okay, okay…so spring is still several weeks away. But since it officially begins in March, I couldn’t restrain myself from writing about my second favorite season.
I first used the “march into spring” play on words in my March song, and it amused me enough to base an entire song upon it. As I started recording, I decided to let the music reflect the marching chorus and in contrast, the fun and excitement of spring.
While we’ve had an unusually mild winter here in Illinois, I’m still ready for daily bike rides, open windows, and walks in the park. What do you think: is it too early to start singing about spring?
by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized
We all heard it as children, and most likely even say it now: “What’s the magic word?” It’s probably the most frequently used method for reminding a child to say “please” — so I wrote a song about it.
The idea for The Magic Word came to me as I was brainstorming language and social skills topics last week. I was surprised to realize that I hadn’t touched on this particular topic in all my years of songwriting! But now I have, and here is the finished product:
As I was writing the song, I wanted to include specific examples of the “magic word” in use. What I like about the verses is that you can easily replace those examples with your own sentences and questions, targeted to the specific child or group with whom you are working. Or better yet, let them come up with their own!
To check out the entire Listen & Learn song collection, click here. And remember, I’m always up for song topic suggestions, so feel free to share your ideas with me.
