It’s Listen & Learn’s birthday, but YOU’RE getting the presents.


My baby is hitting double digits! It’s hard to believe that this little website I started as a brand-new music therapist is still going strong 10 years later. Recording the songs, creating the materials, and writing the blog posts that fill up these pages brings me SO much joy, but what fills me up even more is knowing that they are benefiting YOU.

YOU are the reason that Listen & Learn Music is still alive and well today, and YOU are the reason I’ll be celebrating another 10 years in 2028. Every email and comment I receive detailing how a song was brought to life in a classroom or music therapy session, and how it helped a child to learn a new skill, provides the motivation to make this an even more valuable resource for you.

To properly thank you for your support, I want to give you a gift for every year of Listen & Learn Music. Starting September 1, I’ll be sharing one of my favorite resources with you from the L&L collection each day in yearly chronological order, all the way through September 10.

Children's Music Resources from Listen & Learn Music

To join in the celebration, simply enter your name and email address in the box below. Each day, your gift will be delivered to your inbox.

Check your email now for a special invitation to the private “10 Years of Listen & Learn” Facebook group. I’ll be sharing all 10 resources there as well, along with other goodies you won’t want to miss throughout the 10 days of celebration.

Our Biggest Giveaway Ever


And last, but not least, I hope you’ll participate in the GIVEAWAY I’m doing on September 10! One extremely lucky winner will receive a LIFETIME VIP MEMBERSHIP to Listen & Learn Plus, including all current and future CMTE courses.

Lifetime Membership Giveaway! | Listen & Learn Plus

All you have to do is help me celebrate by:

1) following Listen & Learn Music on Instagram
2) Creating a post about how you’ve used a L&L resource, or just simply sending a birthday wish
3) Tagging @listenlearnmusic on your post
4) Using the hashtag #listenlearnmusicturns10

Feel free to save and post this image and use the caption:

Wishing @listenlearnmusic a very happy 10th birthday! I’m joining in the celebration and hoping to win a lifetime VIP membership to Listen & Learn Plus! #listenlearnmusicturns10

Follow the steps above to enter as many times as you’d like between September 1 – 10.

Start from the beginning.

Each day, I’m writing a blog post recapping each year of Listen & Learn Music and announcing the resource gift for that day.

If you’ve entered your name and email address above, you’ll receive these directly to your inbox, and you’ll also have access to them (along with other cool stuff) inside the private Facebook group.

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More from Listen & Learn Music

Playlist: Soul Soothers

Playlist: Soul Soothers

Spotify Playlist: Soul Soothers | Listen & Learn Music

Life has felt pretty heavy lately. We’re nearing the six-month mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, which means it’s been almost six months since my kids were in school, I was able to do my job as it is meant to be done, we’ve been able to travel…the list goes on and on.

And now that the upcoming school year is upon us, we’re facing hard decisions that will determine what our lives will look like in the second half of this insane year. There is bad news every day, the state of our current government is terrifying, and everything is uncertain.

I’ve also been listening to Taylor Swift’s new album folklore on repeat, which — as INCREDIBLE as it is — doesn’t do much in the way of lifting my spirits. It’s a work of art, but it is a moody and contemplative work of art that has definitely elicited some tears.

All of that to say: I was in dire need of some serious self-care this weekend. That meant *finally* getting some alone time (since during the week while my husband is at work, I’m with my children for 10+ hours/day), and using the first few minutes of said alone time to create a fresh playlist.

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“Best of Summer 2020” Music Class

“Best of Summer 2020” Music Class

"Best of Summer 2020" Early Childhood & Preschool Music Class | Listen & Learn Music

This is the first week all summer that I haven’t led any virtual early childhood/preschool music groups, and I have to say, I’m experiencing a bit of withdrawal. As excited as I was to have a break, I miss seeing those adorable faces on my computer screen, singing and playing along with me.

I’m looking forward to more virtual classes in the fall, but in the meantime, I decided to create a “Best of Summer 2020” music class video not just for my summer families, but for anyone who might enjoy and benefit from it.

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3 New Children’s Songs for Summer

3 New Children’s Songs for Summer

3 New Children's Songs for Summer | Listen & Learn Music

This summer has looked very different than I had initially planned, as I’m sure is also true for you. In a normal, non-pandemic world, my kids would be busy with various summer camps and spend one full day each week with their babysitter so that I would have dedicated work time…but this is not a normal, non-pandemic world at the moment.

Instead, the 3 of us have spent each and every day together, mostly at home with some pool days thrown in to keep us all sane. That of course translates into me not getting as much work done (like, barely even a fraction of it) as I had originally hoped, but I’m giving myself grace — as we all should during the year 2020.

That said, I have managed to write and record a few new tunes, as well as breathed new life into a good handful of songs I wrote in my earlier professional years. You can check out all of the latest songs over in the store, but I wanted to feature 3 of them here for you. Hopefully you can get some use out of them as we enter the last full month of summer!

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Ukulele Giveaway!

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 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

42 Music Therapy Songs for Older Adults

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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

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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Focusing on the Elements of Music: Rhythm

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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To Memorize or NOT to Memorize Repertoire?

To Memorize or NOT to Memorize Repertoire?

To Memorize or NOT to Memorize Repertoire? | Listen & Learn Music
I always keep my music next to me in my Listen & Learn classes.

Memorizing repertoire can be a daunting task. For some people, it is incredibly difficult to do. It is time consuming. You may not even be sure if those around you care or benefit from the music being memorized or not. It can be an internal battle when deciding whether to memorize a song or not.

When teaching classes and providing music therapy sessions, memorization of pieces can be crucial to the success of an experience, or it could really not matter in the grand scheme of things. Throughout my week, I utilize three different methods: memorization, having my music off to the side, and putting the music on a stand in front of me. 

Here is what I consider when deciding which setup to use.

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A Music Therapist’s New Year’s Resolution {2020 Edition}

A Music Therapist’s New Year’s Resolution {2020 Edition}

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In 2019, I finished my master’s degree, started a new job, began working with older adults, and began teaching at the collegiate level. Who knows what will happen in 2020, but my professional goal is clear: I want to remain focused on my students’ and clients’ goals. 

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My Word for 2020

My Word for 2020

2020 Word of the Year | Rachel Rambach | Listen & Learn Music

I have mixed emotions about leaving 2019 behind. It was a great year on so many levels both personally and professionally, but it was also a year filled with more “hustle” and less “self-care” than I’d like to admit.

My word for 2019 was CREATE, and that I did. My big goal for the year was to write a book, and I accomplished that goal with over a month to spare. Writing Innovative Income for Music Therapists was anything but easy, though, and when I reflect on the past year, the difficulty of that process is at the forefront.

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Well, Christmas has passed and the New Year is almost here. To my fellow music therapists out there: Congrats! You’ve almost made it through the holiday season!

The holidays bring so much joy, cheer, excitement, and fun; they always provide for an interesting music-making experience. This is my first holiday season as a music therapist, and I’ve noticed just a few things:

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A Very Rambach Christmas 2019

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This holiday season felt like a total whirlwind, and I can hardly believe Christmas is already over. Despite how fast it went, this was one of my favorite Christmases yet for so many reasons.

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Winter Recital 2019

Winter Recital 2019 | Listen & Learn Music

Years ago, watching my students perform in our annual Music Therapy Connections recital, I remember thinking, “Someday that will be my own kids up there.”

Parker was a toddler and Mia Belle was an infant at the time, so the idea of them performing in a recital seemed like light years into the future. I didn’t quite understand back then how fast time goes by when you are a parent, but now I can fully appreciate that fact.

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Movement Songs to Regain Group Focus

Movement Songs to Regain Group Focus | Listen & Learn Music

Music is such an exciting time, especially for little ones. Sometimes our young group members get caught up in their excitement and lose their focus on what the rest of the group is doing. This can have a spiral effect and soon the group can feel out of control. How do we handle these situations?

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Instilling the Spirit of Giving

Instilling the Spirit of Giving

Instilling the Spirit of Giving During the Holidays Through Music | Listen & Learn Music

No matter what holiday you celebrate during the month of December, a common theme throughout them all is giving! Whether that is giving gifts or giving your time to others, there are many ways that we can give.

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle —shopping, parties, and many other fun things that are happening —that sometimes we forget what the holidays are all about. And in my opinion, the best way to instill the true meaning of the holidays in children is singing about it!

The songs I’ve highlighted are all about the true meaning of the holidays, and are so catchy, everyone will sing along right with you.

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Rachel Rambach | Listen & Learn Music

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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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.

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