Day One Recap and Day Two Hopes

Yesterday was the first full day of the AMTA National Conference. I was able to go to sessions, spend some time talking to new acquaintances, and see some friends. Today is my presentation and other sessions are calling my name.

Apparently, the folks at West music have been wondering who bought the pink steel drum. One of my former interns, who is currently working the booth, posted, "OMG. You're the one who bought the pink drum! Lol!" I did. The color was a consideration, but I've always wanted one for myself (no thoughts about clients here - they may not ever see this instrument), and it was on sale! I also promised myself that I would buy whatever I wanted this year after years of frugality. So, I got the pink steel drum. (I found another drum in the exhibit hall for significantly more money, and it was purple, so the pink one seemed to be better for me. Why do I feel that I have to justify this??? I bought a pink drum!)

I also purchased a new book, a singing bowl, some canary sticks, some quack sticks, and two spoons to replace the ones that broke in the past several months. I have two new West Music bags and some cash left.

I went to some presentations yesterday that have started some thoughts to develop. I also spent some time talking to acquaintances old and new. I bonded with two therapists over crocheting (I'm working on a prayer shawl for my church program) and knitting. I went to a Music Therapy Business Owners Meeting (never done that before) and listened to the "ta-das" shared by other MTBOs.

The first presentation I went to yesterday was "A preventive model of Music Therapy for children in limited resource communities" by Beth Schwartz and Vavara Pasiali. They discussed resource-oriented music therapy as a model to bring resources to those who would benefit from that access. It was an interesting viewpoint and something that really solidified a concept that I've been working on for quite some time - coping skill development. Nothing was really all that new to me, but offered through a different perspective, I finally figured out what I want to do to make this work for my clients. I found a spark for some therapeutic music experiences (TMEs) to help my students modulate some of their behaviors.

After that, I went to the Carol Bitcon Keynote Address by Anne Parker. She discussed mindfulness. It was interesting, but again, nothing really all that new. I'm glad that I attended, but nothing really moved me to think about music therapy all that differently.

I did not go to the business meeting. I went and spent money (see the picture above!). I made a quick stop-by the Networking Luncheon and sat at my table without anyone else. (Does no one find Trauma-Informed Care to be relevant??) After all that, I went to my first ever Music Therapy Business Owners meeting. Wow. What a group of supportive people! I didn't share because I don't feel like my business idea actually is the same as theirs, but I am increasingly called towards doing music therapy in ways different from what I am doing now. I'll share next year.

My next stop was the Beginning Ukulele course offered by Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink. They are so good at taking something like the ukulele and making it accessible. Now, when I went into the session, I felt like I was a bit more than a beginner, but less than an advanced student (I had planned on going to the Advanced Uke session afterwards, but my fingers got all confused, so I gave myself a break). I was a bit more advanced than some, but the Beginning Uke session gave me some new techniques to practice - fingerpicking patterns!!

After that session, I needed a break, so I found a cushy sofa and took out my crocheting. I was joined by a couple of therapists who sat down and started a conversation about knitting and crocheting. I "met" someone who has attended the Online Conference of Music Therapy for several years. We engaged in a long conversation about all sorts of things. A friend that I haven't seen for quite some time sat down, and we found commonalities between people and experiences between the three of us. It was a good moment of relationship building in a corner, all started by a prayer shawl.

The last session for me was "Facilitating social interaction for individuals at interactive or cooperative levels of play," by Julie Andring. I've known Julie for a long time through various and sundry internship things. She presented lots of things to do to encourage interaction between people who do not interact naturally. We tossed dice and played instruments, sang songs, and had some fun. I have some new ideas to bring back into my sessions after Thanksgiving.

I love sessions like that - the ones that give me ideas to take with me back to my clients. I also love them when they spark new ideas - when I can take something that someone demonstrated and then expand on it. It was a good way to finish up the conference day. I went back to my room and had some time in the quiet. I tried calling my family, but they were all away from their phones, so I put the extra comforter on my bed and snuggled up. I woke up this morning around 3am (like usual), and am now arranging my day.

Most of the sessions that I really wanted to see are during my own presentation time, so that's happening. However, there were three different presentations that piqued my interest today at 8am. I've decided to go to "Reconceptualizing the 'work-life balance:' Integrating our multiple identities." Why not, right? Then, it's regional meeting time (I will probably skip that meeting), and then it is time for my presentation. After my presentation, I will meet with a former intern of mine (it is her birthday as well - I wonder if I have something I can give to her...), and then go to "Real tools for clinical practice: Part one" and finish off the day with "Working with traumatized children: A look at patients and self." That's the strategy for today.

First, though, I need to take a shower, practice my presentation, get a good breakfast, and pull myself together for the day. I'm gonna get dressed up and put on some makeup. Do my hair, and enjoy the day.

If you are at conference, please consider coming to my presentation on writing clinical goals. I hope it will be practical and something that makes sense. If you aren't with us, please know that we miss you. See you next year in Dallas??

Happy ... wait. What day is it? Oh. Saturday. That's right. Happy Saturday!