music, therapy, and me

Today's Sentimental Sunday post is the most viewed post on my blog - ever, and I am glad that I happened upon this one in my morning perusal on this Spring Forward Sunday. Here it is - the 7 things I wish someone had told me about music therapy post.  The sad thing about this post is that I think we still do not talk about these things much in the music therapy world. It has been almost 10 years since I wrote this first post and not much changes in the world of music therapy...ever. I still think that we, as a profession, are on a precipice.  We have to do better, as a collective group of professionals, at preparing our future professionals for this life. I am reading through the report of the commission for the 21st century group very slowly. My initial reaction is that what I have read is very similar to what was recommended 10 years ago, but I haven't delved into things the way I should before I start to talk about it all.  I am frustrated with how long it takes to ge...

It is Monday morning, I have two weeks of my vacation from my school therapy job in front of me, Mom is coming tomorrow and my living space is not at all ready for her (but it is much, MUCH better than it was), I've sprained my knee, and I'm trying to figure out what to write about today. Oh, I know - visual aids - my other interest at the moment! I promise I'll only mention my TPT store this once - I'll be putting up a visual aid kit later this week that contains all of the non-free resources that I recommend below, and that's the last mention!  Now, some of these visuals are easily made - get a camera, a printer, and some cardstock and off you go! Others are not as easily found, but I have some resources for you listed below of (free or almost free) resources to make and use during your music therapy sessions. Are you ready to see my list? Here we go! Alphabet cards - this one seems pretty simple when you think of it, but having a set of alphabet cards o...

After many years as a music therapist, I have started to think about what I wish I had known about being a music therapist when I was starting out. Here is that list - the top 7 things that I wish someone had told me about music therapy: Sometimes you have to choose - job or location. You often can't get both. If you want a music therapy job rather than anything else, you will probably have to relocate. If you want to live in a specific place, you may not be able to find a music therapy job. If you can go anywhere, you can find a music therapy job. Music theory is important. I once asked a bunch of interns for the advice they would give to almost interns. Almost unanimously, they said, "Don't sell your theory book back!" I laughed at that truth. The one thing that I use on a daily basis is music theory. There is a reason we take those courses - primarily, our clients are our reason. To become effective music therapists, we often have to use music th...

So, I've been thinking about what it means to be a music therapist lately, and I decided to bring out an old post. It is as true now as it was almost 3 years ago, and I hope that you agree. What else needs to be on the list? Let me know in the comments...   July 10, 2014   After many years as a music therapist, I have started to think about what I wish I had known about being a music therapist when I was starting out. Here is that list - the top 7 things that I wish someone had told me about music therapy: Sometimes you have to choose - job or location. You often can't get both. If you want a music therapy job rather than anything else, you will probably have to relocate. If you want to live in a specific place, you may not be able to find a music therapy job. If you can go anywhere, you can find a music therapy job. Music theory is important. I once asked a bunch of interns for the advice they would give to almost interns. Almost u...

I am a music therapist.  That statement is so meaningful to me, even after 23 years of being able to say it out loud. I love being in a music therapy session watching my clients learn more about themselves while making music. I enjoy being a helper and a musician at the same time. As a 23 year veteran of this profession, I think there are some things that every music therapist should do in order to keep themselves interested and passionate about being a music therapist. Here they are, in no particular order, and in my opinion... Self-care - This should be a given, but often doesn't seem to be. Music therapists have to take care of themselves before they can be able to take care of others. For me, self-care includes naps, time alone, reading, and making things. For others, self-care is going to a bar or places with lots of other people. Vacations are an important part of self-care, but don't discount the small things as well. Sometimes self-care is as simple as listening t...