Consider using a metronome if you’re going to be creating pattern sequences! Steady beat primes the brain for attention and creates the predictability for motor planning. You need a beat to synch to a steady rhythm.

In this fun clinical segment, Elizabeth discusses the benefits of and uses for boomwhackers in a music therapy session. If you’re looking for some new ideas on how to use these versatile instruments, you’re in the right place!

Elizabeth reads a children's story for our wellness segment.

Long ago, there was a rock floating through space, searching for where they belonged. They would visit many planets and travel to the farthest reaches of the universe, but would they find what they were looking for? The Stellar One is a tale of self-esteem and self-discovery. Story by Daniel Errico.

In his book Defining Music Therapy (1998), Kenneth Bruscia outlined 4 main methods for music therapy practice: receptive, re-creative, improvisation, and composition. Of these methods, perhaps the most overlooked is receptive. Ellisa calls on the literature, taking a closer look at clinical applications and philosophy of the receptive method within music therapy.

The truth is when we are in the thick of designing our sessions we often forget some of the basics. Unless you have consistent supervision we are often not aware we are overlooking these vital concepts. So, today I’ve pulled my top 5 concepts reminder, which are more like mental notes that I’ve observed can be stumbling blocks when designing music experiences.