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Learning
1st week of the month is focused on consulting research, literature, and experts to support continuing education around music therapy.
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Clinical
2nd week of the month is devoted to in-depth clinical learning and sharing including best practices, ideas, and resources.
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Wellness
3rd week of the month is all about wellness. Research, helpful tips & tricks, resources….your health & wellness matter!
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Music
4th week of the month is the language we know best….MUSIC! Musician spotlights, resources, songs, instruments, skill building, and so much more!
Autumn Themed Session Ideas | #83
Happy fall ya’ll! The change of seasons is an opportunity for seasonally themed interventions so we’re honing in on Halloween and Harvest season. We always need to exercise our best clinical judgment on when it’s appropriate to use themed sessions. Some reasons why you might want to include themes are for reminiscence, orientation, increased engagement with novelty experiences, bringing changes to your session planning, and opportunities for introducing new and familiar music that you can’t use all year round.
2 Free Rhythm Interventions | #81
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.
Using Boomwhackers in Music Therapy | #79
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!
Four Methods of Music Therapy- Receptive | #74
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.
Clocking Out: Leaving the Work Day at Work | #44
Our work stresses, thoughts and worries need a container to live in so that when it's time, we can pick them up. Make a small routine of "setting it aside" as you transition home each and every day. It is as important as checking your email but a small and even non-time consuming ritual can create healthy boundaries for your work in your life that will prove deeply rewarding in time.
Article Review: "Music Therapists as Clients…" | #43
Music therapists are prone to several mental health risk factors: as a helping professional, we are prone to compassion fatigue and burnout while doubling as professional musicians puts us at an increased risk of depression, anxiety and high rates of stress. New years are new beginnings and perhaps this is the year that you prioritize your mental health.
Intervention Round Table- Drums | #31
Today, the Giving Song team gathers around the table to share drumming interventions in honor of National Hug a Drummer Day! Pull up a chair, a drum and join us for some clinical inspiration.