Archive | December, 2010

2010 Year in Review at Rhythm For Good

By on December 29, 2010 in Music & Wellness

Rhythm For Good is approaching the first year anniversary, and wow, what a ride it’s been! I’m very thankful for the collaborations and community that have played such a huge role in making this site possible. Here is the month-to-month play-by-play of more popular posts: (Click on each month to see ALL posts.)

1. January: I dipped my feet into the blog-o-sphere with the intention of contributing positively to the web presence of music therapy. I didn’t know exactly what I was in for, but I gave blogging a try with my first video and post on NICU music therapy. I also shared a New Year’s Ritual with Older Adults.

2. February: The blog started to take shape as I continued to run some posts on corporate drumming, my first video on drumming with older adults, and one of the most popular posts: 46 Hospitals Around the World that Provide NICU Music Therapy.

3. March: I ran the difference between Drum Circle Facilitation and Music Therapy (circulated online by many, including Rusted Roots’ former drummer Jim Donovan). I continued on the NICU Music Therapy rampage with posts such as the RN Interview. Also, I posted my first book review of Bella’s Blessings by Tim Ringgold. Read his incredible story if you get a chance!

4. April: I posted the Twitter-isms #youknowyoureamusictherapistwhen. The Older Adults Drumming the Blues video became popular. Also, I wrote about how I use the voice in wellness sessions.

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VIDEO: Christmas Boomwhacker Special

By on December 22, 2010 in Boomwhackers®, Kids

This video is the result of a boomwhacker song suggestion contest I ran in November. I was in Cleveland at the AMTA Conference at the time. My most favorite boomwhacker song suggestion came to me anonymously in the hotel room. All they said was: “David Bowie’s Let’s Dance.” Then they hung up. Although I’d *love* to arrange THAT one…

…It’s the holidays! Thanks to Melita Belgrave, here’s I Wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas on boomwhackers. Congratulations Melita!!! Melita won a free Drumify DVD. And a BIG thank you to all who submitted awesome ideas!!!

Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdAdIG9zqA8

To play the song with your own group, all you need to get are some boomwhackers and octavator caps.

Email me at Kat@SoundHealthMusic.com if you’d like a copy of the score.

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4 Rhythma-tastic Holiday Goodies for Facilitating

By on December 9, 2010 in Drumming, Older Adults

Here’s a post about some of my favorite holiday music-making experiences. I love writing on this topic because inspiring residents to actively engage in music-making is only one technique that can distinguish music therapy from entertainment.

Most of my clients celebrate either Christmas or Hanukkah, so this post is based upon those two holidays.

1. Learn from your clients. For instance, ask if anyone knows how to say “Merry Christmas” in another language. So far this year, I’ve heard Swedish, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, French, German, and… it’s only December 9. First, take some time to teach the group how to say the phrase slowly. Then insert the phrase into the popular song Feliz Navidad and invite everyone to sing: “I wanna wish you a ______” [repeat].

2. Shape the jingle-belling into songs. For instance, Silver Bells has a natural rhythmic shaping opportunity built in to the chorus. Just sing or say “Silver bells…” then model ringing the bells over your head during the rhythmic space following. An easy “hit.” Pages 2, 3, and 4 of the small percussions listing in the inventory will give you an idea of the bells I like to use. Here are some awesome chimes, too.

Mild Warning About Bells. It’s a jingle JUNGLE out there, and you’ve got free reign to use lots of bells, chimes, and tambourines this season… but not tooooo many if your group is ginormous (20+ or if you have mostly loud bells in your inventory). The high frequencies of the jingling can drive you or your group crazy. Plus if your voice cannot be heard over the sound, then it is way too loud. Spread them out, and alternate bells with shakers for participants. Switch later on in the session so everyone gets a chance to jingle jangle! Or use mostly quieter bells. That works, too.

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Minimize Life, Minimize Practice

By on December 7, 2010 in Music & Wellness

I’m not talking “minimize” as in making it unimportant ;) I’m talking “minimize” as in making it SIMPLE!

As a music therapist and business owner, I have a GINORMOUS amount of instruments, mail, paperwork, post-its full of the millions of ideas I come up with on commutes… It usually finds itself scattered about my home. I need solutions.

A couple holidays ago, I remember arguing with with my mom (who I love and adore) about keeping grade school report cards, perfect attendance awards, 1st prize science award ribbons, and similar “stuff.” I am adamantly against it. (Sorry Mom, I still am.) Throw it out! Why let it linger and infiltrate your current, exciting, fun life as you know it NOW?

Here’s one of my most favorite questions I use in all aspects of my life: How does this [insert any old item that takes up physical, emotional or mental space] serve me NOW? (The item could be a delinquent client, a self-destructive habit like speeding or other ticket-attracting behaviors, or just extra stuff in the house.)

We’ve already established that self-care is important before taking care of others, so how does X, Y, and Z serve me in my personal and professional wellness right now at this point in my evolution as a human on earth?

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