Archive | December, 2011

Counting the 2011 Blessings…

By on December 27, 2011 in Kat's Musings

…before counting down to 2012!

What a year. I have so many blessings to count and so many people to thank who have been here along my journey in 2011. Last year, I set the intention for ease and kindness in 2011, and boy did that manifest into some wonderfully rich experiences this year…

Personal Kindness

New Year Music Therapy

My Mom, Dad, and boyfriend have been uber supportive of all my endeavors. My mom keeps track of me on Facebook, giving me “likes” and comments. My dad and I call almost every Sunday. He gives me his valuable business perspective.

And my boyfriend – he is the most amazing, generous, kindest guy I’ve ever known. I’m biased, but there’s a reason I prefer his company over other guys, right? ;) He is the best. AND his signature phrase he says in the slowest, calmest, deepest bass “Everyone needs to calm down around here.” That phrase is an automatic anxiety-reducer for me.

Thanks Mom and Dad and my man =) Continue Reading →

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[Drum roll, please] Your winners are….

By on December 20, 2011 in Music & Wellness

Holy cannoli. It was killing me to have to pick ONE winner for the gong. Killing me. You are all simply amazing.

I believe in all of you. I believe in the power of your dreams, wishes, and prayers. You are fully supported by me and the entire rest of the world. Fully supported.

By going through the exercise of targeting your biggest challenges, dreaming of the gong, and sweeping through the New Year on your victory chariot, I assure you that INCREDIBLE things are coming at you in 2012. Prepare yourself for prosperity and abundance.

Let’s give a HUGE thankful shout-out to West Music for making this all possible. Can you believe the generosity?

Comments like these just go to show the bright light that 2012 has in store for you:

Hey, if I don’t win, this is inspiring as all get up and I’ve absolutely loved filling this in!!!

I have many instruments and I have never even given much thought to acquiring a gong………how awesome to have this come into my awareness.

Even if I don’t win the gong I feel like I have found a new area of interest that I would like to explore further!

Continue Reading →

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VIDEO: My Holiday Gift For YOU!

By on December 12, 2011 in Music & Wellness

If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know that I want you to be well, feel good, and make music.

The Gong

My gift to YOU.

In addition, I would like for you to be insanely successful and happy in life. So, while you go about roaming the earth spreading the good word of making music and feeling so so goooooooood…

I want to give you something that will help you, your community, your loved ones, and your clients ring in the 2012 New Year with some excellent music-makin’ ju-ju. Watch the video here for some details on the gong.


I have partnered up with West Music in bringing a GONG to you! One lucky winner will receive a gong for the holidays. You must be careful to complete the THREE steps below to be eligible…

1. Enter your name and email here. I’ll need to have a good way to reach you if you win:

Continue Reading →

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7 music strategies for people living with late-stage dementia

By on December 6, 2011 in Older Adults

Last year for the holidays, I wrote about 4 Rhythma-tastic Holiday Goodies for Facilitating. Check the bottom of that post for additional holiday tips from other music therapists!

Those tips are awesome to use with all sorts and types of clients. But when I wrote it, I had residents in independent living in mind. You can certainly adapt and modify the tips according to the needs of your own clients.

Activities for seniors

Today however, I would like to address spending the holidays with people who are in mid-late stages Alzheimers/dementia. The topic of engaging with those in late stage dementia came up a lot at the American Music Therapy Association conference. (By the way, did you know that you can win a free membership in AMTA by Dec 20?)

I’m listing 7 awesome strategies to make music with those in late stage dementia. Of course completing a proper assessment and treatment plan are a must! Also, make sure to consult with a board-certified music therapist in your area. You can find them all listed here.

And these are great tools, but most importantly, speak, interact, touch, dance, and sing with your clients in late stage dementia regularly. That’s what matters…. the relationship and environment that YOU help to create.

Don’t forget to include the family in the assessment. They will have some great insight for you as you design the treatment plan.

Continue Reading →

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