Back in January I posted about My Musical Goals. I decided this is my year to step it up musically so I can enhance the quality of my music therapy sessions. Here’s my update on how things are going…
My January Goal was to Become a Ukulele Master. I found some great websites, including Ukulele Tricks (at the recommendation of the Mundana Music Therapy ladies – thanks!) I’ve added the uke to my music therapy sessions and it has been a huge hit with the kids. I even have an upcoming video where I will showcase my skills…stay tuned!
My February Goal was to Break Out of My Guitar Rut. I have always been interested in learning some jazz guitar chords and decided to take advantage of all the Internet has to offer. So, I googled “Jazz Guitar Chords” and found the Guitar Chords Magic website and Your Guide to Jazz Guitar – just what I was looking for!
My March Goal was to Add More Multicultural Songs to My Repertoire. I went to the library and checked out two great children’s books: Diez Deditos: 10 Little Fingers and Other Play Rhymes from Latin America and De Colores and Other Latin American Folk Songs. Since I work in Miami, the songs in Spanish were very appropriate for the children I work with at UCP. (And the books are colorful and fun to look at):
Next week is our annual Multicultural Day Celebration at UCP and I am so excited! I’ve been working with the children on a variety of things that they will showcase to the parents, including a salsa dance, a Spanish fingerplay song, and even a hula dance with my ukulele accompaniment!
Have YOU set any musical goals for yourself this year? If so, share them in the comments section below. Happy music making!
Image courtesy of [fotographic 1980] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This is great! I must have missed your original post, but I definitely love the idea of setting musical development goals for yourself. Thanks for the inspiration!
You are most welcome Rachelle!
Since I work with children, it’s very easy to stick with the key of D Major and I, IV, V chords. I’m trying to branch out and make my songs more musically interesting. Glad you enjoyed the post! :)
I highly recommend “Guitar Skills for Music Therapists and Music Educators” by Peter Meyer, Jessica De Villers and Erin Ebnet. Written by MT’s for MT’s! Lots of good tips for spicing up your skills.
I think I need to write down my goals list…besides continuing my guitar work (and I’m a classical guitarist) ocarina, more uke (and cowbell), banjo, frame drums…whoa, I’d better get started!
Woah look at you! I would love to learn banjo. Thanks for the book recommendation – I will definitely be checking that out!
What a list already and it’s only March! Keep up the good work! You are inspiring me to make my own musical goals!
Yay! Go for it!
Wow – really love the idea behind this post!! You’ve inspired me to start being proactive about my own musical goals!!
And sooo glad you found Ukelele Tricks to be helpful!! I absolutely LOVE his website!!
Thanks Megan! You and Kim inspire me so much with your songs – they are so musically interesting. I’ve been having a blast with Ukulele Tricks – thanks again for sharing!
I missed your original post, too. Impressive work so far. Do keep us posted. You’re inspiring me to try some new “tricks” myself.
Great! Glad that this can inspire others – let’s kick our musical skills into high gear! :)