It’s been about two weeks since the National Conference took place in Dallas and I have to say, I think I still have the “conference glow.”

(Quite the opposite of conference hangover, right?!)

This year’s conference was amazing. I’m fairly certain I say that every year (in fact last year I called it Ahhhh-mazing), but there was something very special about conference this year.

I took my own advice and left some white space, took advantage of the creative outlets that were offered, and spent a lot of quality time connecting with my colleagues/music therapy pals (including my conference roomie with whom I had interned at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center 13 years ago.)

It was refreshing.

I attended presentations on the use of hip hop in therapy, practicum supervision, and high-leverage practices in special education. I attended a presentation on taking a neurodevelopmental approach to facilitating flexible social skills in individuals on the spectrum, and my fingers could not type fast enough.

It was reinvigorating.

Now I’m organizing all those conference notes so they are easily accessible when I need them.

How was your conference? Are you glowing or experiencing the conference hangover? Let me know in the comments below.

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Music therapists – do you ever hear colleagues talk about “conference hangover?”

It always makes me feel a little sad when I hear this term because I know the point of conference is for us to feel energized and not drained. That got me thinking about how we can have a really great conference experience, learn a lot, and connect with colleagues, but not leave feeling like we need a vacation.

Here are a few ideas I have:

Leave white space. I will readily admit that I’ve already downloaded the app (it’s called Guidebook in the App Store if you’re looking) and started planning out my schedule. It’s easy to get excited and add everything to your schedule. However, I do think it’s important to build in blocks of time where you can sit, reflect, and “digest” if you will, everything you’ve taken in that day.

Take advantage of creative outlets. On Saturday November 19th there will be an Art Room open from 7-9pm. “Nurturing Your Creative Self” is the tag line for the event; art supplies will be provided. This will be a great opportunity to take some time and space for yourself. Following that is the Drum Circle, which is another creative outlet not to be missed!

Don’t feel like you need to do everything. I started planning my schedule in the app and tried inputting multiple events into one time slot (how would that even work?!) I had to stop myself and remember to take it easy, only choose one event per time slot, and select only those things that really move me (like that presentation on replicating musical styles on piano and the use of hip hop in therapy).

These are just a few ideas for how to stay cool (and not get overwhelmed) at conference. If you have other suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment below!

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#AMTA13  – the National Music Therapy Conference – has come and gone and I feel reenergized and ready to implement the amazing things I learned.

From start to finish, there was not a dull moment at #AMTA13.

It began with a nail in my tire on the road trip from Miami to Jacksonville with my friend and colleague Patricia. But once we got that patched we were ready to rock and roll!

I had to opportunity to connect with so many amazing music therapists at #AMTA13, and I think that was probably my favorite part of the entire conference. I met up with past practicum supervisors, my co-intern from my internship at the Matheny Medical & Educational Center, UM alums, my students from UM, and my e-friends that I’ve met online through Facebook, Twitter, and blogging.

Here I am having dinner with my fellow Canes – UM students past and present:

As part of the Public Relations Committee, I had the opportunity to present to a group of high school students on “A Future Career in Music Therapy.” I LOVE to talk about music therapy and what I do every day in my work with children with special needs. I hope just a little bit of my enthusiasm and passion for my career rubbed off on them.

I also attended some incredible concurrent sessions. Topics included everything from musically engaging older adults to using rap, punk, and metal in sessions to building and marketing your private practice.

In years past, I would always come home with loads of information, but never actually set a plan for implementing what I’d learned. This year is different!!

Here is what I’ve done so far to make the most out of what I learned:

– Scan the notes I took from each session and file it under the appropriate folder (I have a section of my computer dedicated to specific music therapy populations: a folder with information/songs/session ideas for children, one for teens, one for adults, one for older adults, one for music & relaxation, etc, etc).

– Scan or save the power points and handouts in the appropriate folder

– Identify one idea that I can implement or one action step that I can take from each session I went to.

I’m certain this will allow me to make the most of my experience at conference and will allow my clients to really benefit – after all they are the reason why I attend each year!

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I know this might not sound like the most exciting blog post in history, BUT I have been exploring the *new* AMTA website and am finding some great resources. If you’re paying your membership dues, why not make the most of it, right?

Here are some links that have caught my eye…

AMTA.Pro
Great podcasts on a myriad of topics related to clinical and professional issues. Check out the following as a start…

• Music Therapy Reimbursement
• Judy Simpson, AMTA’s Director of Government Relations provides information on how to obtain reimbursement for music therapy services. This is of particular interest of me because I have finally decided to take the plunge and take steps to towards third-party reimbursement. Stay tuned!
• MT-BC and Small Business Owner
• Meredith Roman Pizzi shares tips and strategies on excelling as a music therapist AND business owner. 

Music Therapy Matters
Check out the latest news on advocacy, upcoming events, and professional opportunities. You won’t be disappointed!

• Latest Edition

AMTA Scholarships
AMTA provides scholarships to students and professionals alike. Browse through the list and see what grant and scholarship opportunities you might qualify for.

Member Toolkit
All the good stuff combined in one neat little package: links to the early childhood magazine Imagine; AMTA and CBMT Advocacy Toolkit; information on liability insurance; CPT codes for billing insurance companies; and MORE!

Have I left anything out? What are YOUR favorite resources on the AMTA website?

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