April was Autism Awareness Month and I had the opportunity to do something I LOVE to do: travel to different library branches throughout Miami-Dade county and lead Rockin' and Readin' music therapy sessions. Rockin' and Readin' is a program I created to bring music therapy sessions to the libraries in our area. Our focus in [...]
Rhythm sticks are quickly becoming my favorite instrument. Why? They're incredibly versatile (just like this instrument is!), They're appropriate for a wide range of ages, They can be used to address goals in a variety of domains, And, they're multi sensory. The multisensory component is my favorite part because the majority of the individuals I [...]
Happy Thanksgiving Eve!! Thanksgiving is my new favorite holiday. I do my very best to go about my day in a state of gratitude and thankfulness, so this holiday is a perfect fit for me. (Oh and I LOVE turkey and apple pie! :) In today's blog, I want to share one of my favorite original [...]
Sometimes I wish I was an octopus. There are times when I am going into a session carrying my guitar, a keyboard, a gathering drum, AND a bag of instruments....and eight arms would really be helpful! (Who needs the gym when you have sessions all day long, right?) I have found that there is one [...]
As I type this post Steve and I are about 3 weeks away from our wedding day! I could not be more excited! Thank you to everyone who replied or commented on my Here Comes the Bride Post with fun song suggestions for our reception. We have lots of great songs to choose from - let [...]
Happy Saturday Song Share! I hope you've been enjoying the latest: Flora the Fish (for your beachy session plans) and Say Hello and Shake Hands (a greeting song for kids!) Today's song is for your instrument jam sessions. Whether you're using drums, bells, shakers, or any other type of instrument, this song will be great! Have [...]
Sing your heart out week continues!! Here is a song I use during my instrument playing activities, particularly those involving the xylophone and glockenspiel. I take out the 'B' and 'F' bars and the song fits perfectly. Also, the song lyrics can be individualized for different children using different instruments, for example "Danny plays the drum!" [...]
Last week the children at UCP's Early Beginnings Academy had the privilege of having a guest artist! Pedro, percussionist from University of Miami, came to visit the children and show them a variety of latin instruments. Here were some of the highlights... First, we heard the snare drum... We explored sounds that were soft and [...]
Watch to see how you can use items from the outdoors in your music therapy sessions! Pod guiros! Podshakers! What are YOUR ideas?
