Have you been doing any virtual music therapy sessions? I've been doing virtual adapted lessons, but just had my first virtual music therapy session with a group of teens last week. I have to tell you - it was so good to see those faces on Zoom. I am really missing everyone, especially because we [...]
The other day I was walking through Target and had a 'Hallelujah moment'! Seriously. I was coming in for one item: a white t-shirt that my daughter needed for an art project at her preschool. But, like most times I visit Target, I never made it past the Dollar Section (does that happen to you, [...]
I always look forward to Mondays. On Mondays I have a full day of sessions and lessons, ranging from mommy & me groups with babies and toddlers to adapted guitar lessons with teens on the autism spectrum. I also facilitate a music therapy group called Sing, Speak & Socialize. This group is specifically designed for children on [...]
As April is winding down, so is the school year here at University of Miami (UM), where I've been teaching this past school year. It has been an incredible year and I have learned so, so much! I'm looking forward to the coming months, where I have a few major life changes coming down the [...]
Empathy. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of empathy is: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner. I decided to explore this [...]
No, not really! It's just the name of the newest release for my Saturday Song Share series! Hello and Goodbye Songs are an important part of my music therapy sessions for children with special needs. They are not necessarily right for all populations and settings, but for my children's groups, they provide structure and predictability, as well [...]
It's time for another Saturday Song Share! Woot woot! Last week's song share was a High Five song (always a popular way to greet a friend!). Today's song share is another greeting song...this one encourages children to say hello and shake hands. This is one of my favorite original songs....I think because of the minor key. [...]
It's time for a Saturday Song Share! I've been sharing songs here and there, and today I'm super excited to start a new regular series for Wholesome Harmonies - Saturday Song Share! So mark your calendar and stay tuned. Here goes! Greeting songs are an important part of my music therapy sessions for children with [...]
Today's post will wrap up Sing Your Heart Out week! Each day this week, I shared a new song that you can use in your music therapy sessions or music classes. Day 1: It is Time to Sing a Song ~ a song for building communication skills Day 2: I Am An Elephant ~ a [...]
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!" [...]
