January 2010

Watch and Learn: The Mirror Neuron Song

January 28, 2010

In the 1990s, scientists at the University of Parma were studying motor neurons in monkeys. They attached electrodes to a monkey’s brain cells responsible for movements. These electrodes recorded whenever those cells fired…a.k.a. whenever the monkey moved.
Monkeys like peanuts. The researchers set out peanuts for the monkeys to grab. Monkey grabs a peanut, motor neuron [...]

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Which is More Critical: Science-Based Treatment? Or Skilled Therapists?

January 26, 2010

Over the weekend, I listened to a very interesting debate on NPR Science Friday. The three guests were psychotherapists discussing whether there should be a scientific basis to clinical psychology.
I’ve summarized the three viewpoints below. I wanted to share this debate with you, because I think we have similar discussions in the music therapy field.
What [...]

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Music Therapy Bloggers to Watch in 2010

January 21, 2010

Darren Rowse at Problogger gave his readers a challenge to write our own “bloggers to watch in 2010″ article. It seemed like fun (and is different from posts I typically write), so thought I’d take the plunge.
These are music therapy bloggers (professionals and students) I follow and whose blogs inspire, entertain, and educate. Here they [...]

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We’re in the paper!

January 19, 2010

If you follow me on Twitter or are a fan of Neurosong on Facebook, you already know I have some exciting news to share with you.
Last December, a reporter from our local paper, the Fort Collins Coloradoan, contacted me. He had stumbled across my website, and thought a story on Neurosong and music therapy would [...]

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I’m Off to CBMT World!

January 14, 2010

I’ve packed my bags, the car’s filled with gas, the kids are excited. Today I’m heading to Kansas City.
This is my third year serving on the Exam Committee for the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). I’m heading to an intense three-day meeting to talk stats, music therapy practice, and theory with a roomful of [...]

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A Week of Movin’ and Shakin’

January 12, 2010

It’s been a busy week for me and my blog. I’ve been working on several new projects that I hope will benefit you. Here’s the brief run-down:
New Project 1
First (this one’s primarily for music therapists and music therapy students), I am developing a series of courses designed to help and support you. I have some [...]

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Book Review: This is Your Brain on Music

January 7, 2010

If you read my blog, you know that I am a big fan of neuroscience. The brain  fascinates me and understanding how it works is a big part of my clinical work.
So it should be no surprise that Dan Levitin’s book This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession has been [...]

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Happy New Year! (Now Time for Taxes)

January 5, 2010

Wow–2010. I’m sitting here at my computer, first day back at work after the holiday break, and already I’ve had to delete “200-” and re-type “2010″…many times.
Not only does this time of year bring excitement and anticipation for what’s in store (and maybe a little post-holiday letdown), it also brings a season near and dear [...]

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