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Top Music Therapy Trends of 2012: A Wishlist

Kimberly — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:41:37 +0000

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The new year brings it’s share of articles and posts that start with phrases like “the best of…”, “top ____ stories of…”, and “top _____ trends to watch for…”

This year, I’ve decided to create my own list: top music therapy trends of 2012. This list is mostly a “wishlist” of what I would like to see as top trends. And it fits in nicely with our social media advocacy month, don’t you think? I mean, isn’t that part of what advocacy’s all about? As I see it, one of the goals of advocacy is to develop public awareness and recognition of our field. So much so that, perhaps, that it warrants our very own “top trends” list one day. Wouldn’t that be nice?

With that in mind, here is my “loosely-based-in-fact-but-mostly-a-wishlist” list of top music therapy trends to watch for in 2012:

More referrals from doctors

We will see a significant increase in the number of doctors who are referring their patients for music therapy assessments as they become more aware of music therapy and the science supporting why it works. Whether to help reduce stress for cardiac patients, provide mental health support for psychiatric patients, enhance exercise protocols for rehab patients, or provide emotional support and reduce pain in hospitalized patients, people are more aware of the benefits music therapy can offer and are asking for music therapy treatment.

School districts have easy access to music therapy

Gone are the days when parents had to fight to get music therapy added to their child’s IEP. Music therapy referrals and assessments are now common occurrences for children enrolled in special education programs. Parents, teachers, and aides are aware of the common signs and behaviors to look for that indicate a child might benefit from music therapy. Additionally, school districts across the country have easy access to a board-certified music therapist, whether contracted or employed.

Music therapists as characters in movies, TV shows, and novels

It all started rather recently with characters in novels by Jodi Picoult and Allison Pearson and in movies like The Music Never Stopped. Characters who work as music therapists are showing up more frequently in storylines that involve music, mental health and psychology, or the medical sciences. These movies, TV shows, and novels are helping to bring the music therapy profession into the public consciousness.

Customized music for workout programs

Exercise and workout programs are becoming more important and more popular for the baby boomer generation. Realizing the tremendous impact rhythm can have on our motor movements, music therapists are customizing music for workout programs. People who use these workout programs report that the music helps them workout more efficiently and for longer periods of time.

Arts and music education in all the schools

Realizing the tremendous benefit of an arts-based education on child development, schools are allocating more resources and support towards their art, music, dance, and theater departments. Gone are the days when schools automatically cut these programs. Instead, they are working to support and nurture their arts and music education programs.

People are seeking music therapy consultations

Music therapy–and any kind of therapy, for that matter–can be very expensive. As such, more and more music therapists are beginning to offer consultation services. Instead of working with a client individually every week, these music therapists are developing customized home-based programs that they track and tweak as needed.

The emergence of e-music therapy

Although the benefit and value of “doing therapy” through a video conferencing service like Skype is still being debated, music therapists are beginning to give it a test run. In particular, look for video conference to be used more often in conjunction with consultation services and as a way to access clients in remote areas (e.g. for disaster relief).

All 50 states formally recognize music therapy

For the very first time–and as a result of the collaboration between the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), and music therapists across the country–all 50 states formally recognize the music therapy profession. Some states have created a music therapy license and other states have created music therapy registries. Regardless, because of these efforts, we should start seeing it become easier for every US citizen to access music therapy services should they want to.

So, if you were to add anything to this “top trends” wishlist, what would it be?

P.S. Don’t forget! As part of social media advocacy month, take this fun little quiz to see what your advocacy personality is. Let us know in the comments section what type of advocate you are!

It’s Social Media Advocacy Month!

Kimberly — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:07:01 +0000

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The 2nd annual Social Media Advocacy month has officially launched!

If you read other music therapy blogs or listen to music therapy podcasts, you’ll notice a lot of us will be talking about advocacy. That is because over two dozen music therapy bloggers and podcasters are participating in a project in which we use social media to talk about and get people excited about advocacy.

You can read more about the project here and I highly encourage you to support all the participants by reading and sharing their posts.

For my part, I will be talking about advocacy and about this project every week this month. If you’re excited about this project–as I know I am!–and want to get into the action as it happens, be sure to follow the #mtadvocacy hashtag on Twitter.

In the meantime, I will leave you with a video I recorded and posted last year all about music therapy advocacy. Happy watching!

P.S. Did you know we have a “What’s Your Advocacy Personality?” quiz? It’s a fun, Cosmo-style quiz that will help you determine your most natural, comfortable advocacy style. Jump over here to check it out…and be sure to let us know your advocacy style in the comments section!

Do Music Therapists “Own” Music?

Kimberly — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:16:02 +0000

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I received an awesome comment from Maven reader Brid this week. He wrote:

Hi Kimberly, I’m perusing your site with particular interest at the moment. I’m actually a ‘nearly’ graduated occupational therapy student (just three weeks from the finish line!) and I’m also a keen musician – I have a MA in performance and a lifetime of playing, composing, performing and teaching.

I’d be interested in your thoughts on other disciplines using music as part of their therapy – is this something you support (given the therapeutic value of music) or do you feel other disciplines would muck it up without specialized training?

I’m currently running a music group with clients with enduring mental illness – I’m running it with a social/skills building/therapeutic slant, letting the participants experience a number of different aspects of music (thus far active listening, relaxation, singing, waltzing, hand jiving, exercising and talking about music). I suppose my goal is for the participants to experience music, to realize that music is for everyone, to develop skills like attention, memory and coordination and perhaps to encourage them to consciously include music in their everyday lives. I’m almost a qualified occupational therapist and believe that the sessions are benefiting clients – the hand jiving session was wonderful fun – totally infectious!!

So I wonder how you (and others) as music therapists feel about OTs or SLTs or psychologists or nurses or doctors running music groups or using music as therapy?

Although I answered Brid in the comment section of that article, it’s a question worth an entire blog post. Brid is not the first person to ask whether music therapists are “okay” with other professionals using music in their work.

The short answer is: of course!!! Music therapists in no way “own” music. We understand the power of music and think it’s wonderful when other professionals incorporate it in to their work.

But does that mean those professionals are “doing music therapy.” Well…no.

When I run a music and exercise group, am I “doing OT” or “doing PT” because I’m using many of the same exercises they use? No.

When I incorporate oral motor and respiratory exercises to strengthen the speech of an individual with Parkinson’s, does that mean I’m “doing speech therapy?” No.

And when I use active listening techniques when facilitating a group therapy session, does that mean I’m “doing counseling?” Absolutely not.

So…then what’s the difference?

The difference is that each professional listed above is trained to follow and adhere to a Scope of Practice and a Code of Ethics for their field. We have a deep understanding of the theory behind our practice, of what works and why it works, and how to best incorporate it in various situations.

In the case of music therapists, we have a solid foundation in music playing, music theory, composition, improvisation, and music psychology. In addition, we are trained in psychology and the sciences and learn how our brains and bodies respond to music and rhythm.

A music therapist not only understands the art of music as therapy…but also the science of it. And we can do amazing things with that knowledge.

I welcome anyone who–as long as they are working within their own training and scope of practice–uses music in their health, healing, and educational work. I say this with an understanding and a guarantee that how they use music won’t match what a board-certified music therapist can do.

Music Therapy Is…Music Re-Learning?

Kimberly — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:56:55 +0000

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My husband is a band director and music educator. He first heard about music therapy over 10 years ago–before we met–after getting his first college teaching job.

Given his first-hand experience of the power of music, he was very interested in learning about music therapy…and, more specifically, in the difference between music therapy and music education.

So he talked to this colleagues. And, over the years, one of them gave an interesting, simplified explanation of the difference between music education and music therapy:

Music education is “music learning.” Music therapy is “music re-learning.”

I’ve thought about this statement a lot. Do I agree with it…or not?

To an extent, it makes sense. Say you work in a rehab setting. You’re working with someone who has Parkinson’s and you’re using rhythm to help them “re-learn” how to walk. To re-teach their motor system to work more efficiently.

Or maybe you work in mental health. You’re working with an adult client, using music to help them understand their current thoughts and behaviors so they can “re-learn” new ones.

But what if you work with children? You can’t really say they’re “re-learning” something, because they haven’t learned it in the first place, right?

Chances are, though, that if you work with children, you’re helping them learn skills…in an adaptive way. With that in mind, perhaps this is a better distinction between the two:

Music education is “music learning.” Music therapy is “music re-learning and adaptive learning.”

I know this is an over-simplification. There are lots of nuances and complexities in our field that can’t be summed up in one statement. But as a profession, we also are looking for ways to define ourselves in terms the “layperson” can understand. So trying to create a concise statement like this can be helpful.

With that in mind, what are YOUR thoughts on this statement? Keeping in mind that this is a statement describing the difference between music therapy and music ed…what do you think fits? What do you disagree with? Please leave a comment in the boxes below to share your thoughts!

Article Sharing: Music Therapy, Sensory Integration, and Pain

Kimberly — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:43:40 +0000

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The title is kind of funny, isn’t it? I mean, what do “sensory integration” and “pain” have in common?

For starters, articles I wrote on those topics were published last week

I have the good fortune of periodically being invited to write for other blogs. One of those blogs is Pediastaff, a provider of pediatric therapy services.

Last week, Pediastaff published a review I wrote on Songames, a CD and booklet that outlines structured, music-based experience for children with sensory integration issues. Want to know what I, as a music therapist, thought? Check it out here: Product Review: Songames (TM) for Sensory Integration

I am also a blogger on Psychology Today, where last year I started the blog “Your Musical Self.” My most recent post is on musical analgesia…or how music can help your pain. Whether chronic or acute, research is showing that music can be an effective pain management tool: Musical Analgesia: How Music Helps Pain

Finally, I’m always on the lookout for great articles related to music therapy–clinical music therapy, music therapy research, music neuroscience, etc. If you’ve read anything interesting (or have written anything interesting yourself!) and would like to share it, please leave a comment in the boxes below!

4 Reasons Why This Song Is NOT Good For Walking

Kimberly — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:45:56 +0000

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There’s been a lot of exposure and interest in music therapy this spring…and one big reason is because of Representative Gabby Gifford’s therapy treatment. My music therapy friends and I have excitedly been sharing both articles we’ve written and those that have appeared on CNN, ABC, and the local Houston TV station.

Although the circumstances are tragic, this type of national exposure and interest is great. We, as a profession, have a unique opportunity to educate the public about what we do best.

But I have a confession. There’s a song that keeps appearing in the stories…and it’s driving me nuts!

This song has been used as an example of how music is used to help someone re-learn how to walk (otherwise known as gait rehabilitation). This particular song is great, but…

Okay, I’ll just say it:

“When the Saints Go Marching In” is NOT a good song to use in gait rehabilitation!

Yes, it has “marching” in the title. And, yes, it’s a great song for music therapists to have in their repertoire. But when you’re looking at songs to help someone with a neurological insult re-learn how to walk? It’s not the best choice. Here’s why:

The strong beats are on 2 and 4. To me, this is the biggest reason why this song isn’t the best choice. In general, songs with the strong beats on 1 and 3 are better choices for helping a person’s brain organize it’s motor system. This song begs for you to clap on 2 and 4. (And for a funny reminder of the difference between the strong beats on 1 & 3 versus those on 2 & 4, check out this video of Rev. Wright demonstrating the difference.)
The melody has lots of long, sustained notes. Think about it…”Oh when the SAINTS go marching IN, oh when the SAINTS GO MAR-CHING IIIIINNNN….” All those words in CAPS are long notes that don’t provide lots of musical information. Of course you can provide that extra information through your accompaniment…but why not have the melody help?
The melody starts with a pick-up. All aspects of the music should help facilitate the motor movement. And having a moving melodic line that doesn’t start on a strong beat? Probably not the best facilitator. (Note that this isn’t a deal breaker–as you’ll see below–but the combination of these reasons in “When the Saints” is what makes it a not-so-good choice.)
It loses it’s musical integrity if played too slowly. There are some songs that still “work” when played too slowly…but “When the Saints” isn’t one of them. As a therapist, chances are that when working with a client on gait rehab, they will be walking slowly. Very slowly. So you need a song that still works when played slowly. And that’s not this song. (To be fair, you can make this song work for some clients if their gait is fast enough and you can play this song at a more “normal” tempo.)

This all boils down to understanding that, as music therapists, we need to pick songs–and play them–with musical qualities and characteristics that work best for our clients. Melody, timbre, harmony, dynamics, rhythm…all are important qualities that have the potential to enhance the therapeutic benefit.

Now that I’ve mentioned all the reasons why “When the Saints” isn’t a great choice for gait rehab…here are other songs that work better:

“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”
“You Are My Sunshine”
“This Land Is Your Land”
“Battle Hymn of the Republic”
“Oh Susanna”
“Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah”
“This Little Light of Mine”

This post is dedicated to my good friend Sarah Johnson, music therapist-extraordinaire at Poudre Valley Hospital (Fort Collins CO). Sarah is the guru of music therapy and rehabilitation and she taught me the importance of using music in a functional way.

It’s Blog Sponsor Week! Meet Listen and Learn Music

Kimberly — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:30:24 +0000

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This week, I’ve been introducing you to the wonderful Music Therapy Maven sponsors. In this final “installment,” I’d like you to meet blogger extraordinaire Rachel Rambach, who manages the highly successful Listen and Learn Music blog and an in-demand practice in her hometown of Springfield IL called Music Therapy Connections. Hello Rachel!

The “About” page of Rachel’s blog sums it up beautifully. She writes:

“A few words and phrases I might use to describe myself: music therapist, singer, songwriter, educator, social media and technology enthusiast. So what happens when all of these aspects of my life converge? Well, you’re looking at it! Listen & Learn is where all of my interests and skills are combined for one purpose: to help children learn and grow through music.”

And Rachel does just that.

Rachel is an active blogger whose site is chock-full of original songs, technology tidbits, and resources for anyone who works with children: music therapist, music educators, teachers, and parents alike. You can learn from her just by reading her blog–or you can dig deeper by purchasing her CDs, sheet music, custom songs, or joining the Listen and Learn Plus program. Whew!

I invite you now to hop on over to Listen and Learn Music and discover what Rachel has to offer!

Are YOU interested in becoming a Maven sponsor? Have targeted traffic sent directly to your site from thousands of visitors and hundreds of loyal Maven readers? If so, click here to learn how to make that happen!

It’s Blog Sponsor Week! Meet Emily Ann Peterson

Kimberly — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:30:23 +0000

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This week, I’d like to introduce you to the wonderful sponsors of the Music Therapy Maven. Today, meet Emily Ann Peterson, a professional cellist, cello teacher, and blogger in the Seattle area. You can find Emily at EmilyAnnPeterson.com, where she puts the “Oh!” in “Cello!” Welcome Emily!

Emily Ann Peterson is a cellist from North Texas who transplanted to Seattle in 2008. Her mission is to promote personal growth & instill character development to any age, ability, or audience by revealing an authentic, vulnerable, and disciplined approach to both teaching and performing.

In the very short time she’s been in Seattle, her repertoire of involvement in the Seattle music scene (both classical and non-traditional avenues) has grown at an exponential rate. She is a Suzuki certified cello teacher with ~25 students, their ages ranging from 6-60+. She volunteers for Whitman Middle School’s exploratory orchestra class by coaching 15+ beginner cellists.

In the non-traditional arena of music the following bands and artists have featured her in their recordings or performances: David Bazan, Grand Hallway, Graystar, Rosie Thomas, Shannon Stephens, Barcelona, Talitha Bullock, Star Anna, Damien Jurado, Jesse Sykes, and many more. Her classical repertoire of involvement includes membership in the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, a featured musician and collaborator for the Karin Stevens Dance Company, and a guest musician for the University of Washington’s Opera Department.

She regularly plays with her band, JUBILEE, a nonprofit abolitionist band whose motto is “Do what you love to undo what you hate.”

For more information please visit, www.emilyannpeterson.com

It’s Blog Sponsor Week! Say Hi to the Music Therapy Tween

Kimberly — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:00:12 +0000

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It’s blog sponsor week! Throughout the week, I invite you to meet the wonderful sponsors of the Music Therapy Maven. Today, say hi to the Music Therapy Tween.

Michelle Erfurt is a busy lady. She provides music therapy services for Treasure Coast Hospice and in private practice, she runs the Music Therapy Tween blog, is co-host of the Music Therapy Round Table podcast, and is–in her own words–a “hobby addict.”

Until recently, Michelle also managed the wonderful Erfurt Music Resource site, which was just recently retired. Here’s why, in her words:

“Reason for retirement: Michelle Erfurt is having trouble managing two websites. In the interest of balance and personal sanity she is concentrating all her efforts to her original blog: MusicTherapyTween.com.

“What does this mean?: This means that ALL information from Michelle Erfurt will be concentrated into her blog: Music Therapy Tween… rather than dividing it into two blogs. Now the Music Therapy Tween will be the ultimate online location for music therapy information.

“New products at the Music Therapy Tween:

Boom Tote… a carrying bag for your boomwhacker instruments. http://www.etsy.com/listing/71967499/boom-tote
G Clef Coffee Cozy… keeps your hands cool while sharing your love of music. http://www.etsy.com/listing/70476027/g-clef-coffee-cozy?ref=v1_other_1
Hanging Car Organizer… Keeps your paperwork within hands reach when driving to your next client. http://www.etsy.com/shop/merfurt?ref=si_shop”

So for tips and thoughts from a traveling music therapist, business owner, and hobby addict, I invite you to hop on over and check out the Music Therapy Tween!

Music Therapy Maven » Music Therapy

Top Music Therapy Trends of 2012: A Wishlist

It’s Social Media Advocacy Month!

The 2nd annual Social Media Advocacy month has officially launched!

Do Music Therapists “Own” Music?

Music Therapy Is…Music Re-Learning?

Article Sharing: Music Therapy, Sensory Integration, and Pain

4 Reasons Why This Song Is NOT Good For Walking

Top 10 Little-Read Posts from the Maven Archives

It’s Blog Sponsor Week! Meet Listen and Learn Music

It’s Blog Sponsor Week! Meet Emily Ann Peterson

It’s Blog Sponsor Week! Say Hi to the Music Therapy Tween