reflections

What’s in a name? Reflections on describing the work we do

September 3, 2020

Note: This is a blog post with no answers. Socrates (470-399 B.C.E.) is credited with saying “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” In my work, this “definition of terms” idea can be expressed in various ways, such as through operational definitions.  (An operational definition is a description of a variable, procedure, process, […]

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Music and Musicking

August 7, 2018
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I have a confession: I am not a fan of the word “musicking.” Not only is it a silly-sounding word to me, but you can’t even find it in Merriam-Webster. (Okay, technically it’s described as the “present participle of music,” meaning it’s the ongoing action of the thing called “music.” But unlike other present participles […]

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#MTAdvocacy and Finding My Advocacy Song

January 11, 2018
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It’s January! Know what that means…? Time for the annual Music Therapy Social Media Advocacy month! I have had the distinct pleasure of helping to coordinate this project since its inception in 2012. Whereas in year’s past we invited music therapy bloggers and podcasters to talk about advocacy, this year we’re structuring the project differently […]

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Pomp and Circumstance-inspired Musings

May 13, 2017
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I am fresh off the annual academic tradition of the commencement ceremony. With its academic regalia, inspirational speeches, decorated caps, air horns, and (of course) music, this event marks a concrete moment in life when one transitions into a new role—student to professional, student back to (law/medical/grad) student, student scholar to professional academic. I enjoy […]

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In Defense of Extrinsic Benefits…?

August 11, 2016
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Another summer means another opportunity to catch up on a little book reading. This summer’s reading list was inspired by my upcoming teaching and writing commitments. Two books in particular sparked musings on a topic I haven’t yet blogged about (at least not directly), but about which I’ve had numerous conversations with music therapists and […]

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Ability Doesn’t Occur in a Vacuum

April 14, 2016
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I had the distinct pleasure earlier this week to watch a graduate student present to a group of parents on her advanced practicum experience. This student has been working this spring with their children, focusing specifically on facilitating their emotion development. Being that this was a graduate course, this focus went a little deeper than […]

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Feeling Stagnant

July 9, 2014
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I’ve been struggling to come up with topic ideas for this blog. It’s not a new struggle—this kind of stagnation has happened periodically in my 5+ years of blogging. You may even call it writer’s block. My initial reaction to this feeling is always one of alarm. After all, I take a developmental approach and […]

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[PsychToday] The Legacy of Pete Seeger: A Music Therapist’s Perspective

January 31, 2014
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The world lost an amazing human being this week. Pete Seeger has been called many things: a singer, a banjo player, a songwriter, an activist, a troubadour, a folk singer, “un-American,” a teacher, a champion. His legacy and mark on the world will undoubtably continue for many years…Read more.

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2013: A Year in Review

December 27, 2013
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2013 is rapidly coming to a close. As the year ends, it is customary to take a moment and reflect on what has transpired. In that spirit, I invite you to join me as I share with you a look back on 2013 through the eyes of the Music Therapy Maven. Most Read How You […]

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