In this episode, we will delve into the world of music therapy with Dr. Kenneth Aigen who takes us on a journey through his innovative approach to music therapy, known as music-centered music therapy. Join the conversation as he sheds light on how this unique method can benefit individuals in profound ways. He also shares his experiences working within the Nordoff-Robbins model of music therapy, offering insights into the transformative power of music in therapeutic settings. Through his personal anecdotes and clinical encounters, we will gain a deeper understanding of the healing potential of music and its ability to connect us on emotional, cognitive, and transcendental levels.

Join us for an insightful podcast episode featuring Dr. Michael Zanders, where we delve into the fascinating realm of music psychotherapy. We'll explore the psychological significance of various musical elements (meter, tempo, melody, harmony, etc.), how they can be utilized in the context of music therapy, and how they can mirror different aspects of our psyche. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of music and mental health.

Music is for everyone. As music therapists, we are always looking for more ways to make music experiences more inclusive. This post will share resources and links to answer all of these questions in efforts to make guitar playing accessible for anyone who wants to learn.

Song discussion and lyric analysis interventions are common in music therapy and can provide a variety of benefits throughout the treatment process. These are some example music therapy goals for lyric analysis or song discussion interventions that you can use in your own MT practice.

With Halloween just around the corner, it's the perfect time to delve into the mysterious and haunting world of Halloween-themed songs! From spine-tingling classics to contemporary hits, we have compiled a list of 20+ spooky songs for your session planning inspiration.

We’re are thrilled to offer a new free printable resource for all those who seek to add a touch of Halloween magic to their music therapy interventions. Introducing "My Spooky Halloween Playlist," a comprehensive and engaging tool designed to enhance the therapeutic experience with a ghoulish twist. This free printable is a resource for music therapists looking to create a fun and thematic music therapy session during the Halloween season.

In this episode, we explore the intriguing realm of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) with Dr. Nicki Cohen. As an expert GIM practitioner and trainer, Dr. Cohen delves into the ways in which music and imagery can combine to unlock insights from our subconscious mind. She also shares her firsthand experiences training under the guidance of Helen Bonny and her personal, archetypical experiences as a GIM traveler. Tune in to discover the power of imagery and the many ways it can facilitate healing through musical experiences.

In this episode, we explore the world of neutral music - music that doesn't necessarily make you feel happy or sad but rather falls somewhere in between. We'll discuss the importance of this type of music and how it can provide a sense of comfort and support during uncertain times. Join our guest Allyson Rogers, MMT, MT-BC and dive into the conversation about why this type of music can be effective in regulating our emotions. Tune in to "The Musical Grey Area" and discover the power of neutral music through playlist creation, musical genres, research, Dorian mode, and our personal experiences as music therapists in private practice.

In this episode, we explore the topic of musical burnout, a very common experience among individuals in music careers. This episode features Omar Oyoque, a professional touring musician and music therapy student. Join us as we discuss what musical burnout is, the symptoms of it, and share tips on how to cope with it. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist, this episode is for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed or exhausted by the demands of making music. Tune in to learn more about coping with musical burnout and taking care of your mental health as a musician.

Music therapists seeking reimbursement or insurance coverage are often required to provide goals that are measurable for treatment approval. Making song selections is an important way to incorporate a client’s preferred music and it can also be an opportunity to target non-musical goals that are important for a client’s overall well-being. Making song selections is an important part of the music therapy process, as using preferred songs can empower the client, increase a client’s connection to the provided interventions, and increase opportunities for song discussion.

In this episode, we explore the incredible relationship between music and social health. Today's guest, Heather Mock, shares insights from her thesis on the topic and explains how resource-oriented music therapy can help improve our social connections. We discuss the many ways in which music brings people together and enhances our ability to form relationships. From the role of music in society to the use of music in therapy, we discuss the social benefits of music in depth. Tune in to learn more about the power of music to improve our social lives and overall well-being.

In the second episode, "Our Musical Brain," we delve into the fascinating topic of how the brain processes music. From the rhythms and melodies that we hear to the emotions that we feel, music has a profound impact on our brains. We explore the neurology behind this experience and provide an introduction to parts of the brain that are activated by making or listening to music.

Learning how to play an instrument, such as the guitar, transferred into their every day life by providing a meaningful way to target general range of motion, motor planning skills, fine motor skills, bilateral coordination and more! Music therapists seeking reimbursement or insurance coverage are often required to provide goals that are measureable for treatment approval. These are some example goals that be individualized to your client’s needs in music therapy, specifically when create goals in private practice.

Welcome to the first episode of "You Are What You Listen To!" In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating topic of musical preferences. Why do we like the music we like? What does it say about us and our life experiences? We'll delve into some theories surrounding our musical preferences and influences, and discuss how music can mirror our selves in many ways. Join us as we explore the deep connections between music, personality, and identity in this exciting debut episode.

Music has the power to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people from all walks of life. Having access to multicultural resources is important for developing cultural competency as music therapists. In this blog, we have curated a list of valuable resources for multicultural music therapy. These resources include books and articles that explore diverse musical traditions, address cultural competency in therapy sessions, and offer practical strategies for incorporating multicultural approaches into our practice.

Using games in music therapy can be a fun way to increase participation in sessions. From rapport building to decision making skills, there are so many goals that musical games can address. In the last few weeks, I’ve found that my clients have really enjoyed incorporating games, specifically dice games, in our sessions so I’ve spent some time over the last month creating new activities for them to enjoy.

Looking for a fun way to incorporate songwriting into your music therapy session? Let’s try an interactive game! This reel gives clients the opportunity to select from 9 different songwriting prompts.

Since the start of the pandemic, healthcare providers around the world have been working to keep our communities safe, sometimes at the cost of their lives and well-being. As we mark two years since the initial lockdown, I’d like to share some of my favorite affirmations.

It‘a February and themes of love are emerging! Whether we’re discussing self love or the love we have for others in our lives, the topic of Valentine‘s Day will probably be coming up naturally in our sessions over the next couple weeks. Here in South Texas, it’s common to hear about serenatas or serenades as a way to express admiration, appreciation, and love for those around us.

Playing or learning piano is a common intervention that can be used in music therapy to address a variety of non-musical goals 🎹 One of the most amazing things about music therapy is the ability to use music as a tool to improve our overall health and well-being. Our goals in music therapy are focused on physical, social, psychological, and cognitive health.  Although the goal of music therapy is not necessary to become a better musician, music therapists can incorporate piano or other instruments within sessions as means of achieving health-centered goals.