An Introduction

Well hi there. I'm Rachel, and I can't tell you how excited I am about this blog. It's actually an extension of my website, Music Therapy Connections, which is how many of you may have gotten here. If that is the case, you can just go ahead and skip over the next few paragraphs!

As a board-certified music therapist, I work with children of all age levels in both mainstream and special education settings. I use music to address nonmusical skills, including social, cognitive, emotional, and physical. Though levels of skill and functioning varies widely from child to child, a strong love and positive response to music is characteristic of most, if not all of them.

When I began my work as a music therapist, I realized how scarce great resources truly are in this field. I wanted materials that I could use across a wide spectrum, not just those geared towards children with severe disabilities or gifted children. I wanted materials that would appeal to all age groups - materials that teachers, parents, and adult caregivers would enjoy utilizing as well.

When I couldn't find anything that truly met my needs, I began to create my own. I wrote and recorded song after song and over time amassed a collection that I was able to use in every single setting. The children with whom I work know and love these songs, which is apparent by the big smiles on their faces and the sound of their voices singing along.

But what is most important is that while they are singing and having a good time, these children are learning. They are learning to count, they are learning the correct way to brush their teeth, and they are learning to use manners. The reason why my songs do the job they are meant to do is that listening to them doesn't feel like work. They truly make learning fun.

And that is why I started this blog...all this time, I have been selfishly keeping these wonderful tools to myself! So now, hopefully your child or student can benefit from my songs as mine have; and if they do, tell your friends. Tell your child's teacher. And keep coming back to visit me!