Click, Clack!

Wow, has it been a busy week! Between the students at the Hope Institute returning to the classroom and long rehearsals every night for Guys & Dolls, I was ready for a weekend-long nap. I didn't have that luxury, though; there were four performances and lots of work to be done, instead. It was exhausting, but here I am on Monday morning, ready for a brand new week at school and the start of the fall session at my private studio this afternoon.

In addition to my classes at school last week, I was also able to write a couple new tunes in preparation for the coming month. The first is one meant to accompany my new instruments: castanets! I purchased them through Musician's Friend (see them here) and I think they are going to be a hit. Hopefully the song will be, too!


Sheet Music: $1


Click, clack, clack, click,
Move your fingers oh so quick.
Click, clack is the sound you get
When you play the castanet.

Left hand, click, clack,
Up and down and forth and back.
Left hand, open and close,
Click clack is how it goes.

CHORUS

Right hand, click, clack,
Up and down and forth and back.
Right hand, open and close,
Click clack is how it goes.

CHORUS

Both hands, click, clack,
Up and down and forth and back.
Both hands, open and close,
Click clack is how it goes.

CHORUS

For many of my students, the concept of left and right is very foreign and not yet within their grasp, but it's never too early to start working on it. Listen to and read about another song I wrote on this very subject here.

I have more new songs in the hopper, so make sure to come back tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy your Monday! Oh, and the last day of August...can you even believe it??

Friday Fave: Guys & Dolls in Concert!

I know this is not music therapy or children-related, but I just had to mention the wonderful production that I'm a part of, which happens to open tonight! It is being put on as a fundraiser for the Hoogland Center for the Arts, which is a hub for all things theater and arts-related in Springfield. The center is facing some financial difficulties, and we are hoping that this show helps secure its future.

The cast of Guys & Dolls includes Eddie Mekka, who you might remember as Carmine from "Laverne & Shirley". I've never seen the show, but it has been fun to share the stage with a former TV star. He plays Nathan Detroit, and is supported by local actors filling the roles of the other characters. If you live in Springfield and want to come see the show, you can call 523-ARTS for tickets.

So that is what I will be doing all weekend. I'm a bit overwhelmed with all of the work I need to finish in the next couple of days (in between shows) but as always, it will get done. What are your plans for the weekend? Whatever they are, I hope you have a good one!

Today at Listen & Learn Music Plus!

School is back in session, which means lots and lots of singing "hello" and "goodbye" to my students. This week I've shared my brand new songs for that purpose with you, and today the lead sheet for "Time to Sing Hello" is available to subscribers...learn about becoming one today!

Music Therapy: A Hybrid?

That is exactly how it is described in an article from Time Out New York, which I found via a blog post by Brown Music Therapy. The article is titled "The New Hybrids" and leads in as follows:

We're not talking about eco-friendly cars, but innovative fields that blend disciplines in unexpected ways - and could kick-start your career.

Other "hybrid" jobs mentioned in the article include narrative medicine, urban agriculture, and food media. I've never used that particular term to describe music therapy, but in a way, it sort of fits. Music therapy is still considered to be a new and, for some people, unconventional field, and there is always a lot of curiosity at the mention of it.

If you are a music therapist, you know how difficult it can be to explain your job to someone who is completely unfamiliar with the field. I still struggle with this, even after almost three years. I've read so many magazine and newspaper articles where music therapy is either misrepresented or poorly explained, so I was impressed with the short write-up featured in this article. Read it for yourself here.

A New Way to Say Goodbye

When I introduced a brand-new goodbye song in one of my classes this morning, I was met with mixed emotions...from the staff! The students seemed to respond very positively to the new tune, while several of my coworkers didn't hide their disappointment that I strayed from the usual goodbye song. They were good sports, though, and were quick to adapt and sing along. I'm lucky to have classroom staff that are so supportive of the music therapy program :)

Like the hello song I discussed yesterday, today's goodbye song replaces several old standbys that have passed their prime. See what you think:


Sheet Music: $1


It’s time for me to go, oh, oh, oh,
Music is over for today.
It’s time for me to go, oh, oh, oh,
So tell me, what do we say?

Goodbye, goodbye,
Farewell, and so long.
Goodbye, goodbye,
This is the goodbye song.

Wish I could stay, hey, hey, hey,
But I’m afraid our time is through.
Wish I could stay, hey, hey, hey,
But I have to sing goodbye to you.

Goodbye, goodbye,
Farewell, and so long.
Goodbye, goodbye,
This is the goodbye song.

And now I must say goodbye to YOU, because it is my bedtime! Now that school is back in session, I find that I need an extra hour or so of sleep in order to keep my energy up all day long. My job is extremely gratifying, but it is also extremely exhausting!

Time to Sing Hello

The students have returned! Today is the official start of the school year, and I've already had music therapy with two classes. It was so much fun seeing all of the kids after an entire summer away, and for the most part, they were happy to see me, too. I was excited to introduce some new tunes, including a brand-new hello song. I had been rotating the same few for the last two years, and though the students and staff liked them, it was time for a change. This is what I came up with:


Sheet Music: $1


Hands clap,
Feet tap,
It’s time to sing hello.
To you and you and you and you
All of the people that we know.

So let’s all come together,
And sing out big and strong.
Let’s have a good time in music,
While we dance and play along.

Sit up tall,
Let’s have a ball.
It’s time to sing hello.
To you and you and you and you
All of the people that we know.

Hello everybody, hello.
Hello everybody, hello.
Hello everybody, hello.

Music has begun!

Introducing new songs and activities is always a challenge with some of our students, but so far, they've all responded very positively. Hopefully that will continue to be the case as I visit all of the remaining classes this week!

The First Day of School

I wasn't sure what to expect on my first day back after being away all summer, but so far, so GREAT! It has been wonderful seeing my colleagues, and although we've had meetings all day, somehow everyone is still in a great mood :) My room, which is often a disaster area when I return after summer break, was actually in good shape so I get to be even more productive than I thought this afternoon!

Speaking of...I have lots to do, including drafting my fall schedule, writing lesson plans, putting packets together for teachers, and burning CDs. Blogging is NOT on that list, so I'm going to cut this post short. Just wanted to say hi, and for those of you also experiencing your first day of school, hope yours is as enjoyable as mine!

Yummy Summer

Back in July, I held a contest over at Listen & Learn Plus! which involved subscribers coming up with topics for fun summer songs. The second winner is Rebecca, and this was her idea:

"There are so many foods that seem to be best eaten in the summer at picnics, cookouts, and pool parties. What about a song dedicated to summer munchies?"

Rebecca won a Custom CD for her topic idea. This is the song I've come up with using her great suggestions. Hope you like it!



In the summer, there’s so much yummy food to eat.
For breakfast, lunch and dinner or a tasty treat.
When the weather is warm, my belly is full
The only thing that’s empty is the plate or bowl!

Watermelon, the fruit that’s green and pink,
Is best when eaten over the sink.
Because it’s juicy and sticky, and oh so sweet,
Watermelon is a yummy summer treat.

CHORUS

Salad is green and made of lettuce, it’s true.
A healthy food to eat for lunch, and you
Can top it with chicken or cheese, and then
The dressing comes last so go on and pour it in.

CHORUS

Corn on the cob is yellow with a crunch,
It’s my favorite vegetable of the bunch.
Cook it on the grill and season it, too.
Corn on the cob is a food that’s good for you.

CHORUS

Ice cream comes in every color you see,
One scoop for you, and one for me.
Eat it for a snack when the sun is hot,
Oh my, my, I like ice cream a whole lot.

Rumble in the Jungle

Have you ever bought a book, instrument, or other classroom resource and then forgotten about it, leaving it unused on a shelf? Well that is exactly what happened to me with the book Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae, which I purchased at Barnes & Noble over two years ago. I just dug it out this summer, and I sure am glad I did! Turns out, it is one of my students' new favorites.

What I love best about this book are the vibrant illustrations and the cheeky humor found in the rhyming verses. This is a great opportunity to work on signs, colors, and animal identification. I was amazed when I used the book with one of my little guys, who is not yet even three years old. He knew the sign for almost every single animal, which he did as I sang the book. So much fun!

Weekend Wrap-Up

On Friday I wrote all about my plans to enjoy some downtime, and that I did! This weekend was perhaps the most non-productive I've had all summer, and that was just fine with me. I saw "The Time Traveler's Wife" (a great film but not as amazing as the book), spent some time by the pool, slept in, caught up on my DVR'd shows, and most importantly, hit up the state fair where I saw Kelly Clarkson in concert!

I fit right in with my tween and teen voice students (many of whom were also in attendance) at the show, considering I am a HUGE Kelly fan. She put on an amazing show, even better than I expected. It was like one big singalong; my voice was a little hoarse afterward but it was definitely worth it. She did all of her big songs in addition to my favorites from her newest album, "All I Ever Wanted". A fantastic night.

Oh, and I wasn't completely unproductive this weekend: I completed my blog overhaul, transferring my songs to a server that allows for them to be downloaded and shared directly from the site. I've been working on this all week between projects, but it's finally done! I'd love to hear what you think about the new format.

Monday morning is only a few short hours away, which means a brand new week (jumpstarted by a 5 am workout and coffee). School begins on Thursday, so I'll be working non-stop to get ready. That includes writing some back-to-school songs, so stay tuned!

Friday Fave: Downtime

Yep, those are my feet, and this is my favorite summer vacation spot...my mom's pool. Although it's only two blocks away, I haven't spent nearly enough time there this summer. I can't complain, though: I have been lucky to work on several music-related projects that have been both challenging and extremely fulfilling, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the summer months.

Yesterday was a great day; I wrapped up one of the big projects that has required almost all of my time in the last couple of weeks. Now that it is "in the vault", I am finally allowing myself to chill and enjoy my downtime. I am determined to fit in all of the activities that really embody this season for me, including laying by the aforementioned pool, reading magazines and various chick lit, shopping, and going for lazy bike rides around the neighborhood. I only have six days in which to do all of these things, but I have faith in myself :)

One Step Closer

If you've been here before, then you are sure to have read about the project I am hoping to bring to life. I'm using Kickstarter, an online fundraising platform, to raise $2,000 in order to professionally record and distribute a CD of songs for children with autism and other disabilities, free of cost. My life's work is all about helping children through music, so making this happen would be a dream come true.

So far, in just over a month, I have raised $1,275. I am over 60% of the way to my goal, and I have until October 8 to meet it (otherwise I don't get any of the funds already pledged). I still have 55 days left, and I'm really hoping to surpass the goal so that I can include more songs and distribute even more CDs.

After doing some research, I have chosen a recording studio and I couldn't be more thrilled! Jim Callahan, the owner of Jupiter Studios in St. Louis, MO, has agreed to take on the project. And not only that, but because he believes in what I'm doing, he is willing to make it work within my budget.

The generosity of my readers, friends and family has amazed me to no end, and there's just a little way to go. Only $725! If you think you might be able to contribute, or to learn more, follow this link or click on the Kickstarter box in the left-hand sidebar.

Today at Listen & Learn Music Plus!

Music therapists often write to me asking the question, "how do you spread the word about your music therapy services and build your business?" Today at Listen & Learn Plus! I have answered this question by sharing a few of my most effective strategies with subscribers...learn about becoming one today!

August Activities

Whew! What a whirlwind this last week has been. I can't believe that I haven't posted in so long - I've missed my little blog. Let me tell you what I've been up to since the month began...

Zach and I attended the out-of-town wedding of our good friends, Doug and Jill. We got to see lots of old friends, and the entire weekend was a blast.

Our nephew, Mason, turned 1! We attended his birthday party, and I don't think I've seen more toddler toys in one room than I did at this celebration. Mason is one spoiled little boy :)

We celebrated our one-year anniversary with an amazing weekend in St. Louis! Zach planned the entire trip, and each element was a surprise. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, where he proposed to me two years ago, and we visited the Botanical Gardens, the City Museum, and Forest Park along with several delicious meals. Oh, and our wedding cake still tasted great.

More Mason! We attended the little guy's christening this past Sunday, and boy was he a good sport. Thank goodness he has a real affinity for water...he wasn't bothered one bit by the ritual.

I'm pretty sure that my life is going to slow down a bit after the recent flurry of events; at least I hope so. Once I go back to school (next Thursday!) I will settle into a routine, and that includes regular blogging. Though I definitely have mixed emotions about the end of summer, I am looking forward to having a schedule on which I can depend. But for now, it's time to get back to work! I need to take care of business so that I can enjoy the last carefree days of summer come Friday :)

Today at Listen & Learn Music Plus!

The start of a brand new school year is just around the corner, which is why I'm sharing a free download of the tune "off to School" as well as the lead sheet that goes with it. This and more is available to subscribers...learn about becoming one today!

Take a Look

Music Therapy in the News

If you live in Springfield and happened to watch the news tonight, you've already seen this. But for my long-distance readers: you can see the story for yourselves HERE. I'm so proud to share the work I do with my community, especially since music therapy is not as established in Springfield as it is in other places. Any chance I get to spread the word about the positive effects of music, I gladly take it!

If you are new to Listen & Learn, thanks for visiting. Please let me know if you have any questions about music therapy or the songs I write by sending me an email. Also, be sure to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter!

Kickstarter Update

I was thrilled - overjoyed, actually - when my Kickstarter project reached $1,000 in donations. You can see it in my face, right? The pledges continued to roll in until I hit $1,200, where I've been for the last few days.

In order to give my Kickstarter quest a bit of a kick into gear, I'm offering a free song download of your choice to those of you who contribute to my cause (recording and distributing a CD especially for children with autism and other disabilities) between now and Friday. You have four days! Just be sure to shoot me an email with your song choice after you've made your pledge. Unlike the song download that is rewarded to those who donate if and when the project is completed, this one will be available as soon as I receive your email.

So GO HERE to make a pledge, or to read more about my project before you make your decision. Oh, and as always, thank you for your support!!!

On the Disney Channel

A while back, I mentioned a contest going on over at Listen & Learn Plus! which involved subscribers coming up with topics for fun summer songs. The first winner is Alison, and this was her idea:

"I have been thinking that for a lot of my kids it would be really cool to come up with a song about all of the different Disney shows. I have a lot of older kids who like Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Camp Rock, etc. I think they would get a kick out of a NEW song about all of those different popular shows combined instead of just singing theme songs from each. The same could apply for my younger kids with cartoons; Dora, Diego, The Wiggles, Spongebob are just a few of their favorites. Plus coming up with visual aids should be easy enough!"

Alison won a Custom CD for her topic idea. This is the song I've come up with using her great suggestions.



Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
Hannah Montana was performing just for me.
Miley Cyrus plays the part,
And I can sing “The Best of Both Worlds” by heart,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!

Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
The Jonas Brothers were singing a song to me.
I watched Camp Rock and saw their show,
Starring Kevin, Nick and Joe,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!

Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
The Suite Life was playing in front of me.
Zach and Cody, what a pair,
Are so cool with their long hair,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!

Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
The Wizards of Waverly Place were casting a spell on me.
Selena Gomez plays the role
Of Alex in this awesome show,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!

Oh-oh, I turned on the Disney channel
And what did I see?
Sonny With a Chance was entertaining me.
Demi Lovato is the star
And we all know she’s going far,
Disney, doo-doot-doo, I love you!

If your child or student has another favorite Disney show, this song can be easily adapted to include it. And Alison is right - making the visual aides to accompany the tune would be a snap.

You probably noticed that my audio player has changed...for the better! Now you can not only listen to the entire song, but you can share it with others or download it for yourself. It will take some time to have all my songs switched to the new format, but I'm working on it. In the meantime, have a wonderful Tuesday!

August Already?

Why is it that the winter months seem to last forever, while the summer flies by and is over in the blink of an eye? I know it's not over yet, but as soon as August hits, I'm reminded that these lazy days are dwindling. Not that my summer has been lazy; actually, quite the opposite is true. But the sunshine and warm temps make life a little easier, no matter what is going on.

Well as you know, with each new month comes a song, and August is no exception. Here's a tune to celebrate month number eight; take a listen:



Hot and sunny days are here,
And the end of the summer is near.
August is month number eight
And all thirty one days are great.

We’ll take a break from school days,
Everyone swims and plays.
Summer will be leaving soon,
So we sing this happy tune:

CHORUS

Time to get ready for the school year,
But there’s nothing for us to fear.
Class is fun and we learn a lot,
And in case you forgot:

CHORUS

Let’s pack up our book bags
And greet our teachers and friends.
Soon enough it will be fall,
But until the summer ends:

CHORUS

Last year around this time, I was knee-deep in wedding plans, parties, and other related celebrations. I have a feeling this August will be a bit more calm in comparison :) We are celebrating our one-year anniversary next weekend in St. Louis, so I'll have that to look forward to as I jump right into another work week. Enjoy your Sunday evening!