Research shows again and again that music is a powerful ally in supporting the development of young children. Motor, language, speech, cognitive, emotional, expression-- all can be addressed during a well-crafted musical experience. And one of the best things? Music...

Nothing makes a task breeze by like a good song. After all, music is a motivator. And when it comes time to transition from one activity to another, an engaging song makes the perfect liaison-- and can be the difference between a job well done or chaos and...

Have the parents of your clients ever expressed that they wished they could bring your music therapy magic home with them? We create powerhouse interventions for our sessions because we know the research and how to use all the parts of the music to make it happen.  In...

I say "rhythm," you say "motivator! Organizer! Energizer!" (because you're a music therapy genius, of course!) When it comes to our littlest clients, rhythm is the motor-motivating magic that gets brings everything together and helps set the sillies free. Movement,...

Do you have a certain family of sharks perpetually swimming around in your brain? Or do you know EXACTLY what to do with your hands and feet when you know you're happy? These catchy earworms don't just randomly appear-- they are made of the perfect blend of musical...

It’s a cold winter day. You’re bundled up in front of your computer, sipping on a steaming cup of coffee when an advertisement for service work pops up. You see this tanned music therapist smiling at a young child as they strum a guitar. The ad is filled with bright...

One of the hallmarks of music therapy education is our internship process. Finding the right fit for your own journey can be intimidating-- after all, there are over 275 National Roster internship sites listed by AMTA, with more being added all the time! We have many...

Imagine a perfectly ethical business world- no one would get burned from bad business practices, competitiveness, or law violations. Practices could move along without any of the "gray areas" snagging us up along the way. Beautiful, isn't it? The good news is an...

When it comes to business and practice, you take rules very seriously. You follow the letter of the law and you strive to do business always above board. Good for you! However, sometimes situations occur that aren't in the rulebook. Do you know how to navigate...

Let's be frank: It's that time of year again when all the rich and famous people start thinking about how to give back around the holidays! AND of course, the non-rich and famous people do too, but it's fun to get into the minds of those with a *little* more influence...

Does the word "advocacy" make you nervous? You're not alone! The CBMT Board Domains say we are supposed to “serve as a representative, spokesperson, ambassador, or advocate for the profession of music therapy,” and advocacy is definitely important. However, when you...

Music therapy is powerful, personal, and effective; you know it, we know it, our clients know it. Getting the word out to the world isn't always easy, though, especially with all the misrepresentation in the media. Thanks to the advocacy and amazing work that music...

Independent contractors, full-time employees, administrators, educators, researchers, supervisors, entrepreneurs--- there is no such thing as "business as usual" in the music therapy world! The professional possibilities are endless. Regardless of how you practice,...

We are honored to have master rhythm maker Dave Holland post today! Here’s what he has to share: Let’s face it, if you’re a music therapist, drum circle facilitator, or music educator, there’s a lot to consider every day: lesson plans, scheduling, billing, marketing,...

No matter how you practice, where you work, or who you serve, instruments are your sidekicks. From your faithful guitar to your favorite set of shakers, the tools of the trade take music from your hands into the lives of your clients. But what's the best way to find...

For the past two weeks, you may have been drumming up some spirit with older adult clients. It’s really, truly one of my favorite times of year for work. The songs from WWII are absolutely perfect for drumming. The words "drum" "drums" and "drumming" even appears in...

It's Kat writing here - I sure could use some intervention ideas. How about you? I've got just what you need in these 3 Drumming Doodads! I've taken more rhythm workshops than I can count on my fingers and toes - whether it be taiko, djembe, darabuka, riq, frame drums...

If you've ever had the opportunity to participate in a drum circle or community drumming, you know what a unifying and empowering experience it is. Wanting to share that empowerment with your clients, but unsure of where to start? Go back to heart and root of drumming...