Guitars & Granola Bars: Recent Episodes
Rachel Rambach
Guitars & Granola Bars is a podcast for women balancing a career they love with being a mom.
Rachel Rambach is a mom, music therapist, business owner and host of this podcast.
As we head into the final weeks of 2020, Jaime and I are checking in with each other to compare notes on our families, businesses, and alllll the feelings during this holiday season.
In this episode, we share the highs and lows of business ownership right now, and talk about how we are planning ahead (or not) and handling the transition into a new year.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
We are now 8 months into the COVID-19 pandemic; that makes 8 months of pivoting, adapting, and overcoming challenges both at home and at work.
I'm checking in once again with co-host Jaime Lawrence, owner of Harmony Garden Music Therapy Services, and we're sharing updates on family life, business ownership, and ourselves in general as we continue to be affected on all fronts by the pandemic.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
A lot has changed since I last spoke with my co-host, Jaime Lawrence (owner of Harmony Garden Music Therapy), back in April. The pandemic is still in full force, which has greatly impacted just about every aspect of our lives.
In this follow-up episode, we're discussing the current state of our businesses since reopening our physical doors, and we also tackle the very timely issue of returning to school. Jaime and I both share our families' decisions for our own children.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
It's been over a year since I released an episode of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast, but when my co-host from last season, Jaime Lawrence, suggested recording one to chat about how we are managing during this global pandemic, I was immediately on board.
In this special COVID-19 edition of the podcast, we talk about how we have pivoted our businesses, the ways in which we are providing services, and what life with kids at home 24/7 looks like.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
This is the final episode in our current season, during which I’ve been so lucky to have Jaime Lawrence as a co-host. I hope you’ve enjoyed her added perspective here on the podcast just as much as I have!
Since we’re making our way towards the end of 2018, Jaime and I thought it would be fun to share our favorite accomplishments of the year, both personally and professionally. This was such a fun episode to record, and it made me excited to think about all that I want to accomplish in 2019.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
Halloween is coming, and we are ready! So of course we had to dedicate an entire episode to how we celebrate this special day at home -- including decorations, our family’s costumes, and favorite traditions -- and at work -- the songs we sing, how we integrate Halloween into our groups and sessions, and ways we get festive in our workplaces.
To be honest, Halloween is not my favorite day of the year, as I share in the episode, but when you have kids and work with children, you really just have to embrace it. If you’re like me, I hope this episode helps you do that, and if you are already a Halloween enthusiast, then you’ll be even more pumped up after listening!
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
This week, Jaime and I are sharing our favorite working mom “hacks” -- big and little ways in which we’ve discovered make life just a little bit easier, both in terms of work and home.
We actually ran out of time recording this episode, and have already planned a part 2 so that we can give you the rest of our hacks. In the meantime, we hope you find these just as helpful to your life as they are to ours!
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
As we approach the fall season, Jaime and I are both busy preparing for new sessions of our early childhood music classes. Since this topic is top of mind for us right now, we thought we’d take this opportunity to do a deep dive into our role as early childhood music class instructors.
In this episode, we talk about what led us to providing these classes, the evolution of them within our business, how we’ve grown enrollment over the years, and how we handle the tough issues that come up. As you can imagine, we have a whole lot to say on this topic!
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
We talk pretty often here on the podcast about running our own businesses and the challenges associated with it. One of the BIGGEST challenges is being a boss -- deciding when the time is right to grow our team, conducting interviews, completing the hiring process, and then managing a team.
In this week’s episode, we tackle this tough subject matter and share our own experiences when it comes to being bosses. We also touch on some typically taboo topics, including how we pay our employees, how much we pay for our business space, and more.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
This week’s topic was a no-brainer for two moms who also work with school-aged children. It’s back to school time, which comes with a whole lot of excitement, overwhelm, challenges, and planning.
In this episode, I’m talking about what it’s like as a total newbie with my son getting ready to start kindergarten, and Jaime gives a whole lot of great advice having been through the back-to-school transition a couple times already.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
I never fully appreciated the proverb “necessity is the mother of invention” until I became a business owner. It didn’t take long to realize that there are busy seasons in a private practice and teaching studio, and then there are slow seasons. Very, very slow seasons.
Summer just happens to be the slowest of all, which has made it absolutely necessary to create new revenue streams in the form of programs, classes, and online courses.
In this episode, Jaime and I are talking all about the opportunities we’ve created in our businesses...what’s worked, what’s completely failed, lessons we’ve learned, and how we’ve been able to fill in the gaps during otherwise slow seasons.
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thank you for listening!
In Episode 70, Jaime and I are chatting all about the evolution of our musical lives: where we got our start as musicians, how we made music before becoming music therapists and before having kids, and how things have changed throughout the years since.
How does music play a role in YOUR life outside of your work? Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at https://guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thanks so much for listening!
This week it’s just me, recording a solo episode for the first time since the beginning of the summer. I’ve been having so much fun chatting with my co-host, Jaime, and I hope you’ve been enjoying our episodes together, too.
But in today’s episode, I want to address a topic that I haven’t talked much about publicly, hence this week’s title. The confession I’m about to make is one that I’ve held back from sharing because honestly, I’ve been a little scared to, especially amongst my fellow music therapists.
I’ve been putting it off for a while, but I feel like there’s no better time than now. I started this podcast because I wanted a place to have honest conversations about the intersection of my professional and personal lives, and that’s exactly what today’s episode is.
Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thanks so much for listening!
A common theme of summer is TRAVEL. It’s one of my favorite things to do, but it can also be a bit stressful, whether you’re traveling with or without your family.
In this episode of the podcast, Jaime and I are talking all about how we handle both kinds of travel -- as moms and as business owners.
Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thanks so much for listening!
There is a whole lot of crossover when it comes to being both a music therapist and a mom...especially when you teach early childhood classes and have young children. Jaime and I can check both of those boxes, and have a whole lot of experience playing both the role of music class teacher and mom at the same time.
In Episode 67 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast, we talk all about having our own kids attend our music classes: the benefits, the drawbacks, the funny and memorable moments. This episode is a fun one whether or not you’ve played these dual roles yourself!
Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thanks so much for listening!
Fun fact: both my co-host Jaime and I are total "Disney people" and have been from an early age. As a result, Disney has played a huge role in our lives, from taking Disney vacations, to using Disney songs in our music therapy and early childhood work, to sharing the love with our own children.
In Episode 66 of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast, we talk about our favorite ways to incorporate Disney music into our classes and sessions along with our favorite personal Disney experiences.
Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com. Thanks so much for listening!
Children’s books play a huge role in both our work as music therapists and our home life with our own kids. In Episode 65 of the podcast, Jaime and I talk about how we put them to use with our young students and clients, and also how they fit into our family lives.
Additionally, we discuss our favorite children’s books for both settings, all of which we’ve compiled in a list just for you as a free download. Visit https://listenlearnmusic.com/ggb65 to grab our list of must-have children's books for work and home!
Summer can be a tricky time for working moms. Our school-aged kids are out of school, everyone’s schedules are out of wack, and life as we know it goes a little haywire.
In this episode, Jaime and I talk about our plans for this summer and how we tackle this time of year in order to stay productive, keep everyone happy, and have fun (a tall order, we know).
Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at http://guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Instagram, @rachelrambach and @listenlearnmusic. I would love to connect with you!
Let me introduce you to the newest voice of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast! In this episode, I ask Jaime allllll the questions so that you can get to know her better. She fills us in on her professional background, family life, favorite life hacks for working moms, and much more.
Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at https://guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Instagram, @rachelrambach and @listenlearnmusic. I would love to connect with you!
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a career they love with being a mom.
If you’ve been a listener of the Guitars & Granola Bars podcast in the past, then you know it’s been a hot minute since I recorded a new episode. This has always been a passion project for me, and I wanted to wait until I had the time and space to do this right.
Good news: that time is now! In this episode, I talk about my plans for the podcast and share an exciting announcement. It's going to be an exciting season, and I'm so glad you're along for the ride!
Let's continue the conversation in the comments of the show notes page over at https://guitarsandgranolabars.com or you can always email me, rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Instagram, @rachelrambach and @listenlearnmusic. I would love to connect with you!
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
This episode is all about self-care. This time of year is when I start to feel everything piling up on me, between both my kids and my business starting a new school year. You are probably in that boat too, and can’t handle the thought of one more thing added to your plate. But here’s the question: what are you doing right now for yourself?
Today is the last day to get access to "The Ultimate CMTE Self-Care Package for Introverted Music Therapists" -- an opportunity to earn 34 CMTE credits while prioritizing self-care and professional growth.
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The Introvert's Guide to Thriving in an Extroverted Career is 3 credit CMTE course and a holistic approach to achieving success and happiness in a career that often requires a great deal of social interaction and energy.
To learn more and enroll, visit https://resilienceoverburnout.com.
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
This episode is all about my biggest struggle after becoming a mom: losing my sense of identity as a musician. I share an essay I wrote for an anthology about motherhood, which details my struggle and how I reclaimed my identity over time.
To see the show notes for this episode, which include lots of photos of the new office, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
This episode is all about how I'm investing in self-care this weekend, why it's extremely needed, and how doing so can be so hugely beneficial to your own mental and emotional health.
To see the show notes for this episode, which include lots of photos of the new office, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
This episode is all about how making a change in my work environment (moving my home office out of my dark basement and into a sun-drenched room upstairs) completely changed my feelings toward my work.
To see the show notes for this episode, which include lots of photos of the new office, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
This episode is all about the surprising topic of conversation when I attended a recent conference completely solo, and how I am coming to terms with the reality of my new identity.
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
In this episode, I'm talking with Tamara Leszner-Rovet, a registered music therapist in Toronto, Canada. Tamara shares her experience so far as a music therapist and mom whose son is currently going through the diagnostic process and receiving therapy services.
More about Tamara:
Tamara began learning piano at the tender age of 3. Growing up, she received many awards and scholarships for her piano performances. Aspiring to be a concert pianist, she received her Associateship of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) and became a Registered Music Teacher (RMT). She has taught piano to children, adolescents, adults, and to individuals with special needs since 1998.
As Tamara developed a strong passion for teaching, she discovered the career of Music Therapy – a career where she could share her love of music and performing while being able to help individuals enhance their quality of life. She received her Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree (BMT) from the University of Windsor, and is an Accredited Music Therapist (MTA). Most recently, Tamara became a certified Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT) by The Robert F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy and is also a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Tamara’s energy, passion, dedication, and enthusiasm shines through with everyone she works with, and it is her goal for all students and clients to have an enriching and rewarding musical experience that lasts a lifetime.
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
This episode is all about an event I’ve known was coming since the day my daughter was born, almost 15 months ago. D-Day. The day my baby girl will embark on a great adventure otherwise known as daycare.
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
In this episode, I share my strategies for maintaining my sanity in today's world, given the scary events happening far too often. I would love to hear yours, though, because they're probably far more effective. I don't mean for this to be a downer episode, but I figured that since it's a question that has consumed me lately, it's probably been on your mind, too.
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. Feel free to leave a comment there or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
Amanda Clay is making her second guest appearance on the podcast, and this time we are diving in to the realities of postpartum depression. Amanda openly shares her experiences with PPD after the birth of her first son, and then again with her second son just a few months ago.
Amanda and I discuss how we both dealt with our own circumstances related to postpartum depression and anxiety, and share advice for other women who may be facing the same challenges.
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. I would love to know what YOU’D like to hear on Season 2 of the podcast, so feel free to leave a comment on the show notes page or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about why I came close to burning out this past year, and how I make sure to avoid letting that happen again -- by doing the thing that gives me that SPARK. What is that thing for you?
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. I would love to know what YOU’D like to hear on Season 2 of the podcast, so feel free to leave a comment on the show notes page or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
In my former life, which I call the B.C. — before children — days, my world revolved around work and music. A lot has changed since having two kids, but I’ve felt a little bit of the B.C. me surfacing, and I’m kind of loving it.
To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. I would love to know what YOU’D like to hear on Season 2 of the podcast, so feel free to leave a comment on the show notes page or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing my number one strategy for staying on track mentally and emotionally. It is probably going to sound way too simple, but it really is THE MOST effective form of self-care, at least in my experience.
Thank you so much for listening. To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. I would love to know what YOU’D like to hear on Season 2 of the podcast, so feel free to leave a comment on the show notes page or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
Thank you so much for joining me here on Guitars & Granola Bars. I’m your host, Rachel Rambach, and this podcast is for women like me who are balancing a passion-fueled career with being a mom.
If you listened to Season 1, then you know that each episode featured a different guest who shared their experiences and advice when it comes to music therapy and parenthood. I interviewed 44 awesome moms (and 4 awesome dads) and learned so much from them in the process.
But I’m doing things a little differently in Season 2. There will be some interviews here and there, but mostly I’ll be going solo — sharing my trials, tribulations, tips, and strategies from the trenches of motherhood and my career as a music therapist and business owner.
“In the trenches” is the perfect way to describe this past year of my life, during which I became a mom of two and stepped up my career to full tilt, all at the same time. I’d like to kick off Season 2 by sharing an essay I wrote for my blog which I titled “The Longest, Shortest, Hardest, Best-est Year”.
Thank you so much for listening. To see the show notes for this episode, head over to guitarsandgranolabars.com. I would love to know what YOU’D like to hear on Season 2 of the podcast, so feel free to leave a comment on the show notes page or email me at rachel@listenlearnmusic.com.
You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram, @rachelrambach. And last but not least, please consider rating and reviewing the show on iTunes if you liked what you heard.
The Guitars & Granola Bars podcast is brought to you by Listen & Learn Plus, a premium site for music therapists, music educators, parents and anyone else who wants to give their clients, students & children a rich musical experience. Gain instant access to a vast collection of over 200 songs, videos, tutorials, and resources from Listen & Learn Music. Learn more by visiting listenlearnmusic.com/join.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Jamie George.
Jamie talks candidly about the premature birth of her son and how it affected her, providing music therapy to him in the NICU, and life as a business owner after becoming a mom.
Jamie is the owner and director of The George Center for Music Therapy in Atlanta, GA. The George Center employs 8 full time music therapists and serves all ages and multiple populations. The George Center bills insurance for most of their individual clients. Jamie is the proud mommy of little Steven who turned 19 months old on December 1st!
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Gretchen Chardos Benner.
Gretchen talks about following in her sister's footsteps to become the second music therapist in her family, pursuing her masters degree while working full-time, and how she makes music with her family at home.
Gretchen is married with two children (5 and almost 3). Her family motivated their relocation from PA to SC and now two of her sisters, an aunt, cousin and her parents are an hour drive or closer! Gretchen founded Piedmont Music Therapy, LLC to provide music therapy services in the Greater Charlotte Area from early childhood to older adults, and private music lessons. Their family time is most enjoyed with crafts, music, baking and frolicking outside!
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Ginny Driscoll.
Ginny talks about her work as a music therapy researcher, pursuing her PhD while raising two girls, and how she includes her daughters in her self-care practices.
Ginny is a mom, music therapist, researcher, and doctoral student. She has two beautiful girls-- Neala (7) and Madelyn (3)--and an amazing husband, Matthew, who is a professor of low brass. She has been a part of the Music Perception team in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for 11 years, where she investigates the ability of children and adults with cochlear implants to perceive music. She is currently in her second semester of her doctoral studies.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Amanda Ellis.
Amanda talks about her approach to providing music therapy to 30+ classrooms each week, her son's impressive musicality as the child of two musicians, and the importance of communication between working parents.
Amanda is a board-certified music therapist and full time working mom living in Greenville, NC. She is a graduate (cum laude) of East Carolina University with a Bachelors of Music in music therapy and a minor in violin performance. She currently works as a music therapist for Pitt County schools in Greenville, NC serving students with special needs from K-12th grades.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Emily Wangen.
Emily talks about her experience with pregnancy loss, how long commutes and inclement weather affected the development of her private practice, and her ideal vision for the future.
Emily is the owner of Music Therapy in Motion, LLC. She is the mother of Levi, 7, Lydia, 5, and wife to Jason, who is the finance man in their business. Emily is NMT and NICU-MT certified. Emily lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Her practice employs six music therapists, an intern, and spans over a 300-mile radius.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Mallory Even.
Mallory talks about how her twin pregnancy shaped the course of her career, the health challenges her son faced immediately after birth, and running a business while staying home with her children.
Mallory, owner of Metro Music Therapy, is originally from the Orlando, FL area, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from the Florida State University. She remained in Tallahassee to complete her internship with Leon County Public Schools and upon graduation from FSU, Mallory and her husband moved to the Atlanta, GA area. For two years before starting her practice, and for three years after, Mallory also worked as a music therapist in an adult and geriatric inpatient psychiatric unit located in Snellville, GA. Mallory is a Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC), Licensed Professional Music Therapist (LPMT), and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapist (NICU MT).
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Jodie Ross.
Jodie talks about becoming an internship director shortly after completing her own internship, her readiness to return to work at the end of maternity leave, and how she relates parenting styles to music therapy approaches.
Jodie is a 2010 graduate of Mississippi University for Women where she received her bachelors degree in music therapy. She completed her internship at The Baddour Center, a residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities, in Senatobia, Mississippi. In May 2011, she married her husband, Cody, and in July of that same year, she began working as the board certified music therapist at The Baddour Center. She has continued to work there as well as serve as Internship Director over the past 4 years. In March of this year, Jodie and Cody welcomed their firstborn son, Griffin. They also have a 3 year old fur baby, a Basset Hound, named Dixie.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Jennifer Whitlow.
Jennifer talks about starting her private practice while pregnant, why she actually enjoyed her labor and delivery, and her adjustment to new motherhood as a business owner.
Jennifer is a board certified music therapist with degrees in Music, Psychology, and Music Therapy. After completing her Music Therapy degree in 2011, she began working with individuals with special needs and married her husband Chester. Now settled in Indianapolis, Jennifer has completed the advanced training, Neurologic Music Therapy. After working in the field for nearly four years, she opened her company Dynamic Music Therapy LLC, a Medicaid Waiver provider that provides individuals with special needs music therapy services. In May of 2015 Jennifer and Chester welcomed their beautiful daughter Elizabeth Esther into the world. As well as being a business owner and mom, Jennifer serves as the public relations chair for the Association for Indiana Music Therapy and is a current co-chair for the 2016 GLR Conference in Indianapolis.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Kimberly Sena Moore.
Kimberly talks about how she and her family navigated 5 years of major transitions, her role as a music therapist in the academic setting, and her approach to parenting as a full-time working mom.
Kimberly is a board certified music therapist who joined the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music in Fall 2014 as an Assistant Professor of Practice and Clinical Training Director. Through her role as Regulatory Affairs Associate for the Certification Board for Music Therapists, she is involved in state-level advocacy, legislative, and policy issues affecting music therapy practice. Online, Dr. Sena Moore co-hosts the Music Therapy Round Table podcast, and blogs at “Your Musical Self” for Psychology Today and Music Therapy Maven. Her clinical and research interests center on music therapy and emotion regulation development in neurodevelopmentally at-risk children.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Morgan Sparks.
Morgan talks about her unconventional path to music therapy, teaching Kindermusik classes just 6 days postpartum, and the give-and-take that comes with raising a young child and owning a business.
Morgan is owner of Rhythm Garden Music LLC, where she offers music therapy services, early childhood arts programming, and private music lessons in her hometown of Jasonville, Indiana (pop. < 3000). Morgan also serves as president of her state's music therapy association. She her and husband Brandon have been married 3 years and are parents to Ian, their 17-month-old very energetic little boy.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Ashley Lundquist.
Ashley talks about how losing her voice affected her music therapy career, the way she incorporated music during her labor and delivery, and how she is settling into her role as a first-time mom just a few weeks postpartum.
Ashley owns a small business named Healing Melodies Music Therapy in which she works part time as a private music therapist. She also works with the Wounded Warrior Project providing support for those with traumatic brain injuries. Ashley is currently on maternity leave and had her son a little over 3 weeks ago as of this recording. She lives in Rosenberg, Texas and is married to her husband of almost 5 years.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Megan Resig.
Megan talks about opening up a 6,000 square-foot facility with 12 employees while her daughter was just an infant, the role her husband played in helping make that possible, and how she’s setting an example for her daughter by doing work she loves.
Megan is the co-founder and director of Spectrum Creative Arts, a Rochester-based creative arts center specializing in offering music, art, creative arts therapy, and theatre programming to individuals of all ages and abilities. She is also mom to a precocious three-year-old daughter (who is obviously destined to become president one day!), and is constantly searching for that perfect balance between work and motherhood. Fleeting moments of free time are spent planning murder mystery parties and nerding out with her husband/partner-in-crime.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Maggie MacArthur.
Maggie talks about the many plates she was spinning during her pregnancy, her realization that she wasn’t meant to be a stay-at-home mom, and how her son’s orthopedic condition has helped her better relate to her clients’ families.
Maggie lives in Fairport, New York with her husband John and son Keegan. She is the Music Therapist for Brockport Central School District and received her Masters degree from Nazareth College of Rochester. In addition to music therapy she teaches early childhood music classes and plays the fiddle in her band The Strings.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Catherine Hershey.
Catherine talks about completing her internship in NYC while pregnant, how starting her blog was a turning point in her postpartum year, and the unique opportunity she has to design her ideal music therapy career.
Catherine is a Board Certified Music Therapist currently filling the role of stay-at-home-mom to an energetic 1 year old boy. She maintains her professional identity by blogging, networking with other music therapists, and seeking out opportunities for advocacy. Catherine enjoys exploring San Diego with her toddler and husband, reading old books, and drinking the occasional glass of wine.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with music therapist Lesleigh Zundt.
Lesleigh talks about pursuing her music therapy degree while raising a young daughter, overcoming baby blues after the birth of her son, and her adventures in pumping as a working mom.
Lesleigh is a wife to JJ, a mom to Aliah (6) and Titus (1), and has been a Board Certified Music Therapist for almost 2 years. She lives in Canyon, TX home of her Alma Mater, West Texas A&M University. She works in Amarillo as a music therapist in the public school system, and contracts with a few companies to provide private music therapy services to individuals in the Amarillo area. Lesleigh and her family spend lots of their time volunteering at church, going to baseball or soccer practice and games, and attending football games in the fall. When she isn't on the go, Lesleigh enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and watching her babies grow!
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Kathy Schumacher.
Kathy talks about her early success in the private practice setting, how she has structured her career around her family since having her children, and her adventures in creative entrepreneurship.
In this episode, I’m chatting with Kathy Schumacher. Kathy is a music therapist, a lifelong learner with a pile to read in every room, and mom to three children—ages 8, 10 and 12. She has worked in private practice the majority of her 19 year career and has developed a specialty area of literacy and math tutoring through music. She currently lives in rural Wisconsin where she enjoys camping with her family (usually in the backyard) and tends 50-100 tomato plants every summer. In her spare time, Kathy blogs at www.TunefulTeaching.com.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Janet Stephens.
Janet talks about her path that led to having a large family, the evolution of her successful business, and how her “big picture” mentality allows her to prioritize the important things in life.
Janet is the creator, seamstress, and entrepreneur behind Bear Paw Creek, founded in 2000 to meet the needs of the music therapy profession. The original focus was movement props and bags for organizing and the traveling therapist. It has continued to grow and encompasses a larger market, both stateside and internationally. She lives in Southwest Missouri on 60 acres with her husband, eight children, and various animals. Along with running a business and homeschooling her children, Janet enjoys playing games with her kids, fishing, books, and of course, sewing.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Lauren Servos.
Lauren talks about her experiences working in many different capacities at the same hospital, shares her beautiful natural birth story, and how she overcame the emotional challenges of working with medically compromised children after returning from maternity leave.
Lauren has been a board-certified music therapist since 2009, and currently works at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, where she has been working in various capacities since she completed her internship. Lauren opened her private practice, Joyful Melodies, in the spring of 2015. She is the wife of her high school sweetheart, Nathan, and the mother of their 15 month old daughter, Mary Mae.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with JoAnn Jordan.
JoAnn talks about discovering her passion for working with two seemingly opposite populations, raising her daughter and building a private practice in a rural area, and how she’s adjusting to life as an empty nester.
JoAnn and her family live in Hays, Kansas. She is the owner of Music Sparks - a music therapy private practice serving older adults and preschoolers. Leading intergenerational sessions is her favorite each week.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Alana Seaton.
Alana talks about having her life interrupted by not 1 but 4 hurricanes, the birth and postpartum experiences she had with her two girls, and the parallels between being a mom and a music therapist.
Alana is a Master's level music therapist in Knoxville, TN. She currently has a part-time private practice, and a part-time position with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's Music & Wellness Program. She has experience with diverse psychiatric populations, special needs populations, and is currently conducting research with the KSO on the effects of live music on waiting room behaviors. Alana is mommy to a musical 7 year old, mobile 10 month old, 2 geriatric kitties, and wife to a funky bass-playing husband.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm doing something a little different: instead of interviewing a guest, I'm sharing my own experiences with motherhood and working as a music therapist.
I talk about cutting my undergraduate experience short to pursue music therapy, working 12-hour days at the beginning of my career, and making huge changes to my private practice while caring for a newborn and toddler.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Jennifer Hezoucky.
Jennifer talks about her long gap between finishing school and getting her first music therapy job, raising two teenagers while building a private practice, and how implementing the "miracle morning" has changed her life.
Jennifer is a Board Certified Music Therapist and lives in Jacobsburg, Ohio which is southeast part of the state. Jennifer has been a music therapist for almost 8 years and owns her own private practice. Last summer she recently quit her full time music therapy position to work her business full time. Jennifer has two teenagers and lives on a 48 acre farm with her husband in which both of them love to garden and raise Scottish Highland Cattle.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Michelle Erfurt.
Michelle talks about her zen pregnancy experience, making the decision not to return to clinical work after maternity leave, and why she prioritizes self-care.
Michelle is a music therapist and virtual assistant who has a passion for helping people. Her professional life began by providing music therapy services in hospitals and hospice agencies while being active online with a music therapy centered podcast and blog. After the birth of her son 2 years ago, Michelle has left the clinical side of things to focus on her online pursuits. She is the co-owner of MusicTherapyEbooks.com, an online bookstore that promotes ebooks written by music therapists. Michelle also offers virtual assistant services to busy private practice owners so that they can devote their professional time to working with others. When she isn't working, you can find Michelle at home with her son watching Curious George.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Karen Sanchez.
Karen talks about pursuing multiple degrees and how they have benefited her private practice, lets us in on her strategies for managing her family of five’s busy schedule, and shares how she keeps up her musicianship (in all her spare time, ha!).
Karen is a mom of 3 very active boys ages 13, 8, & 6 and also the Director/Founder of In Harmony Music Therapy Services in Stockton, CA, which has been serving the community since 2002. She currently has 4 other music therapists on staff providing services across 6 different counties in Northern California. Karen is in her second year of a PsyD in Clinical Psychology program, has a double MBA in Entrepreneurship/Health Care Management, has been married for almost 15 years, is a very busy soccer mom, and volunteers endless hours at her church and children's school. Needless to say, she relies heavily on technology to stay afloat and juggle all of it- while loving every minute!
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Noel Anderson.
Noel talks about working in private practice, the challenges of being pregnant with twins, and the importance of giving yourself grace when it comes to both motherhood and career.
Noel is owner of Anderson Music Therapy Services (www.amusictherapy.com) in Roanoke, Virginia. Her clinical work has included working with children through adults with various developmental and neurological disabilities; including cerebral palsy, chromosomal abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, brain injury, and autism. Noel holds a Masters degree from Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the past she has enjoyed serving as the regional treasurer as well as the secretary for MAR-AMTA. She has also served on the Financial Advisory Committee for the national organization of the American Music Therapy Association. She hopes to return to serving the region once her boys give her a moment to sit down (without being a "jungle gym").
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Andrew Knight.
Andrew talks about making the shift from clinical work to academia, the active role he plays in his children's extracurricular activities, and how his self-care practices are actually benefiting the field of music therapy.
Andrew is assistant professor of music therapy at Colorado State University, having taught at University of North Dakota before that. His clinical work included an internship in behavioral health in Milwaukee and professional work with adults with dementia and Parkinson's disease, children with developmental disabilities, and young children with language impairments.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with William Murray.
Bill talks about the challenges of being a male in a female-dominated field, how starting a family ignited his passion for working in pediatrics, and the rock band he started which is doing some extraordinary things.
Bill has been a practicing Music Therapist for 12 years, specializing in pediatrics working with children and youthwith special needs. Throughout his career, Bill has developed, implemented and evaluated Music Therapy programs for not-for-profit organizations across Southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. He holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Guelph and an Honors Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree (Minor in Psychology) from the University of Windsor. As Director and Lead Clinician for Accent Music Therapy, Bill is committed to providing industry-leading care.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Ahjay Stelino.
Ahjay talks about nurturing his young son's love of music, what it's like to be a music therapist in New Zealand, and how he avoids professional burnout.
Ahjay is a registered music therapist based in Auckland, New Zealand. He works as a music therapist in the fields of special education and mental health. He has a Masters in Music Therapy from the New Zealand School of Music. He is registered with the New Zealand Music Therapy Registration Board (under his real name of Ajay Castelino). He also teaches guitar and runs a music studio. His latest project is sharing his music therapy songs and tips on using music with kids with special needs at www.ahjaystelino.com.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Tim Ringgold.
Tim talks about the winding road that led him to music therapy, his unconventional roles as a parent, and how he is empowering other music therapists to earn what they are worth.
Tim is a serial entrepreneur who is passionate about healing the world using his three best tools: faith, gratitude, and music. As a music therapist, he directs Sonic Divinity Music Therapy Services in Orange, CA, but this is just one division of his company, Sonic Divinity LLC. He also is a sought after speaker, having given the first TEDx talk on music therapy. In addition to this, he teaches other creative entrepreneurs how to help more people, earn what they're worth, and achieve balance through his coaching division, Empower U Academy. As if that wasn't enough, he is the President of WRAMTA, and a Tribal Elder of TEDxYBC, the largest TEDxYouth organization in the world. His highest paying job however (if joy was the only currency) is that of mad passionate dad and husband.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Stephanie Bolton.
Stephanie talks about her career path working with a vast array of client populations, the challenges of having a home office, and how entering into private practice has allowed her to enjoy valuable time with her family.
Stephanie has been a music therapist since 1997, a wife since 2002, a proud mom since 2005, and a private practice owner since 2009. Along the way, she’s moved across the country 3 times, held 6 different music therapy jobs in 4 different settings/populations, finished her master's, and completed training in GIM. Now her family is happily settled in Huntsville, AL, where Stephanie runs her private practice part-time so she can be home with her daughter after school.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Allison Hingley.
Allison talks about raising a toddler and newborn while completing a master’s program, her family’s various moves around the country, and her decision to start a private practice after staying home with her young daughters.
Allison is the owner of Atlantic Music Therapy, LLC in Clayton, North Carolina, and mother to two amazing daughters, Susan and Samantha. While pregnant and working at the Arizona State Veteran Home, she served as a music therapist and, for a short time, the interim therapeutic programs manager. After the birth of Suzie, her family returned to North Carolina, Allison started graduate school online through Colorado State University, gave birth to Samantha, and started my private practice. Having moved cross-country, cross-state, attended graduate school, and mothered two children, Allison is starting to get the hang of extreme(ly fun) multitasking!
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Kristen O'Grady.
Kristen talks about the evolution of her career while working in the same facility for 11 years, how her family structures their unique weekly schedule, and the importance of staying connected with your partner.
Kristen is the Clinical Director of Creative Arts Therapies and Child Life at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in Yonkers, NY. She has been a music therapist for 11 years, specializing in pediatric palliative care. She is also a long time member of the executive board of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association, completing her final term as Immediate Past President. Kristen enjoys writing as a part of the “blog team” on the blog “Music Therapy and End of Life Care”. Kristen and her husband Mark live in Hazlet, NJ with their two girls, Molly (age 3.5 years) and Brynn (almost 1!). Together they enjoy being outdoors, pajama dance parties and trips for ice cream.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Julie Palmieri.
Julie talks about her experiences having two children, leaving the clinical realm to work with music therapists online, and how she is able to raise her girls while working from home.
Julie is a board-certified music therapist who works and lives in Michigan. She is the owner of Serenade Designs, which helps music therapists create, enhance, and rock their online presence. Julie is married to her amazing husband, Matthew, and they have two gorgeous, funny, energetic, and musical daughters (Amelia & Alice -- she calls them her 'A Team'). They spend their days playing, exploring, visiting new places, and laughing. The Palmieris also have a sweet kitty cat named Clementine. In her spare time, Julie loves browsing Pinterest, cheering on Detroit Red Wings hockey, reading books, eating chocolate, building snowmen, and playing piano.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Jennifer Sokira.
Jen discusses forming a partnership with another music therapist, educates us about torticollis (a condition both of her sons had), and talks about her work with Mental Health First Aid USA.
Jen is a board certified music therapist who works with children who have experienced trauma. Her private practice, Connecticut Music Therapy Services, employs several music therapists and serves hundreds of people with mental health and developmental health needs throughout the state. Jennifer is passionate about quality continuing education of music therapists and has created the Music Therapy Book Club, whose standardized courses offer an in-depth learning experience based upon essential music therapy or related texts. She is also the mother of two wonderful boys, Ryan and Zachary and she enjoys spending time with her family.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Brittany Scheer.
Brittany discusses her decision to leave her job as a hospice music therapist to open a private practice, the pros of doing so in a small town, and shares why she is the happiest she's ever been in her life.
Brittany is a music therapist and mother of 2 little ones, ages 2 and 8 months. She lives and works in a small community in West-Central Ohio, surrounded by rural farms and other very small communities. Brittany became certified as a music therapist in 2008 and has since obtained her Master's degree and started a private practice called Living Music, LLC, right before she found out she was pregnant with her second child. Brittany’s practice focuses on medical and mental health settings, and she is very excited about the possibilities of music therapy in her small town.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Kate Taylor.
Kate talks in-depth about her unique music therapy work as a doula and birth-centered practitioner, which she was inspired to pursue after the birth of her first daughter.
Kate is a birth doula and the owner of Creative Childbirth ConceptsⓇ, a full spectrum pre and perinatal music therapy agency serving Chicago area families for fertility, pregnancy and support during labor and delivery. Kate has presented her research on pre and perinatal music therapy at regional and national American Music Therapy Association conferences, international conferences like the Online Music Therapy Conference and for worldwide parenting organizations like La Leche League International and the Holistic Moms Network. A board certified music therapist since 1999, it was not until the birth of her daughter in 2007 that Kate launched her birth centered music therapy practice where she now attends an average of 24 births per year and continues to raise two wonderfully energetic girls who both love music (and babies!). When not attending births, Kate can be found networking with like-minded parents at yoga and babywearing adventures, helping young MTBCs grow their birth based businesses or hiking at a nearby creek with her family and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Aksana Kavaliova-Moussi.
Aksana shares her experience completing her masters degree online while raising her young daughter, the challenges of being the only music therapist in her country, and why networking via the internet is essential.
Aksana is the only Music Therapist in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and one of the few in the Arabian Gulf region. She holds a Master of Music in Music Therapy degree from Colorado State University, Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, and previously completed Bachelors of Arts and Music Education from her home country Belarus in Eastern Europe. Aksana is a Neurologic Music Therapist and Accredited Music Therapist in Canada. She is an active music therapy advocate and holds such positions as a Co-Chair of the Online Conference for Music Therapy, and the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Liaison for the World Federation of Music Therapy. Aksana has a private practice in Bahrain, working with children with various special needs.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Danielle Oar.
Danielle shares the story of her pregnancy — an “unexpected blessing” — and how she pursued her music therapy studies while raising a baby as a single mother, along with how the support of colleagues, family and friends allowed her to complete her degree, internship, and eventually open a private practice.
Danielle began her journey as a mother during her junior year of her music therapy degree. The role of mother and music therapist gave her unique insights into both worlds, and was a trial of strength as she supported herself and her son through school, internship, and starting a business. Located in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, Danielle has started a vibrant new private practice and supports her son as a single mother. Music has enriched their relationship and created resilience to the struggles of supporting a baby and a business.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Amy Schaack.
Amy talks about building her private practice and hiring employees, sustaining her business through two maternity leaves, and how her company is soon taking music therapy "on the road".
Amy owns Life In Harmony Music Therapy, LLC, a growing private practice in Southwestern Wisconsin. She spent the first four years as a professional developing a music therapy program at a local hospital which later transitioned into a private practice. The business has survived two maternity leaves nearly a year apart and has continued to grow through the process (now employing three music therapists!). Amy's family includes her husband, Bradley, who works full time and also serves as the practice's administrative assistant, Selah (turned two at the end of November), Jovin (will be one the beginning of April), and Chloe (her very first child... a Boston Terrier).
For show notes from this episode, visit www.guitarsandgranolabars.com.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Christina Stock.
Christina shares her journey through perinatal depression and birth-related PTSD, how she handles the "work-life wobble", and the importance of building a local community of support.
Christina is a full time mama and part time music therapist. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Music with a concentration in ethnomusicology from The University of Texas at Austin in 2005 and her Master's degree in Music Therapy from Texas Woman's University in 2009. Christina has been a music therapist for a little over five years and has worked as a music therapy subcontractor, in a pediatric hospital setting, and currently works at an adult cancer center in Dallas. She is from New Braunfels, Texas, and considers herself a country mouse in the big city with her husband and two young children.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Erin Lunde.
Erin shares how she schedules her clinical work around time with her son, her practice of setting 3 big "to-do" priorities each day, and lists quite a few of her favorite podcasts related to motherhood.
Erin owns Sound Matters Music Therapy, LLC, a private practice based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She works with adults and adolescents with developmental delays. Erin has a son who is now 17 months old, and is pregnant with her second child, due in August.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Carrie Friddell.
Carrie talks about her experience being pregnant while completing her internship, her decision to take time off to raise her children, and how she is slowly but surely building up her private practice now that they are a little older.
Carrie received her MT-BC Certification when she was pregnant with her first child, Lucy, in 2005. She now also has a son, Ethan, who is 5 years old and about to go to kindergarten this year. Carrie has slowly been building her private practice as her children have gotten older, and has taken a journey of only working very part time while her children are small with hopes to build a bigger independent music therapy practice in the future.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Laura Theismann.
Laura shares the story of finding out she was pregnant, how her son has influenced her work as a music therapist, and the challenges and perks of having a background in child development when it comes to parenting.
Laura is a graduate from the University of Alabama and began working in 2012 at Key Changes Therapy Services in Columbia South Carolina where she serves a variety of populations including children with Autism and developmental delays, Dementia/Alzheimer's patients, individuals recovering from stroke, just to name a few. Laura is married and has a three year old son that loves to keep her on her toes. On the journey through balancing music therapy and motherhood, Laura is learning very quickly that every day is an adventure, but is loving every minute of it!
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Meryl Brown.
Meryl openly shares her struggle with postpartum depression, how she completely rebuilt her private practice after recovering, and the steps she took to successfully prevent PPD after the birth of her second daughter.
Meryl is a mother of 2 (a 5 year old and 9 month old), wife and music therapist living and working in Central Illinois. She "balances" parenthood and music therapy business ownership, as she owns and operates Developing Melodies, a private practice in Bloomington, IL, nurtures her two littles and aggressively participates in self-care by way of running (marathon training anyone?) and volunteer opportunities; serving as President of her Kiwanis Club, Treasurer of the Illinois Association for Music Therapy and serving on the WeCare Twin Cities Half Marathon planning committee.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Natalie Mullis.
Natalie shares how she prepped her business before her baby was born, spent her maternity leave making major changes to her private practice, and her secrets for getting work done with her son at the office.
Natalie is the owner of Key Changes Therapy Services, LLC in Columbia, South Carolina and mom to her son Desmond who was born in the summer of 2014. She decided to expand her small music therapy private practice during maternity leave to offer speech therapy services and hopefully, occupational and physical therapy in the future.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Amanda Clay.
Amanda discusses what it was like working in the psych setting while pregnant and shares TONS of practical advice for women who may be grappling with working mom guilt.
Amanda is a St. Louis native and Chicagoland transplant as of 2012. She works at a therapeutic day school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders where she’s frequently pinching herself with how lucky she is to have so much fun at work every day. Amanda has a husband and young son, and is navigating her way through new motherhood through minor failures and occasional triumphs.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I’m chatting with Tamara Leszner-Rovet.
Tamara talks about maternity leave in Canada, how she was able to keep her private practice going in the months following her son’s birth, shares a super cool iPad app she uses in her adapted lessons, and much more.
Tamara is a Toronto-based Music Therapist and Piano Teacher. She holds an Associateship in Piano Performance is a Registered Music Teacher. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree with Internship from the University of Windsor, and is an Accredited Music Therapist. She has specialized in teaching piano and providing adapted lessons to children, adolescents, adults, and to individuals with special needs for over 15 years. In her Music Therapy practice, she specializes in working with children and adolescents with neurological and developmental delays.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.
In this episode, I’m chatting with Janice Lindstrom.
Janice discusses how she prepared for motherhood by making changes to her workload, shares parenting duties with her husband, and shares some new projects she’s working on that will benefit many working moms.
Janice has been a board-certified music therapist for over 20 years working with a variety of populations and settings. Currently, she supervises music therapy practica at Southern Methodist University. She offers Work Smarter, Not Harder coaching at HeartBeatMusicTherapy.net and has a new series offering support for parents on her award-winning internet radio show, The Music Therapy Show.
For show notes from this episode, visit www.listenlearnmusic.com/podcast.