imagine podcasts: Recent Episodes
imagine podcasts
The Power of Participation: Making Music Therapy More Meaningful for Families
Dr. Deanna Hanson-Abromeit brings over 30 years of experience to this engaging podcast on parent involvement in early childhood music therapy. She emphasizes the importance of family-centered practices, coaching parents, and adapting interventions to each family’s unique needs and context. Dr. Hanson-Abromeit discusses strategies for fostering meaningful parent-child interactions, navigating cultural influences, and effectively recruiting participants for research and clinical settings. Her advice for parents? Embrace music therapy as a joyful, preventative, and supportive tool that nurtures your child’s natural musicality, strengthens family bonds, and positively impacts developmental outcomes.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1_Hanson-Abromeit_imagine-2025-Episode-1-42725-3.42 PM.mp3Resources
Bornstein, M. H. & Arterberry, M. E. (2023). Infancy: The Basics. Routledge.
Hanson-Abromeit, D. (2022). Stress response reduction through music-based sensory experiences. [Featured article]. imagine e-journal: Music Therapy in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. De La Vista Publishers. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/product/imagine-2022/
Smith, A. R., Salley, B., Hanson-Abromeit, D., Paluch, R. A., Engel, H., Piazza, J., & Kong, K. L. (2023). The impact of a community-based music program on home language environment during early childhood. Child Development, 95(2), 481–496. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14005
Sena Moore, K. & Hanson-Abromeit, D. (2023). Feasibility of the Musical Contour Regulation Facilitation (MCRF) intervention to promote emotion regulation for under-resourced preschoolers: Examining intervention intensity. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 82, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2022.101984
About The Interviewee
Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, PhD, MT-BC Professor at the University of Kansas directs the Baby Music Intervention Research Lab. Her research focuses on music intervention development, evaluation and implementation primarily with infants and families. For 30 years she has worked in early childhood in community and hospital-based settings. Contact: dhansonabromeit@ku.edu
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2025, May 1). The power of participation: Making music therapy more meaningful for families. [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post The Power of Participation first appeared on imagine.
The Gift of Music for Fostering Connection and Joy
Dr. Anne Meeker Watson, founder of sing.play.love., shares her expertise as an early childhood consultant and content creator. She discusses how music- and play-based programming helps parents connect deeply with their young children, setting the stage for collaboration with music therapists to support developmental outcomes. Dr. Watson offers practical strategies for embedding music into daily routines to enhance early learning and kindergarten readiness. Her top advice? Keep it playful, start small, and use music as a powerful tool for building strong parent-child bonds and fostering early development.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2_Meeker_imagine-2025-Episode-2-3625-5.42 PM.mp3Resources
Bailey, B. A., (2000). I love you rituals. William Morrow.
Brae, A. M., Tough, S., & Madigan, S. (2022). Screen time and developmental and behavioral outcomes for preschool children. Pediatric Research, 91(6), 1616–1621.
Troutman, B., Moran, T. E., Arndt, S., Johnson, R. F., & Chmielewski, M. (2012). Development of parenting self-efficacy in mothers of infants with high negative emotionality. Infant Mental Health Journal, 33(1), 45–54.
About The Interviewee
Anne Meeker Watson, PhD, MT-BC, is the founder of the sing.play.love. program (singplaylove.com). Through her writing, product development, and workshops, she shares information about the benefits of music and play to support early learning and kindergarten readiness and gives practical strategies for embedding both into the daily lives of young children. Contact: anne@singplaylove.com
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2025, May 1). The gift of music for fostering connection and joy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post The Gift of Music first appeared on imagine.
It Takes a Village: Leaning into Parent Engagement in Early Childhood Music Therapy
Amy Dacuag, a licensed music therapist and parent educator, shares her passion for supporting young children and their families through music. She emphasizes the power of parent involvement, collaboration, and a strength-based, neuroaffirming approach. Amy encourages parents to trust themselves, advocate for their children, and embrace curiosity in their role. With over two decades of experience, she offers practical strategies for using music to build connections and support development. Her top advice? Focus on your child’s strengths, celebrate their unique way of experiencing the world, and let music be a bridge to meaningful growth.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3_Dacuag_imagine-2025-Episode-2-42725-4.34 PM.mp3Resources
Biancolli, A. (2023, June 23). The nurtured heart approach goes mainstream: Research and experience support “celebrating greatness in every kid.” Mad In America. https://www.madinamerica.com/2022/11/nurtured-heart-approach-2/
Raising Children Network. (2024, May 24). Neurodiversity and neurodivergence: A guide for families. https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/neurodiversity-neurodivergence-guide-for-families
About The Interviewee
Amy Dacuag is a board-certified music therapist with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, music therapy, and parent education. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and developmental growth in children of all ages through a compassionate and gentle approach. Amy’s work spans preschool settings, music classes, and therapy sessions. Contact: amydacuag@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2025, May 1). It takes a village! Leaning into parent engagement in early childhood music therapy. [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post It Takes a Village first appeared on imagine.
Parent Involvement is Everything: The Key to Effective Therapy
Angela Adams explores the profound impact of parent involvement in therapy—not just for children, but for parents themselves. She emphasizes the importance of parents advocating for their own well-being alongside their child’s, empowering them to actively shape the therapeutic process. Angie discusses practical ways parents can engage, communicate their needs, and navigate challenges within healthcare systems. She highlights how strong parent participation fosters deeper connections, builds resilience, and leads to more meaningful therapeutic outcomes. Her insights offer encouragement for parents and professionals alike, reinforcing the idea that when parents are engaged, therapy is truly at its most effective.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4_Angela-Adams_imagine-2025-Episode-4-42725-4.22 PM.mp3Resources
Hagan, M. (2025, February 25). What is Co-Regulation?: Helping kids regulate their emotions requires managing your own. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-co-regulation/
PCIT International. (n.d.). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). https://pcit.org
The Child & Family Institute. (n.d.). Parent-child interaction therapy. https://childfamilyinstitute.com/factsheets/evidence-based-treatments-at-cfi/parent-child-interaction-therapy/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8Lu9BhA8EiwAag16b6c0IWtPtV-UKPQnHnDAV6a0qvYPOBeFLLxnwPqHrZL-Wm0c8bdqqhoCk-AQAvD_BwE
About The Interviewee
Angela “Angie” Adams, LCSW, is a clinical therapist with Norton Healthcare’s Maternal Opiate and Substance Treatment Program. With over 20 years of experience working with children and families across various settings, she specializes in supporting parents as active participants in their child’s care. Angie is passionate about empowering families to advocate for their needs, fostering stronger relationships, and ensuring therapy leads to lasting change. Contact: Angela.Adams@NortonHealthcare.org
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2025, May 1). Parent involvement is everything: The key to effective therapy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Parent Involvement is Everything first appeared on imagine.
Music Therapy: Strengthening Our Bond Through What My Child Loves
Megan shares her deeply personal journey of using music therapy to support her son, Carter, during his extended NICU stay and beyond. She reflects on the emotional challenges of balancing medical care, family life, and self-care while staying actively involved in therapy. Megan highlights the powerful role music played in strengthening their bond, easing transitions, and creating moments of connection in both hospital and home settings. She encourages parents to embrace music as a tool for engagement, comfort, and developmental growth, demonstrating how small musical interactions can have a lasting impact on a child’s well-being.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5_Megan-Richardson_imagine-2025-Episode-5-42725-4.03 PM.mp3Resources
None.
About The Interviewee
Megan is a devoted mother to 2-year-old Carter, a NICU graduate who spent over 100 days in intensive care. Throughout their journey, Megan actively participated in music therapy, both in the NICU and later in an outpatient parent-infant music therapy group focused on bonding and development. Her firsthand experience navigating medical and therapeutic care has made her a strong advocate for parent involvement in early interventions. Megan continues to use music as a meaningful way to connect with Carter and support his growth. Contact: meganmacr@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2025, May 1). Music therapy: Strengthening our bond through what my child loves [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Music Therapy: Strengthening Our Bond first appeared on imagine.
Music as Bridge: A Parent Being a Child’s Most Trusted Caregiver
Stephanie Leavell brings a unique perspective to this conversation, blending her experiences as a music therapist in medical settings with her expertise as a songwriter for children. In this episode, she explores how music therapists can facilitate parent-child interaction, sometimes leading the way and other times stepping back to create a safe space for families to simply be together. Stephanie shares insights on using music to strengthen bonds, empower caregivers, and provide comfort in unfamiliar environments.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6_Stephanie-Leavell_imagine-2025-Episode-6-31625-5.03 PM.mp3Resource
Music For Kiddos. (n.d.). Monthly newsletter: Song of the month club. https://musicforkiddos.com/newsletter
About The Interviewee
Stephanie Leavell, MT-BC is an award-winning songwriter, music therapist, and the founder of Music for Kiddos, an online platform offering high-quality music resources and education for therapists, educators, and parents. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Stephanie specializes in working with babies and young children, using music as a tool to help them thrive. Contact: hello@musicforkiddos.com
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2025, September 1). Music as a bridge: A parent being a child’s most trusted caregiver [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Music as Bridge first appeared on imagine.
Active Participation: How Parents Help Shape the Music Therapy Journey
Music therapy in early childhood is not just a journey for the child—it’s an experience for parents as well. In this episode, Rose Anzel shares her insights on the essential role parents play in the therapeutic process. She discusses how active participation during sessions enhances both developmental progress and family bonds, empowering parents to confidently incorporate music into their daily routines. Rose provides practical strategies for making music therapy techniques accessible at home, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the session and into meaningful, everyday interactions between parents and children.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/7_Anzel_imagine-2025-Episode-6-3725-11.23 AM.mp3Resource
Schwartz, E. (2008). Music, therapy, and early childhood: A developmental approach. Barcelona Publishers.
About The Interviewee
Rose Anzel, LMSW, MT-BC, specialized in working with children and individuals with developmental disabilities. Based in San Antonio, Texas, she is the owner of Crescendo Center PLLC, works part-time at The Rise School of San Antonio, and teaches at the University of the Incarnate Word. Rose is passionate about helping families integrate music into their daily lives, making therapy a natural and enriching part of their routine. Contact: ranzel@crescendosatx.com
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2025, May 1). Active participation: How parents help shape the music therapy journey [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Active Participation first appeared on imagine.
Communication Through Music: An Accessible Tool for Parent-Child Connection
Parent involvement in music therapy extends far beyond supporting a child’s developmental goals—it strengthens the parent-child relationship through meaningful musical interactions. In this episode, Cindy Kraus, shares her experiences working in a Head Start program and how music can be a powerful, accessible tool for fostering connection. She discusses practical strategies for engaging parents, encouraging meaningful musical interactions, and fostering relationships through accessible, everyday music-making. Cindy also highlights the importance of relationship-building in empowering parents to feel confident and involved in their child’s development, making music an easy and effective way to enhance communication and connection at home.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8_Cindy-Kraus_imagine-2025-Episode-8-31625-7.22 PM.mp3Resources
Conscious Discipline. (n.d.) The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model. https://consciousdiscipline.com/methodology/brain-state-model/
Pasiali, V. (2012). Supporting parent-child interactions: Music therapy as an intervention for promoting mutually responsive orientation. Journal of Music Therapy, 49(3), 303–334. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/49.3.303
About The Interviewee
Cindy Kraus, MT-BC, is specialized in early childhood development. She works with children ages 0-5 at a Head Start center in Kansas City, MO, where she is dedicated to providing resources and support to children, parents, and teachers. Cindy is passionate about making music an accessible tool for connection and play, helping families engage more deeply through shared musical experiences. Contact: cindy.white1995@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2025, May 1). Communication through music: An accessible tool for parent-child connection [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Communication Through Music first appeared on imagine.
Gentle Beginnings: Empowering Parents in the NICU Through Music Therapy
Dr. Friederike Haslbeck shares her powerful work with preterm infants and their families in neonatal intensive care. With over 20 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience, Dr. Haslbeck discusses how music therapy can create space for bonding, intimacy, and healing during fragile beginnings. She explains how music supports both infant regulation and parent empowerment—highlighting cultural sensitivity, individualized pacing, and the transformative impact of shared musical moments. Dr. Haslbeck also introduces her innovative songbooks designed to extend musical care beyond hospital walls and into everyday life.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9_Friederike-Haslbeck_imagine-2025-Episode-9-41325-6.04 PM.mp3Resources
Haslbeck, F. B., Schmidli, L., Bucher, H.U., & Bassler D. (2021). Music is life—follow‐up qualitative study on parental experiences of creative music therapy in the neonatal period. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health, 18(12), 6678. Https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126678
Haslbeck, F.B. (2018). Wiegenlieder für die Kleinsten. Ausgewählte Lieder von Eltern für Eltern frühgeborener Kinder (Ed.) [Lullabies for the tiny ones. Selected songs from parents for parents of premature babies]. ISBN: 978-3-033-06451-5. http://shop.fruehgeborene.de/Wiegenliederbuch
Haslbeck, F. B., Legler, B., Frei, M. (2021). Mit dem Oktopus ins Liedermeer [With the octopus into the sea of songs]. ISBN: 978-3-033-08841-2. https://shop.fruehgeborene.de/epages/es742420.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es742420/Products/%22Singbuch%2005%22
About The Interviewee
Dr. Friederike Haslbeck is a music therapist, researcher, and lecturer based in Zurich, Switzerland. With decades of experience in neonatal music therapy, she specializes in empowering parents to use their voices and music to foster connection, co-regulation, and developmental growth with their preterm infants. Contact: friederike.Haslbeck@usz.ch
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2025, May 1). Gentle beginnings: Empowering parents in the NICU through music therapy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Gentle Beginnings first appeared on imagine.
Side by Side: Partnering with Parents in Early Childhood Music Therapy
Dr. Kirsi Tuomi shares her rich experience as a music therapist, researcher, and attachment-focused family therapist, highlighting the essential role of parents in early childhood music therapy. She reflects on attunement, secure relationships, and empowering parents as co-experts. Dr. Tuomi emphasizes culturally sensitive practices, metallization, and collaborative partnerships that extend beyond the therapy room. Through real-life stories and clinical insights, she offers strategies for including both parents in the therapeutic process, supporting lasting change for children and families.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10_Kirsi-Tuomi_imagine-2025-Episode-10-41325-6.10 PM.mp3Resources
Tuomi, K. (2018). Intervention for foster families with young children. imagine, 9(1), 66–68. https://doi.org/ISSN 2153-7879
Tuomi, K. (2021). Nurture and play with foster families. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 25(4), 20–32. https://doi.org/100028.987.10
Tuomi, K., Ala-Ruona, E., & Oldfield, A. (2017). Literature review of early childhood music therapy between 1990-2012. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v17i2.888
Tuomi, K., Thompson, G., Gottfried, T., & Ala-Ruona, E. (2021). Theoretical perspectives and therapeutic approaches in music therapy with families. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.2952
About The Interviewee
Dr. Kirsi Tuomi is a board-certified music therapist, attachment-focused family therapist, and researcher based in Finland. With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience, she specializes in early childhood and family music therapy, including the development of the “Nurture and Play” intervention for foster families. Contact: kirsi@wanhankoulunrauha.fi
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2025, May 1). Side by side: Partnering with parents in Early Childhood Music Therapy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Side by Side first appeared on imagine.
This episode features Dr. Jayne Standley’s responses to the following questions:
- Can you describe the major initiatives of the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy and the unique role of a NICU-MT Fellow?
- What key learning objectives are addressed in the NICU-MT certificate training program?
- What are the steps one must take to become a NICU-MT?
- What empowering words do you have for individuals pursuing their NICU-MT certificate?
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Standley_imagine-2024-Episode-1.mp3About the Speaker
Dr. Jayne Standley, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at The Florida State University, is a renowned figure in NICU Music Therapy. With decades of research and over 600 NICU-MTs trained through the Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, Dr. Standley’s influence extends worldwide. As she prepares to retire, imagine 2024 pays tribute to her remarkable contributions with a Festschrift dedicated to her legacy.
Authors
Ciele Knox, MM, MT-BC, the Training and Development Coordinator at the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, and Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, editor of imagine, co-hosted multiple NICU online trainings and webinars over the past 3 years. This year’s imagine podcast series captures a selection of frequently asked questions from attendees and is part of the 2024 Festschrift for Dr. Jayne Standley and NICU Music Therapy.
Contact
CM-NICU-MT@fsu.edu
Suggested Citation
Knox, C., & Kern, P. (2024, June 1). NICU-MT and institute overview (No. 1) [Audio podcast episode]. In Insights from Jayne Standley: Highlights from the NICU-MT webinar series. imagine. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/podcasts
The post NICU-MT and Institute Overview first appeared on imagine.
This episode features Dr. Jayne Standley’s responses to the following questions:
- How do you define evidence-based practice?
- Are there any possible adverse effects of music therapy in a delicate environment such as the NICU?
- What specific styles of music are most suitable for fostering neurologic development in the NICU?
- Are there any concerns regarding vocal range for male music therapists in the NICU?
- What is your guidance on live versus recorded music during NICU music therapy?
- How is music selection in the NICU influenced by considering the cultural backgrounds and sensitivities of the infants and their families?
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Standley_imagine-2024-Episode-2.mp3About the Speaker
Dr. Jayne Standley, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at The Florida State University, is a renowned figure in NICU Music Therapy. With decades of research and over 600 NICU-MTs trained through the Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, Dr. Standley’s influence extends worldwide. As she prepares to retire, imagine 2024 pays tribute to her remarkable contributions with a Festschrift dedicated to her legacy.
Authors
Ciele Knox, MM, MT-BC, the Training and Development Coordinator at the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, and Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, editor of imagine, co-hosted multiple NICU online trainings and webinars over the past 3 years. This year’s imagine podcast series captures a selection of frequently asked questions from attendees and is part of the 2024 Festschrift for Dr. Jayne Standley and NICU Music Therapy.
Contact
CM-NICU-MT@fsu.edu
Suggested Citation
Knox, C., & Kern, P. (2024, June 1). Evidence-based practice and NICU-MT music characteristics (No. 2) [Audio podcast episode]. In Insights from Jayne Standley: Highlights from the NICU-MT webinar series. imagine. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/podcasts
The post Evidence-Based Practice & NICU-MT Music Characteristics first appeared on imagine.
This episode features Dr. Jayne Standley’s responses to the following questions:
- What is the first step to crafting a persuasive program proposal?
- Can you share your best advice for effectively developing a program proposal?
- When drafting a schedule, what key factors are most important in the decision-making process?
- What are some effective avenues for securing funding to support a new program’s initiatives?
- In your opinion, what is the single most crucial aspect for NICU-MTs to prioritize in their practice?
- How do you recommend approaching medical staff members who may initially be hesitant or resistant to integrating NICU-MT services into patient care?
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Standley_imagine-2024-Episode-3.mp3About the Speaker
Dr. Jayne Standley, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at The Florida State University, is a renowned figure in NICU Music Therapy. With decades of research and over 600 NICU-MTs trained through the Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, Dr. Standley’s influence extends worldwide. As she prepares to retire, imagine 2024 pays tribute to her remarkable contributions with a Festschrift dedicated to her legacy.
Authors
Ciele Knox, MM, MT-BC, the Training and Development Coordinator at the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, and Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, editor of imagine, co-hosted multiple NICU online trainings and webinars over the past 3 years. This year’s imagine podcast series captures a selection of frequently asked questions from attendees and is part of the 2024 Festschrift for Dr. Jayne Standley and NICU Music Therapy.
Contact
CM-NICU-MT@fsu.edu
Suggested Citation
Knox, C., & Kern, P. (2024, June 1). Program proposal (No. 1) [Audio podcast episode]. In Insights from Jayne Standley: Highlights from the NICU-MT webinar series. imagine. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/podcasts
The post Program Proposal first appeared on imagine.
This episode features Dr. Jayne Standley’s responses to the following questions:
- Could you provide a comprehensive overview of the complexities surrounding NICU-MT reimbursement?
- Why is it imperative to consider reimbursement when developing a program?
- What is the potential cost-benefit analysis of implementing billing practices for NICU-MT services?
- What are your hopes for the future regarding NICU-MT reimbursement policies and practices?
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Standley_imagine-2024-Episode-4.mp3About the Speaker
Dr. Jayne Standley, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at The Florida State University, is a renowned figure in NICU Music Therapy. With decades of research and over 600 NICU-MTs trained through the Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, Dr. Standley’s influence extends worldwide. As she prepares to retire, imagine 2024 pays tribute to her remarkable contributions with a Festschrift dedicated to her legacy.
Authors
Ciele Knox, MM, MT-BC, the Training and Development Coordinator at the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, and Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, editor of imagine, co-hosted multiple NICU online trainings and webinars over the past 3 years. This year’s imagine podcast series captures a selection of frequently asked questions from attendees and is part of the 2024 Festschrift for Dr. Jayne Standley and NICU Music Therapy.
Contact
CM-NICU-MT@fsu.edu
Suggested Citation
Knox, C., & Kern, P. (2024, June 1). Reimbursement (No. 4) [Audio podcast episode]. In Insights from Jayne Standley: Highlights from the NICU-MT webinar series. imagine. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/podcasts
The post Reimbursement first appeared on imagine.
This episode features Dr. Jayne Standley’s responses to the following questions:
- How does NICU-MT contribute to mitigating stress levels in neonates?
- What role does NICU-MT play in maintaining or enhancing oxygen saturation levels?
- How does NICU-MT influence parental well-being and interactions within the NICU environment?
- In what ways does NICU-MT impact the weight gain of premature infants?
- Can you elaborate on the effects of NICU-MT on various physiological variables?
- What evidence exists regarding the efficacy of NICU-MT in alleviating pain experienced by neonates?
- How does NICU-MT contribute to managing or reducing hyperresponsiveness in hospitalized infants?
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Standley_imagine-2024-Episode-5.mp3About the Speaker
Dr. Jayne Standley, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at The Florida State University, is a renowned figure in NICU Music Therapy. With decades of research and over 600 NICU-MTs trained through the Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, Dr. Standley’s influence extends worldwide. As she prepares to retire, imagine 2024 pays tribute to her remarkable contributions with a Festschrift dedicated to her legacy.
Authors
Ciele Knox, MM, MT-BC, the Training and Development Coordinator at the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, and Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, editor of imagine, co-hosted multiple NICU online trainings and webinars over the past 3 years. This year’s imagine podcast series captures a selection of frequently asked questions from attendees and is part of the 2024 Festschrift for Dr. Jayne Standley and NICU Music Therapy.
Contact
CM-NICU-MT@fsu.edu
Suggested Citation
Knox, C., & Kern, P. (2024, June 1). NICU-MT benefits (No. 5) [Audio podcast episode]. In Insights from Jayne Standley: Highlights from the NICU-MT webinar series. imagine. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/podcasts
The post NICU-MT Benefits first appeared on imagine.
This episode features Dr. Jayne Standley’s responses to the following questions:
- Could you elaborate on the significance of fetal development and its lasting impacts on health and well-being?
- What is the PAL device, and how does it revolutionize care within the NICU environment?
- What effect does music therapy have on infants requiring ventilator support in the NICU?
- How does music therapy provide procedural support to infants undergoing medical interventions in the NICU?
- How can NICU-MTs support NICU staff members as they navigate the challenges of patient care?
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Standley_imagine-2024-Episode-6.mp3About the Speaker
Dr. Jayne Standley, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at The Florida State University, is a renowned figure in NICU Music Therapy. With decades of research and over 600 NICU-MTs trained through the Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, Dr. Standley’s influence extends worldwide. As she prepares to retire, imagine 2024 pays tribute to her remarkable contributions with a Festschrift dedicated to her legacy.
Authors
Ciele Knox, MM, MT-BC, the Training and Development Coordinator at the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, and Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, editor of imagine, co-hosted multiple NICU online trainings and webinars over the past 3 years. This year’s imagine podcast series captures a selection of frequently asked questions from attendees and is part of the 2024 Festschrift for Dr. Jayne Standley and NICU Music Therapy.
Contact
CM-NICU-MT@fsu.edu
Suggested Citation
Knox, C., & Kern, P. (2024, June 1). Overall NICU-MT(No. 6) [Audio podcast episode]. In Insights from Jayne Standley: Highlights from the NICU-MT webinar series. imagine. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/podcasts
The post Overall NICU-MT first appeared on imagine.
This episode features Dr. Jayne Standley’s responses to the following questions:
- What key areas or advancements do you feel are essential to future NICU-MT research endeavors?
- What are your aspirations for the advancement and impact of the music therapy profession in the years to come?
- If you could speak to a preterm infant on their 20th birthday, what words of wisdom or encouragement would you offer?
- Reflecting on your initial inspiration to explore music therapy in the NICU, what are your hopes and dreams for the continued growth and development of NICU-MT?
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Standley_imagine-2024-Episode-7.mp3About the Speaker
Dr. Jayne Standley, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at The Florida State University, is a renowned figure in NICU Music Therapy. With decades of research and over 600 NICU-MTs trained through the Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, Dr. Standley’s influence extends worldwide. As she prepares to retire, imagine 2024 pays tribute to her remarkable contributions with a Festschrift dedicated to her legacy.
Authors
Ciele Knox, MM, MT-BC, the Training and Development Coordinator at the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy, and Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG, editor of imagine, co-hosted multiple NICU online trainings and webinars over the past 3 years. This year’s imagine podcast series captures a selection of frequently asked questions from attendees and is part of the 2024 Festschrift for Dr. Jayne Standley and NICU Music Therapy.
Contact
CM-NICU-MT@fsu.edu
Suggested Citation
Knox, C., & Kern, P. (2024, June 1). Inspiration and hopes for the Future (No. 7) [Audio podcast episode]. In Insights from Jayne Standley: Highlights from the NICU-MT webinar series. imagine. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/podcasts
The post Inspiration and Hopes for the Future first appeared on imagine.
The Story of an Independent Music Maker: An Interview With Crystal King
Applying her professional knowledge from assistive technology, Crystal King makes music making accessible to everyone! She challenges the listener to re-think what music making means and illustrates her points by telling Tiegan’s story. In this podcast, Crystal explains the importance of including visual supports and schedules and shares products that support her client in being an independent music maker. She also suggests collaborating with occupational therapists and speech language pathologists to adapt equipment and communication devices for purposeful music making. Her top advice is to try out what works for individual clients and not be afraid to adjust.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1_Crystal-King-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Products
- Instamorph: A polyester thermoplastic that can be used to create custom jigs or grips for instruments.
- Little Step-by-Step: A switch that can be pre-recorded with phrases or words allowing clients to participate in a singing activity.
- LessonPix: A website that provides an inexpensive solution for creating visual supports.
- Adaptive Mallets by American Drums: Various options for clients who need support to hold a mallet.
About The Interviewee
Crystal King, MSEd, MT-BC, is a music therapist at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School and an assistive technology specialist at the South Shore Educational Collaborative in Massachusetts. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Music Therapy department at Florida Gulf Coast University. Her passion is to provide accessible music making opportunities for clients of all abilities. Contact: cking@fgcu.edu
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2023, July 15). The story of an independent music maker: An interview with Crystal King [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post The Story of an Independent Music Maker first appeared on imagine.
Ways of Creating Access Points Into Music Making: An Interview With Dr. Carol Ann Blank
Inviting and making people comfortable in music making is the starting point for Dr. Carol Ann Bank when working with young children and their families. In her opinion, children can participate in music making beyond matching a pitch or a rhythm and repeating a phrase. She looks for enjoyment and engagement of clients (e.g., movements and gestures) that can be shaped into a music-making response. In this podcast, Dr. Carol Ann Blank gives tips for how to turn anything that can be tapped or rubbed into an instrument to create endless opportunities for music making. She also shares how to use tap buttons and music apps for songwriting with young children and laminated picture cards for learning about dynamics (e.g., crescendo or forte). For Carol Ann, music happens right in the family’s home and with the materials available in their environment (e.g., a trampoline). Her top advice to listeners is to start the intervention immediately upon handing out instruments and not make children sit still and wait “as every moment counts.”
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2_Carol-Ann-Blank-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources & Products
- Adaptive Use Musical Instruments (AUMI): An adaptive music making app that allows making music through facial movement.
- Keezy: A pre-loaded board app that creats songs with a simple tap with the option to record new boards.
- Shake and Move Ribbon Bells: Musical instrument with colorful fabric streamers; available at Lakeshore.
- Quack Stick: A shaker that makes squeaking sounds; available at West Music.
- Singable Stories: Children books that come with a song; curated by the Boston Public Library.
- Blank, C. A. (2019). Music-making experiences in the early childhood inclusion classroom [Webinar]. edWebinars. https://home.edweb.net/webinar/music20190125/
About The Interviewee
Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., MT-BC, owns Music Therapy Services of Central NJ and is the Manager of Special Needs Services at Music Together Worldwide. She created the Music Together Within Therapy program, a trademark license model for clinicians to implement in individual and small group music therapy sessions. Adapting music making to families’ environments and resources is central to her music therapy services. Contact: carol.ann.blank@mtscnj.com
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2023, July 15). Ways of creating access points into music making: An interview with Dr. Carol Ann Blank [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Ways of Creating Access Points Into Music Making first appeared on imagine.
Adaptive Music Making for Meaningful Inclusion: An Interview With Jessica Corwin and Jennifer Kass
As teaching artists at the Adaptive Music Program at the Community Music School of Springfield, Massachusetts, Jessica Corwin and Jennifer Kass provide music experiences to learners with various disabilities in local schools. In this podcast, they talk about using visual cards, buttons, and switches to give every child a voice in the music-making process. Jennifer gives examples of simple adaptations for commercial instruments and attaching sound makers to objects that can be held by young clients with low muscle tone. Jessica says, ”Kids are often natural songwriters” as they sing to themselves or change words to familiar songs. Nurturing these moments and creating a culturally inclusive and responsive music classroom is key to their work. Their top advice is to connect with people who know the children best and observe how they respond to music making.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3_Corwin-Kass-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resource
- Community Music School of Springfield. (2023). Adaptive music program: About APM. https://www.communitymusicschool.com/our-programs/adaptive-music-program/
About The Interviewees
Jessica Corwin, MMEd, is a licensed public school music teacher and Director of the Adaptive Music Program offered at the Community Music School of Springfield, Massachusetts. As teaching artist and music therapist, Jennifer Kass, MA, MT-BC, brings 22 years of work experience to the table. Both are passionate about making music accessible to a diverse student population and tailor their services to the needs of each partnering school. Contact: jcorwin@communitymusicschool.com, jkass@communitymusicschool.com
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2023, July 15). Adaptive music making for meaningful inclusion: An interview with Jessica Corwin and Jennifer Kass [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Adaptive Music Making for Meaningful Inclusion first appeared on imagine.
Adaptation Everywhere: An Interview With Laurel Rosen-Weatherford
Providing music therapy services to clients ages 2.5-26 within a continuum of school settings, Laurel Rosen-Weatherford believes that all students can participate in music making. She creates an inclusive environment that offers opportunities to explore, engage, and learn from each other. In this podcast, Laurel emphasizes the importance of Universal Design for Learning and gives examples from her clinical practice including adapting to participants and their level of engagement for joint music making. Through consultation with the school district’s assistive technology consultants, Laurel recognizes the difference between low-tech (e.g., large-size visual cards for “go” and “stop”) and high-tech (e.g., client’s individual core boards on devices or eye gaze technology) and utilizes both in daily practice. She also discusses adapting instruments, describes the “Dr. G. Method” for alternative music notation, and gives structured songwriting ideas. Laurel has experience outside the classroom environment providing sessions on Zoom, courtyard music with families, and intergenerational services in senior citizen centers. Her greatest advice to listeners is “to watch what your students are doing” to guide adaptations and how to adjust expectations.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/4_Rosen_Podcast-Narrative_FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Dinnebeil, L. A., & McInerney, W. F. (2011). A guide to itinerant early childhood special education services. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company.
- Stoiber, K. C. (2015). Multi-tiered systems of support and evidence-based practices. In M. Gettinger (Ed.), Handbook of response to intervention: The science and practice of multi-tiered system of support (pp. 121–141). Springer.
About The Interviewee
Laurel Rosen-Weatherford, MM, MT-BC, works at the Monroe County Intermediate School District. She teaches undergraduate courses for Lourdes University and University of Toledo and serves on various boards and organizations. She is eager to create opportunities so that every learner can participate. Contact: laurel.rosen-weatherford@monroeisd.us
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2023, July 15). Adaptation everywhere: An interview with Laurel Rosen-Weatherford [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Adaptation Everywhere first appeared on imagine.
Creativity Across The Board: An Interview With Chelsea Kinsler
A team member of Therabeat, Inc, Chelsea Kinsler offers individual and group music therapy sessions as well as adaptive lessons at their interdisciplinary In Harmony Pediatrics Clinic. She is passionate about offering children successful experiences through adaptive music lessons by targeting achievable goals and providing support. Annually, children have the opportunity to demonstrate their achievements and celebrate their strengths in a peer-supported performance environment. In this podcast, Chelsea gives tips on how to adapt the music room, instruments, and music notation. She talks about using motivating and engaging music apps and music games that reinforce learning at home. Her top advice for adaptive music making in early childhood is to be creative and to embrace the strength of each child.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/5_Kinsler-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Products
- EZ-Play Today #301: Kid’s Songfest: A color-coded beginner piano play book including traditional children’s songs.
- GarageBand: An app including touch instrument, live loops, and a recording studio.
- Removable Piano Keyboard Note Labels: 88-key non-sticky silicone piano key letters that are easy to use and read.
- GuitarTuna: Chords, Tuner, Songs: An app that supports 100+ tunings for 15 various instruments.
About The Interviewee
Chelsea Kinsler, LPMT, MT-BC, is the Clinical Director and Internship Supervisor at Therabeat in Woodstock, Georgia. At Therabeat, the team believes that “being a musician is for all, not just those who wish to pursue a career in music.” Offering adaptive lessons to children with varying abilities, Chelsea addresses the unique needs of every child. Contact: chelsea@therabeat.com
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2023, July 15). Creativity across the board: An interview with Chelsea Kinsler [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Creativity Across The Board first appeared on imagine.
Adapting in Every Moment: An Interview With Andrew Chapman
Andrew Chapman is the coordinator of the University of Louisville Music Therapy Clinic where their mission and vision is to make music experiences accessible and available to everyone. He says, “Almost every clinical experience has some form of adaptation,” and describes the adapted rock band led by clinic staff. In this podcast, Andrew discusses the use of open tunings on stringed instruments and color-coded stickers as well as Alexa, Chrome Music Lab, and GarageBand as tools for adaptive music making. Setting up a story, “Once upon a time…” as a narrative for songwriting with young children is one of Andrew’s favorite things to do. His top advice for adaptive music making in early childhood is to pay attention to children’s musical strengths and identity regardless of ability.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/6_Chapman-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Asch-Ortiz, J., Banzon, G., & West, R. (n.d.). Mobile applications: Tech nook. The Tech Nook. https://www.technook.co/mobile-applications
- Google. (n.d.). Chrome Music Lab. https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/
About The Interviewee
Andrew Chapman, MT-BC, is the coordinator for the University of Louisville’s Music Therapy Clinic. Clients are seen as “clinic artists” and served in preschools, foster care facilities, and cancer centers. He is eager to offer music-making experiences that set his clinic artists up for success. Contact: andrew.chapman@louisville.edu
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2023, July 15). Adapting in every moment: An interview with Andrew Chapman [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Adapting in Every Moment first appeared on imagine.
Music-Making Can Happen Anywhere: An Interview With Jessica Baron
As the founder of Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom, Jessica Baron has a passion for sharing music with as many children as possible. She says, “So many kids are in need of adaptive services.” In this podcast, she speaks to their Adaptive Music for Achievement and Inclusion in Special Education (AMAISE) program, as well as using music with children who are homebound or hospitalized. Jess and her educators focus on “measures of joy,” looking for subtle signs of engagement via large or fine motor movements to evaluate the child’s response. Her top advice for listeners is to “relinquish all expectations” and be ready for anything, but also to mirror children’s way of creating a sound to build a musical conversation.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/7_Jessica-Baron-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Products
- The Waterman® Ukulele: A water-resistant ukulele that come in different colors.
- Keezy: A pre-loaded board app that allows users to create songs with a simple tap.
About The Interviewee
Jessica Baron, MA, is a lifelong musician, educator, and author whose passion for responsive teaching and inclusive, developmental education led her to start the non-profit Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom. Her eight books on childhood creativity and musical development address ukulele and guitar education for all ages, as well as parenting. Jessica Baron is passionate about looking at all that children have to offer within a musical interaction. Contact: jess@guitarsintheclassroom.org
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2023, July 15). Music making can happen anywhere: An interview with Jessica Baron [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Music-Making Can Happen Anywhere first appeared on imagine.
Color-Coded Success: An Interview With Miriam Tart
As a staff member of Piedmont Music Therapy, Miriam Tart works with children in individual sessions at preschools. Instruments with alternative tuning, adaptive mallets with larger handles or straps, and color-coded instruments and music are what Miriam uses with her clients on a daily basis. In this podcast, she talks about providing accessible music making experiences in community settings such as a children’s library or a recreation center. Miriam expresses how humans often tie a sense of worth to being included, and music can encourage this in young children. During adaptive music lessons, the goal focuses on the process rather than the performance. She recommends color-coded music notation and songbooks for children with various abilities. Her top advice for listeners is to be flexible and creative.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/8_Miriam-Tart-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Myers, K. (n.d.). Painting the piano! An adapted piano songbook. https://www.musictherapyebooks.com/product/painting-the-piano-an-adapted-piano-songbook/
- Music-Go-RoundsTM. (n.d.). Music-Go-Rounds color-coded songbook for boomwhackers and bells (Vol. 1). https://www.musicmotion.com/99400-color-coded-songbook-1-download-music-go-round-mini-alphadots-set-1
About The Interviewee
Miriam Tart, MMT, MT-BC, works with a wide range of clients at Piedmont Music Therapy in Charlotte, North Carolina. She offers individual and group sessions as well as adaptive lessons. Making music successful for young children is at the core of her work. Contact: miriam@piedmontmusictherapy.com
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2023, July 15). Color-coded success: An interview with Miriam Tart [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Color-Coded Success first appeared on imagine.
Adapt to Connect: An Interview With Matt Logan
Working at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, Matt Logan is familiar with adapting music making to pediatric patients admitted to the hematology, oncology, blood and marrow transplant, and neuro rehabilitation units. Matt’s intention is to inspire connection, trust, curiosity, creativity, and expressivity when making music with young patients. In this podcast, he emphasizes selecting instruments that provide an optimal level of challenge and interest for the child and songs that are meaningful to families. He speaks to the value of including everyone in the patient’s room in the musical experience to level out the dynamic of power in a medical setting. To Matt, adapting instruments for young children means using pentatonic scales and providing a high quality musical experience. Spontaneous, improvised songwriting, captured on Mom’s or Dad’s cellphone is what Matt does on a daily basis. His top advice is to prioritize connections with children through the non-verbal act of making music.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/9_Logan_Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Nachmanovitch, S. (1991). Free play: Improvisation in life and art (1st ed.). G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
- Orenstein, G. A., & Lewis, L. (2022). Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556096/
- Robb, S. L. (2000). The effect of therapeutic music interventions on the behavior of hospitalized children in isolation: Developing a contextual support model of music therapy. Journal of Music Therapy, 37(2), 118–146. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/37.2.118
- Shoemark, H., Rimmer, J., Bower, J., Tucquet, B., Miller, L., Fisher, M., Ogburn, N., & Dun, B. (2018). A conceptual framework: The musical self as a unique pathway to outcomes in the acute pediatric health setting. Journal of Music Therapy, 55(1), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thx018
About The Interviewee
Matt Logan, MA, MT-BC, is a clinician and internship director at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, California. He primarily works with patients undergoing cancer treatment and neurological rehabilitation. Connecting through music and adapting in the moment are key to his professional success. Contact: matthew.Logan@ucsf.edu
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2023, July 15). Adapt to connect: An interview with Matt Logan [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Adapt to Connect first appeared on imagine.
Find a Way to Make it Work: An Interview With Jodi Click
A piano, guitar, and voice teacher, Jodi Click also provides music and movement sessions for young children. Adapting to children’s ability to make music a successful experience is on her daily agenda. In this podcast, she gives multiple examples on how everyone can participate in music making and innovative tips for adapting instruments. She uses assistive technology for songwriting, sound effects, and answering questions and thinks outside the box to find affordable tools. Pictures, color-coded instruments, and rhythm cards are her go-to materials for learning about music notation. Her top tip for adaptive music making is “try everything.”
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/10_Click-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Products
- PELTEFLU Voice Recording Button: A low cost voice-recording button created for dogs but usable as a communication device for children.
- Bedenden Oyuna: A YouTube channel featuring musical games with low cost instruments.
- Parry Gripp: Interactive songs for all ages.
- Caspar Babypants Music: Engaging singable children books.
- Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape: A tape useful to adapt items, build up handles, and create a grippy surface.
About The Interviewee
Jodi Click is a licensed special education teacher with over 20 years experience in teaching in self-contained classrooms and working as an assistive technology specialist. Currently, she uses her music therapy training to teach private music lessons and lead music and movement sessions in her home studio in Berne, Indiana, and virtually. She is passionate about finding ways to overcome any challenge that young learners face. Contact: singoffpitch@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Bolton, D. (2023, July 15). Find a way to make it work: An interview with Jodi Click [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Find a Way to Make it Work first appeared on imagine.
It’s All About Relationships: An Interview With Camille Catlett
Supporting early childhood faculty across the US, Camille Catlett has her finger on the pulse in developing university programs that inform systems impacting infant and early childhood mental health. “It’s all about relationships,” she says, as infants and young children draw experiences from their environments and caregivers. In other words, if adults in a child’s universe are stressed, they will be stressed; if adults are well-regulated and calm, they will be calm. In this podcast, Camille briefly addresses the evolving and advancing guidelines and standards in infant and early childhood mental health, as well as self-awareness, self-care, and mindfulness of adults who are providing care for young children. She also shares resources for parents and families and underlines the importance of home visits while emphasizing advocacy efforts on a legislative level. Her hope is that COVID-19 has done less harm than we have feared regarding infant and young children’s mental health.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1_Camille-Catlett-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- BabyTalk Listserv: For a sample issue or to subscribe to this monthly resource, email Camille Catlett (camille.catlett@unc.edu)
- Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
- NAEYC Position Statements
- Advancing Equity In Early Childhood Education Position Statement
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice Position Statement
- Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators
- Webinar on building virtual relationships with students (recording, handout, PowerPoints)
- Resource on cultural aspects of self-care and wellness – Nicholson, J., Driscoll, P. S., Kurtz, J., Márquez, D., & Wesley, L. (2020). Culturally responsive self-care practices for early childhood educators. Routledge.
- Walter Gilliam research on children wearing masks: On-going Pandemic Concerns: Guidance for Families
- ZERO TO THREE Critical Competencies for Infant-Toddler Educators™ Related Professional Criteria
About the Interviewee
Camille Catlett, M.A., is a Senior Technical Assistance Specialist at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Her consultative work focuses primarily on building capacity of early childhood faculty related to diversity, equity, and language development. She coordinates several national and state listservs, and is the Resources Within Reach columnist of Young Exceptional Children. Contact:camille.catlett@unc.edu
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2022, September 1). It’s all about relationship: An interview with Camille Catlett [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post It’s All About Relationships: An Interview With Camille Catlett first appeared on imagine.
Taking Care of Yourself to Better Help Others: An Interview With Kimberly Sena Moore
In her teaching, Dr. Kimberly Sena Moore stresses the importance of “taking care of yourself to better help others.” For her students, self-care has reached a heightened importance similar to identifying stress behaviors in early childhood clients. In this podcast, Kimberly acknowledges the complexity of infant and early childhood mental health and points out that children’s social and emotional development is impacted by various systems. During practicum experiences in early childhood settings, she encourages her students to focus more on pro-social and emotional skills as well as cognitive skills. Her suggestions for parents are to be aware of their own stress level while helping their children feel safe and loved. If there is one thing to hope for, she wishes that children going through the COVID-19 pandemic will develop into resilient young people.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2_Sena-Moore_podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Sena Moore, K. (2013, August 2). 43 easy ways to engage young kids in music. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-musical-self/201308/43-easy-ways-engage-young-kids-in-music
- Sena Moore, K. (2014). Understanding emotion regulation development. imagine, 5(1), 76-79.
- Sena Moore, K. (2015, October 22). 3 musical ways to influence a child’s emotions. Psychology Today.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-musical-self/201510/3-musical-ways-influence-childs-emotions
- Sena Moore, K. (2018). Music therapy and childhood mental health. In A. J. Knight, A. B. LaGasse, & A. A. Clair (Eds.), Music therapy: An introduction to the profession (pp. 341–356). American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
- UNICEF. (n.d.) What’s on your mind? How parents can start the mental health conversation with their kids #OnMyMind. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health
About the Interviewee
Kimberly Sena Moore, PhD, MT-BC, is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the music therapy program at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. She is known to imagine readers as an expert on emotion regulation development in preschoolers who are neurodevelopmentally at-risk. Her book chapter on music therapy and childhood mental health is standard literature for music therapy students. Contact: ksenamoore@fgcu.edu
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2022, September 1). Taking care of yourself to better help others: An interview with Kimberly Sena Moore [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Taking Care of Yourself to Better Help Others: An Interview With Kimberly Sena Moore first appeared on imagine.
Still Finding Out How People Are Impacted: An Interview With Olivia Swedberg Yinger
As a music therapist and parent of two children, Dr. Olivia Swedberg Yinger voices their concern for young children under five and their parents struggling with mental health issues being forgotten in the aftermath of the pandemic. They raise the question how humans’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness have been impacted by the pandemic – answers we still need to find. In this podcast, they speak about the Neurosequential Model and its sequence of engagement (i.e., regulate, relate, reason), give musical and mindfulness suggestions for young children, and stress the importance of maintaining established routines. Honoring and validating children’s feelings and conveying the message that they are not alone, as well as parents’ self-care, are key for a family’s mental health. They hope that adults can see children as experts of their needs arising from their pandemic experiences.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/3_Olivia-Swedberg-Yinger-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Info NMN. (2020, April 2). 4. Regulate, relate reason (sequence of engagement): Neurosequential Network stress & trauma series [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNuxy7FxEV
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2022). Resources. https://www.nctsn.org/resources
- Perry, B. D., & Ablon, J. S. (2019). CPS as a neurodevelopmentally sensitive and trauma-informed approach. In A. R. Pollastri, J. S. Ablon, & M. J. G. Hone (Eds.), Collaborative problem solving: An evidence-based approach to implementation and practice (pp. 15-31). Springer.
- Robb, S. L. (2000). The effect of therapeutic music interventions on the behavior of hospitalized children in isolation: Developing a Contextual Support Model of Music Therapy. Journal of Music Therapy, 37(2), 118–146. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/37.2.118
- Robb, S. L. (2003). Designing music therapy interventions for hospitalized children and adolescents using a Contextual Support Model of Music Therapy. Music Therapy Perspectives, 21(1), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/21.1.27
- Sesame Workshop (2022). Welcome to Sesame Workshop. https://www.sesameworkshop.org/
About the Interviewee
Olivia Swedberg Yinger, PhD, MT-BC, is Associate Professor and Chair of Music Therapy at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. One of their research interests and previous contributions to imagine is trauma-informed music therapy. Their knowledge, experiences, and insights are invaluable to early childhood music therapists, especially during the pandemic era.
Contact: olivia.yinger@uky.edu
Suggested Citation
Kern, P. (2022, September 1). Still finding out how people are impacted: An interview
with Olivia Swedberg Yinger [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Still Finding Out How People Are Impacted: An Interview With Olivia Swedberg Yinger first appeared on imagine.
Coping Skills Are Key: An Interview With Maddie Offenberger
As a medical music therapist, Maddie Offenberger addresses children’s mental health needs during their hospital stay. Presently, many do not have the emotional capacity to understand the current events and stress responses of the adults surrounding them. She says, “If I were a young child, I would be very confused,” and emphasizes that adults need to demonstrate what to do. In this podcast, Maddie talks about the deficits in social skills, self-esteem, and frustrations she observed in her pediatric patients. Listening to each child, validating their feelings, finding ways to express themselves through music, and helping them discover and utilize coping skills are key to the therapeutic experience she offers. She believes that feeling safe and loved is the most important support parents can provide to their children and hopes that the pandemials can build positive and long-lasting relationships throughout their lives.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/4_Maddie-Offenbach-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Mommy and Me Music Class
- Examples of Social Events in the Louisville Community:
- Waterfront Wednesdays
- Louisville Family Fun
- Louisville Free Public Library
About the Interviewee
Maddie Offenberger, MT-BC, works within the Norton Healthcare system in Louisville, Kentucky. She sees inpatients in the psychiatric facility for adults and pediatrics and provides mental health consultation at Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Cancer Institute. She is hopeful that young children today will be able to have the same happy experiences she had during childhood, despite their lives starting amidst difficulty. Contact: maddieoffenberger@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2022, September 1). Coping skills are key: An interview with Maddie Offenberger [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Coping Skills Are Key: An Interview With Maddie Offenberger first appeared on imagine.
Focus on Emotional Growth: An Interview With Jessica Heinz
As a preschool teacher and music therapist, Jessica Heinz has concerns about the snowball effect infant and early childhood mental health could have on children’s life-long development. Many of her preschoolers have lacked early childhood services during the pandemic and experienced in-person classrooms and social situations for the first time this year. In this podcast, she shares her observations of children’s development, stress and anxiety responses, and art-based resources she uses to support their social and emotional growth. To help ensure that children do not feel lost and confused, she suggests that parents implement successful preschool routines such as transition songs at home as well. Being adaptable in many ways, she hopes that these pandemials will recognize their strengths and be excited about bringing change to this world.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/5_Jessica-Heinz-Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Bucknam, S. (2021, November 2). 31 fun social emotional activities for preschoolers. Teaching Expertise. https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/social-emotional-activities-for-preschoolers/
- imagine. ParentsCan. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/resources/
- Llenas, A. (2018). The color monster: A story about emotions. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
- Witek, J., & Roussey, C. (2014). In my heart: A book of feelings (Growing Hearts) (1st ed.). Abrams Appleseed.
About the Interviewee
Jessica Heinz, MT-BC, is a preschool teacher and works as contracting music therapist for the Louisville Center for Therapy and Personal Services (LCTPS). Every day, she connects with many populations and age ranges throughout the community, targeting her clients’ mental and wellness needs. In previous years, Jessica has made valuable contributions to the imagine resources, intervention ideas, and book reviews. Contact: jessica@lctps.org
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2022, September 1). Focus on emotional growth: An interview with Jessica Heinz [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Focus on Emotional Growth: An Interview With Jessica Heinz first appeared on imagine.
Empowering Parents With Knowledge and Content: An Interview With Katie Ross
With a passion for supporting premature and medically fragile children and their families, the pandemic sparked an idea for Katie Ross to grow a business with a mission to support infant mental health through parent education and empowerment. Her company, Blooming Littles, began as a blog guiding parents through their NICU journey that grew quickly into a thriving social online community. Educating and empowering parents to interact with and respond to their NICU infants in developmentally appropriate and sensitive ways sets the foundation for their mental health and can prevent depression, anxiety, and suicide risk when they are teens. In this podcast, Katie speaks about giving parents the tools to maximize visits with their premature infants by educating them about what to expect, what the infant’s behavior might look like, which medical equipment they might see, and how they could attune, touch, and nurture their infant’s mental health. Ultimately, ”decreasing parental fear with knowledge is the goal,” she says.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/6_Katie-Ross_Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Browne, J. V. (2021). Infant mental health in intensive care: Laying a foundation for social, emotional and mental health outcomes through regulation, relationships and reflection. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 27(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2020.11.011
- Blooming Littles. (2022). Welcome to the blog. https://bloominglittles.com/blog/
- Choi, K. R., Records, K., Low, L. K., Alhusen, J. L., Kenner, C., Bloch, J. R., Premji, S. S., Hannan, J., Anderson, C. M., Yeo, S., & Logsdon, M. C. (2020). Promotion of maternal-infant mental health and trauma informed care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecology, & Neonatal Nursing, 49(5), 409–415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2020.07.004
- Hand to Hold. (n.d.). For our families. https://handtohold.org/nicu-family-support/
- Penelope Project. (n.d.). Parent your preemie with confidence. https://www.penelopeproject.org/education
About the Interviewee
Katie Ross, OTD, OTR/L, NTMTC, CNT, is a certified neonatal therapist with clinical experience working in a 100+ bed, level IV NICU. She holds additional certifications in neonatal touch and massage as well as lactation. Katie is also the owner and founder of Blooming Littles, an online resource aimed at equipping NICU families with the education they need to take more confident steps at the NICU bedside.
Contact: katie@BloomingLittles.com
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2022, September 1). Empowering parents with knowledge and content: An interview with Katie Ross [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Empowering Parents With Knowledge and Content: An Interview With Katie Ross first appeared on imagine.
Pandemic Amplifications: An Interview With Angela Adams
Giving her perspective as a social worker of infant and early childhood mental health issues arising during COVID-19, Angela Adams says, “Whatever [clients] have been dealing with before, COVID-19 seems to have amplified that.” In this podcast, Angie emphasizes the impact of social isolation, the intensified mental health needs of mothers in a substance use treatment program, the meaning of trauma-informed care for young children, and the advantages of teletherapy. She hopes that the pandemials’ resilience, flexibility, and creativity practiced during the pandemic will benefit them as they grow older.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/7_Angela-Adams_Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Anxiety Canada. (2020, August 6). Anxiety in children. https://www.anxietycanada.com/learn-about-anxiety/anxiety-in-children/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 13). COVID-19 parental resource kit. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/parental-resources/index.html
- Hipp, E. (2008). Fighting invisible tigers: A stress management guide for teens (3rd ed.). Free Spirit Publisher.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Tips for survivors of a pandemic: Managing stress. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/tips-for-survivors-of-a-pandemic-managing-stress/PEP20-01-01-020
About the Interviewee
Angela Adams, LCSW, MSSW, has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. She has experience in a variety of settings including residential treatment, school-based services, therapeutic foster care, and community mental health. Currently, Angela is employed at Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists group. In this setting, she primarily works with mothers in recovery from substance use disorders. Contact: angela.Adams@Nortonhealthcare.org
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2022, September 1). Pandemic amplifications: An interview with Angela Adams [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Pandemic Amplifications: An Interview With Angela Adams first appeared on imagine.
Basic is Best: An Interview With Lyndsay Overton
As a Certified Child Life Specialist, Lyndsay Overton is preparing, supporting, and distracting children of all ages during their hospital stay while also assisting their families in any way she can. Over the past two years, she has witnessed a rise in children’s mental health needs. With the lack of staffing, attending their needs has been challenging. In this podcast, she addresses simple strategies such as coloring, journaling, writing letters to family members, and adding comfort to the hospital stay through blankets and stuffed animals. Lyndsay says, “Coping skills are lacking immensely,” and she suggests to offering emotional outlets for young children to express themselves as well as validating their feelings. While encouraging the pandemials to be anything they want to be in their lives, she reminds parents to take good care of themselves and and assures them they are not alone.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/8_Lyndsay-Overton_Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Sesame Street and Autism. (n.d.). Coping with COVID-19: A “for-now” normal. https://autism.sesamestreet.org/coping-with-covid/
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (n.d.). Learn about coronavirus and COVID-19 [Activity Book]. https://www.stjude.org/content/dam/en_US/shared/www/fundraising-programs/youth/educators-newsletters/activity-sheets/april-2020/coronavirus-activity-book.pdf
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (n.d.). Learn about the coronavirus [Coloring Book]. https://together.stjude.org/content/dam/together/en-us/covid-19/coronavirus-coloring-book-together.pdf
About the Interviewee
Lyndsay Overton, CCLS, has worked at Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky for the past five years. Addressing children’s developmental and mental health needs through simple strategies accessible to everyone is her passion. Her work also includes supporting parents, who are essential to children’s healthy development. Contact: lyndsay.overton@nortonhealthcare.org
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2022, September 1). Basic is best: An interview with Lyndsay Overton [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Basic is Best: An Interview With Lyndsay Overton first appeared on imagine.
The Power of Playing to Combat Fear: An Interview With Joanna Cemore Brigden
With expertise in play and child development, Joanna has a wealth of knowledge in supporting children and parents. When asked how parents can nurture their child’s mental health, she suggests to simply play with them. In this podcast, she discusses the importance of play for children’s development, especially in the post COVID-19 era. She addresses how the collective stress, anxiety, and fear of parents, educators, and society at-large affects children’s interactions with family members and peers. Joanna argues that children can work through their anxiety in play, as play is connected to emotions and eventually their well-being. Her message to parents is that “they [children] do not need extra things” other than play. Her hope for the pandemials is that educational institutes will address their need for more time to play.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/9_Joanna-Cemore-Brigden_Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2697
- Gray, P. (2013). Free to learn. Basic Books.
- Lisitsa, E. (2020, November 3). An introduction to emotion coaching. The Gottman Institute. https://www.gottman.com/blog/an-introduction-to-emotion-coaching/
About the Interviewee
Joanna J. Cemore Brigden, PhD, is an associate professor in the Childhood Education and Family Studies department at Missouri State University. She passionately defends the rights of every child to play through her teaching, research, and service. She is also the editor of The Association for the Study of Play’s newsletter and co-editor of Play, Policy, and Practice Connections e-journal. Contact: JoannaCemore@MissouriState.edu
Suggested Citation
Ruffner, A. (2022, September 1). The power of play to combat fear: An interview with Joanna Cemore Brigden [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post The Power of Playing to Combat Fear: An Interview With Joanna Cemore Brigden first appeared on imagine.
Frame It in a Way Children Can Understand: An Interview With LeeAnn Finnegan
Having been involved with early intervention as a service coordinator, developmental therapist, and a parent, LeeAnn Finnegan knows first-hand the struggles that parents of young children with disabilities have faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She says, ”I feel like we are at a point now where all our kids from birth to three don’t remember a time before COVID-19. So, they are really struggling with those social skills and interactions with other people as this is not just something we know inherently. It is a developmental skill we have to learn.” She emphasizes the importance of keeping open communication surrounding mental health and framing both mental health and the realities of pandemic life in a way that children can understand it. Speaking from both her personal and professional experience, LeeAnn stresses the necessity of parents prioritizing their own mental health: “Parents can nurture their children’s mental health by nurturing their own.” She also shares resources that can help caregivers address developmental concerns in their children as well as supporting their own mental health needs. Her hope is that children have developed resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic that will help them tackle anything that comes their way throughout their lives.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/10_LeeAnn-Finnegan_Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- Baby Navigator. (2021). Home. https://babynavigator.com/
- Big Little Feelings [@biglittlefeelings]. (n.d.). Posts [Instagram page]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/biglittlefeelings
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Early intervention contact information by state. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/state-text.html
- Crisis Text Line. (2022). Home. https://www.crisistextline.org/
- Division for Early Childhood. (2022). Home. https://www.dec-sped.org/
About the Interviewee
LeeAnn Finnegan, BA, has worked in EI since 2008. She is currently assistant director of the outreach program at First Steps, Inc. in Nashville, TN, providing developmental therapy and coaching caregivers using the FGRBI model through Tennessee’s Early Intervention System. She has prior experience in the child and adolescent mental health field. LeeAnn also parents a hilarious, smart, and beautiful 8-year-old who is on the autism spectrum.
Contact: leeannfinnegan@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Bolton, D. (2022, September 1). Frame it in a way children can understand: An interview with LeeAnn Finnegan [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Frame It in a Way Children Can Understand: An Interview With LeeAnn Finnegan first appeared on imagine.
Children’s Emotional Development and Needs: An Interview With Mary Anna Walsh
As a children’s mental health therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary Anna Walsh noticed a rise in the emotional needs of children due to the loss of social outlets and disruption of settings and routines. In this podcast, she speaks of how children respond to their parents’ stress. “I noticed that the kids often fed off of that which…unintentionally caused a lot of worry and fear.” Mary Anna talks about signs of anxiety in young children and discusses coping skills and play therapy techniques such as deep breathing and sand tray play to help children control their emotions. She reminds parents to look at the root cause of challenging behaviors because children “haven’t had as much time in their lives as we have and don’t know how to handle those big emotions.” She stresses the need to intervene early to address mental health needs of children and their families and hopes that families find balance between keeping their children safe while living a normal life.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/11_Mary-Anna-Walsh_Podcast-FINALIZED.mp3Resources
- American Psychological Association. (2022). Magination Press: What to do guides for kids series. https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/browse?query=series:What+to+Do+Guides+for+Kids+Series&pageSize=50
- Big Life Journal. (2021). Home. https://biglifejournal.com
- Faber, A., & Mazlish, E. (2012). How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk. Scribner.
- Siegel, D. J. (2012). The whole-brain child: 12 revolutionary strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind. Bantam.
About the Interviewee
Mary Anna Walsh, LMSW, MSSW, earned her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Tennessee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked at Branches Counseling Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as the Child and Adolescent Counselor, helping children work through emotional and mental health challenges using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Sand Play, psychoeducation, trauma processing, grief recovery, and more. She recently moved to Colorado and is now a therapist at the Eating Recovery Center residential facility, helping adolescents recover from eating disorders.
Contact: maryanna.walsh5@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Bolton, D. (2022, September 1). Children’s emotional development and needs: An interview with Mary Anna Walsh [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Children’s Emotional Development and Needs: An Interview With Mary Anna Walsh first appeared on imagine.
Chris Millett, MM, MT-BC
Operating a University Music Therapy Clinic During COVID-19
As the clinical coordinator of the University of Louisville’s Music Therapy Clinic, Chris Millett serves young children in individual and group sessions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many clients paused services, but continued once telehealth services were offered. In this podcast, Chris talks about the practicalities of serving young children and their families remotely and a grant to fund a new infant and caregiver developmental group. He also addresses how clients surprised him through their use of technology and the limitations he sees in using this means of service provision for developmentally appropriate practice for young children without caregiver involvement.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Chris-Millett-41921-7.53-PM.mp3Resources:
- Tech Nook. (2020). Home. https://www.technook.co/home
- Kovachevich, E. (2020, September 30). Zoom tips and tricks for music therapists. Listen and Learn Music. https://listenlearnmusic.com/zoom-tips-tricks-for-music-therapists/
- Canva. (n.d.). Home. http://canva.com
- Midnight Music. (2019). Zoom audio settings for music teachers. https://midnightmusic.com.au/2020/09/complete-guide-to-zoom-audio-settings-for-music-teachers/
- Soundtrap. (2020). Make music together online. https://www.soundtrap.com/uoflmtc
About the Interviewee:
Chris Millett, MM, MT-BC, is the faculty coordinator of the Music Therapy Clinic at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Besides offering individual and group sessions and training students and interns, he hosts the Make More Music podcast. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinic shifted to telehealth sessions using Zoom and some live sessions in the clinic, facilities, and homes following strict COVID-19 restrictions and regulations.
Contact: uoflmtc@louisville.edu
Suggested Citation:
Shine, E. (2021, June 25). Operating a university music therapy clinic during COVID-19: An interview with Chris Millett [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Operating a University Music Therapy Clinic During COVID-19 first appeared on imagine.
Callie Cowart, MT-BC
Thriving Out of Necessity: Medical Music Therapy on the Pediatric Unit During COVID19
Providing music therapy sessions in pediatrics and pediatric ICU units over the past year, Callie Cowart’s services shifted from a patient-centered to a more family-centered practice model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the importance of music therapy services, the hospital allowed in-person sessions with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. In this podcast, she talks about the increase of chronic stress and the sense of resignation, but also the resilience and hope she observed in her young patients and families. Overcoming challenges such visitation restrictions, Callie looked for creative solutions such as offering hybrid sessions allowing siblings to participate in the family service. She says, “One of the biggest benefits I’ve seen are stronger family units.”
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Callie-Cowart-41921-4.50-PM.mp3Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare facilities: Managing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2020, December 22). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-hcf.html
- (2020, November 13). Chronic stress and how to manage it. https://www.pfizer.com/news/hot-topics/chronic_stress_and_how_to_manage_it
- Tech Nook. (2020). Home. https://www.technook.co/home
About the Interviewee:
Callie Cowart is a board-certified music therapist based in San Francisco, California. Currently, Callie works as a full-time music therapist for Sutter Health where she serves patients at an Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit, an adult hospice facility, and Pediatrics and Pediatric ICU Units. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols, she continued offering services to children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact: calliecowartmtbc@gmail.com
Suggested Citation:
Shine, E. (2021, June 18). Thriving out of necessity–Medical music therapy on the pediatric unit during COVID19: An interview with Callie Cowart [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Thriving Out of Necessity: Medical Music Therapy on the Pediatric Unit During COVID19 first appeared on imagine.
Alexis Ruffner, MT-BC
Parent Connection: Supporting New Parents and Their Infants During COVID-19
Reflecting on her music therapy work with premature infants, Alexis Ruffner noted that few things changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but her newly established Parent Connection community groups were put on hold. Over the summer, she sent pre-recorded music videos to assist families in supporting their infant’s developmental goals, which eventually led to weekly groups held via Zoom. Families engaged with musical instruments they had at home and body percussion, such as snapping and clapping; cloth diapers, soft wash cloths, or a baby blanket were used for visual stimulation. In this podcast, Alexis also describes the challenges new parents faced related to isolation and their grief of missed baby showers, visiting with their own parents, or celebrating the arrival of their newborn.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Alexis-Ruffner-41921-4.07-PM.mp3Resources:
- Miller, A. M. (2007). Baby sing and sign: Communicate early with you baby: Learning signs the fun way through music and play. Marlowe & Company.
- Standley, J. M., & Walworth, D. (2010). Music therapy with premature infants: Research and developmental interventions (2nd ed.). American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
- Walworth, D. (2013). Bright start music: A developmental program for music therapists, parents, and teachers of young children. American Music Therapy Association, Inc.
About the Interviewee:
Alexis Ruffner, MT-BC, is currently pursuing a Masters of Science degree in early childhood and family development and serves as the music therapist in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. During the COVDI-19 pandemic, she worked with premature infants and their families and led early infant and parent developmental music groups.
Contact: Alexis.Ruffner@NortonHealthcare.orgalexis ruffner
Suggested Citation:
Shine, E. (2021, June 11). Parent connection–Supporting new parents and their infants during COVID-19: An interview with Alexis Ruffner [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Parent Connection: Supporting New Parents and Their Infants During COVID-19 first appeared on imagine.
Mandy Turk, MT-BCThe Journey of Virtual Music Therapy During COVID-19
Five years into clinical practice, Mandy Turk faced the challenge of retooling her sessions and offering virtual music therapy services due to the COVID-19 pandemic by mailing out materials with written instructions and recording videos for caregivers to follow. Five months into the pandemic, she went back to a cohort-based classroom model offering in-person support. In this podcast, she shares the challenges she faced such as delayed delivery of materials and quarantining as well as benefits, particularly the continuation of services by using Google Classroom. Her words of encouragement: “Keep being your creative self. Reach out when you need help and when you have help to give. Together, we will get through this.”
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Many-Turk-42121-4.33-PM.mp3Resources:
- Block, S., & Knott, D. (2020). Virtual music therapy: Developing new approaches to service delivery. Music Therapy Perspectives, 38(2), 151–156.
- Music Therapy Teletherapy Intervention Swap. (2021). Private Facebook Group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2982888055101402/
About the Interviewee:
Mandy Turk is a board-certified music therapist who works at STEPS Academy in Parma, Ohio. She serves neurodiverse children and young adults ages 3-21 years. During COVID-19, she continued to work online with the preschool, primary, and elementary classrooms as well as with the Social Emotional Learning classroom.
Contact: mandy.turk@stepsedgroup.com
Suggested Citation:
Humpal, M. (2021, June 4).The journey of virtual music therapy during COVID-19: An interview with Many Turk [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post The Journey of Virtual Music Therapy During COVID-19 first appeared on imagine.
Bonnie Hayhurst, MT-BC
The Value Add of Virtual Music Therapy Services
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to the field of music therapy, and small businesses were not exempt. Bonnie Hayhurst, a music therapist in private practice, shares how she convinced families to try out virtual sessions at least one time. One of her lines was, “Let us harnessing the power of music through a virtual format.” Offering individual, group, and little enrichment sessions, her team reached young children and their families in the comfort of their homes. Social engagement, learning, and development all happened in the virtual environment and demonstrated to caregivers that more is possible than anticipated. While there have been many roadblocks such as internet lag time during music making, the positives far outweighed the negatives. Hence, Bonnie predicts that virtual sessions will be the fallback for continuation of services and an asset to in-person services.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Bonnie-Hayhurst-42121-3.54-PM.mp3Resources:
- Devlin, K. (2020). Lights, camera, telehealth [Online Course]. https://www.musicforkiddos.com/store/lct
- Leavell, S. (2020, December 4). Music for kiddos [Symposium].https://www.musicforkiddos.com/store/music-for-kiddos-symposium
- The Groovy Garfoose Team. (2020, July 22). Telehealth music therapy activities [Blog post]. https://groovygarfoose.com/telehealth-music-therapy-activities/
- The Groovy Garfoose Team. (2020, June 18). Telehealth music therapy tools for success [Blog post]. https://groovygarfoose.com/telehealth-music-therapy-tools-for-success/
About the Interviewee:
Bonnie Hayhurst, MT-BC owner and clinical director at The Groovy Garfoose, serves as internship director and is an active blogger. During COVID-19, she kept her business afloat and pivoted by applying her technology skills and offering virtual services. She and her team documented their lessons learned in blog and social media posts.
Contact: bonnie@groovygarfoose.com
Suggested Citation:
Humpal, M. (2021, May 28). The value add of virtual music therapy services: An interview with Bonnie Hayhurst [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post The Value Add of Virtual Music Therapy Services first appeared on imagine.
Edward P. Gallagher, MT-BC
Getting Through the Pandemic: Flexibility, Pivoting, and Grace
The profession of music therapy has a robust curriculum and solid documents providing professional guidelines and requirements. Yet, everything and nothing prepared music therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers for this global pandemic. In this podcast, Edward Gallagher offers a glimpse into the Beck Center for the Arts’ programming and service delivery during COVID-19. He says, “We had to unlearn everything we knew. Everything what comes along with a robust curriculum we had to change – close proximity, taking turns, working together, social skills…” Edward shares how his team pivoted by immediately creating 40+ video-recorded art activities meeting the needs of the community and predicts that telehealth will accompany in-person music therapy services in the future.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Edward-Gallagher-42121-9.26-AM.mp3Resources:
- Event Safety Alliance. (2020). The Event Safety Alliance reopening guide. https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/esa-reopening-guide
- Arts Cleveland. (2020). Reopening guidance for live music venues.https://artscleveland.org/reopening-guidance-for-live-music-venues-now-available/
- American Choral Directors Association. (2020). COVID-19 response committee report. https://acda.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ACDA-COVID-19-Committee-Report.pdf
- Ohio Department of Health. (n.d.). Corornavirus (COVID-19). https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/responsible-restart-ohio/
- This is Cleveland. (n.d.). https://www.thisiscleveland.com/clean-committed
About the Interviewee:
Ed Gallagher, MT-BC is the Director of Education at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio, where he founded the Creative Arts Therapies program in 1994. “Pandemic programming was not part of the curriculum,” says Ed Gallagher. Yet, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he mobilized his team to continue with viable and safe services to the Cleveland community.
Contact: egallagher@beckcenter.org
Suggested Citation:
Humpal, M. (2021, May 21). Getting through the pandemic–Flexibility, pivoting, and grace: An interview with Edward Gallagher [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Getting Through the Pandemic: Flexibility, Pivoting, and Grace first appeared on imagine.
Sherri Marlette Spraggins, Licensed Early Childhood Educator
Learning Under COVID-19: Remote, Hybrid, and In-Person Classrooms
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherri Marlette Spraggins took on the challenge of gaining new skills to create a supportive learning environment for her preschoolers in the classroom, on the screen, or any combination of it. In this podcast, Sherri describes the precautions she took for daily activities and routines in face-to-face classroom and how her preschoolers adapted to wearing masks, washing their hands, and following social distancing rules. She also speaks to big adjustments made by families for remote learning and how it changed the dynamics of interacting with children as well as the relationships with their caregivers. She says, “…it shifted my focus on the child to the family as a whole…and I got to know them so much better.”
ADD MP3 file
Resources:
- Center on the Social and Emotional Foundation for Early Learning (n.d.). Practical strategies. http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu
- imagine. (2020). Music interaction cards. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/resources/
- Loom. (2020). Show it, say it, send it. https://www.loom.com
- Division of Child Development and Early Education (2021). ChildCareStrongNC public health toolkit updated. https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/220/open
- The Zones of Regulation. (2021). https://www.zonesofregulation.com/index.html
About the Interviewee:
Sherri Marlette Spraggins has been an early childhood educator since 1994. She currently works at R. Homer Andrews Elementary School in Burlington, North Carolina. In her inclusive classroom she has 4-5-year-old-children who have or are at-risk of developmental delays. During the COVID-19 pandemic she taught remote, hybrid, and face-to-face classes.
Contact: sherri_spraggins@abss.k12.nc.us
Suggested Citation:
Kern, P. (2021, May 14). Learning under COVID-19: Remote, hybrid, and in-person classrooms: An interview with Sherri Marlette Spraggins [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Learning Under COVID-19: Remote, Hybrid, and In-Person Classrooms first appeared on imagine.
Lisa Stinnett, BS in Early Childhood Education
Just Like Normal Preschool on a Computer – Same Yet Different
“Preschool is all about learning, experimenting, engaging, and hands-on activities,” says Lisa Stinnett, a passionate and dedicated early childhood educator of more than 20 years. Since March 2020, she has been connecting and interacting with her 4- and 5-year-old preschoolers virtually. In this podcast, Lisa gives a glimpse into her remote classroom and shares how she makes theme-based learning engaging, how to encourage communication and social interactions, and how circle time becomes central for children connecting with each other. She also talks about the challenge of digital access and the extra mile early educators went during the COVID-19 pandemic to make every class meaningful for their young learners.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Lisa-Stinnett-4821-2.18-PM.mp3Resources:
- Boom Cards. (n.d.). Home. https://www.boomlearning.com
- Teachers Pay Teachers. (n.d.). teacherspayteachers.com
About the Interviewee:
Lisa Stinnett works in a preschool classroom at Durham Public School’s Sandy Ride Elementary School. She provides early childhood education services to children ages 4-5 who are at-risk of developmental delays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued seeing her preschoolers in a Zoom classroom.
Contact: stinnettlisa3@gmail.com
Suggested Citation:
Kern, P. (2021, May 7). Just like normal preschool on a computer – same yet different: An interview with Lisa Stinnett [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Just Like Normal Preschool on a Computer – Same Yet Different first appeared on imagine.
Maggie Connolly, MA in Early Childhood
Virtual and Technical Support: The Lifeline to Early Childhood Educators’ Frontline Work
For nearly 40 years, Maggie Connolly has supported young children to learn and develop in community-based programs and through innovative leadership in university-related institutes. Now, she virtually coaches Technical Assistants who empower early childhood classroom teachers and their directors to interact with infants and toddlers in meaningful ways. In this podcast, Maggie describes the ins and outs of virtual support during the COVID-19 pandemic, the enrichment materials distributed, the challenge of staying calm and upbeat, the resilience of providers, helpful resources, and her pledge for financial recognition of childcare teachers who are essential workers and the backbone of our society.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Maggie-Connolly-41821-8.51-PM.mp3Resources:
- Catlett, C. (2020). Building resilience: Resources for supporting young children who experienced trauma and maltreatment and their families. https://fpg.unc.edu/sites/fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/presentations-and-webinars/Building%20Resilience%20resources%20Mar%202020.pdf
- Teachstone. (2021). Class®. https://teachstone.com/class/
- National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2021). Resources. https://www.naeyc.org/resources
- North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. (2021). Home. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov
- Zero To Three. (2021). Home. https://www.zerotothree.org
About the Interviewee:
Maggie Connolly, MA, is a Technical Assistant Manager II at Instructional Support in Durham, North Carolina. She is currently part of a 3-year pilot project providing technical assistance to infant and toddler teachers and the directors of their programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maggie coached the coaches to get through this challenging and demanding time.
Contact: maggiec@childcareservices.org
Suggested Citation:
Kern, P. (2021, April 30). Virtual and technical support– The lifeline to early childhood educators’ frontline work: An interview with Maggie Connolly [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Virtual and Technical Support: The Lifeline to Early Childhood Educators’ Frontline Work first appeared on imagine.
Lauren Richards, OTR/L, SWC, CLC
From In-Person to Teletherapy: The More Chaotic, the Better
As an occupational therapist at Amigo Baby®, Lauren Richards usually worked with children and families in their homes, at daycare programs, in parks, the mall, or the dental office. With COVID-19, she and her team shifted to 100% teletherapy services. She asked herself, “How am I going to do my job this way? How am I going to be valuable to these families? What am I going to do?” In this podcast, Lauren describes what an online session looks like with families, including joined planning, demonstrating actions, involvement of siblings, and use of materials visible to the therapist. When working online, she makes use of every cue she gets and comes to the conclusion, “The more chaotic, the better!” Communicating concepts clearly and empowering caregivers to lead the session by getting on the floor and playing with their child became central to the therapeutic process.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Lauren-Richards-4821-10.46-AM.mp3Resources:
- Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center. (2021). Preschool during the pandemic: Early childhood education in extraordinary times. https://ectacenter.org/topics/disaster/preschoolpandemic.aspxx
About the Interviewee:
Lauren Richards, OTR/L, SWC, CLC, is the occupational therapy team leader and field work coordinator at Amigo Baby®. She provides services in children’s natural environment to enhance participation in activities in daily living, support family routines, cultivate social engagement, and facilitate play. Being flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic, she adjusted her services by offering tele-interventions on a regular basis.
Contact: lrichards@amigobaby.com
Suggested Citation:
Kern, P. (2021, April 23). From in-Person to teletherapy: The more chaotic, the better: An interview with Lauren Richards [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post From In-Person to Teletherapy: The More Chaotic, the Better first appeared on imagine.
Rebecca Vitelli, MEd
Teaching Through the Screen Instead of on the Screen
Rebecca Vitelli advocates for equitable access to high-quality early education programs for all children that support their development during the first five years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has provided remote instruction for children and their extended families; collaborated in whole group, small group, and individual sessions with therapists; and contributed to family events such as a Virtual Open House, Meet the Teacher Day, and Movie Night. In this podcast, Rebecca describes what a daily routine looks like in the virtual classroom, the importance of family coaching, the need for access to the internet, as well as the lessons she has learned. She says, “My teaching has truly transformed…I stopped teaching on a screen, and I just began teaching through it.” Rebecca also describes how she uses music as a means to unite, connect, transition, learn, and build relationships during the virtual preschool day.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Rebecca-Vitelli-32821-5.15-PM.mp3Resources:
- Conscious Discipline. (2021). Safety. Connection. Problem-Solving. https://consciousdiscipline.com
- District Resource Center. (2021). Resources. https://drc.casel.org/resources/
- Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center. (2021). Preschool during the pandemic: Early childhood education in extraordinary times. https://ectacenter.org/topics/disaster/preschoolpandemic.asp
- Kiz Club. (2020). Printable for kids. http://kizclub.com/activities.htm
- MDCPS PreK Program for Children with Disabilities. (2020). Song board visuals. http://prekese.dadeschools.net/vis_sng.html
- National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Music and song. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/music-and-songs
- Resources for Early Learning. (2014). http://resourcesforearlylearning.org/educators/
- TeachPreschool. (2021). KR–Kindy ready. https://teachpreschool.org/
About the Interviewee:
Rebecca Vitelli, MEd is an early childhood special education teacher at the Delaware Colonial Early Education Program. She teaches preschoolers of all abilities including children with autism spectrum disorder and moderate to severe health and cognitive needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was recognized as the 2020 Delaware Teacher of the Year for her innovative and engaging teaching style and positive relationships with children and families – becoming a role model for others.
Contact: Rebecca.Vitelli@colonial.k12.de.us
Suggested Citation:
Kern, P. (2021, April 16). Teaching through the screen instead of on the screen: An interview with Rebecca Vitelli [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Teaching Through the Screen Instead of on the Screen first appeared on imagine.
Cara Smith, MT-BC
Umoja Global Community Music Therapy, Red Bank, New Jersey
Transformation can happen in the most surprising places, even under a mango tree in a Ugandan village. In this podcast, Cara Smith tells the story of American music therapists visiting an African school who found themselves needing to adapt their clinical approach. Today, her team utilizes music therapy to combat social injustice and gender inequality, and strives to bring sustainable and cultural responsive music therapy services to underserved communities in Africa.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/11_Smith_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Andsell, G. (2002). Community music therapy and the winds of change. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. http://www.voices.no/discussions.
- Giddons, A. (2002). Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives. Profile Books.
- Schutz, A. (1964). Making Music Together. In Collected Papers Vol. 2: Martin Nijhoff.
- Pavlicevic, M., & Ansdell, G. (2004). Community Music Therapy. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Rolvsjord, R. (2006). Whose power of music? A discussion on music and power relations in music therapy. British Journal of Music Therapy, 20(1), 5-12.
- Umoja Global Community Music Therapy. (2020). Home. https://www.umojaglobal.org
About the Author:
Cara Smith, founded Umoja Global Community Music Therapy while studying at the Berklee College of Music in 2014. She currently is pursuing a Masters in Music Therapy degree at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, and aims to open more doors for music therapy in East Africa.
Contact: cara@umojaglobal.org
Suggested Citation:
Smith, C. (2020, July 1). Transformation under a mango tree in Uganda. [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Transformation Under A Mango Tree in Uganda first appeared on imagine.
Karen Wacks, EdM, LMHC, MT-BC
Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
Samite Mulondo
Musicians for World Harmony, Uganda, Africa
In this podcast, Karen Wacks describes her 2013 partnership with Samite Mulondo. Together they examined the benefits of music therapy and performance on the emotional and physical health of children in Uganda impacted by war and at-risk for severe post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide. Blending Performance and Music Therapy (BPMT) emerged from this feasibility study, promoting the use of technology to bring music therapy to global environments and providing service-learning opportunities for music therapy students.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10_Wacks-Molundo_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Felsenstein, R. (2013). From uprooting to replanting: On post-trauma group music therapy for pre-school children. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 22(1), 69–85.
- Stige, B. (2002). Culture-centered music therapy. Barcelona Publishers.
- Loewy, J. V. & Hara, A. F., (Eds). (2002). Caring for the caregiver: The use of music and music therapy in grief and trauma. American Music Therapy Association.
- Tanielian, T., & Jaycox, L. H. (Eds.) (2008). Invisible wounds of war: Psychological and cognitive injuries, their consequences, and services to assist recovery. RAND Corporation.
About the Authors:
Karen Wacks is the clinical training coordinator for music therapy practicum and internship preparation at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Additionally, as the Director of Education and Mental Health Programs for Musicians for World Harmony, Karen works to raise awareness of music as a healing modality. Contact: kwacks@berklee.edu
Samite Mulondo, a world-renowned recording artist born in Uganda is the Executive Director of Musicians for World Harmony. He is dedicated to bringing music for healing to refugee camps, orphanages, and programs in Africa. Samite’s smooth vocals accompanied by the kalimba, marimba, litungu, and various flutes mesmerize audiences throughout the world.
Suggested Citation:
Wacks, K., & Mulondo, S. (2020, July 1). Blending performance and music therapy in East Africa: Models for health and healing [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Blending Performance and Music Therapy in East Africa: Models for Health and Healing first appeared on imagine.
Dena Register, PhD, MT-BC
Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Imagine traveling around the world, stepping out of your comfort zone, and finding yourself surrounded by a roomful of children in a Thai orphanage. In this podcast, Dr. Dena Register describes how music therapy students from the U.S. and Thailand connected with children who had severe physical and some cognitive impairments by singing, playing instruments, and moving to live music. Learn about their unique music therapy session that provided a connection and meaningful interactions for over 50 children with cerebral palsy.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/9_Register_Podcast-2020s.mp3Resources:
- Deardoff, D. K. (2020). Manual for developing intercultural competencies: Story circles. Routledge.
- Leeds-Hurwitz, W. (2013). Intercultural competences: Conceptual and operational framework. UNESCO digital library.
About the Author:
Dena Register is a music therapy educator and advocacy specialist based in the US. She is a Fulbright Scholar and music therapy consultant to Mahidol University Music Therapy program in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Register is also the Regulatory Affairs Advisor for the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Contact: globalmuseconsulting@gmail.com
Suggested Citation:
Register, D. (2020, July 1). Culture, connection and music for all: Thai and U.S. music therapy collaboration [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Culture, Connection and Music for All: Thai and U.S. Music Therapy Collaboration first appeared on imagine.
Ozden Pinar-Irmak, MA
University of Massachusetts Boston
As a result of war and conflict around the world, many people are forced to flee their countries as refugees. The forced migration has adverse impacts on children such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and behavioral problems. In this podcast, Ozden Pinar-Irmak explores how early childhood educators can support the mental and emotional well-being of refugee children through singing and instrument play.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/8_Ozden_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Agopian, V. (2018). Using music in the classroom to help Syrian refugees deal with post-war trauma. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 12(3), 6.
- Migration Policy Institute. (2019). Mitigating the effects of trauma among young children of immigrants and refugees: The role of early childhood programs. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/mitigating-effects-trauma-young-children-immigrants-refugees
- Ugurlu, N., Akca, L., & Acarturk, C. (2016). An art therapy intervention for symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety among Syrian refugee children. Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, 11(2), 89–102.
- UNHCR (2019). Figures at a glance. https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html
- UNHCR. (2019b). Teaching about refugees: Guidance on working with refugee children struggling with stress and trauma. https://www.unhcr.org/59d346de4.pdf
About the Author:
Ozden Pinar-Irmak is doctoral student in the Early Childhood Education and Care program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research includes early education and intervention programs for refugee and immigrant children and international inclusive education.
Contact: ozden.pinarirmak001@umb.edu
Suggested Citation:
Pinar-Irmak, O. (2020, July 1). Supporting traumatized refugee children through music in early education [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Supporting Traumatized Refugee Children Through Music in Early Education first appeared on imagine.
Amy Bliss Tenney, J.D., MT-BC, MAMT
RICH in Music: Refugee-Immigrant Connection & Healing, Essex, Maryland
Music therapy can help refugee children arriving in the U.S. to take pride in their own cultures while learning about and connecting to a new culture. In this podcast, Amy Bliss Tenney shares the outcomes of her survey study involving American music therapists working with refugees. She also provides helpful examples and specific considerations applicable to early childhood music therapy services for humanitarian migrant children.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/7_Bliss-Tenney_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Beck, B. D., Messel, C., Lund Meyer, S., Oluf Cordtz, T., Søgaard, U., Simonsen, E., & Moe, T. (2017). Feasibility of trauma-focused Guided Imagery and Music with adult refugees diagnosed with PTSD: A pilot study. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 27(1), 67–68. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2017.1286368
- Beck, B. D., Lund, S. T., Søgaard, U., Simonsen, E., Tellier, T. C., Cordtz, T. O., Laier, G. H., & Moe, T. (2018). Music therapy versus treatment as usual for refugees diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 19(1), 301. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-018-2662-z
- Comte, R. (2016). Neo-colonialism in music therapy: A critical interpretive synthesis of the literature concerning music therapy practice with refugees. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 16(3). https://dx.doi.org/10.15845/voices.v16i3.865
- Orth, J. (2005). Music therapy with traumatized refugees in a clinical setting. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v5i2.227
- Tenney, A. B. (2018, April 12). Music therapists’ practices with refugees in the U.S.: A descriptive study. Unpublished manuscript, Immaculata University, Malvern, PA.
- RICH in Music: Refugee-Immigrant Connection & Healing. (2020). Home. www.richinmusic.org
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/RICH-in-Music-Refugee-Immigrant-Connection-Healing-624477761254938/
About the Author:
Amy Bliss Tenney is a board-certified music therapist and former non-profit immigration and refugee attorney. She founded RICH in Music: Refugee-Immigrant Connection & Healing, and serves as its director and music therapist. The organization provides music therapy and music experiences for refugees, asylum seekers, and other humanitarian migrants in Baltimore, MD.
Contact: amy@tenneymusictherapist.com
Suggested Citation:
Tenney, A. B. (2020, July 1).From refugee camp to baby shark: Music therapy with humanitarian migrant children[Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post From Refugee Camp to Baby Shark: Music Therapy with Humanitarian Migrant Children first appeared on imagine.
Ilene Berger Morris, MM, LCAT, MT-BC, CBIS
Alternatives for Children, East Setauket, NY
Music needs to be mindfully chosen and client-centered when used in interventions. In this podcast, Lee Morris shares her experience with preschoolers with special needs of Latino heritage and discusses her perspective on cultural relevance in music therapy. She also introduces ways to practice cultural responsiveness through song structure, instrumentation, and movement and dance.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/6b_Morris_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Hardy, M. W., & LaGasse, A. B. (2013). Rhythm, movement, and autism: Using rhythmic rehabilitation research as a model for autism. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 7, 19.
- Matney, B., & Stock, C. (2010). Roots & branches: Songs of tradition and culture. Sarsen Publishing.
- Rodriguez, G. G. (1999). Raising nuestros hijos. Fireside.
- Schechter, J. (1999). Music in Latin American culture. Schirmer Books.
- Schwartz, E. (2008). Music, therapy, and early childhood: A developmental approach. Barcelona Publishers.
About the Author:
Ilene Berger Morris, MM, LCAT, MT-BC, CBIS has been a music therapist for almost 40 years working with young children in special education and medical settings. Multicultural issues have been an area of special interest to Lee as many of her clients have cultural connections with non-local regions, particularly Latin America.
Contact: climbmusictherapy@gmail.com
Suggested Citation:
Morris, I. B. (2020, July 1). Music therapy for young Latino children can be culturally relevant and “divertido” (fun) [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Music Therapy for Young Latino Children Can Be Culturally Relevant and “Divertido” (Fun) first appeared on imagine.
Chris Millett, MM, MT-BC
University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Working with young children that are in foster care brings some unique challenges to cultural responsiveness. In this podcast, music therapist Chris Millett, a foster and adoptive parent, talks about his experiences and shares seven points to consider when working with displaced children. He also addresses facts about the foster care system and how one significant adult can make a difference.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5_Millett_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). Foster care statistics 2017. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.
- Purvis, K., Cross, D. R., & Sunshine, W. L. (2007). The connected child: Bring hope and healing to your adopted family. McGraw Hill.
- Regoli, N. (n.d.) 43 gut wrenching foster care statistics. https://vittana.org/43-gut-wrenching-foster-care-statistics
About the Author:
Chris Millett is a board-certified music therapist who serves as the Clinic Coordinator of the University of Louisville Music Therapy Clinic. He also hosts and produces the recently inaugurated “Make More Music” podcast, which is available on all major podcast outlets. As a family, the Milletts have provided a foster home for children and navigated care with multiple states and agencies.
Contact: makemoremusicpodcast@gmail.com
Suggested Citation:
Millett, C. (2020, July 1). A father’s perspective: Cultural responsiveness for young children in foster care[Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post A Father’s Perspective: Cultural Responsiveness for Young Children in Foster Care first appeared on imagine.
Nicole R. Rivera, Ed.D
North Central College, Forest Park, Illinois
Laura Diaz
DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville, Illinois
To best serve young children from diverse backgrounds, music therapists must begin to develop more culturally responsive practices through the process of critical self-reflection and ongoing learning. In this podcast, Dr. Nicole Rivera and Laura Diaz share a case example from a children’s museum working towards stronger culturally responsive practices through increased accessibility, institution-wide training, and relationship building. Looking to a related sector can provide insights and inspiration for music therapists’ own work.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/4_Rivera-Diaz_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Kim, S., & Whitehead-Pleaux, A. (2015). Music therapy and cultural diversity. Music Therapy Handbook, 51–63.
- Maude, S., Hodges, L. N., Brotherson, M. J., Hughes-Belding, K., Peck, N., Weigel, C., & Sharp, L. (2009). Critical reflections on working with diverse families: Culturally responsive professional development strategies for early childhood and early childhood special educators. Multiple Voices for Ethnically Diverse Exceptional Learners, 12(1), 38–53.
- Rivera, N. R., & Barlow, D. (2014). Developing multicultural sensitivity in early childhood music therapy practices. imagine, 5(1), 86–89.
- Teaching Tolerance. (2020). Topics. https://www.tolerance.org/topics
- The Latino Family Literacy Project. (2018). What does it mean to be culturally responsive? https://www.latinoliteracy.com/mean-culturally-responsive/
About the Authors:
Nicole R. Rivera is an Associate Professor of Psychology at North Central College. Prior to her work in higher education, Nicole served with young children as a Board Certified Music Therapist for 17 years. Nicole currently serves at the DuPage Children’s Museum’s Academic Research and Evaluation Partner.
Contact: nicolelrivera@hotmail.com
Laura Diaz is the Community & Family Access Specialist at the Dupage Children’s Museum (DCM). Prior to her position at DCM, Laura worked as a bilingual seasonal youth leader with elementary school aged children for four years.
Contact: ldiaz@dupagechildrensmuseum.org
Suggested Citation:
Rivera, N. R., & Diaz, L. (2020, July 1). Exploring the work of a children’s museum: Learning about culturally responsive practices [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Exploring the Work of a Children’s Museum: Learning About Culturally Responsive Practices first appeared on imagine.
Alexis Ruffner, MT-BC
Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
Having a premature infant creates a stressful time for parents. In this podcast, music therapist Alexis Ruffner speaks about the challenges and needs of culturally-diverse families she sees in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Learn from her experiences in caring for NICU families with different cultural backgrounds and discover how she supports parental singing when she does not speak their language.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/3_Ruffner_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). Foster care statistics 2017. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.
- Castro, D., Ayankoya, B., & Karsprzak, C. (2011). New voices, nuevas voces: A guide to cultural & linguistic diversity in early childhood. Brookes.
- Christian, L. G. (2007). Understanding families. Applying family systems theory to early childhood practice. In D. Koralek (Ed.), Spotlight on young children and families (pp. 4–11). NAEYC.
- Moore, T. J., & Asay, S. M. (2007). Family Resource Management. Sage Publication.
- Onchwari, G., Onchwari, J. A., & Keengwe, J. (2008). Teaching the immigrant child: Application of child development theories. Early Childhood Education Journal, 36, 267–273.
- Pew Research Center. (December 17, 2015). Parenting in America: Outlook, worries, aspirations are strongly linked to financial situation. The American family today. https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/17/parenting-in-america/
About the Author:
Alexis Ruffner is a board-certified music therapist with NICU training. She mainly works with premature and medically fragile infants and families in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Louisville, Kentucky. Currently. She currently is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood and Family Development.
Contact: apruffner@gmail.com
Suggested Citation:
Ruffner, A. (2020, July 1). Supporting multiculturalism in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Supporting Multiculturalism in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) first appeared on imagine.
Elizabeth K. Schwartz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Raising Harmony: Music Therapy for Young Children, Wakefield, Massachusetts
While music therapists are well trained, some are challenged to creatively and flexibly respond in settings where the therapist and client do not share the same social, cultural, language, and musical background. In this podcast, Elizabeth Schwartz shares her thoughts and suggestions on how the unique qualities of music make it a perfect experience for finding common experience and shared meaning for all.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2_Schwartz_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Rolvsjord, R. (2016). Resource-oriented perspectives in music therapy. In J. Edwards (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Music Therapy (pp. 557–576). Oxford University Press.
- Pasiali, V., & Schwartz, E. K. (2018). Preventive MT in limited-resource communities [Audio podcast]. amtapro.musictherapy.org/?p=2026#more-2026.
- Schwartz, E. (2012). You and Me Makes…We: A Growing Together Songbook. Center for Early Childhood Music Therapy.
- Schwartz, E. (2020). Together With the Beat: Songs for Me, and You, and Us. Center for Early Childhood Music Therapy.
About the Author:
Elizabeth K. Schwartz has practiced music therapy for over 25 years and specialized in Early Intervention and preschool settings. She is an adjunct faculty at Molloy College in New York and the co-founder of Raising Harmony®, an online platform providing training and resources related to early childhood music therapy and development.
Contact: ekschwartzmtbc@gmail.com
Suggested Citation:
Schwartz, E. K. (2020, July 1). Composing therapeutic songs for culturally and linguistically diverse early childhood music therapy[Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post Composing Therapeutic Songs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Early Childhood Music Therapy first appeared on imagine.
Robert Groene, PhD, MT-BC
University of Missouri Kansas City
Lee Anna Rasar, MT-BC, WMTR
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Should music be strictly from the child’s cultural heritage, or could it also be combined with music from the new culture? What music could a music therapist use if a young child and their family arrive in the U.S. from a different country and culture? In this podcast, Robert Groene and Lee Anna Rasar explore those questions by citing multicultural literature and sharing their discussions with music therapy experts. Learn about traditions, children songs, scales, and various instruments to better serve clients from different cultures.
https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1_Groene-Rasar_Podcast-2020.mp3Resources:
- Amir, D. (2004). Community music therapy and the challenge of multiculturalism. In AUTHOR (ED.) Collected work: Community music therapy (pp. 249–266). Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Campbell, P. S., & Wiggins, T. (2012). The Oxford handbook of children’s musical cultures. Oxford University Press.
- Griffin, S. M. (2017). The fluid infusion of musical culture: Embodied experiences in a grade one classroom. Pedagogies: An International Journal, 12, 21–40.
- Jenkins, E. (1966). You’ll sing a song and I’ll sing a song [Album]. Smithsonian-Folkways.
- Yehuda, N. (2013). ‘I am not at home with my client’s music … I felt guilty about disliking it: ‘On musical authenticity’ in music therapy, Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 22(2), 149–170.
About the Authors:
Robert Groene Ph.D., MT-BC (Retired), is an Emeritus Associate Professor and past Director of Music Therapy at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Dr. Groene is a recipient of the 2019 AMTA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Contact: groener@umkc.edu
Lee Anna Rasar MT-BC, WMTR, is the music therapy program director at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has 43 years of experience teaching and providing music therapy intervention for people from Far Eastern, Middle Eastern, Native American, Latin American, Hispanic European, and African cultures.
Contact: rasarla@uwec.edu
Suggested Citation:
Groene, R., & Rasar, L. A. (2020, July 1). In warm or wintery weather: Respectful diversity in early childhood music therapy[Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz
The post In Warm or Wintery Weather: Respectful Diversity in Early Childhood Music Therapy first appeared on imagine.
Michele Ritholz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC This podcast explores the musical legacy of Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins and the meaning of play songs. Resources: Nordoff, P., & Robbins, C. (1971; 1983). Music therapy in special education. St. Louis, MO: MMB Music. Nordoff, P., & Robbins, C. (1962). The first book of children’s play-songs. King of Prussia, PA: TheodoreRead more about Raising the Bar on Our Clinical Music[…]
Melissa Reinhardt, MSEd, MT-BC This podcast introduces a group music class, Ukulele and Baby, designed to promote parent/child bonding through the use of music and music activities. Resources: Division for Early Childhood. (2014). DEC recommended practices in early intervention/early childhood special education 2014. Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/recommendedpractices Thompson, G. (2012). Family-centered music therapy in the home environment:Read more about Ukulele and Baby: Involving Families in Music Therapy[…]
Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., LCAT, LPC, MT-BC This podcast describes how music therapy can support sibling play. Resources: Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The whole-brain child: Twelve revolutionary strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. About the Author: Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., MT-BC is the Manager of ResearchRead more about But My Sister Can’t Play With Me: Structuring Music-Play Experiences for Siblings who are Developing Differently[…]
Matt Logan, MA, MT-BC, Brianna Negrete, MM, MT-BC, and Chloe Kelleher, MA, CCLS Can sick children play? Two music therapists and a child life specialist from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco discuss the importance of supporting play. The music therapy program is support by the Peterson Family Foundation. Resources: Bolig, R., Fernie, D. E.,Read more about Being Playful in a Pediatric Hospital: Music Therapy and Child Life Perspectives[…]
Mary DiCamillo, EdD, MT-BC, ET/P This podcast introduces prenatal music bonding and ways that siblings can interact and play with their siblings before birth. Resources: Satt, B. J. (n.d.). A sound beginning womb songs. Retrieved from https://wombsongs.com/brian-j-satt-ph-d/ DiCamillo,M. (2016). Sound Birthing Music. Retrieved from http://www.soundbirthingmusic.com/#/ Federico, G. F. (2017). A Musical Journey Through Pregnancy: Prenatal MusicRead more about Prenatal Music Bonding: Building Family Relationships Before Birth[…]
Rachel Rambach, MM, MT-BC This podcast addresses the challenge of planning repertoire for the holiday season and how to write and adapt playful songs that are appropriate across cultures, religions, and traditions. Resources: Rambach, R. (2015, September 15). Working together with parents: Songs for skill generalization. Retrieved from www.imagine.musictherapy.biz Rambach, R. (2018, January 12). 12Read more about Winter Play Songs: Repertoire and Applications for the Holiday Season[…]
Beth McLaughlin, MSE, MT-BC In this podcast Beth McLaughlin interviews Amy Myers on how to successfully embed technology into music therapy sessions. Resources: ClassDojo (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.classdojo.com/#LearnMore Crowe, B. J., & Rio, R. (2004). Implications of technology in music therapy practice and research for music therapy education: A review of literature. Journal of Music Therapy, 41(4), 282-320. Giufre, M. (2013). Read more about Using Technology to Support Communication in the Music Therapy Classroom[…]
Katie Myers, MM, MT-BC This podcast discusses incorporating technology while keeping the playfulness crucial for child development. Resources: Crowe, B. J., & Rio, R. (2004). Implications of technology in music therapy practice and research for music therapy education: A review of literature. Journal of Music Therapy, 41(4), 282-320. Hahna, N. D., Hadley, S., Miller, V. H.,Read more about Music Therapy: The Intersection of Play and Technology[…]
Rachel Rambach, MM, MT-BC This podcast leads through a typical day in an early childhood music therapy practice enriched by technology and interactive media. Resources: Rambach, R. & Erfurt, M. (2010). Online resources at your fingertips. imagine, 1(1), 91. Kamerad, K., & Rambach, R. (Producers). (2017, May 15). Creative business breakdown [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://creativebusinessbreakdown.com. About theRead more about A Day in the Life: The Role of Technology in Running an Early Childhood Music Therapy Practice[…]
Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast describes the use of the Music Together’s Family Music Zone app and the Hello Everybody app. Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics (2017). Media and children communication toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/pages/media-and-children.aspx Music Together Worldwide (2017). Music Together Within Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.musictogether.com/prospective-parents/special-needs/music-together-within-therapy Pasiali, V. (2013). Music therapy and attachment relationships across the life span.Read more about Supporting Parents and Young Children Through Interactive Media[…]
Hanna Jade Watson, Music Therapy Student This podcast discusses music subscription services such as Apple Music and its advantages for use in early childhood music therapy practice. Resources: Apple (2017). Apple Music. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/apple-music/ Apple (2017). Join Apple Music on Your Android Phone. Retrieved from https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205365 About the Author: Hanna Jade Watson is a senior student pursuing aRead more about Just the Basics–Apple Music 101[…]
Dawn M. Sandel, M.A.Ed.,, MT-BC This podcast discusses low, mid, and high tech devices and provides examples of how they can be utilized purposefully in early childhood music therapy sessions. Resources: Ablenet (2017). BIGMack. Retrieved from https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/speech-generating-devices/bigmack Ablenet (2017). Big Step-By-Step. Retrieved from https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/speech-generating-devices/bigmack Ablenet (2017). iTalk2 with levels. Retrieved from https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/speech-generating-devices/italk2-with-levels About the Author: Dawn Sandel, M.A.Ed., MT-BC, works at RISERead more about #MTBaby: Music Therapy with Generation Tech[…]
Ralf Niedenthal, Lic. MT This podcast describes a nonprofit organization’s projects including music videos created with people with disabilities. Resources: Music Videos from Todos Hacemos Música Todos Hacemos Música (2016). Cantamos Juntos [Sing Together]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aea848bXsg8 Todos Hacemos Música (2016). Un Mundo Mejor [A Better World]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32ge7_mdJ8o Todos Hacemos Música (2016). Lo Que Sé Hacer [WhatRead more about Todos Hacemos Música: We All Make Music[…]
Dena Register, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast focuses on advocating for music and the arts in early childhood as a way for all children to interact, communicate, and grow. Resources: Who is my elected official? at https://capwiz.com/nra/dbq/officials/ What advocacy is happening in my state? at http://cbmt.org/advocacy/state-task-forces-map/ Talking points about music therapy and young children at http://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/MT_Young_Children_2006.pdf Early childhood advocacy toolkit at www.theounce.org/pubs/EarlyChildhoodAdvocacyToolkit.pdf Register,Read more about Creating Capacity: What Music Therapist Need to Know About Advocacy for Music in Early Childhood[…]
Amy Rodgers Smith, MMT, MT-BC This podcast discusses practical steps to engage in advocacy at every level with a variety of parents, professionals, and administrators. Resources: American Music Therapy Association (2016). Policy and advocacy. Retrieved from: http://www.musictherapy.org/policy/ Certification Board for Music Therapists (2015). What is advocacy? Retrieved from: http://cbmt.org/advocacy/about-advocacy/ Moore, K. S. (2015). Music therapy advocacy for professionalRead more about What Music Therapists Need to Know About Engaging in Advocacy[…]
Kimberly Sena Moore, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast offers seven core principles underlying a successful private music therapy practice. Resources: Music Therapy Business Owners [Facebook Group] at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MusicTherapyBusinessOwners Score Small Business Mentoring at https://www.score.org Sena Moore, K. (2008) The therapy business blueprint: A 7-step approach to starting your own private practice. Retrieved from http://www.musictherapymaven.com/how-to-start-a-therapy-practice/ U.S. Small Business Administration at https://www.sba.gov AboutRead more about What Music Therapists Need to Know About Starting a Private Practice[…]
Adrienne C. Steiner, M.M., MT-BC This podcast addresses consideration for preparing and proposing a budget for a music therapy program to administrators. Resource: Download Handout About the Author: Adrienne C. Steiner is the clinical coordinator and primary therapist at the University of Louisville’s music therapy clinic. She supervises practicum students and interns while teaching courses in music therapy.Read more about What Administrators Need to Know About Early Childhood Programming Budgets[…]
Patricia E. Altieri Ramírez, M.A., B.A. This podcast discusses the status of professionals using music as a tool for learning and development with young children in Mexico. Resources: Akoschky, J. (2014). El lenguaje musical en la primera infancia. En P. Sarlé, E. Ivaldi, L. Hernández. (Eds)., Arte, educación y primera infancia: sentidos y experiencias. Metas Educativas 2021 (pp.87-101).Read more about What Educators in Mexico Need to Know About Music Therapy and Early Childhood[…]
Rachel Rambach, M.M., MT-BC This podcast provides several ways music therapists can extend their services outside of the clinic, giving parents the opportunity to continue reinforcing skills learned in music therapy at home. Resources: Rambach, R. (2015). Working together with parents: songs for skill generalization. imagine, 6(1). Rambach, R. (2014). Dads as support in music therapy. imagine, 5(1). About the Author:Read more about Beyond the Clinic: What Music Therapists Need to Know About Extending Their Services Into the Home[…]
Beth McLaughlin, MSE, LCAT, MT-BC In this podcast, the author has composed a letter to prospective interns sharing her thoughts about what she’s learned from the young children with ASD with whom she has worked over the past 39 years. Resources: Ackerman, D. (1999). Deep play. New York, NY: Random House. Kern & Humpal (2012). Early childhood music therapy andRead more about Pay Attention!: What Interns Should Know About Early Childhood Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder[…]
Hakeem Leonard Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast features key information and strategies to prepare activities that maximize engagement, overcoming any perceived language barriers when offering student service projects abroad. Resources: Gooding, L., & Standley, J. M. (2011). Musical development and learning characteristics of students: A compilation of key points from the research literature organized by age. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education,Read more about What Music Therapy Students Need to Know When Conducting Service Projects in Latin American Countries[…]
Elizabeth K. Schwartz, LCAT, MT-BC Inclusion is more than putting different children together in the same space. This podcast provides thoughts and tips on creating interventions that lead to integration as the ultimate goal of early childhood music therapy. Resources: Abbott, E. A., & Sanders, L. (2012). Paraeducators’ perceptions of music therapy sessions. Music Therapy Perspectives,Read more about Isolation to Integration: Thoughts on Music Therapy Interventions to Support Inclusion[…]
Jean Nemeth, Ph.D., MT-BC In this podcast, Dr. Nemeth offers ideas for promoting young children’s inclusion success. Discussion emphasizes a scaffolding approach, session set-up and flow, music selection, the power of rhythm, therapist demeanor, instrument strategies, and positively engaging young children. Resources: Humpal, M. E,. & Colwell, C. (Eds.). (2006). Effective clinical practice in musicRead more about Tips from the Trenches[…]
Rachel Rambach, M.M., MT-BC This podcast discusses the important role parents play in skill generalization from the music therapy session to home and other settings, and includes songs that help them do so. Resources: I Love Your Toes (by Rachel Rambach). Available at http://listenlearnmusic.com/2015/04/i-love-your-toes.html Ready, Set, Wait! (by Rachel Rambach). Available at http://listenlearnmusic.com/2015/03/ready-set-wait.html First andRead more about Working Together with Parents: Songs for Skill Generalization[…]
Dana Bolton, M.Ed., MMT, MT-BC Music therapists teaching early childhood music classes often encounter children with special needs in their classes. This podcast offers parent perspectives on inclusive classes and tips for making the experience successful for everyone. Resources: Apple, D. J., Fahl-Gooler, F., & McCollum, J. A. (1997). Inclusive parent-child play groups: How comfortableRead more about Music is for Everyone: Inclusion in Early Childhood Music Classes[…]
Esther Thane, MTA, AVPT This podcast addresses the growing trend of transitioning to electronic medical records and introduces Unitus TI, a cloud-based data management system and curriculum server. Resources: Mundo Pato at www.mundopato.com UnitusTI Client File Screen Shot MITM Program Template Screen Shot UnitusTI Graph Screen Shots About the Author: Esther Thane is an accreditedRead more about Music Therapy in the Cloud[…]
Sten Bunne Making musical instrument accessible for children with different abilities supports inclusion in natural environments. This podcast introduces the Bunne Instruments developed for interactive music-making with various populations. Resources: Bunne, S. (1979). Maraccas, Marimba och Bågfilsbas. Malmö. Sweden: Liber Läromedel. Bunne, S. (1986). Musik i Åldringsvård – ett hjälpmedel i arbetet. Hudiksvall. Sweden: Musikverkstan Förlag.Read more about Children’s Access to Chords, Melodies, and Bass: A Different Way of Thinking in Sweden[…]
Kimberly Sena Moore, Ph.D., MT-BC Many music therapists rely on verbal-based techniques, but experiential, rote-based learning may also provide valuable learning opportunities, particularly in early childhood. In this podcast, Dr. Sena Moore shares how the emotion regulation development process can be used as a model for understanding the role of rote-based learning in therapy. Resources:Read more about Emotion Regulation Development, Rote-based Learning, and Generalization: An Exploration[…]
Lora F. Heller, MS, MT-BC, LCAT This podcast presents a case study of Peter, who participated in an inclusive music therapy group at his preschool that incorporated music-mediated sign language instruction. The case study highlights how he was able to generalize skills learned in music therapy to his home environment. resources: Buday, E. M. (1995).Read more about Music Therapy with Peter: A Young Boy with Fragile X Syndrome at Home and in an Inclusive Preschool Setting[…]
Darcy DeLoach, Ph.D., MT-BC and Michael Detmer, M.ME., MT-BC When deciding a treatment approach for children with ASD, the differences between interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams yield different intervention environments. In this podcast differences between the two are discussed with examples of clinical approaches and client outcomes given. Resources: Choi, B. C. K., & Pak, A.Read more about Interdisciplinary Versus Transdisciplinary Integrative Care Within Music Therapy for Children with ASD[…]
Anita L. Gadberry, Ph.D., MT-BC Utilizing different strategies and resources to promote communication is essential in music therapy practice. This research-based podcast discusses the use of universal design in the development of a communication toolkit. Resources: Gadberry, A. L. (2011). A survey of the use of aided augmentative and alternative communication during music therapy sessionsRead more about Communication Toolkit: A Universal Design Approach to Inclusion in the Preschool Classroom[…]
Jeffrey Wolfe, MT-BC This podcast reviews a case of a three-year old child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It highlights the importance of creating an alliance with a child’s family so goals can addressed in and out of the session. Resources: Mary Ainsworth Attachment Theory at http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/articles/mary-ainsworth-and-attachment-theory/ Individual Music Therapy Assessment Profile at http://www.amazon.com/Individualized-Music-Therapy-Assessment-Profile/dp/1843108666 Bounce – SpectrumRead more about The Family is the Therapy Team: A Case Example[…]
Elizabeth K. Schwartz, LCAT, MT-BC Knowing why, when, and how to talk with families about the overall development of their child can be a daunting task. This podcast is designed to serve as a guideline for music therapists for initiating or engaging in challenging discussions with parents related to their child’s development. Resources: Centers forRead more about Stopping the Music: Why, When and How to Discuss Developmental Concerns with Families[…]
Friederike Haslbeck, Ph.D., DMtG, SFMT This podcast introduces results of a qualitative study of Creative Music Therapy (CMT) in neonatal care via two case examples. It demonstrates how CMT offers the potential for premature infants to engage in communicative musicality and to empower parents by supporting the quality of interactions with their infant through music.Read more about Creative Music Therapy in Neonatal Care: Supporting Communicative Musicality From the Very Beginning[…]
Matthew Logan, MA, MT-BC and Rachel See, MA, MT-BC This podcast discusses practical tips and considerations for co-treating with speech-language pathologists to maximize client outcomes in medical and community settings. Resources: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (n.d.). Standards and implementation procedures for the certificate of clinical competence. Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/Certification/2014-Speech-Language-Pathology-Certification-Standards/ Cohen, N. S. (1994). Speech and song: Implications forRead more about Co-Treating With Speech-Language Pathologists – Before, During, and After the Session[…]
Meredith R. Pizzi, MT-BC This hands-on podcast shares ideas about using music with parents and young children to enhance the bonds and connections between siblings as families grow. Resources: Leman, K., & Leman, K. (2009). The new birth order book: Why you are the way you are? Grand Rapids, MI: F.H. Revell. Salmon, C., &Read more about Supporting Healthy Sibling Development With Music[…]
Bill Matney, M.A., MT-BC This engaging podcast addresses music-making experiences and simple percussion techniques that can promote child development and family bonding in the home environment. Resources: Benenzon, R. (1976). Music therapy in infantile autism. British Journal of Music Therapy, 7(2), 10-17. Clair, A.A., & Ebberts, A. (1997). The effects of music therapy on interactionsRead more about Percussion and Drumming: Building Family and Community[…]
Carol Ann Blank, LCAT, LPC, MMT, MT-BC Clinical decision making is an important component of providing music therapy interventions. This podcast shares the author’s thoughts about the clinical decisions she makes when working with a mother-child dyad in an individual music therapy setting. Resources: Abrams, B. (2011). Understanding as a temporal-aesthetic way of being: ImplicationsRead more about Clinical Decision Making in Music Therapy[…]
Laurel Rosen-Weatherford MM, MT-BC This follow-up podcast features a 30-minute sing-along that focuses on bringing families together to provide learning opportunities beyond the music therapy session. Musical examples can be implemented in the classroom and the family’s home. Resources: Chicka Chicka Boom by John Martin Jr. and John Archambault Hip Hop ABC by The BigRead more about Let’s Collaborate-A Follow Up Fom 2013[…]
Kathy Schumacher, MT-BC The development of phonological awareness is critical for both learning to communicate and to read. This podcast gives an overview of phonological awareness and illustrates how the skill of rhyming can be taught through music. A brief summary of research supporting the use of music for teaching these skills is included. Resources:Read more about Rhythm, Rhyme and Remarkable Repetition: An Effective Foundation for Literacy[…]
Laura Brown, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast offers suggestions for using original songs with high functioning children on the autism spectrum. The songs referenced in this podcast were written and recorded by Elisa Padro, a student at Western Illinois University. Resources: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA:Read more about Across the Spectrum: Meeting the Needs of High Functioning Clients with ASD[…]
Jamie George, MM, MT-BC, Andrew Littlefield, MM, MT-BC, Laurie Peebles, MT-BC, and Andrea Johnson, MT-BC In this collaborative podcast, the George Center’s music therapy team discusses the benefits of providing performance opportunity for young children with disabilities as well as how to create a successful recreational experience for the entire family. Resources: Beisman, G. (1967).Read more about The Importance of Performance Opportunities for Young Children During Music Therapy[…]
Stephan Betz, Ph.D., MT-BC and Josef Held, M.Ed, GCFP This thoughtful audio podcast presents a new music therapy assessment tool for toddlers and children with special needs created by the authors that focuses on positive psychology and building the child’s strengths to succeed in life. Resources: Achor, S. (2010). The happiness advantage. New York, NY:Read more about The Betz-Held Strengths Inventory: A Music Therapy Assessment Tool[…]
Matthew Logan, MA, MT-BC In this experiential audio podcast, the author shares musical and clinical skills essential for interns and new professionals when working with young children with disabilities in various settings. Resource: Adamek, M. S., & Darrow, A. (2010). Music in special education. (2 ed.). Silver Spring: The American Music Therapy Association, Inc. Hanson-Abromeit,Read more about Ten Essential Skills for Working in Early Childhood Settings[…]
Kamile Geist, MA, MT-BC An informative audio podcast that introduces Stephanie, an early childhood educator who offered to be the test person for the Keep a Beat™ (KaB) training model. Resources: Arends, R. I., & Kilcher, A. (2010). Teaching for student learning: Becoming an accomplished teacher. New York, NY: Routledge. Gall, M. D. & Acheson,Read more about Keep a Beat™: A Music Enrichment Program for Early Childhood Educators[…]
Laurel Rosen-Weatherford M.M., MT-BC This musical audio podcast provides an example of a collaborative project bringing together families through a sing-along story performance including various therapeutic goals and generalization strategies. Resources: All song introduced can be found on the Polar Express Sound Track at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/polar-express-soundtrack-from/id27560427 Starkey, S., Zemeckis, R., Goetzman, G., and Teitler, W. (Producers)Read more about Let’s Collaborate[…]
Kayla C. Daly, MA, MT-BC A case description and series of song interventions designed to enhance specific skills in a child with rigid tendencies are discussed in this musically enriched audio podcast. Resources: Amir, D. (1990). A song is born: Discovering meaning in improvised songs through a phenomenological analysis of two music therapy sessions withRead more about Itty Bitty Steps: Individually Tailored Music Therapy Song Interventions[…]
Julia Beth Kowaleski, MTA Instruments such as shakers can be used in many different ways and for various therapeutic purposes with young children, which will be demonstrated in this joyful audio podcast. Resources: Docherty, T. (2008). The Little Boat. Surrey. UK: Templar Publishing. Ritholz, M., & Robbins, C. (1999). Themes for Therapy. New York, NY:Read more about Five Practical and Creative Ways to Use a Shaker[…]
Ronna Kaplan, M.A., MT-BC Listen to reflections on early childhood music therapy. How far we have come with our network, newsletter, online magazine, other internet presence, research and publications, conference sessions, our workforce and our possible roles in many settings! And the sky’s the limit for where we can go next… Resources: Edwards, J. (Ed.)Read more about Reflections on Music Therapy With Young Children[…]
Beth McLaughlin, LCAT, MSE, MT-BC In this podcast, the author describes how she became acquainted with six young boys with autism spectrum disorder through their behaviors and developed a successful music therapy program that included the behavioral principles of discreet trial teaching. With input from families and the entire educational team, a learning environment was createdRead more about Putting the Evidence Into Practice: Designing a Plan for Student Success for Children with ASD[…]
Debbie Benkovitz, LSW, MT-BC Studies demonstrate that music therapy improves the quality of life of seriously ill patients and their families by relieving pain and anxiety, helping patients and families communicate, and providing spiritual support. This podcast briefly reviews how music therapy impacts young, seriously ill patients, using case studies to exemplify main points. Resources:Read more about The Final Movement: Music Therapy and Pediatric Palliative Care[…]
Matt Logan, MT-BC In this podcast, Matt Logan interviews Cynthia Briggs, a music therapist and psychologist who directs the music therapy program at Maryville University. She lectures and presents on the topic of music and infant attachment. In this interview, the speakers explain the theory of infant attachment, identify music’s role in the process, andRead more about The Role of Music in Developing Infant Attachment: An Interview With Cynthia Briggs[…]
Laura Rosen Anderson, MT-BC and Rebecca Vaudreuil, MT-BC Resounding Joy staff music therapists Rebecca Vaudreuil and Laura Anderson share their experience providing music-centered wellness for children with multiple disabilities in Southern and Northern India. A total of 13 music therapists and trained volunteers traveled to India. Resounding Joy is a California 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose missionRead more about Resounding Joy: Music Therapy in India[…]
Jennifer W. Puckett, MT-BC Do you as a music therapist feel like you are constantly singing the same songs over and over again? If so, it’s important to keep in mind that the simplest tunes can provide a big boom in development by using a interdisciplinary approach in early intervention. Resources: Therabeat at www.therabeat.com InRead more about A Little Tune With a Big Boom![…]
Kalani Das, MT-BC Humor and laughter both have a role in music therapy from helping clients feel more at ease to creating interpersonal connections and serving as a catalyst for emotional release. This podcast identifies the primary types and uses of humor and laughter and explains the roles they play in music therapy practice withRead more about Laughter in Music Therapy and With Young Children[…]
Dorothy Denton, BM, MT-BC This podcast is an invitation to join the growing number of early childhood music & movement professionals encouraged by collaborative efforts to produce a broad knowledge base in the field. The author introduces music therapy to the Early Childhood Music & Movement Association and makes a case for engagement, informal andRead more about Seed Pod: Collaboration to Help Children Grow Through Music and Movement[…]
Cathy Knoll, MA, MT-BC Many traditional children’s songs focus on farmers, animal sounds, and imaginary topics, e.g. an “old woman who swallows a cow.” This podcast moves beyond sing-alongs in early childhood, providing examples of reality-based, customized songs created by music therapists to address specific goals and to assist individual preschoolers learn and practice newRead more about Moving Beyond “Moo, Cow, Moo:” Targeted Song-Based Language Experiences for Young Children[…]
Elizabeth K. Schwartz, LCAT, MT-BC This podcast presents lessons learned by the author during a two year music therapy project in a K-12 school and discusses the role of music therapy in preparing young children to succeed throughout their entire educational career in the least restrictive environment of inclusive, public schools. Resources: Adamek, M.S., &Read more about Lessons Learned in Least Restrictive Environments: The Role of Music Therapy in Preparing Young Children to Succeed in Inclusive Schools[…]
Christine A. Barton, M.M., MT-BC How does constructing meaning affect a child’s path to literacy? This podcast attempts to meld music schemas with the constructivist theories surrounding literacy development and examine where meaning in text and music lies and how children with hearing loss might benefit from such ideas. Resources: Anderson, R. C. (1977). TheRead more about Constructing Meaning in Music and Text: Implications for Literacy Development in Young Children With Hearing Loss[…]
Matt Logan, MT-BC In this podcast, Matt Logan interviews Kim Hawkins, an experienced NICU Music Therapist who provides services in a highly-rated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the United States. In the interview, the speakers address current approaches to treatment, including a NICU layout, common goals and objectives as well as music therapy interventions. Resources:Read more about Practicing Music Therapy in the NICU: An Interview With Kim Hawkins[…]
Amy Robertson, MM, MT-BC At the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children, the music therapy team has started rounding with NICU physicians and other staff which has improved communication as well as orders for music therapy services. In this podcast, the current protocol for receiving music therapy orders is discussed as well asRead more about Rounding With Medical Staff to Increase Music Therapy Awareness in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit[…]
Rachel Rambach, M.M., MT-BC This podcast spotlights the author’s perspective on a new technological medium, video blogging. Through the use of a weekly video blog on her website, the author has been able to reach her clients in an exciting and personal way. Client testimonials and personal reflections reveal the great potential of this medium.Read more about Sunday Sing-Along: A Video Series[…]
Betsy Blachly-Chapin, MS, MT-BC, AVP This podcast offers reflective insights on the author’s experience of starting a music therapy program at a homeless shelter in the Bronx. She explores the journey toward finding her own identity as a part-time music therapist, working with families and classroom teachers at the shelter, both during structured ‘music time’Read more about Music Therapy at a New York City Family Shelter: Old MacDonald is My Best Friend[…]
Cathy Knoll, MA, MT-BC There are many different approaches to music therapy in early childhood, and each situation may call for different techniques, strategies, and interventions. However, in this podcast, the author introduces seven basic principles that apply any time two or more pre-school children gather in a group, whether for education, therapy, or play.Read more about A Beginner’s Guide to Circle Time: Tips From a Seasoned Music Therapist[…]
Kamile Geist, MA, MT-BC In this podcast, the author reviews her own pilot research study which was conducted at the Ohio University lab school. Using music in the classroom to support emergent math skills in 3- and 4-year olds was shown to be an effective tool in prolonging student engagement with the teacher and theRead more about Music Supporting Emerging Math With Children Ages 0-5[…]
Tim Ringgold, MT-BC, NICU-MT In this podcast, the author describes his unique experience as both a trained NICU-MT and the father of a fragile infant in the NICU. He recounts the process of preparing with his wife for their daughter’s birth using music therapy skills. In the days following the delivery, he found comfort inRead more about What Happens When Your First NICU Patient is Also Your Child? A NICU-MT Dad’s Journey[…]
Jennifer Buchanan, BMT, MTA This podcast guides the listener through a full music therapy group session for infants and toddlers with visual impairments and their parents. Through descriptions of various interventions and the responses they evoke in children and parents alike, the author reflects on the remarkable benefits of the group. Resource: JB Music TherapyRead more about Children Reach Out for Music and Find the World They Cannot See and Parents Witness Their Child in a Whole New Light[…]
Linn Wakeford, M.S., OTR/L Offering a straightforward and detailed overview of sensory processing and modulation, this podcast is an invaluable tool in the early childhood music therapist’s toolkit. It is imperative to understand the way that young children process sensory stimuli in order to meet their needs effectively as a therapist. The author draws importantRead more about Sensory Processing: Key Points and Ideas for Application in Music Therapy[…]
Petra Kern, Ph.D., MT-BC, MTA, DMtG In the early childhood and music therapy literature, you will find an outstanding person: Marcia Humpal. Through her writings, passion, and devotion to very young children and their families, she is very well known among music therapists and other professionals working in the field of early childhood education. MarciaRead more about Not one Day Without a Smile: Music Therapy in Early Childhood Education – An Interview With Marcia Humpal[…]