Sign Language & Music: Beginner Signs

by | Oct 17, 2016 | Resources

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Hello Readers & Friends,

I hope you all have had a wonderfully restful weekend. I have been working and planning a brand new video series for professionals and families alike on my absolute favorite topic: sign language! Before we get started, I thought I would share a little about why I have such a passion for sign language in music.

I began learning sign language in high school while working at a Steak N’ Shake. I worked in a town where there was a large Deaf population because of the state school for the Deaf. I always thought it odd that nobody sought to learn sign language to communicate with respect, to customers. One night I began researching and learned a few basic signs that every server should know i.e. ketchup, mustard, mayo, sandwich, fries, cola, and of course, thank you. Immediately I felt more confident and equipped when serving. I carried this into my studies in Music Therapy and sought new ways to use sign language in the therapeutic environment. 

Throughout this series we will explore different signs and how we can use them with specific goals in mind! So join in, and stay tuned for our weekly installment every Monday!

-AH

 

Singable Stories in all of their Music Therapy Glory

by | Sep 14, 2016 | Resources

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Here at MTC we love to use singable stories. You may see us using them with our Listen & Learn groups but did you know that we also use them in 1:1 music therapy sessions?

Singable stories are a great tool for

  • Increasing sight words
  • Improving enunciation of vowels and consonants
  • Reading full sentences or more independently
  • Improving reading comprehension
  • Identifying letters uppercase and lowercase
  • Increasing vocal range in inflection
  • and so much more!

These are just a few of the specific objectives that we work on every day with our clients here at Music Therapy Connections! Do you know somebody who could benefit from music therapy? Register them in services below!

Register here!

Questions about services for someone in your life?

Contact us at info@musictherapyconnections.org!

The Guitten: A Hands Off Approach to those Tempting Tuning Keys

by | Aug 10, 2016 | Materials & Supplies, MTC, Reflections, Resources, Tips & Tricks

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You may be wondering, what on earth is a Guitten? As the name suggests it is a small mitten (without the fingers of course) for the head of your guitar! It securely covers the tuning keys. Everybody sing it with me… hallelujah!

And yes, it really is as wonderful as it sounds!

I know we have all been there. You are strumming along and having a wonderful session when you strum your guitar and it happens. Your beautifully tuned 6-string is now 4 keys way to low with a string dangling from the fretboard and you realize your guitar has been compromised. More than likely one of your clients decided to curiously turn and twist those tempting tuning keys on your guitar. At this point retuning your guitar may be untimely, and your only option may be to put it away.

Let me be honest here, I heard about the Guitten from their table at a music therapy conference. I liked the idea when I saw them and nabbed one for myself. But in all honesty I would consider this a must have for all MT’s. It is a wonderful tool and they come in all kinds of colors and designs.

Want to know more? Check out their website here.

I Want to Try Music Therapy, But…

by | Jul 27, 2016 | Class Registration, Parents, Services

So you have heard about Music Therapy online, through a friend, or even on Facebook and you are interested in services for you or a family member but you have a few questions first. We completely understand and we want to help you to determine if Music Therapy is right for you and your family!

Here it is, these are the three big concerns we hear when asking about Music Therapy services.

1. I can’t play an instrument!– This is a big one and I’m going to keep it short and sweet. A client does not need to understand music, or know how to play an instrument to be successful in Music Therapy! Between the three Music Therapists I have the opportunity of collaborating with I know that we have Music Therapists working with people from infancy to older adulthood. You need only to be open to a new experience and growth!

2. I don’t think I can afford it if insurance does not cover it. – Unfortunately, at this time there are not many Music Therapy practices in Illinois in which you can bill insurance for services. But don’t let that keep you from pursuing services! Our owners here at Music Therapy Connections are conscientious of the cost and purposely price our services at the cost of a co-pay. That’s right, you are paying the same rate as you would if you were billing insurance. It is important to us that those who need services have access to them.

3. I don’t know if Music Therapy can help me.– As Music Therapists we assess and treat goals which are academic, psychological, motor, speech, memory, and work with people who have diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, Depression, Anxiety, and the list goes on. The bottom line is that, if you’re interested go ahead and see a Music Therapist. Do an assessment and give it a try. You may just find a fantastic resource for you and your family!

Click here to learn more about Music Therapy for you and your family!

What is an Adaptive Lesson?

by | Jul 21, 2016 | Parents, Resources, Services

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Put simply an adaptive lesson is a lesson where an adaptation is necessary for the student to thrive in their lesson environment. Typically, we think of adaptive lessons as being directed to students with disabilities and diagnoses. Yes, we have students of all ages and abilities, and when we say all we mean all!

That being said, there are many students who may benefit from adaptive lessons who do not have a diagnosis, or may not have a lifelong diagnosis. The easiest way to think about this would be if a student wanted to learn piano, but was recovering from a severe hand injury, we would adapt the material provided so that the student is progressing regardless of the inability to use their hand.

You may be wondering… but, can’t any music teacher do this? What makes your lessons different? Well, it is true that there are many fantastic teachers out there. Our approach is a bit different in that we place our adaptive lessons with our music therapists! Our board certified music therapists have studied how music affects our brain, bodies, and how to apply it to induce a positive change. We have training in diagnoses and have an understanding of counseling skills. We can apply our non-musical training to any lesson to better help that child to succeed regardless of any other limiting factors.

We all carry around labels, positive or negative that affect how others see us, and how we see ourselves. But at lessons our students are students. With or without a diagnosis we are there to help them achieve their goals. Period.

Register here!