by Laura Tam | Feb 28, 2018 | Reflections
This past Saturday, I passed the board certification exam for music therapists — the final step in becoming a board certified music therapist. Looking back, it has been quite a journey with many bumps and road blocks along the way.
Nevertheless, I am so thankful to share this journey with you! In fact, I had never even heard about music therapy until I was preparing to apply for college, and even then, I dismissed it as something that was too eccentric. So, what changed and how did I end up where I am today?
In this blog post, I want to share some moments in my life that have caused me to do much soul-searching and the people in my life who have supported me every step of the way.
Part I. Life as an Illini
I began my college experience as a french horn performance major at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I did not have a lot of prior performance experience, but what I loved was finding a community to fine tune and develop my skills as a musician.
As time went on, however, I struggled with mastering technique and increasingly felt more trapped in a degree that felt unreachable. By the end of my sophomore year, my horn professor sensed a lot of internal conflict and had a pivotal conversation with me that not only validated the fact that it was completely okay to not pursue performance, but also opened the door for me to explore other careers that would be more meaningful to me. I was so thankful that my horn professor fully supported me, and it didn’t hurt that his wife was also a music therapist!
Part II. Switching Majors and Finding a Direction to Follow
After that conversation with my horn professor, I felt like I had been given a second chance to pursue a field in music that gave me joy and meaning. After doing some research, I found music therapy to be this unique field where performance was not the main goal, but rather, the goal was to help other people!
That spring break of my sophomore year, I told my parents that I wanted to change my major and pursue music therapy. It was hard telling them, but I knew it was the right thing for me. They fully supported me granted I find out more about what a career in music therapy looked like. Thus began my dream of becoming a music therapist.
I started googling music therapy and contacting local music therapists to ask them all the questions I had: What classes should I take to prepare for a music therapy degree? Should I transfer to another school or stay and finish my undergraduate degree? What does a typical music therapist do every day?
One of the best conversations that I had was with none other than Rachel Rambach, who took the time to Skype with me, answer my questions, and share her own experiences, which happened to be quite similar to mine. Who knew that Rachel would not only help solidify my desire to pursue music therapy, but also become my very first employer as a music therapist five years down the line?
Part III. Pressing on Towards the Goal
While I knew music therapy was what I wanted to do, it was important to me to finish my music degree at the University of Illinois (I planned to apply to graduate school to earn an equivalency Master’s degree in music therapy in the future).
During this time, I immersed myself in classes focused on psychology, human development and speech and language disorders. I became a camp counselor at Bay Cliff Health Camp that provided music therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children with physical disabilities. I also continued to keep up with Rachel’s Listen & Learn blog and listen to her podcasts.
As I entered my graduate music therapy studies at Illinois State University and finished out my degree and internship at Helping Hand Center in Countryside, IL, I developed skills in working with various types of clients, grew in knowledge, and grew in my capacity to be teachable and give my best.
Since graduating with my Master’s in music therapy, I have had the privilege of joining Music Therapy Connections as a music therapist, alongside my mentors Rachel, Katey, and Alisabeth.
Visiting Rachel at Music Therapy Connections as a first year graduate student. It was the first time meeting her in person and observing her Listen and Learn Class
Recently I was asked to share how I feel now that I’ve passed my certification. As I reflect on the myriad ways in which important life moments, people, and my own growth have shaped my journey, I can only say that I am thankful.
This certification is a reflection of the blessings in my life thus far, but it is not in itself my greatest prize; it is only a vehicle for many amazing things to come and a means for others to be impacted meaningfully through music.
Thanks for reading! I am SO thankful, relieved, and excited for the future as I enter the workforce as Laura Tam, MM, MT-BC.
by Alisabeth Hopper | Feb 23, 2018 | Resources
I am so excited to share with you what I have been working on for the past few months! When I created the Functional Sign Language for Music Therapists CMTE course, I intended to teach need-to-know signs for professionals. After completing the course, though, I felt that there was something missing. I wanted to share with you how I break down and sign to songs and dive into how I use sign language to address the goals of my clients.
From this came the idea for our new resource: the Functional Sign Language Song Crate! This song crate is your go-to resource for how to use sign language in any song! You will learn ten songs that are suitable for clients in childhood through adulthood and explore how sign language can be interwoven with the goals and growth of your clients!
I am passionate about what sign language can do because I have seen it used as a highly effective tool for reaching motor, social, emotional, and communication goals for people of all ages and abilities!
Take a look at an official sneak peek at the Functional Sign Language Song Crate, coming soon!
Is there a song you would like to learn how to sign? Head over to our Facebook group and cast your vote for a song we should include in the song crate!
by Laura Tam | Feb 20, 2018 | Services
One of of the most frequently asked questions I receive when people ask me about music therapy is, Okay, I understand that you use music to help people, but what does that actually look like? I always reply, It depends on the specific goal(s) that I am addressing.
Goals within a music therapy context can be defined by the following:
- Goals areas are determined by determining each client’s strengths and areas of need, including: how the individual moves, communicates, interacts with others, regulates their emotions, processes information, and copes with a medical condition.
- Goals are individualized. Goals are created to address an individual’s unique sets of needs and strengths.
- Goals can be long term or short term. Examples of short term goals may include decreasing signs of distress (i.e. crying) in a premature infant, while an example of a long term goal might include increasing a client’s perceived self esteem over time.
Now that you know several components of goals, allow me to share how I might address various goals in some of the different groups that Music Therapy Connections serves:
Early Childhood
A goal area may include increasing vocal noises.
This goal is important because increasing vocalization is an important pre-language skill for very young children.
A music therapist may compose a song that encourages early childhood children to produce the “ma” sound within the song.
School-Aged Children
A goal area may include increasing the skill of following directions
This goal is important because following directions is an important skill for children to master in situations where safety directions need to be followed quickly.
A music therapist may instruct children to play instruments when they hear the word “go” and stop playing when they hear the word “stop”.
Older Adults
A goal area may include increasing social interaction.
This goal is important because it is important for older adults to maintain meaningful relationships as their social circle decreases over time.
A music therapist may sing a familiar song to the individual while instructing the older adult’s caregiver to hold the individual’s hand for the duration of the song.
If you’ve ever had questions about what music therapy looks like, I hope that you found this information helpful! The amazing thing about music therapy is that it can benefit anyone because everyone has different strengths and needs.
In the upcoming week, I hope to share some of my own personal goals and my progress towards them. Thanks for reading! If you know a loved one who may benefit from music therapy or if you want to know more, email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org. You can also register for services or music lessons below!
by Laura Tam | Feb 19, 2018 | Lessons, Services
A couple years ago for a school assignment, I was asked to design a survey in which I asked anonymous individuals for the various reasons why they listened to music. Out of fifty individuals who took the survey, top responses included:
- listening to music as background sound during everyday activities
- listening to music as entertainment
- listening to music as motivation for everyday activities
- listening to music to release built up tension
While this survey was designed for a research methods class and may not be representative of the general population at large, it did show that music was listened to and utilized for a variety of different reasons!
For myself, music provides a creative outlet to express my inner thoughts and make connections with others that otherwise would have been difficult to verbalize. It’s that powerful connection I feel with I’m singing a song together with a close friend and we instantly make eye contact when a meaningful lyric is sung, or the affirmation from certain lyrics in songs that seem to clarify exactly what I had been having difficulty processing in mind.
Music impacts individuals in many unique ways, so why not ask yourself how music impacts your life! Did you know that at MTC, we specialize in making music an enriching experience for anyone, whether it be through music lessons, adaptive lessons, or music therapy? Take a minute and explore our service options. Whether it’s registering for lessons or music therapy services, I hope that you’ll find meaningful ways music can shape your life in every season!
All the best,
Laura
For more information about music therapy services or lessons, email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org or register below!
by Alisabeth Hopper | Feb 9, 2018 | Services
When first meeting a new client, I am often asked something like this:
I think my son would really benefit from music therapy, but he has always wanted to learn how to play piano. Is there any way that we can do both?
The short answer is…absolutely! First, lets break down our service options. Here at Music Therapy Connections we offer lessons, adaptive lessons, and music therapy in addition to other groups and services.
Lessons are the best fit for students who feel comfortable learning at a traditional pace and level of complexity. These students are assigned to one of our many teachers based on their interests, schedule, and special requests.
Adaptive lessons are the primary choice for students who want to focus on learning an instrument and the related musical goals, but need some additional time, support, understanding, or even alternative teaching methods. We assign these students to a teacher who can meet their special considerations and needs all while supporting them in reaching their musical achievements.
Music therapy is a service provided by one of our board-certified music therapists and focuses on non-musical goals regarding domains such as communication, academia, cognition, motor, emotional, social, behavioral, life skills goals and more. Music therapy can be a wonderful support for people of all ages and abilities in reaching their non-musical goals. That being said, I am often asked if I can incorporate a music lesson or similar structure into Music therapy sessions. We absolutely can. The only differentiator is that in Music therapy, any musical goals are always secondary to our non-musical goals.
My focus as a therapist and teacher is that my students and clients walk away from my studio with more than when they came in, whether that be more resources, more strength, more support, or more knowledge. I am so blessed to be a part of my clients’ story, lives, and growth.
by Laura Tam | Feb 6, 2018 | MTC
My name is Laura, and I am the new music therapist at Music Therapy Connections! A lot of my own personal journey to the profession of music therapy got its start from Music Therapy Connections, and I am beyond excited to be working with such a great team, as well as getting to share my experiences with you!
To start out, I would love to share a little bit about myself:
- Music was a big part of my childhood. My three siblings and I grew up taking piano lessons together, and we also all chose to play brass instruments as we got older.
- I love my job! Music therapy challenges me to not only be a skilled musician, but to make meaningful therapeutic connections with individuals of all needs. It is such a privilege to be a part of each client’s individual journey!
- I wouldn’t be here without my teachers. As a recent Master’s graduate, I have had many amazing teachers impact my life. From my beginning piano and French horn teachers to my college professors, each have helped me overcome challenges and have given me the courage to aim high.
Thanks for getting to know me, and in the spirit of my last point, I highly encourage you to thank someone in your life that has impacted you and has made you who you are today!
All the best,
Laura
by Alisabeth Hopper | Feb 1, 2018 | Resources
If you have been following Music Therapy Connections, you know that we love using sign language. I incorporate sign language into sessions with clients of all ages to support nonverbal communication, verbal communication, self-expression, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and social skills. It is fun to learn something new within the safe and enjoyable environment of music therapy.
The first time I used sign language in a music therapy session, I was in practicum during my junior year of college. I was working with an adult with developmental delays. She struggled to process loss and was often deeply emotional and attached to the people in her life, including myself.
We used a variety of songs to experience joy, anger, sadness and more within the support of the session. One way we achieved this was by learning to sign “Bring on the Rain” by Jo Dee Messina. We learned to sign one word per line. After five sessions, she was able to sign the song with the support of the therapist.
After the song resolved, we would sit in silence for a few moments. It was as though she finally had permission to be sad without feeling rushed to be okay. What was even more amazing is that through this whole experience, she learned something new which she hadn’t done in a very long time.
I am very passionate about the potential for sign language in music therapy and across professions because I have seen what mindful application can do to support goals and growth.
You may be thinking: “I want to learn some sign language but where do I start?” I have listed five of my favorite resources for learning sign language below. These are perfect to get you started applying sign language in your daily life!
- www.aslpro.com – ASL Pro has the largest video dictionary of signs that I have found! Their signs are the most practical applications and therefore tend to be simpler to apply. They also have additional video dictionary’s for phrases and religious signs!
- www.signsavvy.com – Sign Savvy is another video dictionary website, but they often give multiple choices. If you have found a sign but it is too difficult for your clients to execute as is you can search here for variations.
- www.lifeprint.com – Lifeprint is a great website to receive free lessons on learning ASL. Now I will say that I use what I call Functional Sign Language instead of ASL for practical use with the non- Deaf population. That said, there is a lot of helpful information in these lessons and bonus, they’re completely free!
- www.aslnook.com – ASL Nook shares stories and adventures in the life of this Deaf family. Their videos are informative, fun to watch, and very endearing. You can also follow them on Facebook where they often post their videos and resources.
- www.youtube.com – I know what you’re thinking… “Really?” And yes! Youtube is fantastic resource not as a sign dictionary but for tutorials on how to sign your favorite songs! For instance, you could sign “7 Years” by Lukus Graham, or almost any other song you could imagine. Word to the wise; keep in mind that these people aren’t usually professionals and may give some incorrect information so try to find someone you deem to be credible.
There you have it! I hope you find this list of resources helpful in your journey to applying sign language to your daily life in a meaningful way.
by Alisabeth Hopper | Jan 26, 2018 | Services
“Is music therapy right for my loved one?”
I am asked this question almost every time I begin with a new client. Many people are unsure of what music therapy is, how it works, if it works, and for whom it works. I am going to break down this question to help you answer for yourself: is music therapy right for my loved one?
Let’s dive right in… so what exactly is music therapy?
Music Therapy is the practice of using music to address and support non-musical goals by a board-certified music therapist.
In music therapy sessions, a client will participate in music making, music listening, music analysis, and personal music experiences to help to reach his or her individual goals. We may hold a drum overhead to encourage a client to stand or analyze songs to process emotional trauma; the options are truly endless and based entirely on the client’s needs and goals.
That sounds interesting, but does music therapy work?
In short, yes! Music therapy is an evidenced-based practice, meaning that our techniques have been and are regularly tested in scientific studies to assess and support the efficacy of what we are doing. In addition, all music therapists are required to complete at least a bachelor’s degree and study the human body, human behavior, and musical techniques before receiving hands-on training in a 1,040-hour internship and passing a national board certification exam.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
I am often asked, “Who do you work with?” The short answer is…everyone! Music therapy is a holistic therapy modality, meaning that we treat the client as a whole and often end up treating multiple domains at once.
I have had many clients whose goals are both socially and emotionally based or academic and motor based. Our services are available to people of all ages & abilities. We currently serve clients with speech delays, difficulty reading and spelling, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, rare genetic disorders, and more.
For answers to more frequently asked questions click here.
If you are wondering if music therapy could be a fit for someone you love, I would encourage you to email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org or fill out our registration form for services below.
by Alisabeth Hopper | Jan 19, 2018 | MTC, Services
This week has been an eventful one at Music Therapy Connections! One of the most exciting parts of this week happened when I had the opportunity to share a presentation with a local women’s fellowship group.
They were so welcoming, kind, and very intrigued by music therapy. I had the pleasure speaking with them and sharing a little bit of what do as music therapists! They asked questions, we sang, played instruments, and laughed together over the course of my time with them.
My favorite questions of the night were…
- Do you have to be musically inclined to receive music therapy? No, that is my job as the therapist! The benefits of music therapy are available to anyone, regardless of musical background.
- Do you work with people who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease? Absolutely! For more information on how we support neurologic engagement, memory recall and more click here.
- Are your services covered by insurance? Many states offer a waiver for music therapy services; the state of Illinois does not at this time. Because of that, we keep our fees affordable (about the cost of a co-pay) so that those who are interested in services can absolutely pursue them!
This event, and others like it, are a vital part of what we do at Music Therapy Connections.
I think our team would agree that we became music therapists to help others, share music, and share moments. We know that what we do is so important for the nearly 200 people that receive our music therapy services from week to week, and showing our community what we do, how we do it, and answering any questions they have is the foundation to sharing our services with even more individuals!
We know that beyond anything else, we must invest time and care into our community for the business we love to grow and flourish. We have the deepest appreciation for our Music Therapy Connections community, Central Illinois community, and our online community.
Thank you to you all!
Do you know a group that would be interested in hosting a music therapist as a presenter? Do you have any questions yourself? We would love to speak with you; please email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org.
by Alisabeth Hopper | Jan 12, 2018 | MTC, Services
This month, Music Therapy Connections made another addition to our weekly services! Rachel Rambach is heading up the launch of a new music therapy group for older adults. I wanted to interview Rachel and share with you how we approach music therapy for older adults.
Alisabeth: Rachel, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. I am really excited to share with everyone the great work you’re doing!
Rachel: It’s my pleasure! I’m really excited about this new avenue of services, especially since it was seeing first-hand the effect music had on my grandmother that led me to music therapy. She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease when I was in middle school, and as the disease continued to progress, I saw that she was still able to enjoy and communicate through music. One of my last memories with her is singing Christmas carols together at her nursing home.
A: What does music therapy with older adults look like?
R: My new group takes place in the memory care unit of a large senior living facility. There are about 15 residents on the unit, and the group varies in size each week depending on how many residents feel up to coming. The group is held in a really nice common area with a piano, comfy chairs, and couches.
I start with a welcome song, and then sing a variety of tunes both with and without my guitar. I also bring movement props like scarves and small percussion instruments like hand drums and shakers. I reserve the last 15 minutes or so for singing and playing the piano, since the residents really enjoy that. We end with a goodbye song, and then I usually stay for a few minutes to chat with everyone before I leave.
A: What kind of music do you use with older adults?
R: This is the fun part! Since I’ve worked primarily with kids up until now, it’s been a new adventure building up my repertoire of songs for older adults. I’ve compiled a variety of traditional folk songs, spirituals, hymns, musical numbers, older country music, and popular songs from every decade all the way back to the 20s. Some of the residents have also made song requests during our sessions, so I make sure to jot those down and prepare them for the following week.
A: What goals would a music therapist work toward with older adults?
R: Since this is such a new group, right now I’m working on building rapport with the residents and establishing group cohesion. My immediate goals are engagement through singing, facial expression, and body language, and as we continue our work together, I would like to increase verbal communication, encourage gross motor movement, and focus on reminiscence as well.
A: Why does music therapy work for older adults?
R: It really is magical to see an older adult, especially one suffering from memory loss or dementia, connect with a song that has meaning for him or her. Music affects and stimulates the brain in a way that speech alone does not, which is why it can be such a powerful form of communication and therapy for an older adult. The stimulation brought about by music can lead to conversations, surfaced memories, and expression that would not otherwise occur.
A: What would you say to someone who is thinking about music therapy services for an older adult in their life?
R: I would answer first as someone who has seen the powerful effects of music therapy on an older adult family member: it’s an opportunity not only to work on the goals I mentioned above, but to bring added joy into your loved one’s life. On the surface, music therapy can look or seem like a form of entertainment, but the benefits are far-reaching.
Thank you Rachel, for answering some questions today. I am so excited to see this new program grow!
If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for music therapy you can register them for services below! If you have questions email us at info@musictherapyconnections.org!
