Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
"Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans."
~From Beautiful Boy, by John Lennon
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Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
8tracks.com is a cool website that combines elements of Pandora Radio and iTunes! You can choose your own theme and then put together a mix of music that reflects your idea. I thought this would be a great idea for patients in the hospital or music therapists working with adolescents. This could also be a worthwhile project a music therapist might facilitate in a support group setting. You can check out what kinds of mixes other people have already done and see the feedback they are receiving here.
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Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Recent research has been indicating that some lack of joint attention and use of gestures can be a predictor for autism in children as young as 12 months old. A new study coming out reports on a screening program that looked at some of these indicators. The researchers explain that the screening process might not be ready for widespread use, but it is an important milestone in making the process a reality. The story is brought to you by FoxNews.
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Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Kat Fulton at Rhythm For Good has written about her experiences doing Skype drum circles! I have had the pleasure of participating in two of her Skype sessions with my music therapy drum class! These "DrumSkype" sessions really are a different kind of experience and Kat has done a very good job explaining all the unique elements of a DrumSkype session. I look forward to the continued development of DrumSkype and "Telepractice"! Thanks again, Kat!
Don't forget to share your favorite posts with friends and family by clicking on the share buttons at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
PBS just finished a series of programs on PBS Newshour about autism. Natalie Mullis at KeyChanges Music Therapy Services pointed out that Robert MacNeil received some criticism for his handling of certain questions during the show. He is supposed to address some of the feedback on the show tonight. It will be interesting to see how this is handled. The show was actually a series of broadcasts about autism and covered a wide range of topics related to autism spectrum disorder. I think it was very informative and thought provoking and you can find it here.
Don't forget to share your favorite posts with friends and family by clicking on the share buttons at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
I admit this one is a little old, but I am still amazed and intrigued by the creativity! I teach a music therapy drumming class and one of the things we experiment with is improvising different sound pattern loops that compliment each other. This musical creation demonstrates that you can make music from almost anything! Enjoy it here!
Don't forget to share your favorite posts with friends and family by clicking on the share buttons at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Lori La Bey is an advocate for people with Alzheimer's and has a blog, "Alzheimer's Speaks." She recently shared a wonderful video showing a music therapist and a client with late stage Alzheimer's. Anyone familiar with this disease will immediately recognize the inherent power of the right music to connect with a patient who has this debilitating disease. The story and video are here.
Don't forget to share your favorite posts with friends and family by clicking on the share buttons at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
I realize it is still Easter, but that means Mother's Day is only two weeks away! Amazon is having a big Mother's Day sale on MP3 players you can find here. An iPod nano would be a fun gift preloaded with all your mom's favorite music! And just in case you want to send something else a little special, you might try out one of the cards from Lydia's Handmade Cards! Remember, even if you don't see a card that specifically suits your mom, you can contact Lydia to make a special order for your mom or any occasion!
Don't forget to share your favorite posts with friends and family by clicking on the share buttons at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
I have discovered Pamela Ott who writes the blog, "Music for Special Kids." Not only is she a music therapist, but she has many songs and some materials available for download that are really nice. I like her melodies and the singing is well done! I have subscribed to her blog and I recommend you do the same! Check it out here.
Don't forget to share your favorite posts with friends and family by clicking on the share buttons at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Just in time for Earth Day, Alfred Music Publishing talks about how it is going "green." You can find all the fun facts here. I just don't know if I am on board for the waterless urinals!
Don't forget to share your favorite posts with friends and family by clicking on the share buttons at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
"Music is an ever-moving blob of mercury."
~Roseanne Cash
(...you have to ponder this one.)
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Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
This story on NBC comes from my home state! I saw the video several days ago as the news about it was passed around the local music therapy networks. I wanted to provide some wider exposure so I am posting it here. Way to go Texas MTs!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
I read this story back in January, but thank you to my colleague, Melissa, for reminding me about this new finding. Scientists have apparently discovered that music can tap into the most basic human pleasure centers by triggering the release of Dopamine. The article is worth revisiting. You can find it here.
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
I have discovered music mashups! I am not really sure how they make these, but I really like this one. Jason Mraz, Bobby McFerrin and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole singing together! It is amazing how you can take three great songs and digitally smash them together! Enjoy it here!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
I recently highlighted The Music Therapy Show with Janice Harris. Not only does Janice have a great weekly blogcast radio show, but she also has a terrific blog! Here is an article she wrote about why music interventions can be so effective in engaging children with autism. Great examples and very easy to understand explanations! She really helps people understand how music makes sense!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
FilterMusic is a website that compiles radio stations from all over the world and offers them for live streaming. They have even taken out all the commercials, so the music is continuous! Check it out here to find your favorite station!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Justin Bieber seems to be everywhere these days! You too can see him up close and personal! Play for Life is having an auction to benefit music therapy services at the City of Hope. Click here to make your bid!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
The ukulele craze has recently gripped the world of music therapy. We even had ukulele lessons and performances at the last national music therapy conference! The ukulele is small and relatively easy to learn how to play, so it can be a successful instrument to use with clients. The following video demonstrates some more of the merits of the humble ukulele!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Janice Harris has a very nice blog radio show about music therapy. She is a very experienced music therapist and a leader in the professional music therapy community. Her last show was about music therapy and autism. You can find it here if you missed it! While you're there, you can even sign up for her podcasts or subscribe to her posts by e-mail! Enjoy!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
The music therapists in Oklahoma have been working with their state legislators to create a new law that will allow the state licensing of music therapists. Their desire to have state licensing instead of relying solely on the national board certification credential has stirred debate nationally among the ranks of music therapists. I am not sure that I agree with their decision to pursue state recognition, but the following news story does explain some of the reasoning behind the fight. I honestly wish there was another way to gain recognition, but we may all be headed for the pitfalls of state licensing in the long run if it means that we can be reimbursed for services through the state and private insurance. The story is here.
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
The UK Gaurdian has an interesting list of songs different people have indicated that make them cry. This is definitely something music therapists will want to look at! How do you feel about the songs already listed? What songs make you cry and can you add to the list? The list is here.
I don't usually commemorate national dog catcher's day or beautician's day, although I very much appreciate their contributions to society! There are a few of these modern days of remembrance, however, that should receive some of our attention. Designating February as heart health month makes a certain amount of sense since cardiac disease is one of the most widespread problems in America. I think the month of April also deserves special attention as Autism Awareness Month. I have written many posts about music therapy and working with people who have autism and have often found that specially developed music interventions can be a powerful therapeutic tool for children and adults with this syndrome or anyone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Here are five things to think about during this month as we pay special attention to autism:
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
The AP has a new update about Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. She is still receiving music therapy and there is a good description of some of the music therapy interventions that are being used. The story is from the Seattle Times here.
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Robert Gupta gives an amazing TED talk about his experience with a man who has Schizophrenia:
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Cafe Press offers all kinds of merchandise such as T-shirts, books, pictures and anything else that can be printed on. Individual shop owners design logos and pictures and apply them to the merchandise. This is an opportunity to get some things to show off your support for those with autism!
Autism Awareness Effort
It's Autism Awareness Month! As part of our A Voice for Autism effort in April, CafePress will be donating 10% of proceeds* from autism awareness products to Autism Speaks. Here is the savings code:
15% off orders over $45** 4/7/11 - 4/8/11 use code: AAPR1145
goto www.cafepress.com and do a search for "autism"
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
I have not bee able to listen to all of these tracks, but there is probably some usable music in this MP3 sampler collection from Amazon. And better yet, it's free through April 30th!
(3-31-11) There is some interesting collaboration going on between the Musiciancorps and music therapists to provide music therapy at children's hospitals. The story is here.
(3-29-11) There are many differences between music therapy as practiced in Europe and the way music therapy is practiced in the majority of the United States. One of the differences is highlighted in this story is about a music therapist in the UK, who is starting to offer some NMT (Neurologic Music Therapy) services similar to the services received by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The European model of music therapy is very psychoanalytical in theory and practice. Although we have some music therapists who practice this kind of music therapy in the States, most of the music therapy services follow a cognitive/behavioral model. There is a place for both kinds of therapy, but it is nice to see European music therapists trying to increase the use of other methods of music therapy. The story is here.
(3-28-11) I have a lot of experience working with children who have autism because it is common that they respond very well to music therapy interventions. I think it is very important to keep up with the research and developments in healthcare regarding autism. There is a story today by Fox News that highlights the growing problem that America will face as the current children with autism reach their adult years. The author of this article has some ideas that could help, but I really don't see the national will and consensus developing that will make any of her ideas a reality. Go here for the story.
(3-27-11) I have to admit that I love these websites with the music loops! It is so easy to teach people about building ensembles or drum circle rhythms through using these little programs. This Incredibox from France has some nicely composed music and is visually interesting. Check it out here -- and don't forget to let me know what you think!
(3-26-11) There are some exiting developments coming out of England. Some research at the University of Plymouth has created a way for brain waves to correlate with pictures on a computer to create sounds or loops of music. A person just thinks about one of several choices and triggers the music! The story is here.
(3-25-11) Many people use music to reflect their mood. Here is a great site that is a combination of Pandora and a mood indicator. Try it out and see what you think! Does the music it plays accurately reflect your mood? Can you slowly adjust the mood selector and see if your mood changes in response to the music? The Musicovery site is here.
(3-24-11) So you want to be a DJ!? Get ready to jam on this cool QWERTY keyboard! This website is a blast! One of the music therapists that I know had a great idea to use an iPad with this website. This would really help adapt music-making for some music therapy clients. Go here to start having fun!
(3-23-11) It is nice to see the medical community embracing music therapy as a result of the tragedy in Arizona. Medpage asked music therapist Shanna Clark to do a guest blog about music therapy to help explain why it is helping Congresswoman Giffords and what is music therapy exactly. You can find the story here.
(3-22-11) The news is starting to spread and I am doing my part to make it go viral! A company finally got the funding to make the Pacifier Assisted Lullaby (PAL) a market reality! They will produce the pacifier used with NICU babies so that other facilities can purchase and use them. The pacifier is only used in two hospitals right now, so this is great news for babies across the land! Congratulations to Dr. Jayne Standley and all the other developers. They have traveled a long road to finally have this miraculous device commercially produced! The story is here.
(3-21-11) The new documentary, "A Gift of Music," is being released by the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. It is always nice to have some more professionally created video examples and live interviews regarding music therapy. YouTube has an excerpt here.
(3-20-11) The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) often has a response to national and world disasters. There are now music therapists practicing in many countries around the world. Some of these therapists have been victims of disasters while others have been able to offer music therapy during the recovery efforts. I personally know several music therapy students and professionals from Japan and my best wishes and prayers go out to them and their families. The official statement from AMTA regarding the Japanese earthquake/tsunami can be found here.
(3-19-11) Here is a quick reference list of all the theaters around the country that will be showing the new movie, The Music Never Stopped. Go see it if you get a chance, and let me know what you think!
ARIZONA
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - SHEA 14 THEATRE, OPENS 4.1
CALIFORNIA
BERKELEY, CA - SHATTUCK CINEMAS 10, OPENS 3.18
ENCINO, CA - TOWN CENTER 5
LOS ANGELES, CA - REGENT THEATRE, OPENS 3.18
MONTEREY, CA - OSIO PLAZA 6, OPENS 4.1
PALO ALTO, CA - AQUARIUS 2, OPENS 3.18
PASADENA, CA - PLAYHOUSE 7 CINEMAS, OPENS 3.18
PLEASANT HILL, CA - CINEARTS 5, OPENS 3.18
SACRAMENTO, CA - CREST THEATRE, OPENS 4.1
SAN DIEGO, CA - HILLCREST CINEMAS
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - KABUKI 8, OPENS 3.18
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - METREON 15, OPENS 3.18
SAN JOSE, CA - SANTANA ROW 6, OPENS 3.18
SANTA MONICA, CA - BROADWAY CINEMAS 4, OPENS 3.18
SAN RAFAEL, CA - REGENCY CINEMAS 6, OPENS 3.18
SANTA ANA, CA - SOUTH COAST VILLAGE 3, OPENS 3.18
SANTA CRUZ, CA - NICKELODEAN THEATRES, OPENS 4.1
SANTA ROSA, CA - SUMMERFIELD CINEMAS 5, OPENS 3.18
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - SUNSET 5, OPENS 3.18
COLORADO
DENVER, CO - MAYAN THEATRE, OPENS 4.1
CONNECTICUT
GREENWICH, CT - CRITERION CINEMA AT GREENWICH PLAZA 3, OPENS 3.18
GEORGIA
ATLANTA, GA - TARA ATLANTA 4, OPENS 4.8
ILLINOIS
CHICAGO, IL - RIVER EAST 21, OPENS 4.1
INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - KEYSTONE ART CINEMA 7, OPENS 4.1
KANSAS
OLATHE, KS - STUDIO 30, OPENS 3.18
OVERLAND PARK, KS - GLENWOOD ARTS, OPENS 3.18
MASSACHUSETTES
BOSTON, MA - BOSTON COMMONS 19, OPENS 4.1
MICHIGAN
ROYAL OAK, MI - MAIN ART THEATRE, OPENS 3.18
MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - LAGOON CINEMA, OPENS 4.1
MISSOURI
KANSAS CITY, MO - BARRYWOODS 24, OPENS 3.18
KANSAS CITY, MO - TIVOLI @ MANOR SQUARE, OPENS 3.18
NEW JERSEY
MONTCLAIR, NJ - CLAIRIDGE CINEMAS 6, OPENS 3.18
NEW YORK
BROOKLYN, NY - COBBLE HILL 5, OPENS 3.18
KEW GARDENS, NY - KEW GARDENS CINEMAS 6, OPENS 3.18
MALVERNE, NY - MALVERNE CINEMA 5, OPENS 3.18
NEW YORK, NY - VILLAGE THEATRE 7, OPENS 3.18
NEW YORK, NY - E-WALK 13, OPENS 3.18
NEW YORK, NY - AMC 84TH STREET 6, OPENS 3.18
NEW YORK, NY - AMC VILLAGE THEATRE 7, OPENS 3.18
PLEASANTVILLE, NY - JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER, OPENS 3.18
QUEENS, NY - KEW GARDENS CINEMAS 6, OPENS 3.18
WEST NYACK, NY - PALISADES CENTER 21, OPENS 3.18
WESTCHESTER, NY - CINEMA 100 QUAD, OPENS 3.18
WESTBURY, NY - RACEWAY 10, OPENS 3.18
NORTH CAROLINA
CHARLOTTE, NC - PARK TERRACE 6 CINEMA, OPENS 4.1
OHIO
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH - CEDAR LEE THEATRES, OPENS 4.1
OREGON
PORTLAND, OR - FOX TOWER 10, OPENS 3.18
PENNSYLVANIA
PHILADELPHIA, PA - RITZ AT THE BOURSE, OPENS 4.1
TEXAS
AUSTIN, TX - ARBOR CINEMAS AT GREAT HILL 8, OPENS 4.1
UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - BROADWAY CENTRE CINEMAS, OPENS 4.1
WASHINGTON
SEATTLE, WA - HARVARD EXIT THEATRE, OPENS 4.1
WASHINGTON D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - GALLERY PLACE STADIUM 14, OPENS 4.1
WISCONSIN
MILWAUKEE, WI - ORIENTAL THEATRE, OPENS 4.1
(3-18-11) Music-Map is a fun website! This site allows you to type in an artist's name and then produces a spatial view of other artists someone might prefer if they like the one in your initial search. The maps were pretty accurate for my musical tastes! This program has some potential use for music therapists looking for preferred music for clients. Go here to see what you think!
(3-17-11) We may be celebrating St. Patty's day over here, but it looks like things are not as shiny green over in the old country! Music therapists in Ireland marched today in demonstration against cuts to the music therapy program for children with special needs. The story is here.
(3-16-11) Music Makes Sense just became an affiliate sponsor for Kat Fulton's Drumify DVD for drumming with older adults! I love this DVD! I have already found it useful in providing examples to the students in my music therapy drumming class. Kat really did a great job on this DVD and it provides totally unique content you will not find anywhere else! You can click on the following link to purchase or the link in the sidebar if you want more information about the DVD.
Drumify! (DVD)
(3-15-11) I have not been tuned into American Idol this season, but I just noticed this story about one of the top 10 finalists who apparently has Asperger syndrome. I guess I will have to start watching and see how things are going! You can find the story about James Durbin here.
(3-14-11) Here is a feel-good story for the week! Introducing the Cupcake Hut and Rock 'N Roll Gift Shop! I wish I could shop here! See the story here about a mom's gift to her daughter.
(3-13-11) I haven't tried using these sounds in a music composition or group yet, but I can't wait! This website will keep you busy for a bit, but the best thing about it is that you can download the sounds! It is called AudienceSounds. You can find it here. Have fun!
(3-12-11) Representative Gifford's rehabilitation in Texas has given the profile of music therapy a huge boost in recent weeks. Here is a nice video story from a news station in Houston about some of the music therapy going on in the children's hospital. Channel 11 has the story here.
(3-11-11) I have been working with children with autism for years using augmentative communication devices like the DynaVox. The iPad is quicly replacing those devices as the choice for an assistive communication device. The iPad has revolutionized the ease of use and number of applications now available to children with autism as well as other disabilities. Fox News has a story about the incredible impact of the iPad on children with autism. You can find the story here.
(3-10-11) My daughter has several puzzles and toy sets made by Melissa and Doug. We have loved having the wooden puzzles that have sound effects and music for each puzzle piece. For Christmas, we received the wooden train set as a gift and it is a big hit! We actually had a problem with one of the pieces, but the M & D customer service was so helpful and we had a new piece by FedEx in a couple days at no charge! Amazon has several Melissa and Doug sets on sale through the end of the month:
(3-9-11) ABC news has an update on music therapy and Gabrielle Giffords here. She seems to be making very good progress and music therapy is definitely being showcased in her treatment! This is really a great turn of events from such a horrible tragedy.
(3-8-11) The movie, The Music Never Stopped, official trailer in HD is here.
(3-7-11) Time to check your health insurance policy and find out if you are covered for rehab services. You can't guarantee that you will receive the same type of intensive rehab, which includes music therapy, as Congresswoman Gifford just because you have private insurance. You need to know how the system works and read the fine print in your policy! The USA Today has the story here.
(3-6-11) In the Fall 2010, Dr. Jayne Standley presented on Music and the Brain at the Library of Congress. The library has finally posted a podcast that Dr. Standley did in conjunction with her presentation. If you want a great description and explanation about music therapy today, then listen here!
(3-5-11) Amazon has some children's DVDs on sale through the end of the month. You can find Bob the Builder and Thomas videos as well as many other favorites! Check them out here.
(3-4-11) If any of you music therapists missed the AMTA e-news email, here is the link to find out when the movie, "The Music Never Stopped," will be coming to a theater near you! Unfortunately, it does not look like it will be coming anywhere close by where I live! Check it out here.
(3-3-11) Update on Congresswoman Giffords. She continues to receive music therapy and make progress. The Arizona Daily Star has the story here.
(3-2-11) I just discovered a great article on how the healthcare bill (Obamacare) may affect music therapy services. Kudos to Kathy Lindberg for taking the time to read the actual bill! That must have required some serious caffeine! She cites some potential positive outcomes for music therapy as a result of the Affordable Healthcare Act, but I think it is way too early to tell. There are also so many potential negative aspects about the law that the overall bad may outweigh the small pieces of good embedded in the details. You can decide for yourself here.
(3-1-11) Simplesuperstar.com has started a new contest to find hidden singing talent without the need for travel. The nice twist to this competition is that they are donating proceeds to the Fender Foundation which has been a supporter of music therapy projects. I bet there are a few music therapists that could do well in this competition and we can all encourage others to participate and help music therapy at the same time! The news story is here.
Welcome to the Daily Muse feature of Music Makes Sense! This daily update brings you up to the minute news about music and music therapy as it relates to our professions, events and individual lives. You can follow the daily entries by subscribing to Music Makes Sense on Twitter or by "Liking" the Facebook page for Music Makes Sense. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
The iPad is quickly revolutionizing our world, but it may be having an even bigger impact in the world of autism. Here is a news story about some of the cool apps that are being used by children who have autism. Can the iPad be a learning tool for kids with Autism?
