Music Makes Sense: October 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

Band Aid for a Shelter

The Daily Muse

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 Home that Music Built

I have seen some music groups and music therapy groups done at a shelter here in Tallahassee with some success. I think it is great that these teenagers in San Diego are able to express themselves through music with a real band!

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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Daily Rx

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

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Saturday, October 29, 2011

Boston Globe Highlights Music Therapy in the Treatment of Cancer

The Boston Globe recently featured a story about the spread of music therapy into hospital settings. The article was titled, Chemo, Radiation and Song. I really liked the article because it gave a lot of insight into why trained music therapists are important in the equation. Although music itself is very powerful, it is the selective and goal-centered use of music paired with therapeutic rapport and interaction that enable music therapy to be so effective in treating patients. Kudos to the Boston Globe for a well balanced story!

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Friday, October 28, 2011

The Top 10 All Time Halloween Songs!

Just in time for Halloween, here is Billboard's Top 10 spooky songs!

Top 10 Halloween Songs

Personally, I love number 8...even if it does age me!

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

In Memoriam

We lost a beautiful friend today.

One of my favorite pieces to sing:

...rest eternal grant them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them...

In loving memory:

Cathy Ranew

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Opera Gone Wild!

Who says opera needs to by stuffy!??
Note from TED: Can opera be ever-so-slightly sexy? The glorious soprano, Danielle de Niese shows how, singing the flirty "Meine Lippen, sie kussen so heiss." Which translated, means, as you might guess: "I kiss so hot." From Giuditta by Frans Lehar; accompanist: Ingrid Surgenor.

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Drummers Gone Wild!

Drummers Gone Wild

If the situation at the Occupy Wall Street Rally were not so serious and filled with real drama, then the standoff with the drummers could be even more humorous than it already it! The second paragraph in the news story reads like a script for a Saturday Night Live skit! I mean you've got ad hoc committees like the "community relations" group being formed to carry out intense negotiations over several weeks of time in order to manage the relentless drumming going on in the community drum circle. Apparently, the drummers are up against the "good neighbor" policy and are drumming for too long and into the wee hours of the night. I feel for the drummers - who would have thought that squatters in a public park making all kinds of noise and mess would enforce a "good neighbor" policy within their own ranks?? Really? The plot thickens after the community drummers agree to play only during certain hours, when suddenly, rogue drummers show up who don't feel bound by the agreement! Hello producers! Do you need a skit for next week?!

I do not want to make fun of community drum circles which can be very valuable therapeutic experiences when properly guided. But I do think that this situation does not show community drum circles in a good light. This is not what we want people thinking about the next time we introduce a drum circle at a corporate wellness event or community center. I think the OWS protesters are missing the point that a true drum circle is an organic creature an generally loosely facilitated. They are trying to make it an arm and instrument of their political message rather than allowing it to ebb and flow with the true nature of a group drumming experience. What do you think?

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Heavy Metal Music and Depression in Teens: A Fresh Look

Depressed Teens Listen to Heavy Metal Music in an Unhealthy Way

This is some very interesting new research coming out of Australia! Basically, the researcher is saying that a fixation by a teenager on one particular heavy metal song or album can be an indicator of depression. This is especially true if the teen says that the music does not make them feel good about themselves.

I am not surprised by this study since we know that people often prefer music that matches their current mood. As music therapists we know that this can be a very powerful tool by different genres and styles of music to gently influence and guide clients into a desired mood or mental state. This research by Dr. McFerran is very valuable since it tries to provide a guide for using music as a screening device for depression. This will be very valuable to parents, especially the ones who are oblivious to what their teens are listening to! Music that you listen to says a lot about who you are and how you are feeling.

...Maybe all of us should do a little self-audit of our iPods!

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Happiness in the Here and Now

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 future is no place to place your better days."

From, Cry Freedom.
~ Dave Matthews

This line in the song is the perfect reminder for us to maintain perspective. Slow down and enjoy each moment. Every time I put my little one down to bed at night I realize that tomorrow she will be just a little bit bigger. Before I know it, she won't want to hold my hand or have me sing her a song before she drifts off to sleep. Savor and remember each of life's little moments. The future is not guaranteed.

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

A Visit To My Music Library

A client's music preference should always be strongly considered when using music therapeutically. If you have someone who likes solo piano, then I highly recommend one of my very good friend's wonderful album, Endless Song. It is a wonderfully diverse collection that constantly keeps your ears perked up and listening! You can listen to samples through the link below. Enjoy!

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Friday, October 21, 2011

Releasing a New Album? There's An App For That!

Bjork Releases First App Album

This seems really cool! I wonder how many other artists will get in on this level? Touch screen devices have really changed the way we can interact with music. They provide so many new ways for people with disabilities to communicate and experience creative expression. My iPhone is too old to play these apps, but maybe someone out there has tried them? Please let us know what you think!

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Exciting New Research on Group Drumming In the Works!

Successfully submitted a research proposal to the FSU Human Research Committee! Hurray!

Stay tuned for results from: The Effect of Group Drumming or General Music Therapy as Compared to Group Discussion on the Mood State and Observed Transfer Behaviors of In-Patient Psychiatric Consumers

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Music Therapy in the Spotlight at CSUN

Music Therapy at CSUN

California State University at Northridge is one of only two schools in California with AMTA approved music therapy programs. I am a little surprised that there are not more schools in California with music therapy programs! In any case, the Daily Sundial did a nice write-up about the music therapy program there.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Peeling Back the Bark on the Gibson Guitar Wood Story

The Music Industry's Long Way Home

Scott Poynton brings us this thoughtful piece looking behind the scenes of the music manufacturing industry. He raises a good point that while we are all concerned about the possible misuse of government power or overreach of government regulation in the case of Gibson Guitar company, there are bigger problems hiding just around the corner. I have been following the Gibson Guitar company saga (find the stories here) for several months now and Mr. Poynton is correct that nobody ever mentions that regardless of who makes the guitar parts, there is a rapidly diminishing supply of 'tone woods' that are used to make musical instruments. I agree with him that the music companies that need this wood really ought to make a more combined and concerted effort to ensure the survival of the trees that make this wood. Gibson Guitar company may be right in resisting the "nanny" state, but it should take more proactive steps to secure its future.

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Monday, October 17, 2011

Music Therapy on the Radio in Australia

Here is a nice news story and radio interview out of North Queensland, Australia, regarding music therapy. Music therapy in Australia is typically based on the behaviorist model, much like the majority of music therapy practiced in the U. S. This aspect about music therapy really comes through in the audio of the radio interview. Follow the link below and enjoy!

Music as Therapy - Australia

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Sunday, October 16, 2011

Laurie Anderson Tells It Like It Is.

Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.

~Laurie Anderson

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Saturday, October 15, 2011

Gibson Guitar Controversy Heats Up!

Gibson Guitar CEO Speaks Out Against the Government Raids

Gibson Guitar company was in the news again this week. Their CEO is trying to build support in congress to change the Lacey Act which was passed in 2008. The U. S. Justice Department just seized over $1 million more in wood supplies from the Gibson factories. If this kind of seizure continues without resolution in the courts, I think Gibson Guitar will have a hard time staying open.

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Friday, October 14, 2011

CBS News Spotlights Music Therapy!

CBS news recently shared a nice news story about music therapy. I thought the TV spot was really nice because it was long for a news story and showed some really nice clips of music therapy in action! You can find the video here.

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Berklee Highlights Music Therapy For Autism

Music therapists Marcia Humpal and Dr. Darcy Walworth recently combined efforts for a presentation on using music to work with children with autism. The presentation was titled: "Autism Speaks and Sings: The Power of Music Therapy in the World of Autism." The news story has some nice information and comments from the presenters. This would have been a great thing to see!

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Mixing It Up With Stereo Mood

Here is another great website to add to the growing list of music and mood mixers. I like Stereo Mood because it plays so much new music that I have never heard before. They also have many pre-labeled mood categories and I have always been able to find one that matches what I am doing or how I feel. This site is definitely worth checking out! I currently listening to "tired" because it has been a long workday. The music fits my mood perfectly!

Stereo Mood.

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Occupy Nashville: Setting a New Tone

Occupy Nashville - A Different Kind of Protest

Here is a shout-out to the courageous musicians and demonstrators in Nashville who rallied in support of Gibson Guitars! The news story describes a stark contrast between the "Occupy Nashville" crowd and the "Occupy Wall Street" groups. I commend the Nashville protesters for sharing their views while still showing respect for the public and the environment! I am sure that means that they will not get all the news coverage of the rabble in New York, but they deserve our attention and support.

It continues to defy logic that our own Executive branch of government is treating Gibson Guitar as the worst kind of criminal for trying to build guitar parts in America instead of letting them be created overseas. Isn't that what everybody is complaining about? - jobs being sent overseas? It simply does not make sense to punish Gibson Guitar company for creating jobs in America. If you're in the market for a guitar, I suggest you buy a Gibson!

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Monday, October 10, 2011

Someone Like You, Brings Out the Best in Musicians

YouTube Cover Song Face-Off

Adele's song, Someone Like You, is a great song all on its own, but YouTube and Mashable are having a contest to see who can do the best cover version. I casually started listening to some of the recordings and became very impressed by the depth and quality of the contest submissions. I ended up listening to every single entry!

As a music therapist, it made me think about how many different people all over the world truly value music as their inspiration and mode of expression. We never know what kind of music background our clients bring to the therapy sessions. Any of these very talented singers and musicians could be a next door neighbor or co-worker. Their obvious devotion to music as an art and activity helps to demonstrate why music can be so effective as a therapeutic tool. Take some time and give yourself a little therapy by listening to some of these up and coming artists! Don't forget to vote for your favorite while you're there! I think some of the versions are on par, or better than Adele's original! Voting is open until October 14th.

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Sunday, October 9, 2011

Music: The X-Factor!

When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.

~Henry David Thoreau

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Saturday, October 8, 2011

Side Notes: Cool YouTube Tip!

Have you ever tried to search for a song on YouTube only to have your search reveal a slew of cover artists instead of the original artist/singer? Well, YouTube has the answer through a special search feature! Just type in www.youtube.com/disco instead of going to the regular YouTube and you will be set up to search for any song! Don't be fooled by the "disco" label either. That is just their special title for the search button. You can search for any kind of music, so go give it a whirl!

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Friday, October 7, 2011

Music Therapists Unite!

The Windsor Star: We Need More Music Therapists

Here is a follow-up story to the news about the closing of the music therapy program at the University of Windsor in Canada. It is nice to see that the community and local music therapists are not giving up their program without a fight!

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Kat Fulton's Boomwhackers Spectacular!

Kat Fulton has planned a fun and informative webinar event for next Wednesday! She has become one of the premier Boomwhackers web video creators, and I think she will have much to offer! Click here to get involved!

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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Music Has a Long Reach

"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul."

~ Plato

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Music Therapy in the News!

TWU Music Therapy in the news!

A great plug for music therapy courtesy of the music therapy department of Texas Woman's University! See the story and video through the link above.

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Monday, October 3, 2011

Afghan Music Festival Inspires Hope for Democracy

A Rock Music Festival in Afghanistan!?

Democracy is putting down roots in Afghanistan! You can't have true freedom without freedom of creativity. A very cool baby step for a troubled country.

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Power and Emotion of the Spoken Word

This video speaks for itself, even if there is some controversy surrounding the topic. You cannot help but share in her joy in obtaining more normal hearing.

Many people are very surprised that music therapists have so much work with people who have hearing impairments. Although individuals with hearing impairments appreciate music in some different ways than those without impairments, many of them still have music preferences. Movement and rhythm are especially strong components when working with clients with hearing impairments. The lady in this video obviously had some hearing before she received her implant, but it seems like there was a dramatic improvement. I wonder how she will react to hearing music for the first time? She will be on the news Monday morning, so maybe we can find out more about her experience. I will link to several news stories about her after the video.

News stories:

Woman Hears Voice for the First Time.

Envoy Esteem Hearing Implant.

CBS News: Woman Hears Voice With New Implant.

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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Kindle Fire Turns Up the Heat!

The new Kindle Fire is being released before the Christmas holidays. It seems less pricey and a little more portable than the iPad so I am wondering if it might be more useful to the traveling music therapist? The iPad has become so helpful with all the apps that turn it into a communication device and music studio. I think that school districts will eventually have to get on the bandwagon and start thinking seriously about providing iPad or iPad-like devices for their students with special needs instead of the bulkier and more expensive devices that have been around. I am not sure which apps and programs will be available for the Kindle, but its slightly smaller size than an iPad immediately attracted me. Music therapists often have to move around from session to session and portability is a big factor! Is anyone out there planning on trying out a new Kindle for work related tasks?

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Monday, October 31, 2011

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Monday, October 24, 2011

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Monday, October 17, 2011

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Saturday, October 15, 2011

Friday, October 14, 2011

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Monday, October 10, 2011

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Saturday, October 8, 2011

Friday, October 7, 2011

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Monday, October 3, 2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Saturday, October 1, 2011