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My technology age

I am beginning to find more and more uses for technology in my professional (and personal) life.

I recognize there are several music therapy bloggers who write with frequency about newfound apps that benefit their work. I feel way behind the times, because I don’t use many apps on a regular basis. (Tonight I had the urge to buy a metronome app, though.) I do use my iPod and iPhone with my clients for a number of reasons, however I know there is a myriad of options that I am not utilizing.

But, I’m loving the whole online, web presence “identity” I’m developing. I’ve decided to build yet another site that I will dedicate to my performance endeavors. I use the word “performance” not to mean that I am a solo artist. I’m not, nor do I want to be at this point. I do, though, want to provide vocal and/or violin music for special events.

Also, I’m considering using Facebook for these projects. Has anyone had a bad experience using Facebook for professional pages?

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Bereavement for staff

I am really excited to have begun the process of coordinating with the head of our pastoral care department in co-leading bereavement services for staff. 

One of the residents I served passed away unexpectedly on Friday, and I have been consumed with the thought of facilitating monthly music therapy sessions for staff who provide direct cares. I had opportunity to discuss this idea with pastoral care, and was relieved to find out that such bereavement services are provided once every six weeks or so. But, the head of the department seemed very interested in my involvement.

Since my internship, I have been interested in grief counseling and in hospice care. I am happy I am in a position where I can be a part of both communities.

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Awesome podcast

New short: Slow.

I have been listening to WNYC’s “Radiolab” for about two years now, and nearly always find it enthralling. The above link to “Slow” came close to making me cry, especially when the song is created at the end.

I hope you love it.

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Triple threat

I love when my clients and/or residents surprise me.

At the care center where I work, another music therapist/unit coordinator and myself have been facilitating some choir rehearsals. I have yet another colleague who is active in theatre, and has wanted to introduce acting in skits to our residents. I also lead a tone chimes ensemble, which has performed once since I’ve taken over the position, and plans to perform again in early December.

If only we also had a dance or movement therapist…

The past few instances where the choir has rehearsed, the theatrical colleague, my co-facilitator, and I have arranged to transition from choir to skit reading. This has worked really well. So well, in fact, that our group has been growing steadily, and I am hoping to combine the choir, the theatre, and the tone chimes into one bigger performance in December.

The reason I said that my residents surprise me is because they, all of them, have been singing all of the songs (save a Beatles song — I know, I know) they are given, and they volunteer to read the skits. And most of them read really well. I absolutely love introducing people to one another, and to see them pay each other compliments at the end of our being together.

I love what I get to do.

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Thursday’s appreciation

 

The first blog I ever read was “The Happiness Project,” by Gretchen Rubin. She has a book out by the same title, in which she explores different tactics to find more happiness in every day life. She has written before that music doesn’t do much for her, and for that reason, I appreciate this post even more:

Listen To Your Favorite Song