Author: Erin

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Documentation

I am currently designing exactly how I’d like my documentation to be, in terms of assessment forms, treatment plans, progress notes, and contact information. The studio through which I provide music therapy services does not require any of my paperwork, but I need to know that my treatment plans are current and that a certain experience works well to target goals I have for my clients.

I’ve seen on the AMTA listserv that there is a conversation about such documentation. I have been using my own combination of forms that I saw in coursework and that I’ve used in internship, and have fitted them to be appropriate for my clients at this time. However, I wonder, where do you, who are contracting like I am, find your sources for paperwork templates?

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First blog birthday

One year ago today, I wrote my first post in In Flux. There was where I started writing (publicly) my reflections on working as a music therapy intern with primarily hospice patients. And as I decided I liked blogging, I included family/personal stuff, and then decided to separate everything out. So, now I have three blogs, but this one is the reason I started blogging (though I’ve moved it and re-named it).

 

Anyway, happy birthday, blog. Love you.

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I wanna be sedated: This Date in Music History

This date in music history

in 1988, Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” left Billboard’s Hot 200 Album Chart after a record 741 weeks.

in 2003, Coldplay singer Chris Martin asked police to drop a charge of malicious damage after allegedly attacking a photographer’s car. Supposedly, he was charged for breaking the windshield of the photographer’s car after he or she took pictures of Martin surfing. Martin did not appear in court.

in 2007, Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” won Best Album at the Q Awards in London. I miss her.

Born on this date in 1948 was Johnny Ramone, the guitarist of none other than The Ramones.

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Noodles with violin

I have been using my violin in my care center work more and more often. I am thankful for that; I do not use or play it outside of work, and if I didn’t find a purpose for it in my workday, I would feel so wasteful.

Not these noodles, though dang, they look good

A few weeks ago, I started using the violin to musically support movement facilitated by a therapeutic recreation coordinator on our memory care unit. The coordinator uses noodles to demonstrate certain movements, and I play music akin to what the music would be in PSE. However, I know my technique is not PSE, and that, clearly, the tool utilized is not a piano or autoharp. Regardless, I notice differences in residents’ participation and affect (before, there was random recorded music).

These noodles

Now, I’m beginning to use the violin on the palliative care unit, where many more of the residents are not alert. As with any new experience, there will be evolutions, but I am already having trouble wrapping my head around how to adequately address each individual when there are as many as 20 in the group at any given time.

Is there anyone out there who has tips on working with large groups? I am in need.

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Support group

When I was in coursework, I had such a neat opportunity to be a part of a music therapy support group, aimed at students. We met monthly, discussed questions and issues that came up for us in our reading and practicums, and also shared music therapy experiences. Our groups were facilitated by an MT-BC who shared with us how she created a support group for her fellow professionals.

I am trying to develop one for my fellow newly-credentialed music therapists. When I was an intern, I organized a few get-togethers of the like, but even though I made all these promises to my colleagues and myself, I just didn’t have the mental energy this summer to go forward. I have found a community space that could be perfect for us– I think they may even encourage our music-making. I just have to get all the logistics down.

Is there anyone out there who is a member of a professional support group? My goal is to share resources, experiences, and to build a much bigger network. If you are a member of a professional support group, please share with me your experience in it.

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Developing a pattern

As I’ve mentioned in another post, A plan to plan, I have to design my experiences to have a good deal of reuse power (thanks to JoAnn Jordan of Music Sparks for that term). I try to focus on a single domain throughout the week, but now I’m thinking of designating certain days of the week for certain domains. For instance, Tuesdays I might hone in on the social domain, Wednesdays, gross motor, etc.

Does anyone else, who works in care centers as I do, develop your goals in this way? Or do you decide on a day-to-day basis?

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Renaissance Festival drumming

We went to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival yesterday, and saw a few songs performed by this group at one of the pubs. They were fun and rowdy, as was the rest of the crowd there. I noticed the way one of the drummers on the frame drum at the right of the ensemble was using her mallet, and am now interested in taking more drumming instruction.

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Mind “Nevermind”: This Date in Music History

Nirvana’s “Nevermind” is now officially 20 years old. On September 24, 1991, the album was released (OK, I’m a few days late to recognize its birthday). I still consider “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to be one of my favorite rock songs… I will always have a special place in my musical heart for Nirvana.

What else happened this date in music history? Well…

in 1978, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John had their second UK No. 1 with the song, “Summer Nights” from “Grease.”

in 1989, Tina Turner went to No. 1 with “Foreign Affair” on the UK charts.

in 1995, Mariah Carey made history with an eight-week stint at No. 1 in U.S. singles chart with “Fantasy,” becoming the first female artist to enter the chart in “pole position.”

Born on this date in 1952 was John Lombardo, of 10,000 Maniacs.

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