I believe that today will perhaps be my last “light” day, as I’ve taken on a number of new clients and contracts that will be starting this week. I am pretty thrilled, however feeling a headache come on with all of the scheduling that it’s taking.
Inaccessible music
I keep a limited amount of music on my iPhone, because it doesn’t have enough capacity to hold my whole library (and frankly some of my music is embarrassing). My husband has thousands and thousands of tracks on Google Music, and though I know the password and where to log in, I am not able to do so when suddenly, for instance, a client says, “I like [this artist].” I know we have that music available on Google Music, but it’s obscure enough that I don’t keep it handy in my iTunes.
This happened three times tonight alone.
Dang. It. 
“Special Ed”
I do have a fantastic love for podcasts. One that has always been playing through my speakers is “This American Life.” I imagine you’ve heard it. A few weeks ago, the podcast rebroadcast the below episode called “Special Ed.” Take a listen.
Respite
There are only a few times thus far in my music therapy career when I’ve felt that I provided a truly successful session. One time was just yesterday. I have a client who has some tendencies toward explosive behaviors and language. Using some improvisatory keyboard skills that I am always surprised to find that I have, I was able to help him relax to a state in which he was nearly sleeping. This is not always my goal, but yesterday it seemed to be necessary. What is more is that his mother has been sitting in on some of our sessions together, and she even seemed to have fallen asleep! I was happy to help provide an environment in which both my client and his mother had some respite.
Reporting to caregivers
There are a few things about working in private practice that I’m “testing.” One is to report to the parents or caregivers of my clients and students directly (meaning within the same day if they’re clients or students I see weekly, or within the same week if they’re clients I see monthly) following each session or lesson I provide. I’ve been doing this for each of my clients and students for the past three weeks, and am already finding this to be a productive practice in that the parents or caregivers respond to me quickly with questions and ideas.
The reason I do this is because, though I’d like to, I don’t have the ability to meet with the parents and caregivers in person on a weekly basis. Most of the time, my time slots are filled back-to-back. (I may revise this in the future, but for now, this is how I’m operating.) I’m finding that regular and timely reporting via e-mail is the most effective way to include family members.
I try to cover three topics:
- Strengths in the session or lesson, and progress being made toward goals.
- Progress I see that can be made in future sessions or lessons.
- Plans I have for future sessions or lessons.
I’m pleased with this method, but I’ll keep looking for a more streamlined approach.
Upcoming new music therapists group meeting
I work on my own, as a contractor and in my own private practice. I don’t co-facilitate with another music therapist, and I don’t work on a team (at the moment). For these reasons, I’ve found that seeking out the support of my peers is crucial, not only for feedback or questions, but to answer, “Is there anyone else who is having the same issues/troubles/concerns/successes?”
I’m looking forward to our next new music therapists meeting here in Minneapolis. Currently, the date is yet to be determined because many of us are out of town in the summer, but I will be sure to update this information as soon as it’s solidified.
Subway flash mob
I feel rather distant from a number of things lately, but this is because we are so busy getting together the rest of our wedding planning. Obviously I haven’t been writing daily; but I’ve been working daily.
Last week’s UPS included:
- Acquiring new clients
- Seeing my once-a-month clients
- Setting up a high school student observation
- Acquiring new instruments and materials for the little ones I see each morning
- Getting a $15.00 discount at a children’s store, just by using foursquare
Last week’s NOT-SO-UPS included:
- Learning that I won’t be seeing a really special client after the Spring session
- Becoming frustrated with my (in)ability to continuously engage my little ones
- Becoming frustrated that I’m finding it more and more difficult to separate my wedding planning from my every thought
- Realizing I can’t keep up with everything I’d like to be doing right this minute
- Succumbing to feeling overwhelmed
Have a good week, everyone.
The bells will be ringing
I have missed blogging with my regularity this past week, however I am in need of any extra time I can find; I’m getting married next month and I have ohsomuch planning yet to do. So, with this upcoming, life-changing event (a wonderful one), I am going to post to this site only once a week in this month of May. I’ll see how life treats me in June…
This being said, I have to say I was heartbroken when I heard this news story, and I want to share it. (Not because I want you to be heartbroken, too, but because I find it a notable story.)
One for two
I’ve decided to add another challenge to my days this week. Not only am I busy planning my wedding, but I’ve decided I need to direct more energy at my musical skill development. I’ve challenged myself to writing one song (defined, in my head, as two verses, one chorus, and one bridge) each day this work week.
How am I doing? Today is only Tuesday, and I am one-for-two…
But, I am happy enough that yesterday I wrote in a minor key, which is something I’ve rarely used recently, and I’m using some different strumming techniques. I am all for professional musical development.
My excuse for not writing today is that my fiancé and I were too busy learning the subject of the YouTube video in preparation for our upcoming wedding… Hurrah for old-time music at our reception.
Vitamin M
I am having trouble with my site at the moment, so I’m hoping that this post at least shows up… Oh, how technology can (and does) make and break my day.
I want to say that on Saturday, a smallish group of music therapists in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area met for our monthly meeting to take the opportunity to support one another and to share resources. We’ve created a group on Facebook that we call Vitamin M. Feel free to ask to join if you are a Minnesotan!