Digital Technology in Music Therapy CMTE

There’s an App for That

It is almost impossible to find a space in modern life that is void of digital technology or its influence, and that is especially true of music. Not only has new technology changed the delivery of music and the way it is made, but it is changing how people interact with music. In the age of the ‘app’, many people can manipulate and create their own music, opening up a whole new way of expression. Integrating digital music technology in to your music therapy practice can allow you to provide clients with a new way of creating identity and discovering potential.

From Apps to Application

Join like-minded colleagues as we explore how tech and music based apps can bring your practice to the next level. We will warm up with improvisations on traditional and digital instruments, than move onto tutorials of various composition apps, such as GarageBand, GrooveMaker, LoopPacks, etc. The course will wrap up with the creation and sharing of a multimedia project. This course is a great way to turn your Smart phone, tablet or computer into another therapeutic tool at your disposal!

 

Course Schedule and Format

Registration and check in will be from 2pm-2:15pm, then we will dive into the work! Annette Whitehead-Pleaux, MA, MT-BS and Amadee Castenell III, MT-BC will instruct this 6 hour course, taking participants through facilitation, composition, creation and performance within some of the most popular music apps. Dinner will be provided.

Learn more and register online or call the office!

The Gift of Music

The hustle and bustle of the season can leave you feeling drained and stretched thin

As we find ourselves quickly approaching the holidays, take a moment to enjoy some down time with your family and loved ones. Life moves so fast … slow it down and take a respite with a favorite CD or playlist to enjoy each precious moment. Also take some time to record your family singing songs or telling stories. With cell phones and tablets, technology has made recording very simple. I’ve started this with my little ones and it is beyond precious to hear them singing their favorite carols. I can just imagine how dear those recordings will be as they grow. Treasure every moment!

During the holidays, remember to make some time for yourself and your loved ones. Step back from the frantic pace and do something that truly puts the spirit into your holiday season. And don’t forget the music!

Still looking for the perfect gift?

gift ukuleleIf you are looking for last minute gifts, we have lots of great instruments for the musicians in your family. For the kids, a floor tom or maracas are always a great “go-to!” And for that favorite uncle or big-kid at heart Grandpa, a ukulele will be a huge hit (if they can pry it away from the little guys)!

We also have CDs that make great gifts.

Our suggestions for the perfect musical gift:

  • Baby’s first Christmas: Baby drum, egg shakers, and ocean drum
  • Perfect for preschoolers: Shark ukuleles, floor tom, bongos, Putamayo CD’s and castanets
  • Great for young families: A Sprouting Melodies gift card!

gift drumStop by the office to purchase, call or send us an email. While there aren’t scheduled classes next week, we will be in the office Monday through Friday.

Have a little one in your life who you think would love Sprouting Melodies? We have gift certificates available.

Make your own music!

Our Intergenerational Holiday Sing will be happening on Monday, December 19th at 6PM. This will be a special event in conjunction with Onset School of Music and will be taking place at their facility. Come and de-stress with some music making in the holiday tradition!

Have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!

Playing an Instrument Sets off Fireworks in the Brain

You may have heard playing music lights up the whole brain.

Find out why and how playing a musical instrument can help you you solve problems  in academic and social settings more effectively and creatively! This video will also show you you why musicians may have an edge on memory and thinking processes. Enjoy!

Thank you to our very own Sarah Tree who discovered this gem that explains a complex phenomenon simply.

Music Therapy and the Brain

Music therapists know first-hand that music applied in the therapeutic context is a great catalyst for learning. Enjoy an interactive tool that shows you how and why that learning happens. Brought to you by Neurothym Music Therapy, this interactive map of the brain provides a clue as to just how music therapy might stimulate various regions of the brain.

NeuroRhythm Music Therapy Explains Music Therapy Science with a colorful interactive tool

A tool to help you understand how music therapy helps the brain. Click on a brain marker or the navigation buttons below to learn more about how the brain processes music and why music therapy works to optimize the brain and provide more efficient therapy.

In Service of Learning

Roman Music Therapy Services, LLC is all about using music to enable growth and development for families, communities and businesses.

“We use music to transform lives, working through challenges in communication, processing or socialization. With music as a bridge, we uncover an individual’s promise. In music-making we create new connections, facilitate meaningful engagement, and provide opportunities for growth.”

All this is really about learning. As researchers who explore the power and process of music can affirm, music making and instruction in various forms can be a catalyst for learning in adults and children.

During November, we will explore the learning process as it pertains to the work we do here at Roman Music Therapy Services. This we hope will shed light for you about what learning takes place during a session or group and how what you and what we do can influence the extent and quality of that learning.

We will be posting, tweeting, and sharing nuggets, research, observations, and suggestions along this theme of learning throughout November.

Please stay tuned
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And… if you have a question about learning, do ask here.