Category: Music Therapy Business Owners

Digital Technology in Music Therapy CMTE

Posted on by Roman Music Therapy

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!

Reflections on Colorado 2019

Posted on by Roman Music Therapy

A Magical Weekend

Last week months of organization and preparation brought Roman Music Therapy Services to the mountains of Colorado to embark on a magical journey with fellow music therapy business owners.

Our Music Therapy Business Owners Retreat was scheduled to begin on Friday and span 48 hours of intense focus, collaboration and learning. The first test to the strength of this group of entrepreneurs came in the form of a spring blizzard that blew through the Midwest two days before our scheduled start time. Mother Nature’s mood swing was no match for the professional women who were determined to reach our final destination: a breathtaking, mountain retreat home carved into the side of Saddleback Mountain. Despite a few flight delays, everyone made it to Evergreen, CO!

Diving into the Work

With business owners representing Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, California, Wisconsin, Boston and Canada, we had a diverse representation of the challenges and opportunities music therapists encounter in their business practices. Topics of focus included marketing, finances, human resources and taking your business to the next level. This motivated group dove right into the work! Their intensity and passion fueled the momentum of the weekend. It was inspiring to see such talented people so invested in the work that they do and the businesses they have created.

And of course, we made time for music making!

This intelligent, driven and accomplished group of women helped to make the weekend what it was by bringing their thoughtfulness and willingness to share. The feedback we received was gratifying and affirming.

This weekend was the most uplifting experience of my career as a business owner, and best decision I’ve made to invest in myself. Meredith’s authenticity and business acumen combined with the atmosphere of the retreat was the perfect setting. I couldn’t recommend this experience more to business owners, no matter what stage you are in with your business!!!”

Learning and growing are life long endeavors. There is no such thing as ‘too much knowledge’ or ‘too much experience’. As business owners and music therapists, the need for knowledge does not remain stagnant but an ever evolving force.  If you want to feed your inner warrior, join us at the Guided Imagery and Music training in Litchfield Conneticut or sign-up to get updates on our two-day retreat in Massachusetts in September.

 

Music Therapy, AMTA and Belonging

Posted on by Roman Music Therapy

-by Annette Whitehead-Pleaux, MA, MT-BC

AMTA as a community

As with most allied health professions, music therapy has a professional organization, the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).  The purpose of AMTA “is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world” (AMTA, 2017).  This advocacy of AMTA includes educating government officials (including national senators and representatives, governors, and state legislators), organizations (including Veteran’s Affairs Administration, National Institute of Health,  and Remo Drums), and the general public.

I have been a member of AMTA since I was a music therapy student, maintaining my membership throughout my career because of the many benefits it has given me. The organization not only works on a therapist’s behalf to increase our visibility, it also increases client access to our services.

Here are some of the other great things about AMTA membership:

  •  Two high quality journals created to keep therapists informed of the latest research and clinical practices within music therapy
  • A forum for music therapists to come together and share knowledge, experience, questions, and music
  • A way for music therapists to share their voices and ideas, as well as an opportunity to shape the field of music therapy as it grows and develops
  • Volunteer members and staff who are working to protect the field of music therapy through countless hours of dedicated service
  • National and regional groups that create and support the growth of music therapy in underdeveloped and new areas
  • Resources, documents, and knowledge that deepen my practices as a music therapist, a music therapist supervisor, and a music therapy educator
  • Opportunities to develop skills outside of clinical music therapy, by taking on leadership roles, conducting research and writing scholarly materials

AMTA as an advocate

For our stakeholders, those who receive our services and those who hire us to provide music therapy services, AMTA works on your behalf as well.  AMTA has been involved in developing and modifying legislation and regulations to make music therapy more readily available to those who need our services.  AMTA works to educate the public about music therapy. Finally, AMTA serves to connect those interested in music therapy services with music therapists in their area.

If you are a music therapist or music therapy student, you can learn more about joining AMTA here!

 

Community, Camaraderie, Confidence and Competence

Community, Camaraderie, Confidence and Competence

Posted on by Roman Music Therapy

music notes - programs for music therapistsAre you a music therapy business owner looking to grow your music therapy business, or a music therapist who works independently? It’s common to feel isolated or unsure. We are excited to share two great learning opportunities for music therapists and music therapy business owners.

Business coaching and clinical supervision programs for music therapists

MTBO Mastermind, conducted by