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Six Tips for Surviving Music Therapy Internship

Are you music therapy intern?  Do you know one? Or, are you preparing for your music therapy internship?  I wrote this post in 2010, but I recently revisited it and realized...it's still good! Here are 6 steps for surviving this transition. If you are currently an intern or a new professional, please feel free to add to this in the comments section.  In this way, we can support each other and help prepare the next wave of music therapists.  Thanks! Tip One:  Take care of yourself Sleep well, eat well, and be…
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New Resources for MTs

There are two exciting new resources that everyone needs to check out. The first is the American Music Therapy Association-sponsored Imagine Magazine, an online magazine about Early Childhood Music Therapy.  As per the website, "The vision of Imagine is to enhance the lives of young children and their families through music by sharing knowledge, strategies, ideas, and government related issues with colleagues around the world."  This is a FREE publication, and it will be very beneficial for anyone working with newborns through five-year-olds.  Imagine is edited by Dr. Petra Kern, …
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Video Lesson – Developing Finger Strength and Dexterity

This video is in response to a comment from Rachel a few weeks ago, wondering about developing left hand finger strength.  These simple exercises will help you improve finger strength and dexterity, contributing to a better overall sound on the guitar.  They might be frustrating at first, but a few minutes a day will yield impressive results.  Good luck, and keep the comments, suggestions, and questions coming! -Matt
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Video Lesson – I Gotta Feeling

This is a great song for use in sessions.  It can be a fun and familiar "break the ice" type of song, or you can use it therapeutically by focusing on the positive outlook expressed in the chorus of this song.  You can even write your own version. -Matt
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Media Morsel – Music Therapy with Cochlear Implants

The Story This story, out of Israel, touches on the uses of music therapy with children using cochlear implants, devices that allow children with sensorineural hearing impairments to hear.  While cochlear implants are immensely useful, they do require an adjustment period.  Imagine being able to hear nothing one day, and then almost everything the next.  It is important to note that hearing with cochlear implants is different than typical hearing.  The perception of music is very different, as folks with cochlear implants are generally unable to differentiate small changes in…
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Interview With Dr. Petra Kern – Global Perspectives Part 1

Dr. Petra Kern, originally from Germany, has a unique perspective  on the world of music therapy.  As president of the World Federation of Music Therapy, she interacts with professionals from all corners of the map.  She understands what it will take for the profession to continue to grow and develop.  Dr. Kern was gracious enough to participate in a 40-minute interview, via skype.  We covered many topics, and had a great time discussing various issues regarding music therapy as a global profession.  Because of its length, I will be releasing…
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Pilot Project with World Federation of Music Therapy

Happy New Year! New for 2010: Music Therapy Source is pleased to be in collaboration with the American Music Therapy Association for Students (AMTAS) and the World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT).  Music Therapy Source is hosting an international discussion board aimed at fostering global communication about the field of Music Therapy, and asks students how they would like to get involved on an international level.  This pilot project will run until April, and a report detailing results will be presented at the WFMT World Council in Cadiz, Spain.  We…
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