Song Spotlight: “Big Rock Candy Mountain”
Mood: Cheerful, Wistful Themes: Wishes, Dreams, Candy Tempo: Medium Genre/Style: Folk “Big Rock Candy Mountain” was written in 1928 by Harry McClintock, whose hobo name was Haywire Mac. It was said he likely drew inspiration for the song from other songs of similar subject matter: a dream world made of treats and food. He began…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “El Sol Que Tú Eres”
Mood: Thoughtful Themes: The Sun, Heritage Tempo: Slow, relaxed Genre/Style: Ballad The fall season brings with it cooler weather. During the changing of the leaves the wind can bring a chill that contrasts the memories of warm summer weather. This song brings warmth back through music while describing the kind light of the sun. Linda…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da”
Mood: Cheerful Themes: Family, Mottos Tempo: Medium Genre/Style: 1960s rock Who hasn’t heard of The Beatles? This British band got their big break on American soil in February 1964, kicking off the great cultural phenomenon known as the British Invasion, when the rock ‘n roll bands from the UK came to dominate American pop charts. …
Read MoreSongs for Labor Day
Labor Day provides the perfect opportunity to ask seniors about their work experiences. Use the playlist below to inspire discussions about work, as well as the joys of the retirement years. Which songs are your favorites?
Read MoreAlzheimer’s Association Jam Session
By Anastasia Wheeler, MT-BC This last month I had the opportunity to stop by the Alzheimer’s Association Jam Session, and I am TOTALLY going again. I arrived with my fiddle and mandolin in hand and met a group of fantastic, joyful, and talented musicians who welcomed me into their group. These folks lead all of…
Read MoreSong Spotlight: “On The Road Again”
Mood: Cheerful Themes:Travel, Friendship Tempo: Medium Genre/Style: Outlaw Country “On The Road Again” just may be the perfect road trip anthem. Although we have many ways of getting from point A to point B these days, a long trip on the highways and byways still holds a certain special place in our culture. And this…
Read MoreBook Review: "Music, Memory, and Meaning"
You’re going to want to check out this great new reference book from our music therapist colleagues Meredith Hamons, Tara Jenkins, and Cathy Befi-Hensel, especially if you are caring for older adults in your family or as an eldercare professional. Click here to get your own copy (affiliate link). What did you think? Let us…
Read MoreLessons Learned From A Sprained Ankle
Earlier this week, I was picking up some children’s Tylenol from CVS for my feverish first grader. Her little sister (age 3) was unhappy that I wouldn’t let her buy candy, too, which necessitated me carrying her out of the store. A distracted, crying preschooler in arms, I stepped off the curb wrong and ended…
Read More3 Questions You’ll Have After Your Parent With Alzheimer’s Becomes a Widow
When your parent has Alzheimer’s disease, you can’t help but worry about their well-being. However, when a loving spouse is acting as caregiver, you can at least take comfort in the fact that they’re cared for in everyday life. But what happens when that husband or wife dies? Dealing with a parent’s death is never…
Read More5 Lessons From Building A B2B Practice
Did you know there are two main kinds of doing business? This is one of those basic business concepts we didn’t learn in our music therapy programs, but it’s an important one to understand if you are planning to build your career in private practice, as a music therapy business owner. Some of us work…
Read More