Enriching lives through participation in music
We enjoyed celebrating our Pearl 30th Anniversary in 2024, and we are proud to share a publication that compiles all of the stories we shared throughout the year! As you read, watch for clickable QR codes to learn more!
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Many neurodivergent individuals who struggle in traditional music lessons can succeed with a little extra support and strategic planning. These students may benefit from being taught by a music therapist.Music Therapy Services of West Music has provided these “adaptive music lessons” since the early days of the department. Over...
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Music therapy internships are the final educational step before a student earns their degree in Music Therapy and is then eligible to take their board certification exam. The internship lasts six months and students are given the opportunity to experience full-time work in the field while under close supervision...
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Music products are an essential part of any music retail company. When Steve West took over as president of West Music after his father stepped down in 1980, he brought his interest in elementary music, and particularly Orff Schulwerk, into the company. Steve recognized how Orff exemplified the joys...
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As Kelly finds herself with one foot in the clinical music therapy world, and one foot in the Ph.D. world, she has been pondering what to write about. As she reflected, she realized that she has been talking to a lot of the music therapy students about functional items...
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In a music therapy session, music therapists like to use client preferred music to work towards our goals. I always like to give my clients a choice of songs and artists, which may look like them requesting songs by name, having a list written down or me giving them...
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As music therapists, we complete 100 hours of continuing education every 5 years to maintain our "Music Therapist-Board Certified" credential. Hayley recently came upon this 5-year milestone from the date when she started practicing as a music therapist, so she shares some insight into the process of accumulating and...
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Part 4: Monitoring & Communicating ProgressNote: This is the final installment of a four-part blog series. Four the first 3 installments, click the links below.Part 1: The IndividualPart 2: Setting ExpectationsPart 3: EngagementWe have discussed that every student is unique, and every student’s progress is also individual. When teaching...
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Part 3: Engagement *Note: This is the third of a four-part blog series. For parts one and two, click below.This is a perfect opportunity to think outside the box. Know that it’s okay to incorporate other instruments or activities into the lessons. If you’re still learning about music or doing...
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One of the best parts of working as a music therapist is the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of clients, each with their own strengths, interests, abilities, and needs. Music therapists adapt and adjust planned interventions to meet each client where they are at. By planning...
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