2021 Music Therapy Wish List
It’s that time of year again - the holiday shopping season is upon us. I’ve spent some time this year as I’ve added employees and expanded my practice researching and buying music therapy supplies, and wanted to share a list of materials to help others with that process. So whether you’re a student asking for supplies for Christmas, a business owner wanting to treat their employees with new materials for the new year, or a private practice owner trying to stay organized- here is a list of things that I would personally recommend.
1. Musical Books
On my list again this year is a variety of musical books that I’ve acquired over 2021. Several of my clients have speech goals and needs associated with apraxia, so having a visual to follow along with significantly helps them practice their verbal communication skills. “The Carnival of the Animals” could be a great book for all ages and here are some others I’ve loved:
“Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas” - my holiday book addition this year
“We are the Dinosaurs” - a Laurie Berkner classic that can turn into a movement experience
“We Got the Beat” - a colorful, 80’s hit by The Go-Go’s
“Rhythm Rescue” - an interactive book that has the readers play several rhythms to further the story
2. Makala Ukulele
I purchased my Makala Ukulele several years ago as I was finishing my degree, but I have used it SO much this past year. As a traveling therapist, having a ukulele has been a game-changer to carry around in my car and in/out of sessions. I personally have this tenor-sized ukulele, which is a little bigger than the sopranos and I find easy to hold and play chords on. I love the price range - it’s under $100, but still feels/sounds like a professional instrument. I have a case very similar to this, which is easy to carry and has kept my instrument safe.
If you’re looking for a ukulele to use with a client, I wrote a blog this year about DIY Ukuleles here! These are cheaper and allow clients the opportunity to personalize their instrument.
3. Car Organizer
My mom bought me this for Christmas last year (it wasn’t even on my list!), and it’s been a GAME CHANGER. As a traveling therapist, it’s so nice to stay organized - I’ve been able to have spots for my instruments, music book, binders with materials, movement props, etc. Plus, when I’ve had to unload my car of work supplies, it’s so easy to just grab the whole compartment instead of finding a box or carrying things individually.
4. Bluetooth Sony Speaker and Case
It took me a long time to finally invest in a nice bluetooth speaker, but I’ve been pleased with this purchase this year. This speaker comes as a bundle with the case, a charging cable, and a strap for the speaker. I’ve used it alone to provide additional volume for outdoors sessions, but you can also connect multiple speakers using “party mode” to amplify music for groups, etc. There are more expensive speakers out there, but I’ve been happy with the price and quality of this Sony.
5. Undated Planner
My dear friend owns Sommer Letter Co. and has just come out with an undated planner that I’ll be using this upcoming year. They feature her beautiful artwork on the front in 3 different designs, a year’s worth of monthly spreads, and weekly spreads that give you separate columns for personal/work life (or you could use it to separate clients & business tasks as well!). They are undated, so you have the freedom to start at the beginning of the school year, or skip weeks if life gets messy!
6. Laminator
If you haven’t gotten a laminator yet, now is the time. I’ve gotten one for each of my employees and have had one myself for years. It's a great (low cost) investment to safe guard the hard work you’ve put into making manipulatives to use during sessions. You can also laminate songwriting worksheets or other templates to reuse session after session, allowing you to write on it with dry erase marker.
7. Rhythm Sticks
Another favorite instrument this year has using rhythm sticks to tap along to a variety of songs or games. The possibilities are endless - you can use these with groups, in individual sessions, in a take-home instrument kit for virtual sessions, for improv, with “Rhythm Rescue” (mentioned above), and more! My favorite way to use these is by playing along with rhythm Youtube videos - you can search for “rhythm play along” videos or go to Elementary GrooveTracks’ channel. I often use the Youtube videos to work on visual tracking, concentration, speech (by saying the words along to the Elementary GrooveTracks’ videos), and fine motor skills.
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