An organic experience

I saw my usual Sunday clientele this weekend, with a few variations for scheduling issues. But I saw one of my morning sessions in the afternoon. I've been trying to figure out what to do differently and trying to create some new experiences to address his goals lately. I probably don't plan for sessions as much as I should. I do like things to be sort of an organic experience, although I realize that some things need more structure.

On Sunday, I had sort of a clinical intuition moment and grabbed a drum for this client. He started going to town on that thing- which isn't the exact phrasing in the plan... but you get the general idea. He drummed in a way that I'd never seen, even after his mother mentioned that he was having sort of an off day. I wonder how its all connected. In the moment, I tried to elicit more response and encouragement to use both of his hands through a piano improvisation.

I also had a woman explain to me last week that the music makes her anxiety decrease.

Today a position came up for a recreation therapist at the VA in this area. After much whining and talking about it, Ty kicked me into gear and I filled out an application. I'm not expecting anything from it, but it was a good experience to fill it out. If I ever need to do that again, I will be prepared and not scared and not whiny. :) Poor Ty, I stressed him out this afternoon.

September scheduling is underway. Today, I worked on some session planning and program development. Just working away.:)

Finding The Voice

Hi gang,

I have survived and recharged from all of my busy activities. The Summer blitz is done and I've had the necessary time to come down from the "go go go."

Today I accompanied an old friend from high school to an audition for NBCs The Voice. I'm a big fan of the show- I think its the best singing competition on TV. All of the other shows, personally, drive me bonkers. I really feel that its about the talent and artistry of each person first- they get actual coaching from people in the music industry-- people who know what they are talking about AND although America gets to vote, the judges also have a say. I like that. And they don't show the cattle call audition process in order to make fun of the people who don't sing as well.

It was one of the more interesting experiences I have had. These people go to these auditions hoping to find their own voices, or make it big, or get that one last chance. I guess I don't really get it because I don't feel that. My life is completely different and I'm very happy with what I'm doing. I'm glad, because its sort of a nerve-wracking experience.

I'm gearing up for my fall schedule which includes creating a MT program at the school, more contracting work and piano lessons.
I've also been officially appointed to the regional music therapy association executive board. I handle continuing education opportunities and courses for the region. I am excited to get started. I have learned a lot already and there's still a lot left to discover.

Things are moving forward and now that I feel normal again I will be updating more regularly. Thanks for bearing with me here.

Goodnight

I forgot to add....

My meeting went really well on Friday.

We firmed up some details and created a timeline, so I will be starting in mid-September. Yay! It was a very positive meeting and really got my wheels turning. There's no way to know how it will all turn out or work until we get underway. But for now, there are quite a few people who are excited to get started, including me.

Tomorrow a music therapist from Argentina will be observing one of my afternoon sessions. I am looking forward to talking with her and learning more about what MT looks like in Argentina. That sound be pretty interesting.

In other news, I finished my run of Aida this afternoon. The show went smoothly and strike went well. I am sad to see another show go, but I am happy to have some much needed hibernation time (as previously noted).

The Technology Reds

The Blues have disappeared and the more triumphant reds have appeared.
My computer has miraculously come to life. The screen works again. I guess everything dried out. Thank goodness. That certainly saves a bit in my own pocketbook and helps me get my life back together. I was feeling a little frazzled and scattered.

I think the frazzled also has to do with coming down from go-go-going between weddings, shows, and festival. I am looking forward to closing the show, working tomorrow and taking a little stay-cation.

How cute is this onesie? That's what I feel like.

I'm due for some solid hibernating and recharging.

The Technology Blues

Hi all,

My computer is on the fritz here. There was an incident with an open container of liquid, a certain canine and my ability to knock things over with my butt. Please enjoy that mental image.

In the meantime, I have an elaborate set up that requires too many cords and backing up my hard drive before I send my computer in to get fixed.
But I have some exciting updates:

I have a meeting on Friday afternoon to discuss specifics about creating a music therapy program at that school in San Jose. I am absolutely excited and a little nervous. I wonder how its going to go. I'm meeting with someone different this time. This person is the education director of the school, instead of the assistant executive director. I think that's a pretty good sign. We're getting down to the nitty gritty details. I love that. I am excited to see what they have in mind and what we can come up with together.

I got a call to do another show in San Jose. So my name must be getting around. I love that too. I am going to be pretty busy with projects to play and this particular company doesn't have the budget to offer more money. The run is longer and the pay is less. Soo, I have politely declined.

My supervisor for my independent contracting work is looking at expanding my schedule again starting in September. This is also great news. Despite how I groan about having to get up early, I love working. And I love my clients and all of the people I get to see. So it looks like my schedule is starting to fill out for the fall. Its very much welcomed.

I also sent in my registration for the AMTA (American Music Therapy Assoc.) national conference in November. My co-intern, Kari, and I are going to be roomies. I can't wait to see her and I can't wait to be reunited with other music therapy friends. There will be shenanigans. I was asked to participate on a leadership panel during the conference to talk about my role as a former student president of the western region. And I just found out that my internship director will also be serving on the panel. What a hoot. I had no idea until Kari mentioned it. I had that initial reaction of "Oh man! I hope I don't do anything wrong and how embarrassing" when I found out. Man, these internship directors know too much. They knew you before you were a professional. They've seen you at your worst and at your best. I think it might take a long time for me to get over that. :)


I'm finishing out my last show for the summer this weekend and I'm looking forward to continued down time after a crazy month of July.

The Festival, the Kings Festival???

One of my favorite lines from Into the Woods.

The Garlic Festival is over and I am exhausted. We had a great festival. It seemed like there was more media coverage. We certainly did not have too many opportunities to sit down. Its nice to be busy.
I unfortunately caught a cold right before festival (from the last show I played). My voice is gone but I am feeling better. Its hard to have to communicate over all the noise and dust for three days.
I was glad to sleep in this morning and not rush through my morning cup of coffee.

After wrapping up some loose ends from the weekend, I will be picking up my god-bulldog(ter) Peaches and taking her home. I'll be staying up there for the next couple of days.

I have a meeting this week to continue talking about creating a music therapy program at that school. We keep getting closer and closer to finalizing something. Not sure what that is yet, but as soon as its official, I will let you know.

The crazy month of July is over and now onto August. I'm looking forward to the slower pace, one more show and perhaps a little stay-cation. I think I deserve it. It will give me some needed rest to spring back into the music therapy mode. :)