Books are a common tool music therapists use in sessions to bring a story to song, or a song to life in a different way. For music therapists working with children or vulnerable people facing the stress and fear of separation, deportation, or detention, check out this book list compiled in collaboration by the MN Department of Health and UMN Extension. The document also has helpful tips for using these books sensitively. Below are a few considerations for music therapists. A

With Thanksgiving in our rearview mirror, now is the time we look ahead to the rest of the holiday season. December is a busy month full of opportunities to celebrate. In this post, we will dive a bit deeper into three of the major holidays that will be observed this month, along with some songs you can incorporate into music therapy sessions to honor each of them!  Hanukkah: Evening of December 14-December 22, 2025 Origins Coming up first this month is Hanukkah, a Jewish ho

Here are some tunes that have been useful to me in sessions, maybe you know them already but if not, these are good’uns! “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” written in 1978 by Jeff Moss and performed on Sesame Street by Ernie (Jim Henson). This song was re-introduced to me by Erin Frees, MT-BC when I was interning at Children’s Minnesota. She utilized it as a lullaby to help encourage rest. I say re-introduced because I remember playing it once or twice at random gigs with lo

In music therapy, accessibility is essential. Every client should have the opportunity to participate in music-making, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive ability. Adaptive instruments make that possible. These tools and modifications expand how clients can engage in musical experiences, supporting clinical goals through active participation. What Are Adaptive Instruments? Adaptive instruments are musical tools designed or modified to meet individual needs. They all

When people hear that I am a music therapist, they often jump to the conclusion that my job entails playing sedative, atmospheric music...

(for Musical and Music Therapy adjacent purposes) Hello to you, blog reader! Thank you for being here and taking some time to read. I...