imagine podcasts

Michele Ritholz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC This podcast explores the musical legacy of Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins and the meaning of play songs. Resources: Nordoff, P., & Robbins, C. (1971; 1983). Music therapy in special education. St. Louis, MO: MMB Music. Nordoff, P., & Robbins, C. (1962). The first book of children's play-songs. King of Prussia, PA: TheodoreRead more about Raising the Bar on Our Clinical Music[…]

Melissa Reinhardt, MSEd, MT-BC This podcast introduces a group music class, Ukulele and Baby, designed to promote parent/child bonding through the use of music and music activities. Resources: Division for Early Childhood. (2014). DEC recommended practices in early intervention/early childhood special education 2014. Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/recommendedpractices Thompson, G. (2012). Family-centered music therapy in the home environment:Read more about Ukulele and Baby: Involving Families in Music Therapy[…]

Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., LCAT, LPC, MT-BC This podcast describes how music therapy can support sibling play.   Resources: Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The whole-brain child: Twelve revolutionary strategies to nurture your child's developing mind. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. About the Author: Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., MT-BC is the Manager of ResearchRead more about But My Sister Can't Play With Me: Structuring Music-Play Experiences for Siblings who are Developing Differently[…]

Matt Logan, MA, MT-BC, Brianna Negrete, MM, MT-BC, and Chloe Kelleher, MA, CCLS Can sick children play? Two music therapists and a child life specialist from UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco discuss the importance of supporting play. The music therapy program is support by the Peterson Family Foundation.  Resources: Bolig, R., Fernie, D. E.,Read more about Being Playful in a Pediatric Hospital: Music Therapy and Child Life Perspectives[…]

Mary DiCamillo, EdD, MT-BC, ET/P This podcast introduces prenatal music bonding and ways that siblings can interact and play with their siblings before birth.  Resources: Satt, B. J. (n.d.).  A sound beginning womb songs. Retrieved from https://wombsongs.com/brian-j-satt-ph-d/ DiCamillo,M. (2016). Sound Birthing Music. Retrieved from http://www.soundbirthingmusic.com/#/ Federico, G. F. (2017). A Musical Journey Through Pregnancy: Prenatal MusicRead more about Prenatal Music Bonding: Building Family Relationships Before Birth[…]

Rachel Rambach, MM, MT-BC This podcast addresses the challenge of planning repertoire for the holiday season and how to write and adapt playful songs that are appropriate across cultures, religions, and traditions. Resources: Rambach, R. (2015, September 15). Working together with parents: Songs for skill generalization. Retrieved from www.imagine.musictherapy.biz Rambach, R. (2018, January 12). 12Read more about Winter Play Songs: Repertoire and Applications for the Holiday Season[…]

Beth McLaughlin, MSE, MT-BC In this podcast Beth McLaughlin interviews Amy Myers on how to successfully embed technology into music therapy sessions. Resources: ClassDojo (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.classdojo.com/#LearnMore  Crowe, B. J., & Rio, R. (2004). Implications of technology in music therapy practice and research for music therapy education: A review of literature. Journal of Music Therapy, 41(4), 282-320. Giufre, M. (2013). Read more about Using Technology to Support Communication in the Music Therapy Classroom[…]

Katie Myers, MM, MT-BC This podcast discusses incorporating technology while keeping the playfulness crucial for child development. Resources: Crowe, B. J., & Rio, R. (2004). Implications of technology in music therapy practice and research for music therapy education: A review of literature. Journal of Music Therapy, 41(4), 282-320. Hahna, N. D., Hadley, S., Miller, V. H.,Read more about Music Therapy: The Intersection of Play and Technology[…]

Rachel Rambach, MM, MT-BC This podcast leads through a typical day in an early childhood music therapy practice enriched by technology and interactive media. Resources: Rambach, R. & Erfurt, M. (2010). Online resources at your fingertips. imagine, 1(1), 91. Kamerad, K., & Rambach, R. (Producers). (2017, May 15). Creative business breakdown [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://creativebusinessbreakdown.com. About theRead more about A Day in the Life: The Role of Technology in Running an Early Childhood Music Therapy Practice[…]

Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast describes the use of the Music Together's Family Music Zone app and the Hello Everybody app. Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics (2017). Media and children communication toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/pages/media-and-children.aspx Music Together Worldwide (2017). Music Together Within Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.musictogether.com/prospective-parents/special-needs/music-together-within-therapy Pasiali, V. (2013). Music therapy and attachment relationships across the life span.Read more about Supporting Parents and Young Children Through Interactive Media[…]

Hanna Jade Watson, Music Therapy Student This podcast discusses music subscription services such as Apple Music  and its advantages for use in early childhood music therapy practice. Resources: Apple (2017). Apple Music. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/apple-music/ Apple (2017). Join Apple Music on Your Android Phone. Retrieved from https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205365 About the Author: Hanna Jade Watson is a senior student pursuing aRead more about Just the Basics–Apple Music 101[…]

Dawn M. Sandel, M.A.Ed.,, MT-BC This podcast discusses low, mid, and high tech devices and provides examples of how they can be utilized purposefully in early childhood music therapy sessions. Resources: Ablenet (2017). BIGMack. Retrieved from https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/speech-generating-devices/bigmack Ablenet (2017). Big Step-By-Step. Retrieved from https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/speech-generating-devices/bigmack Ablenet (2017). iTalk2 with levels. Retrieved from https://www.ablenetinc.com/technology/speech-generating-devices/italk2-with-levels About the Author: Dawn Sandel, M.A.Ed., MT-BC, works at RISERead more about #MTBaby: Music Therapy with Generation Tech[…]

Ralf Niedenthal, Lic. MT This podcast describes a nonprofit organization's projects including music videos created with people with disabilities. Resources: Music Videos from Todos Hacemos Música Todos Hacemos Música (2016). Cantamos Juntos [Sing Together]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aea848bXsg8 Todos Hacemos Música (2016). Un Mundo Mejor [A Better World]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32ge7_mdJ8o  Todos Hacemos Música (2016). Lo Que Sé Hacer [WhatRead more about Todos Hacemos Música: We All Make Music[…]

Dena Register, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast focuses on advocating for music and the arts in early childhood as a way for all children to interact, communicate, and grow. Resources: Who is my elected official? at https://capwiz.com/nra/dbq/officials/ What advocacy is happening in my state? at http://cbmt.org/advocacy/state-task-forces-map/ Talking points about music therapy and young children at http://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/MT_Young_Children_2006.pdf Early childhood advocacy toolkit at www.theounce.org/pubs/EarlyChildhoodAdvocacyToolkit.pdf Register,Read more about Creating Capacity: What Music Therapist Need to Know About Advocacy for Music in Early Childhood[…]

Amy Rodgers Smith, MMT, MT-BC This podcast discusses practical steps to engage in advocacy at every level with a variety of parents, professionals, and administrators. Resources: American Music Therapy Association (2016). Policy and advocacy. Retrieved from: http://www.musictherapy.org/policy/ Certification Board for Music Therapists (2015). What is advocacy? Retrieved from: http://cbmt.org/advocacy/about-advocacy/ Moore, K. S. (2015). Music therapy advocacy for professionalRead more about What Music Therapists Need to Know About Engaging in Advocacy[…]

Kimberly Sena Moore, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast offers seven core principles underlying a successful private music therapy practice. Resources: Music Therapy Business Owners [Facebook Group] at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MusicTherapyBusinessOwners Score Small Business Mentoring at https://www.score.org Sena Moore, K. (2008) The therapy business blueprint: A 7-step approach to starting your own private practice. Retrieved from http://www.musictherapymaven.com/how-to-start-a-therapy-practice/ U.S. Small Business Administration at https://www.sba.gov AboutRead more about What Music Therapists Need to Know About Starting a Private Practice[…]

Adrienne C. Steiner, M.M., MT-BC This podcast addresses consideration for preparing and proposing a budget for a music therapy program to administrators. Resource: Download Handout About the Author: Adrienne C. Steiner is the clinical coordinator and primary therapist at the University of Louisville's music therapy clinic. She supervises practicum students and interns while teaching courses in music therapy.Read more about What Administrators Need to Know About Early Childhood Programming Budgets[…]

Patricia E. Altieri Ramírez, M.A., B.A. This podcast discusses the status of professionals using music as a tool for learning and development with young children in Mexico. Resources: Akoschky, J. (2014). El lenguaje musical en la primera infancia. En P. Sarlé, E. Ivaldi, L. Hernández. (Eds)., Arte, educación y primera infancia: sentidos y experiencias. Metas Educativas 2021 (pp.87-101).Read more about What Educators in Mexico Need to Know About Music Therapy and Early Childhood[…]

Rachel Rambach, M.M., MT-BC This podcast provides several ways music therapists can extend their services outside of the clinic, giving parents the opportunity to continue reinforcing skills learned in music therapy at home. Resources: Rambach, R. (2015). Working together with parents: songs for skill generalization. imagine, 6(1). Rambach, R. (2014). Dads as support in music therapy. imagine, 5(1). About the Author:Read more about Beyond the Clinic: What Music Therapists Need to Know About Extending Their Services Into the Home[…]

Beth McLaughlin, MSE, LCAT, MT-BC In this podcast, the author has composed a letter to prospective interns sharing her thoughts about what she's learned from the young children with ASD with whom she has worked over the past 39 years. Resources: Ackerman, D. (1999). Deep play. New York, NY: Random House. Kern & Humpal (2012). Early childhood music therapy andRead more about Pay Attention!: What Interns Should Know About Early Childhood Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder[…]

Hakeem Leonard Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast features key information and strategies to prepare activities that maximize engagement, overcoming any perceived language barriers when offering  student service projects abroad. Resources: Gooding, L., & Standley, J. M. (2011). Musical development and learning characteristics of students: A compilation of key points from the research literature organized by age. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education,Read more about What Music Therapy Students Need to Know When Conducting Service Projects in Latin American Countries[…]

Elizabeth K. Schwartz, LCAT, MT-BC Inclusion is more than putting different children together in the same space. This podcast provides thoughts and tips on creating interventions that lead to integration as the ultimate goal of early childhood music therapy. Resources: Abbott, E. A., & Sanders, L. (2012). Paraeducators' perceptions of music therapy sessions. Music Therapy Perspectives,Read more about Isolation to Integration: Thoughts on Music Therapy Interventions to Support Inclusion[…]

Jean Nemeth, Ph.D., MT-BC In this podcast, Dr. Nemeth offers ideas for promoting young children's inclusion success. Discussion emphasizes a scaffolding approach, session set-up and flow, music selection, the power of rhythm, therapist demeanor, instrument strategies, and positively engaging young children. Resources: Humpal, M. E,. & Colwell, C. (Eds.). (2006). Effective clinical practice in musicRead more about Tips from the Trenches[…]

Rachel Rambach, M.M., MT-BC This podcast discusses the important role parents play in skill generalization from the music therapy session to home and other settings, and includes songs that help them do so. Resources: I Love Your Toes (by Rachel Rambach). Available at http://listenlearnmusic.com/2015/04/i-love-your-toes.html Ready, Set, Wait! (by Rachel Rambach). Available at http://listenlearnmusic.com/2015/03/ready-set-wait.html First andRead more about Working Together with Parents: Songs for Skill Generalization[…]

Dana Bolton, M.Ed., MMT, MT-BC Music therapists teaching early childhood music classes often encounter children with special needs in their classes. This podcast offers parent perspectives on inclusive classes and tips for making the experience successful for everyone. Resources: Apple, D. J., Fahl-Gooler, F., & McCollum, J. A. (1997). Inclusive parent-child play groups: How comfortableRead more about Music is for Everyone: Inclusion in Early Childhood Music Classes[…]

Esther Thane, MTA, AVPT This podcast addresses the growing trend of transitioning to electronic medical records and introduces Unitus TI, a cloud-based data management system and curriculum server. Resources: Mundo Pato at www.mundopato.com UnitusTI Client File Screen Shot MITM Program Template Screen Shot UnitusTI Graph Screen Shots About the Author: Esther Thane is an accreditedRead more about Music Therapy in the Cloud[…]

Sten Bunne Making musical instrument accessible for children with different abilities supports inclusion in natural environments. This podcast introduces the Bunne Instruments developed for interactive music-making with various populations. Resources: Bunne, S. (1979). Maraccas, Marimba och Bågfilsbas. Malmö. Sweden: Liber Läromedel. Bunne, S. (1986). Musik i Åldringsvård – ett hjälpmedel i arbetet. Hudiksvall. Sweden: Musikverkstan Förlag.Read more about Children's Access to Chords, Melodies, and Bass: A Different Way of Thinking in Sweden[…]

Kimberly Sena Moore, Ph.D., MT-BC Many music therapists rely on verbal-based techniques, but experiential, rote-based learning may also provide valuable learning opportunities, particularly in early childhood. In this podcast, Dr. Sena Moore shares how the emotion regulation development process can be used as a model for understanding the role of rote-based learning in therapy. Resources:Read more about Emotion Regulation Development, Rote-based Learning, and Generalization: An Exploration[…]

Lora F. Heller, MS, MT-BC, LCAT This podcast presents a case study of Peter, who participated in an inclusive music therapy group at his preschool that incorporated music-mediated sign language instruction. The case study highlights how he was able to generalize skills learned in music therapy to his home environment. resources: Buday, E. M. (1995).Read more about Music Therapy with Peter: A Young Boy with Fragile X Syndrome at Home and in an Inclusive Preschool Setting[…]

Darcy DeLoach, Ph.D., MT-BC and Michael Detmer, M.ME., MT-BC When deciding a treatment approach for children with ASD, the differences between interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams yield different intervention environments. In this podcast differences between the two are discussed with examples of clinical approaches and client outcomes given. Resources: Choi, B. C. K., & Pak, A.Read more about Interdisciplinary Versus Transdisciplinary Integrative Care Within Music Therapy for Children with ASD[…]

Anita L. Gadberry, Ph.D., MT-BC Utilizing different strategies and resources to promote communication is essential in music therapy practice. This research-based podcast discusses the use of universal design in the development of a communication toolkit. Resources: Gadberry, A. L. (2011). A survey of the use of aided augmentative and alternative communication during music therapy sessionsRead more about Communication Toolkit: A Universal Design Approach to Inclusion in the Preschool Classroom[…]

Jeffrey Wolfe, MT-BC This podcast reviews a case of a three-year old child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It highlights the importance of creating an alliance with a child's family so goals can addressed in and out of the session. Resources: Mary Ainsworth Attachment Theory at http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/articles/mary-ainsworth-and-attachment-theory/ Individual Music Therapy Assessment Profile at http://www.amazon.com/Individualized-Music-Therapy-Assessment-Profile/dp/1843108666 Bounce – SpectrumRead more about The Family is the Therapy Team: A Case Example[…]

Elizabeth K. Schwartz, LCAT, MT-BC Knowing why, when, and how to talk with families about the overall development of their child can be a daunting task. This podcast is designed to serve as a guideline for music therapists for initiating or engaging in challenging discussions with parents related to their child's development. Resources: Centers forRead more about Stopping the Music: Why, When and How to Discuss Developmental Concerns with Families[…]

Friederike Haslbeck, Ph.D., DMtG, SFMT This podcast introduces results of a qualitative study of Creative Music Therapy (CMT) in neonatal care via two case examples. It demonstrates how CMT offers the potential for premature infants to engage in communicative musicality and to empower parents by supporting the quality of interactions with their infant through music.Read more about Creative Music Therapy in Neonatal Care: Supporting Communicative Musicality From the Very Beginning[…]

Matthew Logan, MA, MT-BC and Rachel See, MA, MT-BC This podcast discusses practical tips and considerations for co-treating with speech-language pathologists to maximize client outcomes in medical and community settings. Resources: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (n.d.). Standards and implementation procedures for the certificate of clinical competence. Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/Certification/2014-Speech-Language-Pathology-Certification-Standards/ Cohen, N. S. (1994). Speech and song: Implications forRead more about Co-Treating With Speech-Language Pathologists – Before, During, and After the Session[…]

Meredith R. Pizzi, MT-BC This hands-on podcast shares ideas about using music with parents and young children to enhance the bonds and connections between siblings as families grow. Resources: Leman, K., & Leman, K. (2009). The new birth order book: Why you are the way you are? Grand Rapids, MI: F.H. Revell. Salmon, C., &Read more about Supporting Healthy Sibling Development With Music[…]

Bill Matney, M.A., MT-BC This engaging podcast addresses music-making experiences and simple percussion techniques that can promote child development and family bonding in the home environment. Resources: Benenzon, R. (1976). Music therapy in infantile autism. British Journal of Music Therapy, 7(2), 10-17. Clair, A.A., & Ebberts, A. (1997). The effects of music therapy on interactionsRead more about Percussion and Drumming: Building Family and Community[…]

Carol Ann Blank, LCAT, LPC, MMT, MT-BC Clinical decision making is an important component of providing music therapy interventions. This podcast shares the author's thoughts about the clinical decisions she makes when working with a mother-child dyad in an individual music therapy setting. Resources: Abrams, B. (2011). Understanding as a temporal-aesthetic way of being: ImplicationsRead more about Clinical Decision Making in Music Therapy[…]

Laurel Rosen-Weatherford MM, MT-BC This follow-up podcast features a 30-minute sing-along that focuses on bringing families together to provide learning opportunities beyond the music therapy session. Musical examples can be implemented in the classroom and the family's home. Resources: Chicka Chicka Boom by John Martin Jr. and John Archambault Hip Hop ABC by The BigRead more about Let's Collaborate-A Follow Up Fom 2013[…]

Kathy Schumacher, MT-BC The development of phonological awareness is critical for both learning to communicate and to read. This podcast gives an overview of phonological awareness and illustrates how the skill of rhyming can be taught through music. A brief summary of research supporting the use of music for teaching these skills is included. Resources:Read more about Rhythm, Rhyme and Remarkable Repetition: An Effective Foundation for Literacy[…]

Laura Brown, Ph.D., MT-BC This podcast offers suggestions for using original songs with high functioning children on the autism spectrum. The songs referenced in this podcast were written and recorded by Elisa Padro, a student at Western Illinois University. Resources: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA:Read more about Across the Spectrum: Meeting the Needs of High Functioning Clients with ASD[…]

Jamie George, MM, MT-BC, Andrew Littlefield, MM, MT-BC, Laurie Peebles, MT-BC, and Andrea Johnson, MT-BC In this collaborative podcast, the George Center's music therapy team discusses the benefits of providing performance opportunity for young children with disabilities as well as how to create a successful recreational experience for the entire family. Resources: Beisman, G. (1967).Read more about The Importance of Performance Opportunities for Young Children During Music Therapy[…]

Stephan Betz, Ph.D., MT-BC and Josef Held, M.Ed, GCFP This thoughtful audio podcast presents a new music therapy assessment tool for toddlers and children with special needs created by the authors that focuses on positive psychology and building the child's strengths to succeed in life. Resources: Achor, S. (2010). The happiness advantage. New York, NY:Read more about The Betz-Held Strengths Inventory: A Music Therapy Assessment Tool[…]

Matthew Logan, MA, MT-BC In this experiential audio podcast, the author shares musical and clinical skills essential for interns and new professionals when working with young children with disabilities in various settings. Resource: Adamek, M. S., & Darrow, A. (2010). Music in special education. (2 ed.). Silver Spring: The American Music Therapy Association, Inc. Hanson-Abromeit,Read more about Ten Essential Skills for Working in Early Childhood Settings[…]

Kamile Geist, MA, MT-BC An informative audio podcast that introduces Stephanie, an early childhood educator who offered to be the test person for the Keep a Beat™ (KaB) training model. Resources: Arends, R. I., & Kilcher, A. (2010). Teaching for student learning: Becoming an accomplished teacher. New York, NY: Routledge. Gall, M. D. & Acheson,Read more about Keep a Beat™: A Music Enrichment Program for Early Childhood Educators[…]

Laurel Rosen-Weatherford M.M., MT-BC This musical audio podcast provides an example of a collaborative project bringing together families through a sing-along story performance including various therapeutic goals and generalization strategies. Resources: All song introduced can be found on the Polar Express Sound Track at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/polar-express-soundtrack-from/id27560427 Starkey, S., Zemeckis, R., Goetzman, G., and Teitler, W. (Producers)Read more about Let's Collaborate[…]

Kayla C. Daly, MA, MT-BC A case description and series of song interventions designed to enhance specific skills in a child with rigid tendencies are discussed in this musically enriched audio podcast. Resources: Amir, D. (1990). A song is born: Discovering meaning in improvised songs through a phenomenological analysis of two music therapy sessions withRead more about Itty Bitty Steps: Individually Tailored Music Therapy Song Interventions[…]

Julia Beth Kowaleski, MTA Instruments such as shakers can be used in many different ways and for various therapeutic purposes with young children, which will be demonstrated in this joyful audio podcast. Resources: Docherty, T. (2008). The Little Boat. Surrey. UK: Templar Publishing. Ritholz, M., & Robbins, C. (1999). Themes for Therapy. New York, NY:Read more about Five Practical and Creative Ways to Use a Shaker[…]

Ronna Kaplan, M.A., MT-BC Listen to reflections on early childhood music therapy. How far we have come with our network, newsletter, online magazine, other internet presence, research and publications, conference sessions, our workforce and our possible roles in many settings! And the sky's the limit for where we can go next… Resources: Edwards, J. (Ed.)Read more about Reflections on Music Therapy With Young Children[…]

Beth McLaughlin, LCAT, MSE, MT-BC In this podcast, the author describes how she became acquainted with six young boys with autism spectrum disorder through their behaviors and developed a successful music therapy program that included the behavioral principles of discreet trial teaching. With input from families and the entire educational team, a learning environment was createdRead more about Putting the Evidence Into Practice: Designing a Plan for Student Success for Children with ASD[…]

Debbie Benkovitz, LSW, MT-BC Studies demonstrate that music therapy improves the quality of life of seriously ill patients and their families by relieving pain and anxiety, helping patients and families communicate, and providing spiritual support. This podcast briefly reviews how music therapy impacts young, seriously ill patients, using case studies to exemplify main points. Resources:Read more about The Final Movement: Music Therapy and Pediatric Palliative Care[…]