Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from all of us at The Groovy Garfoose! What better time to implement new routines and habits into our work than the new year? Check out this New Year’s Bingo Board for music therapists if you’re looking for some ideas as you settle back into work after the holiday season.
Replace Your Guitar Strings
If changing your guitar strings is a task that often gets away from you, the new year can be a great natural reminder to get some new strings 🙂
Write a New Song
This idea was inspired by another music therapist at GG, Miss Chelsea. She set a goal in 2023 to write and notate at least one original song per month, which she uploaded to CBMT for continuing education credits. A great idea for affordable credits & a boost for creativity. Bravo Miss Chelsea! Visit the CBMT website to learn more about this option for earning credits.
Incorporate a New Instrument Into Sessions
This is a win-win for everyone. Not only do new instruments support client engagement and participation, but it also can help us be more creative with our session planning.
New Elements and Structures
The new year is a great time to reflect on specific structures and routines you have with specific clients. This could be a good time to think about new activities or rituals you want to incorporate into sessions, such as new hello/goodbye songs, a new game, rhythm warm-ups, brain breaks, etc.
Learn New Music
If one thing is for certain, there is always new music to learn! I like to keep a running list of songs I am interested in learning in my notes app so I have a starting point when it comes time to practice.
Build New Habits
If you already have great habits that support your productivity and workflow, wonderful! I’ve found that what works for me ebbs and flows based on things like the season, my schedule, and my energy levels. If you have the flexibility within your work to tinker with admin tasks like planning/documentation time, see if you can find something that works for you in this season.
Intentionally Listen to New Music
The act of listening to music that we may not choose to listen to based on our own personal preferences is extremely intentional. Set aside some time each week to explore new artists you’ve been meaning to look into, or look up some artists your clients may have mentioned in the past. One of my favorite spotify/apple music features is the section displaying “other listeners enjoy __________________” where it highlights groups/artists with similar vibes. Happy listening!
Music Technology
It can be time consuming and a little daunting, but it is so worth it when you find an app or website that is a useful tool for supporting a client in meeting their goals. If you’re looking for a place to start, we have many previous blog posts in our archives about music technology and iPad apps. Feel free to check them out!
This blog was written and shared by Abby Petrey, MT-BC. Abby provides 1:1 and group music therapy support services in people’s homes, the community, Cleveland schools, and via telehealth. Abby is also our social media coordinator. Abby’s passions outside of music include reading, cuddling her cat, and spending time with friends. All images in this post are original and were created by Abby.