by Amy Thomas | Mar 22, 2022
Written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC
This month, Upstate Music Therapy Center employees Erin Triola, LCAT, MT-BC and Katie Pistilli, MT-BC met a wonderful group of people through the Thrive to Survive support group. Katie and Erin conducted a workshop for Thrive to Survive that included a few different creative arts experiences. Participants were cancer survivors, caregivers, family, and friends. Within moments it was clear that Thrive to Survive is a tight-knit group. In fact, Thrive to Survive just celebrated its 10-year anniversary and this meeting was their first in-person since the pandemic began. The positive energy reverberated throughout the room.
UMTC wanted to offer an experience that would relax, connect, and inspire the participants. Music therapy benefits cancer survivors in more ways than one. To name a few, music therapy offers:
- Reduced anxiety; improved mood
- Improved quality of life
- Pain control
- Decreased shortness of breath
- Decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
- Increased positive immune response
- Caregiver joy and empowerment
Mindfulness, Art, and Music
As a part of the workshop, the participants participated in a few different music therapy interventions such as mindfulness-based art and music activity. During this experience, the participants were encouraged to listen to soothing music, breathe deeply, and allow themselves to color, draw, or write whatever came to mind. There were a couple of participants who shared that they felt “relaxed and peaceful” afterwards. For some, the busy thoughts and worries in their mind slowed down.
The Power of Lyrics
Give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock n’ roll
And drift away
Do those lyrics ring a bell for you? Every single participant knew the song “Drift Away” by Dobie Grey. The group had a conversation about what memories the song brings, what lines stand out, and what the song means to them. Where can music transport you? It was amazing to see how we can all be connected and feel the positivity of a song, but all have a different interpretation of the lyrics.
Music therapy interventions not only benefit the individual undergoing treatment but their caregivers as well. For those with a terminal illness, music therapy may act as a bonding experience. Participating in shared music experiences may bring patients and caregivers closer together, cultivating positive memories to look back on. To conclude the workshop, the participants grabbed a small shaker, drum, or percussion instrument to play along to the timeless classic “Lean on Me.” One thing is for certain, the survivors of this group all have each other to lean on!
Connect with Thrive to Survive
The Thrive to Survive group meets monthly, and workshops range from creative arts experiences, to resource events with social workers, or cheering at the Middle Finger 5k on Seneca Lake. If you or anyone you love is looking to be a part of this support group, you can email them at: support@thrivetosurvive.com
Interested in having our therapists do a workshop or training for your organization? Learn more about our community education opportunities by clicking here.
by Amy Thomas | Jan 4, 2022
Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC
Has your passion for music and desire to help others have you leaning toward wanting to pursue a career in Music Therapy?
Last month we released a blog called Should I Become a Music Therapist, where we talked about the different questions to asking yourself when deciding whether or not to become a music therapist.
Now, we’re taking the next step in helping you achieve that career. Here are 5 the steps you’ll need to take in order to become a Board Certified Music Therapist.
1) Find a School
Whether you are just finishing up high school or already a professional in another field looking to change career paths, the first step is finding an AMTA-approved university. AMTA stands for the American Music Therapy Association. They set the standards for education and determine if a program is teaching what a music therapist really needs to know. Programs at these schools vary. You might be looking for a bachelor’s program or master’s equivalency if you already have a bachelor’s degree.
AMTA outlines the different options for you. Find the path that best fits your life’s trajectory.
There are many colleges out there that claim to offer degrees or “concentrations” in music therapy. It is absolutely essential that you make sure these programs are AMTA-approved. If you do not complete your coursework at an accredited program, you will not qualify for necessary steps like internship or sitting for your board exam.
To ensure you are pursuing a qualified program, make sure it is on this list: AMTA Approved Schools.
2) Audition
As much as music therapy is an allied health profession, you are first and foremost a musician. During your time in college, you must cultivate your musical self as any music major would. An audition is part of the application process at any school. You will be asked to audition on your primary instrument or voice. Many instrumentalists choose the instrument they played in band or orchestra in high school. You can also audition on voice, classical guitar, or piano. If you are still in high school, ask your music teacher to help you with this process! Keep in mind, you will be working with your primary instrument for at least 4 years. Make sure playing it is something you like doing!
3) Complete Your Coursework
Once you audition and enter into a program, it will take 4 years to complete. If you are coming in with the pre-requisites or a music degree in a related field you may complete it in less time. During this time, you’ll learn a lot of information, from music history and theory to psychology, research methods, and music therapy approaches. It is all essential information that you will implement during internship.
You’ll get a small taste of internship during your school years in the practicum setting. Practicums are wonderful opportunities to get your feet wet, practice some interventions, and therapeutic skills before internship. During practicum, you will learn about the steps and procedures behind writing music therapy goals, creating a treatment plan, and much more. Be sure to soak up as much of this experience as you can!
4) Internship
Internship is the capstone event of a music therapist’s educational journey. An internship consists of 1,200 clinical hours completed under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist. During your internship, you will cultivate the skills and competencies you’ll need to be a competent and confident clinician. Similar to applying for schools, internships require an audition process. Unlike your college audition, the skills are more practical for the profession. You may be asked to lead a group in a musical activity, showcase your piano, voice, and guitar skills, or answer situational questions applicable to the population you’ll be serving.
You must seriously consider pursuing an internship with the population you see yourself working with. For example, if you want to work with children, consider a school-based internship setting. You can also find internships based in hospitals, schools, private practices, hospice and palliative care.
There are two kinds of internships: National Roster and Affiliate. Affiliate internships are those only available to students of a particular academic program. National roster internships are available to anyone. Use this resource to find an AMTA approved internship site.
5) Become Board-Certified
Did you know that a music therapist has credentials after their name? They are MT-BC and stand for Music-Therapist, Board Certified. Once you complete your internship clinical hours you are eligible to sit for the board-certification exam. All practicing music therapists must be board-certified. After all of your education and training, you will be more than prepared! This exam is taken entirely on a computer at a testing location.
Music therapy is a rewarding career like no other. It is full of experiences spanning numerous professions, from medical care, education, mental health, and across the spectrum of ages. The possibilities are endless. We hope that your journey is as rewarding as ours at UMTC has been!
by Amy Thomas | Nov 30, 2021
Blog written by Katie Pistilli, MT-BC
Do you love music and want to make a career of it? It might seem like music education or performance degrees are the only majors out there, but that is far from the truth. Thankfully, there is the fulfilling profession of music therapy! Aspiring music therapists, this one is for you.
Music therapy is a profession that traverses medical, education, mental health, and creative fields. You will notice some of the questions below seemingly have nothing to do with music. In time you will learn that they have everything to do with music therapy.
For those of you asking the question should I become a music therapist? We encourage you to ask yourself these questions:
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- Do you play an instrument and have the desire to learn more of them?
- Are you drawn to the fields of psychology and neuroscience?
- Do you enjoy reading and appreciate research?
- Are you interested in learning about medical diagnosis, treatments, and procedures?
- Do you enjoy singing with a group of people?
- Do you consider yourself an empathetic person who enjoys helping others?
- Would you consider yourself supportive of the mental health field?
- Do you think music can help people learn or communicate?
- Could you see yourself working with a team of non-musical professionals (teachers, nurses, speech therapists, etc.)?
- Do you enjoy creating your own music, improvising, or songwriting?
- Do you consider music to be healing?
If you answered “yes” to a few of these questions, music therapy might be the profession for you! A music therapist must be a musician among many other things. Your creativity and drive are at the center of the process. If some of the questions felt a little out of reach, don’t worry. The beauty of learning is that it is a process, and you have all the time to cultivate the skills you need to be a successful clinician!
If you are still deciding whether to pursue music therapy, consider reaching out and talking to a practicing therapist. To get you started, we interviewed some of the music therapists on the UMTC team. They were asked the question: “Why did you become a music therapist?” Perhaps you can relate to some of their answers.
Jamie
“When I discovered music therapy as a field, I wanted to combine my love for music with my interest in the medical field and bring the joy of music to those who were going through a hard time.”
Erin
“Music was a huge part of my life in high school, and I have also always loved helping people. When I learned about the field of music therapy my senior year of high school, I realized it was the best of both worlds!”
Rebecca
“In high school, I was deciding between nursing and teaching music. When I heard about music therapy, I knew that it was the perfect marriage of using music to help others.”
Do any of these answers resonate with you? UMTC is grateful to be a part of the Rochester, NY music therapy community and beyond. We are here to answer any questions you have about our profession and educational opportunities in the area.
Stay tuned for a blog we’ll be releasing in the coming weeks called: How Do I Become a Music Therapist?
by Amy Thomas | Oct 3, 2021
Blog post written by Katie Pistilli.
When you think of music therapy, what is the first instrument that comes to mind? For most, it is probably the guitar. Versatile, portable, and calming, guitars are a music therapist’s go-to instrument. Some therapists might have access to a piano or large drums. Beyond these basics, music therapists use a variety of instruments you may or may not have heard of. These instruments aren’t only fun and different, but they also aim to achieve a range of therapeutic goals.
Cabasa
Origin: Africa
Also known as: Afuche
This handled instrument is a tactile treat for kids. The metal beads make a “ch-ch” sound when rolled on the players hand. During music therapy, the cabasa is used to help calm a child when they are overwhelmed. Rolling the instrument down arms, legs, or back has a calming effect on children. When the child is ready, they can hold the cabasa and play it themselves on different body parts. For young children working on identifying body parts such as hands, feet, or arm, the cabasa is a perfect instrument.
Clatterpillar
Origin: Japan
Also known as: Kokiriko; Binzasara
The clatterpillar is known for its “clickity-clack” sound. Also known as a kokiriko, the clatterpillar got its name because it resembles a caterpillar crawling along the ground. This instrument is held in two hands and is somewhat challenging to play. Children playing with the clatterpillar are often working on a skill called bilateral coordination, which is the ability to do a different movement with each hand. Use your imagination, does the clatterpillar sound like a train coming down the tracks?
Step Bells
Origin: East Asia
Also known as: Xylophone
Step bells are a staple instrument for every music therapist working with children. This instrument is a variation upon the xylophone and covers an 8-note scale. While holding a mallet and playing the notes, children can be creative with this instrument and pretend they are climbing a mountain, sledding down a hill, or listening to the sounds of water falling. Amidst these creative songs, the step bells encourage children to work on fine motor and spacial skills. Not only do they have to hold a mallet in their hands, but to activate the bells they have to be very precise about where they aim.
Guiro
Origin: Latin America
The guiro is a common instrument heard in Puerto Rican and Cuban music. Held in one hand, the other hand can scrape or tap the guiro to make a variety of rhythms and varied sounds. Because it can be more than one sound (scraping or tapping), the guiro is a great instrument to use when practicing following directions. For example, during one part of a song a child may be prompted to scrape the guiro, while during another tap it. Don’t forget to use your imagination! Some children will say the guiro looks like a space ship or a fish. What do you think?
Kalimba
Origin: Africa; Zimbabwe
Also known as: Mbira; thumb piano
The Kalimba is an incredibly unique instrument with sounds that are especially therapeutic. Held with both hands similar to a smartphone, the player uses their thumbs to pull down on individual keys. The resulting sound is almost magical with notes blending together in lovely, ringing harmony. It can be a motivating instrument for children to play while they work on fine motor skills with their thumbs. Holding it in their hands, the player can also feel a deep vibration from the wood that can add to the relaxing nature of the instrument. Be careful, these soothing sounds may just put you to sleep!
Originating from across the globe, these instruments make a tremendous impact in music therapy. Children are highly motivated by instruments that make unique sounds and look different than what they are used to hearing. Next time you see a music therapist in transit, see if they have any of these instruments in their bag, they just might!
by Amy Thomas | Mar 26, 2020
Millions of Americans have been asked to stay home and take a pause. Social distancing from others is mandated and when going out to get essential items we are being instructed to remain 6 feet from another person. This is such a strange concept for many, especially children. Schools all over the United States and across the nation have closed realizing that social distancing in a school building is incredibly challenging. Our elders are missing having visitors in their senior homes. This is an unprecedented time and requires us to think differently about how we socially connect with one another.
Upstate Music Therapy Center is offering opportunities to break down the isolation barrier that so many people are experiencing, young and old alike. We are currently offering Online Options for all ages
Individual Online Music Enrichment or Teletherapy with one of our Board-Certified Music Therapists
- Choose a familiar therapist or be assigned to a new therapist
- Engage through a video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype
- Supporting materials can be sent via email
- Choose the duration and focus of the session when registering
Online Counseling with one of our Licensed Creative Arts Therapists
- Counseling is offered to assist any individual who’s needing to process symptoms such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mental health struggles
- The counseling approach is based on a creative arts focus using music, relaxation, mindfulness and exploring avenues for self-expression
- Sign up for a free discovery call to determine if this style of counseling is best for you
We soon will have Pre-School and School Age Music Enrichment Groups that you can enroll your children in that will be conducted by one of our Music Therapists on a Facebook Live Group. All these opportunities are an effort to break down the isolation barrier with music and relationship building through online communications.
Please complete our contact form for more information or to register. Click Here.
by Amy Thomas | Jan 11, 2016
This summer, my husband and I had the opportunity to go on a music-based mission trip to Belize with a local, non-profit organization called Guitars For Glory (GFG). Originally, they had asked my husband to go as the trip videographer, but when they found out I was a music therapist, they saw the benefits of having someone trained in the therapeutic aspect of music and invited me as well. A total of 19 people went on the trip, all whom work typical 9-5 jobs, but are incredibly talented musicians, worship leaders in their churches, spiritual leaders, and all affiliated with and representatives of Guitars For Glory. The guitar company, Fender, donated at-cost 14 acoustic electric guitars, 2 electric guitars, and 1 bass guitar for us to take to Belize. We also brought 2 kajones (box drums), and a petal board for the electric, hand made by one of our team members, who is the owner of Midnight 30 Music. The trip was a total of 7 days and we spent the majority of our time in the city of Belmopan.
We lead and participated in ministry every day, morning, noon, and night. In planning and organizing the trip, we partnered with Praying Pelican Missions, and were sent to lead music and worship training at the church, Casa De Dios. During morning ministry we had a kids VBS, which I had the privilege of leading music, dancing, and face painting. Another morning we visited an orphanage, which was one of the nicest facilities that we visited in Belize. The children were craving attention, making it difficult for the mere 19 of us to attend to and play with what seemed like hundreds of children, all ranging in age. One morning we were able to spend time in worship as a team, lifting up our voices and praising God. We had packed suitcases full of supplies for women and children’s ministry, which we were able to give away during small group time in the evenings.
Our main ministry was equipping the church, Casa De Dios, for worship, so we spent 3 days leading training workshops, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, keyboard, drum, and vocal lessons. I got to help lead the vocal training and on the first day, we were singing 3-part harmonies to the song, “Holy Spirit.” What a beautiful sound. We were able to give away all of the instruments that we brought to the church, Casa De Dios, and to some individuals that attended the music training.
For evening ministry, we lead worship in different places. The first night we arrived, we were waiting at Casa De Dios for the bus to pick us up. They were having their church service, but there was a Spanish language barrier. The church began singing a song in Spanish that some of us from GFG knew in English, so we were able to sing with the congregation, but in different languages. That’s when I realized that the power of God through music truly transcends all language. It was an incredible moment. The following night we lead worship in a street, shutting down a neighborhood street and inviting locals to come worship with us. Another night we lead worship outside of a high school and people gathered on a football field. That night it began raining really hard, so everyone tried to cram onto the small school porch. After a few minutes everyone started slowly going back out in the rain and continued worshiping. A little rain can’t hold us back!
While we were in Belize, we did get to see and experience the beauty of the country. We ate amazing food every meal that the pastor’s wife fixed, under the shade of a huge almond tree. We went cave tubing in the rainforest, seeing bats, crystals, stalagmite, and stalactite. We also rode in a water taxi out to one of the Keys and went snorkeling in the Caribbean in the second largest coral reef in the world. Later that day we swam with stingrays and nurse sharks. If you’ve never touched a stingray, they are super slimy! We also got to rub a shark’s belly, which is bumpy and tough. It was only moderately terrifying with these animals swimming around our legs. 😉
It was truly an incredible mission trip. It is possible that we will be going back next summer to equip other churches in Belize for worship. I feel so blessed that I not only got to experience the power of music in Belize, but that I get to experience it every day as a music therapist. What a gift.
You can find out more information about each organization as listed below:
www.guitarsforglory.com
www.prayingpelicanmissions.org
www.midnight30music.com
Mollie Flasch
