Announcing new music classes for teens in 2021! These are one time classes that allow teens to learn how music can be used an effective coping tool.
Led by a Board Certified Music Therapist with expertise in mental health music therapy approaches, these classes are designed to be informative, providing practical ways to use music for coping with stress and anxiety.
Classes are $25 per person. Sliding scale options are available, so please reach out to us if cost is a barrier.
What if 2020 isn’t cancelled?
What if 2020 is the year we’ve all been waiting for?
A year so painful, so uncomfortable, so scary, so raw–
That it finally forces us to grow.
A year that screams so loud, finally awakening us
From our ignorant slumber.
A year we finally accept the need for change.
Declare change. Work for change. Become the change.
A year we finally band together, instead of pushing each other further apart.
2020 isn’t cancelled, but rather,
The most important year of all.
-Leslie Dwight
We are near the end of an incredibly challenging year. This year has been inundated with events that have gone beyond our control. We have been in a constant state of grief, through a global pandemic, a loneliness epidemic, and ongoing civil unrest and fight for restorative justice in BIPOC communities. All of this directly impacts mental health, and has us continuing to remind ourselves of how important self-care is.
The New Year often represents reflection of this past calendar year, coupled with goals, dreams, and hopes for what is to come. But with this year that we have, how is 2021 really going to be? Where do we go from here? Can we even plan for anything?!
The only thing that I am certain of is how much I don’t know. This is not only a mantra that I have come to peace with personally, but it is also how I often see the lived experiences of my clients. Even with my fancy continuing education training and letters behind my name, I come at peace with not knowing all of the answers. My role as a therapist is to be with my clients side-by-side on their journey through coping and emotional processing, learning alongside them, especially in a year when there are so many unknowns.
To return back to this quote by Leslie Dwight. What if through this uncertainty, this discomfort, we learn to grow, to lean in, to be more connected with one another? In fact, discomfort often needs to happen in an effort to fully change. As we move through the end of 2020, I don’t have answers, but I do have some questions for you to reflect on, to provide a space for hope, and even for your acknowledgment of your own resilience:
What were some new experiences that at this point feel like second nature? For some, perhaps this answer (and is personally my answer) is to finally be one with technology, especially in trying to make connections with folx virtually. Maybe for others, it is more about wearing a mask regularly in the workplace. Whatever it is, identify it, and have space to acknowledge your own ability to adapt.
Written by Zoe Levine, MT-BC & Kerry Devlin, MMT, MT-BC
Singable books are a staple in many music therapists’ toolkits, but upon inspection of our collections we realized that even the books we owned featuring BIPOC characters were primarily written by white people. There are so many incredible singable books written by Black authors with lived experience, and these books should be prioritized in therapeutic spaces and on our personal bookshelves.
While this blog post seeks to focus on Black authors, we acknowledge that identities are intersectional and not always apparent. These authors may claim the identities of biracial, multiracial, or another racial identity entirely.
The 10 books below were identified as “singable” based on rhyming text or having a predictable rhythmic pattern. They also have limited text compared to some extended rhyming books that may be more challenging to set to music. Some are based on songs with existing melodies, but many could be paired with melodies from other songs or original, music therapist-created melodies. If you’re looking for more non-singable books to supplement your library, check out this list of children’s books by Black authors. We also encourage you to consider additional curated booklists for children, such as those created by Ashay By the Bay and Embrace Race.
If you purchase a book, please prioritize Black owned bookstores. There are so many, but if you cannot find what you need there, we encourage you to use a local bookstore. Many are currently donating a portion of their profits to Black led organizations. If you absolutely cannot find what you need at an independent retailer, use AmazonSmile instead of Amazon and set your supported organization to non-profits such as the NAACP or Minnesota Freedom Fund.
The books below are listed in alphabetical order. This is not a ranking of books, as they are all equally important. It is also important for us to note that this is in no way an all-encompassing list; we hope you’ll let us know what books we’ve missed, and plan to continue creating singable booklists in the near future.
Antiracist Baby by Ibram X Kendi
This book is still in preorder, but we do know it rhymes! From the author of How to Be an Antiracist comes Antiracist Baby, a board book outlining 9 steps to begin dismantling racism. The book is illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky, a prolific political artist and POC.
Brown boy, Brown boy, What Can you Be? By Ameshia Arthur
This book follows a young boy as he explores all the exciting career options available to him. Words like “horticulturalist” mean this may be better suited for slightly older clients/students, but the bright illustrations and predictable refrain make it attractive to learners of all ages. (Please select the non-profit of your choice if purchasing through Amazon Smile.)
Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker, LCSW, EdDCP
The Hey, Carter! Book Series is full of books based on Tomishia Booker’s own son. With her Masters in Social Work and Doctorate in Education Counseling Psychology and a background in Early Childhood Mental Health, Tomishia brings a wealth of experience to this sweet rhyming book about the beauty of being a brown boy.
Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley & Bob Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
This is one of our most used books in school based music therapy. There are so many opportunities to address “wh” questions, and it follows the pattern of Bob Marley’s original song (with lyrics changed in the verses), so you don’t have to come up with a melody. Cedella Marley’s adaptation of “One Love” is also a must have.
I Believe I Can by Grace Byers, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Written by the author of “I Am Enough”, this book provides a series of positive affirmations for children and their parents. “My presence matters in this world. My life is worthy; there’s a plan. I know I can do anything.”
Lullaby (For a Black Mother) by Langston Hughes, Illustrated by Sean Qualls
While this book does not rhyme, its poetic nature and natural reading rhythm lend themselves to singing and snuggling.
Nighttime Symphony by Timbaland and Christopher Myers
In this collaboration by musician and producer Timbaland and artist Christopher Myers, a rhyming bedtime story describes the sounds of a storm that slowly help a little one fall asleep. We suggest pairing this story with ambient instruments, like a rainstick or thunder tube, to use as a cool down experience.
This Little Light of Mine by Public Domain & E.B. Lewis
This book pairs text from a well-known spiritual with beautiful illustrations of a Black boy and his family. We envision using this story as a conversation starter for children to celebrate their unique personhood and what “makes them shine”. A musical arrangement of the song is also included for easy playing.
Welcome to The Party by Gabrielle Union, Illustrated by Ashley Evans
This story is all about celebrating a new baby as they encounter the world for the first time. Meeting friends and family, eating, playing, taking a bath, snuggling, and dancing are just a few of the excitements this new baby experiences! Specific words are highlighted on each page, which lends itself nicely for use with early readers and students working on vocabulary, rhyming, and “wh” questions.
Whose Knees Are These? By Jabari Asim
This book is excellent for little ones learning body parts and body love. Bounce, pat, and find your right and left knees while singing along in a family-centered session or music class.
We urge you to take a moment to read Annapolis Music Therapy’s AntiRacism Commitment, which was developed collectively by the members of our team.
On Saturday, February 8th, I attended a drum circle offered at Argo Counseling and Wellness. As a new intern, I was unsure what to expect, so I set up the drums and awaited the arrival of participants. To everyone’s surprise, the group ended up being composed entirely of women. While some arrived as friends, others walked into the room and saw no familiar faces. The women in this group were unique in beautiful ways. Crossing multiple generations, decades, and life statuses, one may wonder how a diverse group can put aside differences and work together. Honestly, there’s no way to explain how music creates this instant bond amongst complete strangers, but it does. There was a feeling of openness, honesty, acceptance and respect within the room, equally spread amongst the amazing ladies surrounding me.
When looking at drums, you can easily group them together based on their appearance. Drums with feet vs. drums without feet or any stand, drums with and without animal skin heads, drums with and without cracks or tears. Like each of the people in the room, the drums placed before us had unique histories. The warmth and love of our minds and hands made the group able to take these seemingly unrelated things – drums, strangers, and auxiliary percussive items – and unify them in an effortless manner.
Throughout the drum circle, different women shared their life experiences and resolutions. Spanning from the coming year all the way out to the coming decade, some had measurable goals to accomplish and others simply wanted to find more peace and love within their life. Amanda, the lead music therapist during this drum circle, challenged the group members to come up with one word to summarize their resolutions. Of the range of words shared, the group improvised based on the words “Healing,” “Wisdom,” and “Relaxation.” The introduction of new instruments created unique layers and impressions for each keyword, but the silent communication amongst group members guided everyone to a different place. The unique experiences we were all feeling were due to a common sound, a shared space. Reflecting aloud on our feelings and takeaways after each small improvisation led to support and agreement from others, as well as inquiry and a desire for more knowledge.
Beginning internship meant completely flipping my life around. In a time when I felt unsure and uneasy, these women helped rein me in and remind me that I am strong, capable, and smart enough to accomplish my life (or year-long) goals. For anyone looking for an accepting, welcoming and humbling experience where you can connect with others without fear of judgment, please consider joining us for our future drum circles at Argo Counseling and Wellness. These events are free, open to all, and an opportunity to have an amazing time with great people!
-Ritchie Young, Music Therapy Intern at Annapolis Music Therapy Services
Sneak a peek inside our February drum circle below:
Community Drumming at Argo Counseling
We were so moved by the connection, empowerment, and community-building that happened at our recent drum circle at Argo Counseling. The power of music to bring strangers together is a beautiful thing to experience!Learn more about our music therapy programs at Argo: https://argocounselingandwellness.com/integrative-wellness-services/bodywork-2/
Posted by Annapolis Music Therapy on Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Many of us identify the new year with optimism, as a means to reflect on our goals, priorities, and values. However, the process of trying to achieve these goals can be stressful, challenging, and overwhelming. Accepting these emotions as part of the process can help ground us in the reality of change, and working through these emotions opens up possibilities to achieve the goals that we set out to accomplish.
Here are 3 tips that may help you achieve your new year’s goals:
To add to the third tip, I hope that you can join us in a community drumming experience to reflect on your intentions for the new year, where you will:
Join us at Argo Counseling and Wellness on Saturday January 18 from 12-1:30 to start the new year to the beat of your own drum. All ages welcome.
Amanda Rosado, MMT, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist with a passion for serving individuals with emotional needs. Learn more about Amanda and music therapy services at Argo!
AMT’s creative arts summer camp is BACK for the 4th year in a row, and we’re thrilled to offer sessions in June (6/24-6/28) & August (8/19-8/23) this summer. Our inclusive summer camps center around a core theme for the week and are designed for children ages 6-12. Learn what makes our Music Makers Camp different from other programs–other than the fact that it’s just an absolute blast for campers & therapists alike!
We’d love to talk with you soon to see if our Music Makers Camp is a good fit for your child. Limited spaces remain in our June & August groups, so don’t wait to register!
‘Tis the season for grant funding in Anne Arundel County! We highly encourage our families to apply for these two excellent opportunities that can help offset the cost of music therapy services and/or adapted music lessons at Annapolis Music Therapy.
AMT is happy to support you through the application process, which includes creating invoices to include with funding applications and providing you with additional information as needed.
E-mail us at admin@annapolismusictherapy.com so we can answer your questions and help you get your applications in today!
Have you heard about our unique intergenerational music programs in Anne Arundel County? We are proud to offer the area’s ONLY intergenerational music classes led by board certified music therapists, and love bringing our youngest & wisest generations together through music experiences. But what is an IG group, anyway?
When you and your little one come to an intergenerational music group, you will…
Hope to move, groove, and grow new friendships with you at one of our 4 intergenerational music groups in Severna Park, Annapolis, and Edgewater very soon!
Are you a family interested in attending one of our free intergenerational groups? Save your spot here.
Are you a facility interested in hosting an intergenerational group? E-mail us at admin@annapolismusictherapy.com today!
We’re totally jazzed about our thriving family music classes, and could talk all day about the benefits of music engagement for little ones of all ages! We believe it’s never too early to expose your child to music, and here are just a few reasons why you should join us for family music classes this March.
We’d love to invite you to join us on Monday & Wednesday mornings this March for our next session of family music classes! Learn more and register here.