Annapolis Music Therapy

Goal-oriented and relationship-based music therapy services across the lifespan.

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10 Singable Books by Black Authors

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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. 

 

 

AMT’s AntiRacism Commitment

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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.
 
In the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Annapolis Music Therapy Services affirms that our Black clients’, Black therapists’, and Black community members’ lives matter. Their trauma matters. These murders are the result of systematic violence by police perpetuated by a culture of racism and white supremacy prevalent in the United States.
 
While we strive to create inclusive therapy spaces, we as therapists are not separate and immune to the systems that have historically subjugated Black bodies, especially disabled Black bodies. Our team is now made up of Black, brown, disabled, LGBTQ+, and white therapists and students, which are identities that both intersect and differ from those of our clients. We know that we are limited by our perspective, but commit to listening to the voices of folx whose perspectives, identities, and lived experiences diverge from ours.
 
AMT acknowledges the history of generational racial wealth disparities stemming from slavery and colonialism that is preserved by racist hiring practices and lack of social supports. We will begin combatting this through the restructuring of our existing programs, which currently cater to affluent families with daytime flexibility and funds to support their engagement in therapeutic and leisure activities.
 
AMT will be taking clear action steps in response, which will immediately include, but are not limited to:
 
1. Providing our employees and students with access and exposure to educational resources in order to foster a lifelong commitment to antiracist learning and the dismantling of racist power structures
 
2. Exploring a sliding pay scale or flexible payment schedule for our programs, music therapy sessions, and music lessons
 
3. Expanding free programming to include events offered in the evening and weekend hours
 
4. Featuring the work of Black therapists, musicians, and authors on our website, social media pages, and in therapeutic spaces

Community Drumming at Argo Counseling: Acquiring Healing, Wisdom, and Relaxation

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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

Stay tuned for free registration details for our next FREE drum circle on April 18th centered on growth and change!

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

2020 Goals: Find Your Rhythm, Find Your Intention

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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:

  • Keep it simple. See if you can summarize your overall goal with a one-word intention, and create experiences surrounding that one word.
  • Allow yourself to trip up. One of my favorite mantras, famously from Voltaire, is ‘don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.’ Know that it is okay to stray away from your path to your goal. Be patient with yourself, and allow any mistakes to be a learning experience. Mistakes are what make us human, and it is great fuel for creative expression.
  • Engage in active creative experiences that help to solidify your intentions. Create a vision board, write a journal entry, or be around people who will support you in achieving your 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:

  • Engage in nonverbal emotional release as a means to create space for growth
  • Connect with other like-minded individuals in a supportive space as you share your goals for the year
  • Start off the new year by engaging in an overall enjoyable, transcending experience.

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.

Click here to register for free!

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!

3 Reasons to Attend Music Makers Camp

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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!

  1. We’re the only area camp led by board certified music therapists. This year, our camp program is led by Zoe Levine, MT-BC, an absolutely amazing school-based music therapist. She’ll be assisted by college music therapy interns, music therapy students from nearby universities, and high school students preparing to pursue a degree in music therapy. Our staff receives training from our team of music therapists, and are here because they truly love children and believe in our camp philosophy. Each MT-BC or MT-BC in training will be paired with a child to provide 1:1 support throughout the camp week.
  2. Our camp is truly inclusive. We welcome campers ages 6-12 with a range of abilities, but we also love having neurotypical siblings and friends join us for the week! Our music therapists love adapting interventions to meet the needs of all campers, and approach planning with each camper’s unique personalities in mind.
  3. Your child will be immersed in creative arts experiences. Each day, campers will have the opportunity to engage in music therapy groups, art projects, movement activities, and self-regulation interventions. Every experience is designed with developmental and educational goals in mind, and center on daily themes to promote understanding.

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!

Learn more & register for camp.

Spring 2019 Grants for Music Therapy!

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‘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.

  1. Rise for Autism Family Grant Program. Have we told you lately how much we love our friends at Rise? Grants of up to $500 are available to kids and adults on the spectrum to assist in accessing therapeutic, educational, medical, and respite services. 25% of grant funding is reserved for applicants over the age of 18 (YAS!), and the remaining 75% for individuals under age 18 (DOUBLE YAS!). Applications are due May 31st, 2019.
  2. LISS Funding. The Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) provides up to $2,000 in funding to eligible children and adults for therapeutic services and other needs. LISS funding is awarded through a random selection process, so we HIGHLY encourage families to apply again in Round 2 if they don’t receive funding on their first try. Round 1 applications will be accepted from May 1st-June 30th, 2019.

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!

All About AMT’s Intergenerational Groups

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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…

  • Meet new grandfriends. Nothing lights up an independent or assisted living facility like a room full of adorable kiddos! The grandfriends we serve love giving high 5s, sharing stories, and singing songs with you.
  • Play instruments. Our groups also incorporate high quality instruments, like drums, shakers, rhythm sticks, and more. Often, we work together with our grandfriends to play these instruments, which makes it WAY more fun.
  • Shake your groove thing. We love to dance, dance, dance! Our music therapists bring movement props galore, from scarves to stretchy bands, and will lead you through action songs incorporating finger play, freestyle dancing, and sign language.

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!

3 Reasons to Bring Your Child to Music Class

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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.

  1. Bonding time. Music class isn’t just for your little one; it’s a chance for you to cuddle, play, and deepen your relationship through music, as well as to connect with other local parents! We create opportunities for parent-child bonding every session through movement, instrument sharing, and individualized songs that you can bring straight home to sing in the car, at bedtime, and when you’re feeling snuggly.
  2. Social development. Every music class at AMT embeds opportunities for social engagement appropriate for littles ones, including self-awareness, peer interaction, sharing, and waiting. We love singing children’s names in songs, taking turns to play a *really* cool instrument, and working together to play a gathering drum or move as a group with a stretchy band.
  3. Language development. Music is a fun and engaging way to develop language & communication skills, even for our tiniest class attendees! Each class includes varied learning opportunities, from baby sign language, counting, and vocabulary expansion to promoting early literacy skills through singable books.

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.

New Program in Annapolis: Musical Autist Troupe!

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We’re so incredibly excited to connect our AMT families with Musical Autist Troupe: a NEW, exciting program hosted by our non-profit partner, The Musical Autist!

Led by a Board Certified Music Therapist, this inclusive group of school-aged children with and without disabilities will have the opportunity to build relationships while working toward performance opportunities. Previous music skills are a benefit, though not required. Mentor Musicians, ranging from high school/college interns to local performing artists, volunteer their time and musical expertise to help the Troupe rehearse and sound amazing!

Each week, time is spent together doing Song Shares, which can be either recorded (Spotify, YouTube, etc) or a piece that is performed live for the group. Participants and volunteers will explore and rehearse several songs that will be performed in spring events that are facilitated by The Musical Autist nonprofit, including Open Mic Nights in the Maryland Hall Cafe, Empowerment Jam Sessions, and TMA’s spring 2019 Sensory Friendly Concert at Peabody Conservatory!

Click here for low-cost registration & additional information about Musical Autist Troupe.

Check out Troupe’s recent performance:

Hear what group members LOVE about Troupe:

Learn more and register here!

Spring 2018 Grant Opportunities: Apply Now!

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Annapolis Music Therapy is proud to accept grant funding from many of our fabulous community partners! Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for funding that can be used for music therapy sessions, adapted lessons, and our summer camps.

Rise for Autism: Now accepting applications until May 31st, 2018. Maximum funding is $500 per family and can be used for therapies, services, and supports. Click here for the application.

Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region’s Family Fund: Now accepting applications on a rolling basis for children under age 21. Must be a member to apply. Click here for the application.