Annapolis Music Therapy

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

410-697-1812

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

February 25, 2020 by CJ Shiloh Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: AMT interns, Argo Counseling, Community Drumming, Community Programs Tagged With: Community Programs, Drumming, Wellness

#MTAdvocacy Month, Part 2: What’s Your Advocacy Song?

January 30, 2018 by CJ Shiloh Leave a Comment

Hello everyone! My name is Zoe Levine, and I’m Annapolis Music Therapy’s new intern. It’s my turn to tackle the #MTAdvocacy challenge and decide what my music therapy advocacy anthem is. I honestly had a hard time picking, because there are so many things that go into advocacy. You could pick a song like “I’ve Got the Music In Me” by The Kiki Dee Band that’s upbeat and about how wonderful music is and its potential to completely affect a person, which is what I’m always trying to communicate when I advocate. Every time I excitedly start telling someone in a related health profession about cool new MT research or I talk to the person stuck next to me on the plane about all the amazing clients success stories I’ve seen, it always comes back to music’s power to create change.

However, I don’t think that encompasses the entire advocacy experience. Songs like “Fight Song” by Rachel Platton are also relevant. There are times when advocates are turned away and it can feel like you’re just a “tiny boat in an ocean.” The song talks about being in too deep and not caring if anyone else believes in you. It’s the semi-combative anthem a tired advocate sometimes needs.

I went through quite a few options for my #MTAdvocacy song, but I finally settled on “Conqueror” by Estelle. The song’s verses are subdued and sober and feature lyrics about making mistakes, having a vision that no one else sees, and people cutting you out of conversations. The verses are then balanced by a big, powerful chorus about standing up, being a conqueror, and not accepting defeat. Estelle’s song is all about accepting challenges and rallying to pursue your vision, which for me includes a world where everyone has access to music therapy.

Yours,

Zoe Levine

January is Music Therapy Social Media Advocacy Month.

AMT is participating by selecting and sharing songs that serve as advocacy anthems for our profession.

Filed Under: AMT interns Tagged With: MT Advocacy Month

#MTadvocacy Month: What’s Your Advocacy Song?

January 17, 2018 by CJ Shiloh Leave a Comment

January is Music Therapy Social Media Advocacy Month, and this year we are selecting and sharing songs that could serve as an advocacy song for our profession. Before choosing my song, I wanted to consider the American Music Therapy Association’s definition of an advocate. In their words, “a successful advocate is someone with passion and commitment to an idea, who tells a convincing story expressing their beliefs and passion.” With this in mind, I selected the song “Sing” originally by My Chemical Romance as my advocacy song of choice.

I believe the song showcases a passion for singing out in any circumstance, despite any adversity that may stand in the way. Music therapists similarly need to speak out to anyone who will listen to further inform the world about our profession. While music therapy has been an established, credentialed profession for many decades, many people still have not heard of music therapy or the many benefits it can provide. Through advocacy efforts, music therapists can continue to educate their communities and increase accessibility to music therapy services.

The chorus of the song mentions singing for all (the boys, the girls, the Deaf, the blind, to name a few). As music therapists, we should “sing” for, and more importantly, sing with, those who may have difficulty standing up for themselves. We advocate not only for our profession, but for the rights of our clients. Another stand-out section of the song comes in the second verse, where the band sings, “You’ve got to make the choice if the music drowns you out. And raise your voice every single time they try and shut your mouth.” Music therapists have to carry on with our advocacy efforts even when other professions, legislation, or members of the community may try to silence our words. Music therapists must persevere to continually speak up for the importance and validity of our profession.

I think “Sing” encapsulates this overall sentiment of standing up for your beliefs quite well. “Sing” was also covered on the hit show Glee, which provides a pop-style arrangement that further popularized the song. My Chemical Romance gives the song an alternative rock feel, and the intensity of the emotion behind the lyrics really shines through. I encourage you to listen to the full song from the link below!

Yours,

Valerie Kamen, Senior Intern

Filed Under: AMT interns, Board Certified Music Therapist, Music Therapy, Uncategorized Tagged With: MT Advocacy Month

Welcome, Zoe! AMT’s Newest College Intern

January 3, 2018 by CJ Shiloh Leave a Comment

AMT is thrilled to welcome Zoe Levine to the team as our newest college intern!  Zoe’s internship with Annapolis Music Therapy Services is anticipated to run from January 2018 through June 2018.

Zoe studied music therapy and world music at West Virginia University. She served on the 2017 executive board of the American Music Therapy Students (AMTAS) and was the recipient of the 2017 AMTAS Intern Scholarship. Zoe is also a licensed Zumba instructor and has traveled extensively learning about music and dance practices around the world. She is passionate about creating communities that serve people of all abilities and is extremely excited to continue learning at AMT!

Over the next 6 months, you’ll find Zoe working around town with our team of therapists, senior intern Valerie & The Musical Autist.

Filed Under: AMT interns Tagged With: AMT Interns

Sing & Sign: Jingle Bells

December 21, 2016 by CJ Shiloh Leave a Comment

This week, AMT’s intern Anissa is sharing her #simplysigned version of Jingle Bells! We recommend making your own DIY jingle bells, then listening to a recording or singing acapella as you sign together.

Wishing you a happy holiday season filled with music and cheer! We’ll see you in 2017.

Keep singing and signing,

Anissa & Kerry

Filed Under: AMT interns, Music Therapy, Sing & Sign, Uncategorized

Sing & Sign: 5 Little Pumpkins

October 21, 2016 by CJ Shiloh Leave a Comment

This week, learn to sign one of AMT’s favorite Halloween songs: 5 Little Pumpkins! We love this song because it’s a great way to support early academic skills like counting to 5 and following directions, and can help introduce seasonal concepts to prepare your child for trick-or-treating on Halloween. Sing and sign along with this singable book, a free printable visual or use 5 real pumpkins!

Keep singing and signing,

Anissa & Kerry

Filed Under: AMT interns, Sing & Sign

Sing & Sign with ASL Anissa: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

October 6, 2016 by CJ Shiloh Leave a Comment

Hi!

My name is Anissa, and I’m AMT’s newest music therapy intern. I also make sign language song covers on Youtube (link to channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/atinitiny). This is the first in a new series to help kids and their parents learn some familiar songs in sign language! Learning sign language can promote and strengthen communication skills, language development and familial bonds as you sing and play together. This first video will teach you different ways to sign Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. 

Note: Pidgin Sign English (PSE) is an auxiliary language formed by using the signs and fingerspelling, but not the grammar, of American Sign Language (ASL) in the word order of English, often used in communication between deaf signers and speakers of English.

 

Keep signing, 

Anissa

Music Therapy Intern

Filed Under: AMT interns, AMT Team, Music Therapy

annapolismusictherapy

We have two new online music classes starting next We have two new online music classes starting next week! If you have a child between 8-12 years old, you'll definitely want to check these out. 🎶 
🎸 Click below for info on our Intro to Guitar class and 🌍  Around the World in 8 Days musical exploration class. 
🎉 You can also try a class for free if you want to check it out first!
Check out links in bio!
🎶AMT is thrilled to welcome our newest college 🎶AMT is thrilled to welcome our newest college intern, Mikaila Vieyra!🎶

Mikaila will be graduating from Shenandoah University in May, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy with a focus on classical piano. She has six years of piano teaching experience as well as clinical experience working with adults and children with developmental disabilities, and in mental health. Her mission is to access music in a way that guides people to a safe place of connection, empowerment, and joy. Mikaila is so excited to join the AMT team as their next intern, and cannot wait to work with some truly amazing people!

We can't wait for you to meet and make music with her over the next 6 months. Welcome to the team, Mikaila!
Happy 2021 y'all! Exciting news, we're now offerin Happy 2021 y'all! Exciting news, we're now offering virtual guitar classes for kids 8-12 yrs old. 
Students will learn beginner chords and basic sheet music reading skills that will have your child rocking out to their favorite tunes in no time. No prior music experience necessary.
Find the link to register on the Book Now button on our website.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Telehealth-sty Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Telehealth-style!🎁

We know the holiday "season" extends FAR beyond December, and honor the many holidays that our clients and their communities celebrate throughout the year. One of the wonderful things about Telehealth has been the ability to take part in honoring these celebrations when requested - like this sweet holiday music lesson party on the last day of Naomi's internship. 

Rhythm rockstar Aaron, Kerry, Naomi, and our newest intern Mikaila (stay tuned to meet her in January!) wore silly Christmas shirts, played with virtual backgrounds, and sang all the holiday songs together. 

It was an hour filled with warmth and love via Zoom, and we wish the same for you and yours today and every day! ❤️💚
This week, Ms. Anissa made things a little extra f This week, Ms. Anissa made things a little extra festive for her clients who celebrate Christmas in their virtual sessions and lessons.🎄💻

We LOVE using Zoom backgrounds to add a little something extra to our Telehealth sessions at AMT! They're lovely for facilitating conversation, play, and creating more immersive therapeutic experiences.

PS: There's still time to snag  holiday gift certificates for virtual music lessons, adapted lessons, and music therapy sessions in sets of 2, 3, or more. DM or email us at admin@annapolismusictherapy.com for more details. We can't think of a better way to kick off 2021 than with music lessons or MT sessions for your loved ones!
🎉We could not be MORE EXCITED to announce that 🎉We could not be MORE EXCITED to announce that Naomi Davis is joining the AMT team in 2021 as our newest music therapist!🎉

She's officially finished her internship with us, and we just couldn't bear to let her go. Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Naomi over the last 6 months knows that Naomi is brilliant, kind, creative, and a wonderful therapist, and we know she'll be a perfect fit at AMT. We can't wait to watch her step into this new role as music therapist starting January 4th.

Welcome to the team, Naomi!💛
✨Your favorite small business to the rescue!✨ ✨Your favorite small business to the rescue!✨

We'd be honored to help you bring the gift of music to your loved ones this holiday season. We're now offering gift certificates for virtual music lessons, adapted lessons, and music therapy sessions in sets of 2, 3, or more if you'd like to customize a package! 

DM us or email admin@annapolismusictherapy.com so we can curate your gift today. 🎶
😍How sweet is this virtual moment with Miss Nao 😍How sweet is this virtual moment with Miss Naomi?!😍

Talk about warm fuzzies! Our family music class teachers are so loving, kind, and positive that little ones bond quickly with them...even through a screen. We hope you'll join us this Friday for our last  Family Music Makers Zoom class of 2020! Drop in rates are $15 per family (all siblings welcome for no additional charge). 

Learn more & register here:
https://annapolismusictherapy.com/family-music-classes/

[All photos & video shared with permission]
🎶This year, you can give the gift of music to a 🎶This year, you can give the gift of music to a loved one via Telehealth!🎶

We're excited to offer new client discounts for children, teens, and adults who may want to give Telehealth sessions a try in 2020. Our new discount covers individual music therapy sessions, music lessons (adaptive and traditional), and mental health services for people of all ages and diagnoses.

Background:
We used to provide a free assessment session for a pressure free way to try out services, but in this age of Telehealth, we know that it may be helpful to have a low commitment, low cost option that spans multiple weeks. 

In response, we're offering something even better: 
Your choice of 3-30 minute Telehealth sessions or 2-45 minute Telehealth sessions ($150 value - still essentially one session free!). We'll work with you or your loved one to set up their sessions with one of our incredible team members, and will send you a certficate that you can wrap or mail them!

DM or contact us today (410-697-1812 or admin@annapolismusictherapy.com) to purchase today!

🌟Visit https://annapolismusictherapy.com to learn more about our services.🌟
Ms.Zoe offers insight into tomorrow's "My Faith, Y Ms.Zoe offers insight into tomorrow's "My Faith, Your Faith" music class! We're tuned into to challenges of navigating conversations with kids about faith, religious expression, and the ways we can support our friends and community members of all different faiths this holiday season! 💙

Join us tomorrow at 6:30pm EST via Zoom for 30 minutes of play-based, engaging experiences centered on this very topic. Free & donation-based registration available! 100% of proceeds support @rise_arts_center 

Register via Eventbrite link in profile!
We hope to see you this Thursday at 6:30pm EST for We hope to see you this Thursday at 6:30pm EST for our LAST virtual Just the Way You Are class of the year! Join us from anywhere on any device. We sure can't wait to see and make music with your family as we center our discussions on celebrating different expressions of faith this holiday season.

Free & donation based registrations available via Eventbrite. 100% of proceeds support scholarships for young artists in Baltimore to attend @rise_arts_center programming!

Register your 0-4 year old here (siblings also welcome!):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-the-way-you-are-my-faith-your-faith-tickets-118377003805
Our team is so proud to work with this incredible Our team is so proud to work with this incredible young artists.💛

Repost from @rise_arts_center
•
🎧🎉This fall we have been so lucky to partner with @annapolismusictherapy to provide an arts intergration class and a songwriting class! 

Check out a sneak peek of our students’ original lyrics to their upcoming song!!!! So proud of our young artists!! 
Huge shoutout to our team at AMT @songsforsuccess  @_naomi.gabrielle_ @wv_zoe 🎉🎉
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