November 7, 2009 - Listen & Learn Music

Listen & Learn Music is a large resource of original songs and activities for children created by Rachel Rambach. Rachel is a music therapist at the Hope Institute for Children & Families and wrote Listen and Learn: Educational songs for school, home, and play.

Michelle Erfurt is the owner of Erfurt Music Therapy, a private company devoted to improving the quality of life and personal growth of others through the promotion of quality products and services for music therapists. She has partnered with Rachel to publish and promote the Listen and Learn songbook.

Listen to The Music Therapy Show at 5:00 EST/4:00 CST/3:00 MST/2:00 PST as we talk to Rachel Rambach, MM, MT-BC, and Michelle Erfurt, MT-BC, NMT about Listen and Learn Music.

You can find more information about Listen and Learn Music at www.listenlearnmusic.com.

Rachel is also a guest blogger and music contributor at Songs For Teaching.

Learn more about Michelle Erfurt at www.erfurtmusictherapy.com

October 31, 2009 - We're Back!

This week is the beginning of regularly scheduled shows, each Saturday at 5:00 Eastern. Except this show is at 4:30 Eastern. I'm going to share some tips for using music to teach concepts of time management. Listen here.

October 3, 2009 - Anita Louise Steele

I've been out sick for two weeks, but now I'm back and ready to speak with you all again!

My guest this week is Anita Louise Steele, Director of Music Therapy at Ohio University. Professor Steele was the creator and Director of Music Therapy as well as a practicing clinician at The Cleveland Music School Settlement from 1966 until 2003. In that position she managed a large department of music therapists and developed service contracts with schools, hospitals, treatment centers and nursing homes. She designed the community-based model for delivery of music therapy services and a community based training model for music therapy interns. In addition, Professor Steele was instrumental in the development of a music therapy degree program in the greater Cleveland area and was its first instructor.

Join me Live at 5:00 EDT/4:00 CDT/3:00 MDT/2:00 PDT. Call in with questions or comments about music therapy 646-652-2850. Missed the live show? Listen to the archives by clicking on the player at the right or subscribe to the show in iTunes!

September 5, 2009 - Remembering Barry Bernstein

"Bongo" Barry Bernstein, 55, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Music Therapy. While a music therapy consultant for the Blue Valley School District he performed at libraries and schools around the region. Barry will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations on behalf of Barry to the Barry Bernstein Education Fund, c/o Healthy Sounds, P.O. Box 40304, Overland Park, KS 66204.

Barry, you were my first introduction to drumming that was accessible to "non-percussionists" at a music therapy conference. I have used the techniques I learned in that course you taught for all 15 years Ive been in practice as a music therapist and will continue to do so. Thank you for all that you have done for the profession. You have made the world a better place.

This week's show is dedicated to Barry Bernstein and will feature some of the percussion techniques I learned from him.

The Music Therapy Show will air on Saturday, September 5, 5:00 EDT/4:00
CDT/3:00 MDT/2:00 PDT at www.blogtalkradio.com/jharrismtbc. The call in number is
646-652-2850. Please share your memories of Barry and your favorite percussion techniques.

August 29, 2009 - No show today

I'm trying to squeeze the last bit of relaxation out of the summer, so I'm taking the day off today. I would love to hear from you about what you like and what topics you would like to hear about.

Enjoy one of the archived shows this weekend.

August 22, 2009 - Secondary Trauma

Secondary trauma or Vicarious Trauma can occur when you see or hear a traumatic event. The trauma does not affect you directly, but you feel its effects. This is NOT a sign of weakness--it is normal to be affected by graphic descriptions of victimization or suffering when you really care about others. People who work directly with trauma can also experience secondary trauma. Nurses, physicians, emergency workers, therapists are all at risk for secondary trauma.

This week, Kimberly Sena Moore will return to talk about secondary trauma and how to take care of yourself.


I'd love to know what you think about this topic or about the show. Please leave a comment and let me know!

August 15, 2009 - No Show

I am hosting the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Region of the American Music Therapy Association as President this Saturday. Check in next week, when Kimberly Sena Moore returns as my guest to talk about secondary trauma and self care.

August 8, 2009 -- Chip Music

Scott F is my guest today to talk about 8-bit, or chip, music. I am very excited to learn about this method of music-making and composing. Scott sent over a sample of his work that I am going to play so you can hear what this type of music sounds like.

Listen here.

What do you think of chip music? Leave a comment and let me know!