If You Can't Find Anyone To Sing With, Duet Yourself!

So, now that you have an understanding of how awesome Music Therapy is, lets move on.

 Second week of internship was a lot more enjoyable, I was able to get myself organized and get a handle of at least all the book work I am supposed to accomplish over the next six months.  I was also able to spend a lot more time on the floor and do a lot of observing and listening.

My favorite day this week was Tuesday.  I spent the day at another branch of UH and followed their MT.  We saw six patients, which is actually kind of a lot!  The most amazing thing I saw, which I will probably hold onto for the rest of my life, was a patient who was curled over in extreme pain and sobbing.  Unfortunately, this patient was not really able to communicate well.  Without hesitation, the MT and I went right in and started to play and sing.  I held her hand and harmonized with the therapist. We then realized she was not just having pain, she was extremely lonely. It took her a long time to start to calm down, the therapist tried many different techniques until she started singing and playing songs like Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” Tina Turner, Spirituals, things of that genre.  Immediately the patients affect turned around, she calmed down, even started singing (mouthing) the words!  I could not believe it, the nurses had been trying everything for this patient but nothing had worked, yet as soon as we found that outlet and her preferred music, we built a trusting relationship with her and she was able to lay back calmly and watch TV.  Not even ten minutes later, we heard this LOUD scream; it was the same patient.  Her bedding was being changed, and so was she.  With nurses cleaning her and moving her around, it was painful and traumatic.  We went back in and started singing and playing, right away she grabed the MT's hand and pointed at me and smiled.  She was still crying but was “singing” through it, and even kissed the therapist’s hand a couple of times.  By the end of the procedural cleaning and change, the patient was laughing along with the nurses.

It was truly amazing to see how we could enter this person’s world with music and connect with them when speech and other mediums were not working.  With that music, we were able to build a relationship, and provide support and comfort--not to mention, she forgot about her pain. 

Music Therapy is all based on preferred music.  We are not going to come in and force you to play a song by Justin Beiber if you like The Rolling Stones, it just doesn’t make sense!  Music Therapists have to build a repertoire of songs starting from the 1910’s to NOW so we can be ready for whoever comes our way.  Occasionally we find we may be at a little bit of a loss, such as when we’re asked to play heavy metal.  I was once told by a client that they prefer old school rap—good thing I knew a whole verse of a Biggie song and used it successfully. *Brushes shoulders off*  Knowing a huge range of music not only makes me a better musician, more well rounded in MY personal preferences, but obviously, a better therapist. 

I’ve yet to come across a client who prefers the same kind of music I do.  Well, besides the older generation who loves jazz and showtunes.  Otherwise, I’m still waiting for someone to want some, I don’t know, Gavin Degraw or some awesome alternative stuff. 

This brings me to a discussion I had with one of my supervisors on Friday, musical genres are becoming less and less specific.  For example, not only do you have rock, you have indie rock, alternative rock, 60’s rock..!!  That is going to change and challenge our field greatly.  We are going to have to learn so many more songs and genres to adjust to our future clients, because lets face it, we aren’t going to have too many more people telling us their favorite song is “5ft 2, Eyes of Blue."---> Alright MTs lets all start building our remixing skills!

Anyway, what I got out of my second week was that I need to start building my rep and also having the patience to figure out what speaks to each individual can be one of the most beneficial thing one can do in the therapeutic process.  Each week, no, each day continues to show me all the amazing things music therapy and music therapists can do.

Other things I learned:

         How to (functionally) play and tune an autoharp

         Improvisational skills on guitar

         Silence is OKAY!

         Listen. To. Everyone. (and RETAIN IT)

         Actions speak louder than words.

I will leave you with one of my preferred the songs which I am actually listening to right now.

 Dance With Me by The Sounds.

I’d be interested to know what YOUR preferred music is…leave a comment if you want tell me your favorite song or band/singer, perhaps I'll learn one and play it in a future blog post!

I hope everyone has an AMAZING week. Thanks for reading!

Although Louis Arm'strong Enough To Play A Trumpet, Would It Be Strong Enough To Be A Music Therapist?!

Week 2 was a success, although somehow it feels like week 20! Only in my second week, I feel as though I am growing as a professional, musician, therapist, and as a person!  And I would like to say, if I ever harped on you for not wanting to go out on a weeknight, I am sorry....working is exhausting! (Rough life, I know)

At times, I really feel I am one of the luckiest people! I get to help people all day long with music, the thing I may just love the most--besides family and all that jazz of course.

WAIT.
Before I go any further, it has come to my attention that perhaps you are not aware of what exactly I am trying to do and accomplish through this internship...this simply will not do and it is just crazy that I didn't start my blog with this nonsense--I suppose I'll have to write two entries this week.



So, you sing and make people feel better!? Thats so nice!
Um, that's not really it.

                                                        WHAT DO YOU EVEN DO!?

Music therapists have a degree and must pass a board certification test to become credentialed.  Music therapy is evidence based, and supported through research in our own journals and resources as well as medical, scientific, psychology, and education resources. 

"Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals." 
     -AMTA Website
http://www.musictherapy.org/

As a music therapist I obtain a referral and first assess a client/patient and based on the identified non-musical needs, weaknesses, or already set goals, I implement musical interventions (or activities-- we try not to use the word activity) like singing, moving, playing, listening, etc. to achieve and help those needs and goals!  Music processing does not have a specific area of the brain (unless you specifically look at hearing) so it can reach people in so many different and amazing ways. Music can affect the brain and the psyche differently because it is such an innate and biological thing to us as human beings.

We work with basically any kind of disability or population you can think of.  In my internship (to name a few) I am specifically working with:
-Cancer patients (pain, coping, procedural support, etc.)
-Clients with mood disorders
-Hospice
-Neurological hospitalizations
-SICU

In the future, I hope to do more research and work with the hearing impaired and NICU babies and families.

Overall, its an amazing field.  I encourage anyone to support it, do research on it, or just listen to me ramble about it.

Music Therapy in the media:  CHECK THIS STUFF OUT

Sing You Home (Book)

Musicohilia (Book)--not music therapy but awesome stories about music and the brain

The Music Never Stopped (Movie)

Senator Giffords (Her personal story of being shot and MT being a huge part of her road to recover)

There is so much more out there...but this should get you started!

It is NOT natural to be THAT sharp.

Well, I survived the first week!

It feels really good to be getting settled in and focused.  The first couple days were very administrative, but after that, it was time to dive in headfirst!

Everyone kept telling me, just breathe because the first week makes you feel like your head is going to explode—tons of information, assignment plans, expectations--everything thrown at you at once.  Now that it’s the weekend, it all seems doable with focus and hard work.  I’ll admit that school came a little easy to me, and I really didn’t put in 100% effort.  With this internship though, I know I have to put in every ounce of effort I’ve got.  Looking at everything I am supposed to accomplish over the next 5/6 months, I realized I am going to be an amazing therapist. I am definitely in the right place if I want to be ready for the professional world.

                                                             TOO LEGIT TO QUIT!

Things I’ve learned:

 I DO NOT have enough professional clothes. (oh darn, looks like I have to go shopping)

Mental health is scary and also one of the most interesting populations I am going to work with.

Everyone messes up.

The hospital cafeteria is actually pretty awesome.

Cleveland roads, are terrible, really, REALLY terrible.

SOB stands for “short of breath,” not…the other thing.

My co-intern is just awesome; she’s almost like another version of me, except a little more together because she’s been at it for 3 months already.  I hope I am as organized and successful as her when I become someone’s senior intern.  It’s nice to have her around to talk to, hang out, and ask questions, otherwise I may just be completely lost and a little lonely!

I have 4 supervisors, each one different and amazing in their own way.  Each also has their own specialty: psych, hospice, cancer, physical rehab, etc.

I’ve found my jogging route, have gotten myself downtown a few times, and I am starting to learn the ins and outs of Cleveland! (Finally made it to the rock and roll hall of fame—go there its pretty great)  The woman I live with is nothing but nice and each day gets better and easier.  Not only has my family been amazing these past 7 days, but my friends too.  Calling me, FaceTime-ing me, and I am SO thankful for that, that constant reminder that I’m loved, missed, and CAN do this!  I have people coming to visit me today as well as next weekend—I am too excited! 

Random cool story to wrap up:  A Korean film crew was following our department around because they are making a documentary about music therapy around the world.  The one guy who spoke English knew where Leesburg, VA was and said “Isn’t that the place with the huge outlet mall?”  Talk about a small world!
(Also, I guess I’ll be famous in Korea)

Anywho, that was the short, sweet, and scattered version of my week.  I have a feeling I could write an entire novel for each post, but I shall spare you. 

Have an amazing week everyone :)

Breaking into song, because I can't find the key.

Holy cow, I can’t believe the day has come!  I am shipping off to Ohio! Already behind on readings because they forgot to send me the reading list...........

You know what though, I'm PUMPED.

The whole internship process seems like I started it two days ago, it happened faster than a Tallahassee second " ;) "

After switching majors, I just dove head first in the therapy world and the time to apply for internships just creeped up on me—wasn’t I just making my first parachute supplemental out of a bed sheet?
I remember my friend Kristen and I thinking “Shouldn’t they have warned us about this?”

Perhaps to give you some idea: appropriate internship searching starts about 9 months to a year in advance.

Going off AMTA rules of applying for only 4 internships at one time, I found my top four, and gathered recommendations, transcripts, etc. After sending out my first two applications to a hospital in TX and University Hospitals in OH, I was lucky enough to score an interview at both! 

The interview process was BEYOND scary; not knowing exactly what they’d ask you or tell you to play.  I thought I did well on my interview for TX and bombed Ohio’s, which apparently wasn't the case at all.  They asked questions about myself, my schooling, my philosophy, and situational questions.

 I applaud everyone doing these things. I prayed I did not have to do anymore..

Which, I didn’t.

At this point I was thinking I REALLY want to go to Texas because I want to live near my best friend, and well, TX is awesome.  On the other hand, OH would be the opportunity of a lifetime, how will I pick!? Fortunately, they made it pretty easy: TX told me no and OH told me yes. Funny I suppose.

From there, I thought my only stress would be worrying if I had to become a Cleveland Browns fan.

WRONG.

I was so relieved to have landed the internship, I thought I could just enjoy my last semesters at SU. Yet, as time carried on (as it usually does) realizations and realities set in.  I’ve never lived farther than an hour away from home.  What if I fail? What if my repertoire sucks?  What are my boyfriend and I going to do? Etc. Etc.

That’s basically where I am right now…nervous about the unknown.

Granted, each day it gets a little better, and I get a little a lot more excited.  Everyone I've spoken to is nothing but nice and assures me it is like one giant family.  I’ll admit I still have a little bit of fear, that's expected, but I am fully confident I will be fine, I will learn, and I will succeed.   

BYEEE VA see ya soon.

And you can tell everybody, this is your blog.

Hello there friend, family member, SU colleague, random internet browser, or future music therapy intern!  I am so glad you stumbled upon my blog!

I am about to start probably the most frightening yet amazing journey of my life, my internship. I wanted to write this blog for a couple reasons: to keep everyone updated on all the amazing things I’ll be learning and experiencing over the next six months, and also to provide some sort of, comfort, or reassurance, or normalization, or SOMETHING of that nature to future interns.  Simply because, well honestly, this is kinda scary! 

Careful—its about to get reallllll cheesy with a bunch of music puns…

A poem by Dallas Clayton:

Every time I read this poem, I relate to it in a different way.  Today when I read it, I think, I know what kind of song I am as a person, a friend, a student, but what kind of song will I be as an intern or a therapist?  I want to be something amazing, inspiring, and beautifully written.  I have earned a spot in one of the top internships and I want to live up to that standard. 

“What could your song do, and who would sing along to the song that was you?”

I know my song will sometimes sound dissonant with mistakes or struggles, but I want it to help people in this hospital. I want to become the best intern and therapist I can be.  But most of all, I hope in the end, I’LL want to be the one to sing along to my song.