Music Therapy: What is it and Who is it Helping?

Most people have had the experience of a particular song lifting their lousy mood. Although it feels like a simple fix when you're in a rut, an entire industry is helping people everyday using the science behind this concept.

As described by the American Music Therapy Association, "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 an individual. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music..." (Read more at http://www.musictherapy.org/about/musictherapy/)

Music therapy helps patients of all ages with a large range of needs; from developmental & learning disabilities, social disorders, aging related conditions, brain and physical disabilities, and more.  Helping children communicate better, adults remember more, people with behavioral problems get a better hold of themselves; these are just some of the amazing benefits that can be reached with help from the therapists who specialize in music therapy.

Kim After (left) and Erin Frees (right), from the article discussed below

To bring some perspective, I wanted to highlight an article in the Star Tribune written by Erinn Frees, a music therapist at a Children's Hospital in Minnesota. She chose to highlight five things you might not know about music therapy (in this case, particularly regarding children):

1) Music therapy Isn't Just for Fun
2) A child doesn't need to be a musician or have musical experience to benefit from music therapy
3) We always use patient-preferred music
4) Music therapists are not just musicians waiting to make our next big break on "American Idol"
5) We don't just sing and play instruments

For the explanation behind each factor above, please read the complete article.


If you have someone in your life who may benefit from music therapy, visit the American Music Therapy Association for more information and resources.


Check back next week to see our blog post, which is a tribute to Maya Angelou: her relationship with and her influence on music.


Heather (iCA President)

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FUN Trumpet Videos Everyone Will Enjoy

This week the iCA team is attending the 39th Annual Conference of the International Trumpet Guild. There are musicians of all ages, levels, and walks of life.

In honor of our attending this show, I thought I would take a break from our regularly scheduled blogging, and have some fun with YouTube. See below for some entertaining Trumpet videos. These videos are fun for everyone, from professional trumpet players to non-musician friends. Enjoy!



Classic

Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong - "Umbrella Man"

Cat Anderson - "Summertime"

Kids

I had to include two of Geoffrey Gallante, he's so good!

Little Bobby Harrison

And finally, a quick dog video...

Check back next week to see our blog post, which is all about music therapy, really!


Heather (iCA President)
www.InstrumentCareApparel.com

Aztec Hope Youth Orchestra: Changing Lives

60 orchestras and choirs. More than 13,000 youth and 800 teachers. Two countries.

This is the impact that Esperanza Azteca (Aztec Hope Youth Orchestra) has had on many youth in Mexico, and now El Salvador. Driven by Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego, the organization works with the government to bring music to low-inocme youth. Over 70% of the youth, ages 5-17 have no previous musical experience. They learn everything from the correct stance when playing their instruments, to reading music. The organization is for students who want to commit;  with many students who join the orchestras moving closer so they can attend the hours of daily rehearsal. As you can see below, it pays off.

The organization reaches forward with ambitious goals that I have no doubt they will meet: 74 orchestras by the end of the year; 500,000 youth and teachers reached within 10 years.

With impressive milestones already met, I wanted to highlight Emperanza Azteca, as well as the leader behind it.

If you want to help the organization reach even more youth, please visit their "Association of Friends" page to find out how, or visit their donation page.



Check back next week to see our blog post, which is all about music therapy.


Heather (iCA President)
www.InstrumentCareApparel.com

How to Choose a Child's First Instrument, and Why It Matters

Perhaps one musician started their first instrument at home, age 4; another musician was in school, age 11; a third was with friends, age 15.
No matter the story, the importance is the same: these beginnings helped them reach their professional and life goals. Whether only playing in youth, playing as a hobby, becoming a teacher, or a professional; the influence of that first instrument led each musician where they are today.

That leads us to the question: how do we choose the best instrument for each child?

This is a complicated question that spans in involvement from parents to teachers. I want to look at the question from the viewpoint:
What can parents do at an early age to help foster their children's interest in a musical instrument? Particularly an instrument that is a good fit for them.

Image from: 

http://www.fulltimenanny.com/blog/helping-your-child-choose-a-musical-instrument/

I have compiled a list of points that can help broaden parents minds, and help their children find the instrument that's right for them.

• Expose children to multiple types of music, so they hear different instruments and sounds
• It's easy to only listen to what we like, but exposing our children to different types of music broadens their perspective.
• Take them to see live music
• Any experience to see live music will broaden a child's view.
• Some music stores, schools, symphonies, etc. offer "instrument petting zoos," which allow children to get up close and personal with instruments.
•  Let them choose, but make sure they learn the basics
• A child may have a different idea of what they want to play than their parent. Instead of worrying what instrument they chose, focus on finding them a good teacher and making sure they learn the basics. Once they know music theory, they can move between instruments with much more ease.
• Pricing
• Instruments are expensive. Researching ahead of time can help you know your (realistic) options before you start the discussion with your child.
• Consider their age
• Piano and violin are physically good for younger children (under 6), and good for helping them understand sounds and learn the basic foundations to grow into other instruments, should they want to.
• Giving them the foundations will allow them to grow into instruments that are a better physical fit when they are older (for example the physical difficulty of getting sound from a trumpet). 
• Listen to your child
• As with anything, ask your child why they like or dislike an instrument, and listen to their answer. It may help you guide them, and what they say may surprise you.
• Try, try, try!
• Encourage them to try! No amount of musical exposure is going to hurt.

Most of you have been there yourselves. Many of you have children who have been there. And many of you have children who will be there. The bottom line is, choosing a first instrument instrument can be an important part of a child's life. I hope these tips help make the process a little easier, or at least give you something to think about.

Need something to lighten the decision? If in doubt, you could always try this silly, if not fun, Matcher Quiz: What Instrument Is Right For My Child? But remember, the most important part is to listen to your child!



Resources:
http://lancasteronline.com/lifestyle/how-to-help-your-child-choose-a-musical-instrument/article_1085d2b6-c31f-11e3-8952-0017a43b2370.html
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/helping-your-child-choose-the-right-instrument/
http://www.fulltimenanny.com/blog/helping-your-child-choose-a-musical-instrument/


Check back next week to see our blog post, which is about one leader who is bringing the opportunity to play music to hundreds of children in his area.


Heather (iCA President)
www.InstrumentCareApparel.com