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I have moved!!!

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www.mtequalslove.com

Blogging Tool Kit

Hey all! This is a special post about making over a blog. I definitely am not an expert and still have soooo much more to learn! But for those of you who are struggling to get started blogging and new to everything blog, I'm here to help! It took me a long time to get to the point I am at which still isn't very far. It was a frustrating and confusing journey to learn all of the new computer tasks required to make a great blog. I definitely have to give thanks to several music therapists with blogs of their own. I asked several about what programs and websites they used to create different graphics, fonts, and templates. Special thanks to Rachel See Smith over at Music Therapy Services of Austin, Amy Kalas at Wholesome Harmonies Music Therapy, Rachel Rambach at Listen and Learn Music, and Mundana Music Therapy for answering personal questions, providing me with awesome resources, and/or helpful blog posts!!!

Here is a list of websites for different blogging needs!

Mail Chimp - This is a free way to send out personalized newsletters to subscribers of your blog.
PicMonkey - A very easy way to personalize and add fun creations to a photo.
Microsoft Office Images - You can always find free images and clip art here.
Kevin & Amanda - This is a really great place to find fun and quirky handwriting fonts.
Da Font - Another great place to find fun fonts.
Scribd - This is a place to upload and share digital documents.
UploadNSell - This is the easy and perfect place to upload documents or e-books to sell on your blog.
Band Camp - Here you can upload your own personal recordings and share or sell them.
Web Treats - A place to find textures and graphics for free.
Digital Design Essentials - This site is similar to web treats but sells cheap design kits.
Gimp - This is an intense photo editing software that is a lot like Photo Shop but it's FREE!  I have found it to be complicating at first since I have never learned a program like this.  But I am watching YouTube video tutorials and online resources for learning.  So far I like what I see!  I created my blog header and this post's image from Gimp and was very proud of myself. :)

If you know of any other great resources, please share below in the comments section!

There's an app for that....AutoRap!!

I discovered this new app from Smule the other day and I love it!  I have a client that loves it!  It is a great app for kids or teens who like to rap or listen to Rap music.  It is extremely easy.  All you do is say a few sentences into the microphone and it creates a beat and auto-tunes your voice to fit the time.  Anyone can sound like a pro!  Plus it's FREE!

Finding Strength

This past week has been a very hard one for my husband's family.  They lost a very dear aunt today who was more like a grandmother to my husband than anything.  I have seen such strength in this family that is unbelievable.  Everyone came together to say their last goodbyes and it was very meaningful to all of them.  I found myself challenged.  I definitely have become close with her over the years through my husband and his extended family.  She was one of the kindest and most caring women I have ever met.  So naturally it was extremely easy to favor her.  I was asked to lead "Amazing Grace" as the family stood in a circle in the ICU around her bed.  It was extremely tough to get through the whole song without weeping.  As I sang, people joined in and stopped singing as they cried.  I had to hold it together as I sang through the first and last verse.  I could tell that with everyone singing this classic song, it meant more than words.  They felt the bond of everyone present intertwined with her spirit.  I felt that with my training as a music therapist, this helped me to keep focused on serving others that day.  It reminded me more than ever that my job is not about me.  It is all about who can be touched and what benefits can be received from music's healing properties.

Sunday Serenade 3: Four Seasons

 This is the third addition to my series Sunday Serenade.  The last couple weeks I have not been able to post due to being extremely busy!  I will try to post more regularly as much as I can.  This week, I would like to share a song with you that I wrote called, "Four Seasons."  I have been working with several of my clients on answering wh questions.  I found that a few of them have trouble answer when questions involving the seasons.  An example can include:  "When do you usually make a snowman?"  Another question I could ask is "When is it really hot outside?"  These are questions that definitely require previous knowledge of the four seasons.  So that is why I created this song describing characteristics of all the seasons.  I have been using this for over a month and I have definitely seen some improvement.  One of my clients is able to tell me all four of the seasons before we even start singing this song.  Before he could only tell me one.  Repetition with this song has been a huge factor in improvement.

 Take a listen below and you can purchase the mp3 by hitting buy underneath.  Also, if you would like to purchase the chord sheet music, hit the BUY NOW button.

There's an app for that....Falling Stars!

Even though I posted a whole month worth of iPad apps, being the enthusiast I am, I cannot resist to continue posting my favorite new apps for music therapy.  Today's post is centered around the app, "Falling Stars."  It is similar to "Soundrop" but in my opinion way more awesome!  With this app, you get to drop the stars on different lines that you drew.  The fun thing about the lines you draw is that they can be leaves, squiggles, etc.  Each type of line makes a different sound such as percussion, marimba, etc.  I love this app.  I showed a few of my clients today and they were having a lot of fun.  I actually found myself drawn in listening to the sounds and went over my session time because I was so immersed.  Let me know in the comment section if you love this FREE app too!!

This app is great for:

Fine Motor Skills
Sound Discrimination
Attention

Sunday Serenade 2: Wide Awake

For today's Sunday Serenade, I thought I would post one of my recent favorites.  The song is "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry.  The reason I like this song so much is because it can be interpreted many different ways which is perfect for songwriting or lyric analysis.  It is great for the junior high teenage population because it is current and popular and still gives a good message.  I use this with my clients by having them explain what each line means to them and how they relate to it.  I, also, can create blanks in place of words and have them fill in their own.  So here it is:

Sunday Serenade 1: I Know A Chicken

Hey hey!  I'm back!  Yes I know it has been a month since I have written.  I had to recuperate after blogging every day for a month.  That was my first try at daily posts and boy was it hard!  Don't get me wrong, I had a blast!  But I just needed a little break before jumping in again.  So today I am introducing a new series I have started called Sunday Serenade.  Every Sunday, I will serenade you with a new video post of my favorite songs used for music therapy interventions or my favorite songs in general.  One of my hobbies is posting the latest and greatest music in cover form.  So enjoy my new series with this first video post:  I Know a Chicken by Laurie Berkner Band!

1 month of apps!

 Well folks, I had a great time putting together this list of apps.  I hope you found at least a few on this list that will serve you well with clients, students, work, or just for fun.  Now if you don't mind, go to the bottom of this post and press one of the buttons to share this blog with other iPad enthusiasts.  Here are all of the apps listed by day.  Click to view each post:

1.  OnSong
2.  Magnetic Alphabet
3.  Dr. Seuss Band
4.  Bottle Xylophone
5.  Super Duper Data Tracker
6, 7, & 8.  Pinterest, Box, and Blogsy
9.  DocScan
10.  VidRhythm
11.  Go Rewards
12.  Pandora
13.  Thumbafon
14.  Sign Now
15.  Percussions+
16.  Virtuoso Piano
17.  D-Volution Percussions
18.  Square
19.  Choice Board Creator
20.  Sound Brush
21.  Magic Piano
22 & 23.  Glee and Ukelele
24.  Simon Says-Musical Instruments
25 & 26.  iMovie and Autism Xpress
27, 28, & 29.  Piano Dust Buster, Space Houst, and Pitch Pipe
30.  Aeolian Harp

30 days of apps: Day 30

Day 30: Aeolian Harp


Description:

Aeolian Harp is a relaxing app showcasing different sounds and colors.  Within this app there are 4 different sections of sounds.  You can choose what instrument you would like for each section.  Some instruments include marimba, xyllophone, etc.  As you play, notes and colors follow your finger and stay behind.

MT Applications:

1.  Relaxation
2.  Fine Motor Skills
3.  Choice Making
4.  Reward

Well that's all folks!!!  Stay tuned for more great posts to come!  I hope you enjoyed my 30 day iPad series!  Please share with other iPad enthusiasts!  Tomorrow I will make a post including links to every post created this month so it can be accessed all in one place.

30 days of apps: Day 27, 28, and 29

So sorry for the delay in apps!  I was a bridesmaid this weekend and was very busy!  Hopefully I can make it up to you by posting 3 apps today.  And tomorrow is my last day!  Don't worry I won't stop posting after that.  I have another series in mind but it probably won't be a daily series.  I need to rest before I try that again!  Here goes:

Day 27:  Dust Buster

Description:

Dust Buster is a piano lesson app designed for kids and adults alike.  You can either practice the touch piano on the iPad or practice with a real piano using the app.  It shows a grandma dusting the germs off keys every time you play.  It is similar to my app Dr. Seuss Band  but uses the piano.

MT Applications:

1.  Fine Motor Skills
2.  Sequencing
3.  Impulse Control
4.  Attention

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 Day 28:  Space House

Description:

This is a wacky app that has three spheres with different sounds attached.  You can press one sphere to play melody, one to play voice, and one to play the beat.  If you play all three together you get music in all corners of the screen.  Move the spheres around to change it up.

MT Applications:

1.  Fine Motor Skills
2.  Reward
3.  Sound Discrimination

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 Day 29:  Pitch Pipe

Description:

Pitch pipe is just what it sounds like.  It is a pitch pipe.  If you need to hear a pitch to sing or play on an instrument, this is the right app for you.

30 days of apps: Day 25 & 26

Day 25:  iMovie

Description:

iMovie is a really neat app that allows you to edit video and slideshows.  You can incorporate pictures, video, sounds, etc.  It allows you to choose from different styles of video whether it be neon, modern, or travel.  You can also create trailers for movies, life, or for fun.

MT Applications:

1.  Self Expression
2.  Emotional Expression
3.  Life Review
4.  Social Interaction
5.  Choice Making

Here is a video preview of iMovie:

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 Day 26:  Autism Xpress

Description:

Autsim Xpress is an app that allows people to choose a face that represents their emotions.  There are many options including: happy, sad, nervous, hungry, angry, etc.  Once you press a face, the screen changes to that face's reaction.  If you press happy, the face starts to laugh.  This is a great way for nonverbal clients to express how they are feeling.  
 

30 days of apps: Day 24

 
Day 24:  Abby-Simon Says-Musical Instruments

Description:

This version of simon says is free and uses musical instruments.  Basically "Abby" talks you through the game.  She tells when to "listen" and when to play.  It is great for clients needing extra instruction.  The premise of the game is to press the same buttons as the game.  When you miss, you get a score at the end.

MT Applications:

1.  Sustained Attention
2.  Impulse Control
3.  Sequencing
4.  Fine Motor Skills

30 days of apps: Day 22 &23

 
Day 22:  Glee


Description:


Glee is an app that allows you to sing familiar songs from a list.  With this app, auto-tune can be turned on or off allowing anybody to sing on pitch.  Each song cost a certain amount to purchase.  You can also compete with others around the world gaining points.

MT Applications:


1.  Self Expression
2.  Choice Making
3.  Speech Articulation/ Fluency

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Day 23:  Ukelele


Description:


Ukelele sounds very similar to the real instrument and allows you to pick songs to play.  It positions the chords in order and you play them while singing the song.  You have to be familiar with the song already if you want to accompany yourself with Ukelele.

MT Applications:


1.  Fine Motor Skills
2.  Improvisation
3.  Choice Making
4.  Sequencing

30 days of apps: Day 21

Day 21:  Magic Piano

Description:

Magic is a fun and interactive piano app that allows you to play songs from a large list, play with other people around the world, and play 3 different whimsical pianos just for fun.  This is one of the apps that I use all the time and my clients love it!

MT Applications:

1.  Fine Motor Skills
2.  Attention (they follow the lights to play correct notes)
3.  Sequencing
4.  Improvisation
5.  Reward
6.  Impulse Control

30 days of apps: Day 20

Day 20:  Sound Brush

Description:

Sound Brush is a unique app in which you can paint a picture and music will sound.  The music is very soothing and relaxing when you paint.  This app is 1.99.

MT Applications:

1.  Relaxation
2.  Fine Motor Skills
3.  Color Identification
4.  Emotional Expression

Here is a video explaining more about its capabilities:

 

30 days of apps: Day 19

Day 19:  Choice Board Creator

Description:

Choice Board Creator is an app where you can attach pictures, text, and/or sound to a number of boxes.  You choose how many boxes you would like on screen up to 6 I believe.  You can incorporate anything you want to.  In the picture above, I used this board for the song "Old McDonald" having clients point to animals being sung about.

MT Applications:

1.  Client Preferences
2.  Visual Aids
3.  Communication (in particular for nonverbal clients)
4.  Sequencing

  

30 days of apps: Day 18

 
Day 18:  Square

Description:

If you run a music therapy private practice, this is a great thing to have!  Download the app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android and go to square.com.  You can receive a free Square card reader!  All you do is put in your bank account information where you will be receiving funds from others and for every swipe, square receives 2.75%.  Not bad considering this little item is free and easy to handle.  I think it's much easier than bulky credit card machines that still take out a percentage.  With square, you can receive funds anywhere from your phone or iPad.  Tired of cashing all those checks, get Square and you don't have to.  Funds go directly to your bank account every night after you have swiped.

Check out the website here and receive your free Square today.

30 days of apps: Day 17

Day 17:  D-Volution Percussions

Description:

This app isn't a whole lot different from Percussions+ which I discussed a couple of days ago.  The difference is that this one is FREE.  I would have posted this one first but I just found it.  It does not have the option to play your own music but you can create loops that can be positioned within the app.  You can play multiple percussion instruments and record your performance.

MT Applications:

1.  Fine Motor Skills
2.  Emotional Expression
3.  Impulse Control
4.  Reward
5.  Sound Identification
6.  Improvisation
7.  Attention

Here is a video demonstrating how to use this app:

30 days of apps: Day 16

Day 16:  Virtuoso Piano

Description:

I have found this to be the most realistic iPad piano app.  The keys can be magnified to the size of real piano keys.  You can start on any keys you want.  For example, you could show C-C, D-B, etc.  You choose what is on the screen.  You also have the option to make two keyboards with different octaves or two keyboards facing opposite directions.  Virtuoso Piano is free too!

MT Applications:

1.  Fine Motor Skills
2.  Social interaction (due to showing opposite keyboards allowing more than one player) 
3.  Reward 
4.  Letter identification