community

New Studio Grand Opening

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On Sunday, March 1st, Play Your Part, Inc.’s new studio opened with a bang! Over 60 people joined us in celebrating our new studio space in Mission Viejo. Check out our Facebook post for a glimpse into all the fun! Kids enjoyed checking out the new waiting room, bathroom and clinic space. Arts and crafts … Read more

Reflect(ions)

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Today was my last day of teaching at OCSA for the semester. Parts of me were happy, parts of me were sad, but when the students led a few interventions for their final project…part of me felt anxious. Why…? I’m not sure…but as I reflect on my first semester (ever!) of teaching high schoolers, I … Read more

Autism Live Interview

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Hey there again. This past Wednesday, April 9th, I had the wonderful opportunity to share the benefits of music therapy for those with Autism on the Autism Live show with Shannon and Nancy. They were so welcoming and made me feel very comfortable in my first ‘live’ interview! (excuse me while I scream in excitement!) … Read more

Autism Awareness Day

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Join me today in celebrating Autism Awareness Day! Last week, new statistics were released about the prevalence of Autism in the United States. Every 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism. Check out the article I published on Facebook by clicking here. I’m wearing blue in support of all the children and families affected … Read more

Glass Mountain

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This past Saturday I presented about music therapy to the folks at Glass Mountain in Irvine, CA. Ten people were in attendance and I spoke about the field of music therapy, my story of why I became a music therapist, and then we ended with a drum circle. The participants were just lovely, smart, kind, … Read more

Play Your Part Happenings

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Here’s what’s happening at Play Your Part this month! We finished up our first series of “Music and Me” groups! We have started two new clients this month (yay!) and currently looking for more students and clients to fill our schedule. Brianna Shaffer was featured in the Winter 2014 Chapman Magazine (picture above). Play Your Part … Read more

Music Therapy in Pediatric Oncology

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My dad came across this article yesterday and sent it my way, as did my father-in-law. ha ha. They are both always watching out for me! It briefly described using music therapy, specifically “Therapeutic Music Videos”, with patients 11 to 24 undergoing stem cell transplants. Goals during treatment were to boost resilience , which they … Read more

The Grammys: Wrap Up

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Did you all watch the Grammys last night? Of course I had to tune in as there were many musical collaborations in the line up. My favorite (by far!) was Carole King and Sara Bareilles’ duet of “Beautiful Brave”. King is most known for her Song of the Year from the 70’s “You’ve Got a Friend” in which she was the first woman to receive the award. Enjoy the duet.

To Get You Into the Holiday Spirit…

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As some of you may know, The Sing Off is back in full swing! Pentatonix was the winner of the competition last year and they are doing great things. Here is something to get you into the holiday spirit!

Ben Folds, a judge on The Sing Off and amazing musician, is back again as a judge along with Jewel and Shawn Stockman. Mr. Folds and is an advocate and supporter of music therapy (yay! and thank you!). Find him on twitter, here.