Music therapy conference

I have been lucky enough to be at music therapy conference in Waco. This has been a really great conference. There have been so many sessions that have been interesting. We had a session on iPads in music therapy, a group about what degree or certification to go to next, a group on rhythm groups and a group about rock music and why kids like it so loud. (the answer is that it stimulates the pleasure center in the brain)

I took a cmte class in music/performance on Thursday where I learned about emotional health in performance and then I'm taking a cmte in music technology tomorrow.

I've enjoyed getting to know Melynda Williams, my room mate for the conference. I had previously I had a roomed with another therapist and I had asked her but she wasn't available this year. Melynda is also friends with the other lady. I can only imagine that we would have all had a great time.

It has been so wonderful to talk to other therapists.

Facing Rehab: Exhaustion, Exhilaration and Love - ABC News

Facing Rehab: Exhaustion, Exhilaration and Love - ABC News

Potential job loss on the horizon

Texas has decided that in order to save some money they must cut out specialized services with DSSW. This is beyond distressing because not only do I believe in the massage and music therapy work I do with my clients I depend on this work for my livelihood. I'm sure I could do something else for worn but I don't want to. I love out life and the flexibility this job brings me. I don't relish having to go to work for someone else. Please everyone contact your senators and house people. As a professional doing this job my voice is not as well received but if family members and people in Texas speak up this can be saved. The money they want to cut will take away thousands of jobs. I would take a pay cut if I had to just to keep doing what I do. 

THEY ARE CUTTING OUR COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS!  YOU MUST HELP US TELL THEM NO ON MARCH 1ST!


On Tuesday, March 1, disability advocates from across Texas will be rallying at the Texas Capitol in Austin in support of the home and community-based services that make our independence possible!

CTD will be there and we want YOU to join us as we send a unified message to the State Legislature!

·         Home and community-based services are a cost-effective alternative to unnecessary institutionalization!

·         Home and community-based services create jobs that grow and sustain the Texas economy!

·         The state budget crisis can and must be resolved WITHOUT cuts to home and community-based services!

With one voice, we will say "YES!" to Texas independence and "NO!" to home and community-based services cuts for people with disabilities and seniors!

Schedule:

9:30 AM – Gather at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (Congress Ave & MLK Blvd)

10 AM – March to the Texas State Capitol (approximately six blocks)

11 AM – Rally at the North Steps of the State Capitol

NOON – Lunch provided to Rally participants on the Capitol grounds

1 PM – Visits to local legislators and important committees (there will be team leaders to help you navigate the Capitol and with speaking to your Legislators)


If you are not located in Austin, and would like to attend, let us know! There may be a group of people traveling from your community, and we can help you connect with them or make arrangements to help get you here.

If you cannot join us at the Capitol, we still need you to speak out in two ways on March 1st!


1.  Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support Texas independence for people with disabilities and seniors by not cutting home and community-based services!  You can find contact information for your legislators by entering your address here:

http://www.capwiz.com/cotwd/home/


2.  Also contact these key members of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.  These two committees are planning to make cuts to all of the home and community based services.  YOU must call them and let their staff know that any cuts to home and community based services will hurt your families!

Call these House Members:

Rep Susan King  512-463-0718
Rep Craig Eiland  512-463-0502
Rep Warren Chisum  512-463-0736
Rep John Zerwas  512-463-0657
Rep Donna Dukes  512-463-0506
Rep Charles Schwertner  512-463-0049

Call these Senators:

               Sen. Jane Nelson 512-463-0112
               Sen. Bob Deuell 512-463-0102
               Sen. Kevin Eltife 512-463-0101
               Sen. Juan Hinojosa 512-463-0120
               Sen. John Whitmire 512-463-0115
               Sen. Tommy Williams 512-463-0104
               Sen. Judith Zaffirini 512-463-0121
Sen. Ogden 512-463-0105



TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

For more information contact the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities at 512-478-3366 ask for Chase, Sarah or Dennis!!!!!!!!!!!

STEFANIE ANDERSON ECKERT, MM, MT-BC
A-Z Music Therapy Services
210-392-1277
www.a-zmusictherapy.com
smusicr1@yahoo.com

The information transmitted in this email is considered confidential and is intended for the addressee only. It cannot be used for the purposes other than its intended use.






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Future training

I'm trying to decide what classes to take next. I'm wondering if anyone reading has a preference about techniques they like a therapist to know. Please comment.  I'm thinking of taking a cranio sacral class, or medical massage, or perhaps a reflexology. I'm curious what skills people like a massage therapist to know.

Pole canyon

This weekend was so wonderful. I learned so much an it was such a pleasure to work with Alanna at the ride. My only disappointment was nit getting out on the trails at all but it was so great to facilitate everyone else's rides that I didn't hardly care. Maggie had a great-time riding with other juniors until she had to pull due to Dixie having a sore back. Then she had fun in camp and taking photos with Jim. Alanna made her weekend allowing her to drive her mule! Robin Timmons came along to share gas and ride safety which made the driving miles pass quickly. Thanks to all the competitors who were kind to this first tome ride secretary. I'm ready to do it again at the Christmas ride.

I was thinking that it's good that Elaine has already committed me to managing the Scamper. After this weekend I might have been to afraid of all the unknown factors.

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Long time no blog

I realized the other day that I hadn't blogged in forever. I never mean not to blog but I get busy with life an forget. I think of something I want to write about bit then I realize that I don't have time that moment and I seem never to come back to it.

I spent this weekend at a drum training and just had a blast. I learned about frame drums, hand drums and other auxiliary instruments. I found that I was especially interested interested in the tambourine (pandiero). I was told to search for lessons on you tube and have already been rewarded with some minor skills in that area. I had no idea tambourine could be so much fun.

I can hardly wait to take level two and then later level three. Bill Matney and Mike Marcionetti have done such a great job on their curriculum.

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Devil Woman

One of my clients keeps asking me for the song Devil Woman. Since I have had great success getting him to talk more and even sing a little singing songs like Proud Mary, I decided to add Devil Woman to my repertoire.  Maggie and I were dancing and carrying on to the song.  And just in case he was actually asking for Evil Woman, I printed out the words to that too. I figure it will make him very happy.

I have a new client who likes Motown, so I am being stretched musically. This is a good thing in my mind. It's fun to learn new music.