imagine

The Power of Participation: Making Music Therapy More Meaningful for Families

Dr. Deanna Hanson-Abromeit brings over 30 years of experience to this engaging podcast on parent involvement in early childhood music therapy. She emphasizes the importance of family-centered practices, coaching parents, and adapting interventions to each family’s unique needs and context. Dr. Hanson-Abromeit discusses strategies for fostering meaningful parent-child interactions, navigating cultural influences, and effectively recruiting participants for research and clinical settings. Her advice for parents? Embrace music therapy as a joyful, preventative, and supportive tool that nurtures your child’s natural musicality, strengthens family bonds, and positively impacts developmental outcomes.

Resources

Bornstein, M. H. & Arterberry, M. E. (2023). Infancy: The Basics. Routledge.

Hanson-Abromeit, D. (2022). Stress response reduction through music-based sensory experiences. [Featured article]. imagine e-journal: Music Therapy in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. De La Vista Publishers. https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/product/imagine-2022/ 

Smith, A. R., Salley, B., Hanson-Abromeit, D., Paluch, R. A., Engel, H., Piazza, J., & Kong, K. L. (2023). The impact of a community-based music program on home language environment during early childhood. Child Development, 95(2), 481–496. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14005

Sena Moore, K. & Hanson-Abromeit, D. (2023). Feasibility of the Musical Contour Regulation Facilitation (MCRF) intervention to promote emotion regulation for under-resourced preschoolers: Examining intervention intensity. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 82, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2022.101984

About The Interviewee

Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, PhD, MT-BC Professor at the University of Kansas directs the Baby Music Intervention Research Lab. Her research focuses on music intervention development, evaluation and implementation primarily with infants and families. For 30 years she has worked in early childhood in community and hospital-based settings. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Kern, P. (2025, May 1). The power of participation: Making music therapy more meaningful for families. [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

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The Gift of Music for Fostering Connection and Joy

Dr. Anne Meeker Watson, founder of sing.play.love., shares her expertise as an early childhood consultant and content creator. She discusses how music- and play-based programming helps parents connect deeply with their young children, setting the stage for collaboration with music therapists to support developmental outcomes. Dr. Watson offers practical strategies for embedding music into daily routines to enhance early learning and kindergarten readiness. Her top advice? Keep it playful, start small, and use music as a powerful tool for building strong parent-child bonds and fostering early development.

Resources

Bailey, B. A., (2000). I love you rituals. William Morrow.

Brae, A. M., Tough, S., & Madigan, S. (2022). Screen time and developmental and behavioral outcomes for preschool children. Pediatric Research, 91(6), 1616–1621.

Troutman, B., Moran, T. E., Arndt, S., Johnson, R. F., & Chmielewski, M. (2012). Development of parenting self-efficacy in mothers of infants with high negative emotionality. Infant Mental Health Journal, 33(1), 45–54.

About The Interviewee

Anne Meeker Watson, PhD, MT-BC, is the founder of the sing.play.love. program (singplaylove.com). Through her writing, product development, and workshops, she shares information about the benefits of music and play to support early learning and kindergarten readiness and gives practical strategies for embedding both into the daily lives of young children. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Kern, P. (2025, May 1). The gift of music for fostering connection and joy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

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It Takes a Village: Leaning into Parent Engagement in Early Childhood Music Therapy

Amy Dacuag, a licensed music therapist and parent educator, shares her passion for supporting young children and their families through music. She emphasizes the power of parent involvement, collaboration, and a strength-based, neuroaffirming approach. Amy encourages parents to trust themselves, advocate for their children, and embrace curiosity in their role. With over two decades of experience, she offers practical strategies for using music to build connections and support development. Her top advice? Focus on your child’s strengths, celebrate their unique way of experiencing the world, and let music be a bridge to meaningful growth.

Resources

Biancolli, A. (2023, June 23). The nurtured heart approach goes mainstream: Research and experience support “celebrating greatness in every kid.” Mad In America. https://www.madinamerica.com/2022/11/nurtured-heart-approach-2/

Raising Children Network. (2024, May 24). Neurodiversity and neurodivergence: A guide for families. https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/neurodiversity-neurodivergence-guide-for-families

About The Interviewee

Amy Dacuag is a board-certified music therapist with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, music therapy, and parent education. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and developmental growth in children of all ages through a compassionate and gentle approach. Amy’s work spans preschool settings, music classes, and therapy sessions. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Kern, P. (2025, May 1). It takes a village! Leaning into parent engagement in early childhood music therapy. [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

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Parent Involvement is Everything: The Key to Effective Therapy

Angela Adams explores the profound impact of parent involvement in therapy—not just for children, but for parents themselves. She emphasizes the importance of parents advocating for their own well-being alongside their child’s, empowering them to actively shape the therapeutic process. Angie discusses practical ways parents can engage, communicate their needs, and navigate challenges within healthcare systems. She highlights how strong parent participation fosters deeper connections, builds resilience, and leads to more meaningful therapeutic outcomes. Her insights offer encouragement for parents and professionals alike, reinforcing the idea that when parents are engaged, therapy is truly at its most effective.

Resources

Hagan, M. (2025, February 25). What is Co-Regulation?: Helping kids regulate their emotions requires managing your own. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-co-regulation/ 

PCIT International. (n.d.). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). https://pcit.org 

The Child & Family Institute. (n.d.). Parent-child interaction therapy. https://childfamilyinstitute.com/factsheets/evidence-based-treatments-at-cfi/parent-child-interaction-therapy/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8Lu9BhA8EiwAag16b6c0IWtPtV-UKPQnHnDAV6a0qvYPOBeFLLxnwPqHrZL-Wm0c8bdqqhoCk-AQAvD_BwE 

About The Interviewee

Angela “Angie” Adams, LCSW, is a clinical therapist with Norton Healthcare’s Maternal Opiate and Substance Treatment Program. With over 20 years of experience working with children and families across various settings, she specializes in supporting parents as active participants in their child’s care. Angie is passionate about empowering families to advocate for their needs, fostering stronger relationships, and ensuring therapy leads to lasting change. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Ruffner, A. (2025, May 1). Parent involvement is everything: The key to effective therapy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

The post Parent Involvement is Everything first appeared on imagine.

Music Therapy: Strengthening Our Bond Through What My Child Loves

Megan shares her deeply personal journey of using music therapy to support her son, Carter, during his extended NICU stay and beyond. She reflects on the emotional challenges of balancing medical care, family life, and self-care while staying actively involved in therapy. Megan highlights the powerful role music played in strengthening their bond, easing transitions, and creating moments of connection in both hospital and home settings. She encourages parents to embrace music as a tool for engagement, comfort, and developmental growth, demonstrating how small musical interactions can have a lasting impact on a child’s well-being.

Resources

None.

About The Interviewee

Megan is a devoted mother to 2-year-old Carter, a NICU graduate who spent over 100 days in intensive care. Throughout their journey, Megan actively participated in music therapy, both in the NICU and later in an outpatient parent-infant music therapy group focused on bonding and development. Her firsthand experience navigating medical and therapeutic care has made her a strong advocate for parent involvement in early interventions. Megan continues to use music as a meaningful way to connect with Carter and support his growth. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Ruffner, A. (2025, May 1). Music therapy: Strengthening our bond through what my child loves [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

The post Music Therapy: Strengthening Our Bond first appeared on imagine.

Music as Bridge: A Parent Being a Child’s Most Trusted Caregiver

Stephanie Leavell brings a unique perspective to this conversation, blending her experiences as a music therapist in medical settings with her expertise as a songwriter for children. In this episode, she explores how music therapists can facilitate parent-child interaction, sometimes leading the way and other times stepping back to create a safe space for families to simply be together. Stephanie shares insights on using music to strengthen bonds, empower caregivers, and provide comfort in unfamiliar environments.

Resource

Music For Kiddos. (n.d.). Monthly newsletter: Song of the month club. https://musicforkiddos.com/newsletter 

About The Interviewee

Stephanie Leavell, MT-BC is an award-winning songwriter, music therapist, and the founder of Music for Kiddos, an online platform offering high-quality music resources and education for therapists, educators, and parents. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Stephanie specializes in working with babies and young children, using music as a tool to help them thrive. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Ruffner, A. (2025, September 1). Music as a bridge: A parent being a child’s most trusted caregiver [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

The post Music as Bridge first appeared on imagine.

Active Participation: How Parents Help Shape the Music Therapy Journey

Music therapy in early childhood is not just a journey for the child—it’s an experience for parents as well. In this episode, Rose Anzel shares her insights on the essential role parents play in the therapeutic process. She discusses how active participation during sessions enhances both developmental progress and family bonds, empowering parents to confidently incorporate music into their daily routines. Rose provides practical strategies for making music therapy techniques accessible at home, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the session and into meaningful, everyday interactions between parents and children.

Resource

Schwartz, E. (2008). Music, therapy, and early childhood: A developmental approach. Barcelona Publishers.

About The Interviewee

Rose Anzel, LMSW, MT-BC, specialized in working with children and individuals with developmental disabilities. Based in San Antonio, Texas, she is the owner of Crescendo Center PLLC, works part-time at The Rise School of San Antonio, and teaches at the University of the Incarnate Word. Rose is passionate about helping families integrate music into their daily lives, making therapy a natural and enriching part of their routine. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Shina, E. (2025, May 1). Active participation: How parents help shape the music therapy journey [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

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Communication Through Music: An Accessible Tool for Parent-Child Connection

Parent involvement in music therapy extends far beyond supporting a child’s developmental goals—it strengthens the parent-child relationship through meaningful musical interactions. In this episode, Cindy Kraus, shares her experiences working in a Head Start program and how music can be a powerful, accessible tool for fostering connection. She discusses practical strategies for engaging parents, encouraging meaningful musical interactions, and fostering relationships through accessible, everyday music-making. Cindy also highlights the importance of relationship-building in empowering parents to feel confident and involved in their child’s development, making music an easy and effective way to enhance communication and connection at home.

Resources

Conscious Discipline. (n.d.) The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model. https://consciousdiscipline.com/methodology/brain-state-model/ 

Pasiali, V. (2012). Supporting parent-child interactions: Music therapy as an intervention for promoting mutually responsive orientation. Journal of Music Therapy, 49(3), 303–334. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/49.3.303

About The Interviewee

Cindy Kraus, MT-BC, is specialized in early childhood development. She works with children ages 0-5 at a Head Start center in Kansas City, MO, where she is dedicated to providing resources and support to children, parents, and teachers. Cindy is passionate about making music an accessible tool for connection and play, helping families engage more deeply through shared musical experiences. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Shina, E. (2025, May 1). Communication through music: An accessible tool for parent-child connection [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

The post Communication Through Music first appeared on imagine.

Gentle Beginnings: Empowering Parents in the NICU Through Music Therapy

Dr. Friederike Haslbeck shares her powerful work with preterm infants and their families in neonatal intensive care. With over 20 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience, Dr. Haslbeck discusses how music therapy can create space for bonding, intimacy, and healing during fragile beginnings. She explains how music supports both infant regulation and parent empowerment—highlighting cultural sensitivity, individualized pacing, and the transformative impact of shared musical moments. Dr. Haslbeck also introduces her innovative songbooks designed to extend musical care beyond hospital walls and into everyday life.

Resources

Haslbeck, F. B., Schmidli, L., Bucher, H.U., & Bassler D. (2021). Music is life—follow‐up qualitative study on parental experiences of creative music therapy in the neonatal period. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health, 18(12), 6678. Https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126678

Haslbeck, F.B. (2018). Wiegenlieder für die Kleinsten. Ausgewählte Lieder von Eltern für Eltern frühgeborener Kinder (Ed.) [Lullabies for the tiny ones. Selected songs from parents for parents of premature babies]. ISBN: 978-3-033-06451-5. http://shop.fruehgeborene.de/Wiegenliederbuch

Haslbeck, F. B., Legler, B., Frei, M.  (2021). Mit dem Oktopus ins Liedermeer [With the octopus into the sea of ​​songs]. ISBN: 978-3-033-08841-2. https://shop.fruehgeborene.de/epages/es742420.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es742420/Products/%22Singbuch%2005%22

About The Interviewee

Dr. Friederike Haslbeck is a music therapist, researcher, and lecturer based in Zurich, Switzerland. With decades of experience in neonatal music therapy, she specializes in empowering parents to use their voices and music to foster connection, co-regulation, and developmental growth with their preterm infants. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Kern, P. (2025, May 1). Gentle beginnings: Empowering parents in the NICU through music therapy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

The post Gentle Beginnings first appeared on imagine.

Side by Side: Partnering with Parents in Early Childhood Music Therapy

Dr. Kirsi Tuomi shares her rich experience as a music therapist, researcher, and attachment-focused family therapist, highlighting the essential role of parents in early childhood music therapy. She reflects on attunement, secure relationships, and empowering parents as co-experts. Dr. Tuomi emphasizes culturally sensitive practices, metallization, and collaborative partnerships that extend beyond the therapy room. Through real-life stories and clinical insights, she offers strategies for including both parents in the therapeutic process, supporting lasting change for children and families.

Resources

Tuomi, K. (2018). Intervention for foster families with young children. imagine, 9(1), 66–68. https://doi.org/ISSN 2153-7879

Tuomi, K. (2021). Nurture and play with foster families. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 25(4), 20–32. https://doi.org/100028.987.10

Tuomi, K., Ala-Ruona, E., & Oldfield, A. (2017). Literature review of early childhood music therapy between 1990-2012. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v17i2.888

Tuomi, K., Thompson, G., Gottfried, T., & Ala-Ruona, E. (2021). Theoretical perspectives and therapeutic approaches in music therapy with families. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.2952

About The Interviewee

Dr. Kirsi Tuomi is a board-certified music therapist, attachment-focused family therapist, and researcher based in Finland. With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience, she specializes in early childhood and family music therapy, including the development of the “Nurture and Play” intervention for foster families. Contact: [email protected]

Suggested Citation

Kern, P. (2025, May 1). Side by side: Partnering with parents in Early Childhood Music Therapy [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz

The post Side by Side first appeared on imagine.