We have heard from other music therapists, but what about looking at music therapy from a client’s perspective. We don’t often have this opportunity because we are so focused on the work at hand, and we also don’t follow our clients after music therapy has ended. Get an inside look (and some inspiration for your work) at music therapy from a client’s perspective with my brother, Tim. 

Follow him on instagram: @tmiller95

Check out his photography at his website: tim-miller-photo.com

Life is heavy AF. Let’s talk about it.

The end of this episode features the song "Letting Go" by Greg Best as a meditation. You can stream it anywhere you listen to music. Hear more at Greg's Spotify Artist Page.

Proceeds from streaming any of Greg's music goes to Haven: a collective of BIPOC womxn rooted towards abolition, liberation and healing through art and storytelling. Visit havenmedia.org to find out more.

We go on this journey through music therapy study being excited and expectant for the road ahead. But what happens when we get there? Tara O’Brien shares her story about transitioning from student to intern to professional and the challenges that she faced along the way. There’s so much more to being a music therapist beyond landing the dream job.

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

You know the ones… those music therapists who get under your skin. They bug you, annoy you, and you never want to be like them. But there’s a sneaking suspicion that you are like them, in little ways, maybe. So let’s talk about what things we can do to care for our own souls, so we can grow into the healthiest, most authentic and loving people we can be.

Referenced in the show:

psychologytoday.com

betterhelp.com

therapyforblackgirls.com

blackfemaletherapists.com

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

I texted my friend, Brandy, to see if she’d record a spontaneous conversation with me, and here it is! I knew this one would be full of wisdom, and it sure is. Enjoy our chat around balance, American culture, peace and contentment, and beautiful chaos.

Follow her on Instagram: @thebrandyjenkins

Check out her website: http://brandyjenkins.com

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

17 is my favorite number, so why not, on this 17th episode, share a little bonus in between our weekly episodes. So often we’re in a rush and onto the next things. But how often do we spend time reflecting? Take a minute right now and notice the beautiful small moments that happen, in and out of your music therapy sessions.

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

Imposter syndrome, comparisonitis, jealousy. These are big things that we feel and have to work through, but what I think it really comes down to is identity. Let’s not lose ourselves in the title and profession of “music therapist.”

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.

If you don’t already know Hayley, I am so excited for you to get to know her here. She is a delight! Hayley shares with us the steps she took to get into music therapy, her first job, and a few inspiring creative projects. And the best part, she’s not done yet. Hayley talks about the feelings around burnout, imposter syndrome, and how she creatively finds her way through. I cannot wait to see what new thing Hayley does in her life and career as a music therapist. Enjoy the conversation!

Follow her on instagram: @mtahayley

Listen to her joint podcast: Able Voice Podcast

Peruse her website: https://mtahayley.com

And while you’re at it, check out her Anti-Oppressive Practices Resource.

This episode is full of steps that you can take if there is no music therapy job near you. We are creative professionals, and we can creatively do something about that! Let’s walk together through some options and ideas for starting something new in your area. If you need an easy-to-read version of this episode, find one on my blog: kimbest.com

I love hearing guests talk about their paths in (and out of) the music therapy field. Kaillie shares with us what it felt like to be a music therapist and the process she went through to explore speech-language pathology. She talks about her relationship with music, how much she loves working as an SLP, and how she still uses music when appropriate for her clients’ developmental speech goals.

If you’re interested in speech-language pathology, find more info at www.asha.org

If you want to connect with Kaillie, email [email protected] and we’ll get you connected!

Music, production, and editing by Greg Best.