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Private Practice Blog, started in 2013

PIEDMONT MUSIC THERAPY, LLC

Written by music therapists - board certified.

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The Power of Music and Memory

8/25/2020

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Written by Melissa Reinhardt, MSEd, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist on staff at Piedmont Music Therapy, LLC

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Do you have a song that takes you back to a specific place and time?  And everytime you hear that song, do you have the same response?  For me, that song is “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi circa 1986 - my junior year of high school.  I have a specific memory of driving in my car around town listening to my cassette tape playing the stereo in my car as loud as it would go (even though the sound was so distorted!).  It is summertime and I have the windows rolled down and the breeze is blowing in my hair while I sing at the top of my lungs.  So what is it about certain songs that can prompt these memories?
     Various researchers have studied this topic and there are several themes.  Firstly, brain imaging studies show that when we listen to our favorite music, our brain becomes stimulated and “feel good” neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin are released. These chemical changes in the brain are neurologically connected to the musical stimulus and the more we like the song, the more chemicals are released and the better we feel.  Secondly, during the ages of 12 and 22, our brains rapidly develop neurologically and it appears that music preferred during this time of our lives is the music that sticks with us forever.  This music is also connected to strong emotions thanks to an influx of growth hormones produced during this time.  Thirdly, according to Daniel Levitan, a neuroscientist and musician, music listened to during these ages of 12 to 22 is significantly impacted by our social circle and becomes connected to our personal identity.  
    If we consider the significance of how music can invoke such connections, we can also look at how this phenomenon can be used therapeutically.  In using music as a memory or reminiscence tool, music therapists working with older adults can choose music based on the client’s young adult years.  I have found that using music from around age 20 is a good place to start.  Then, using a search engine to find popular songs from that year is my next step.  For example, if I was working with an 80 year old, I would look for music from the 1960’s.  Using the website www.billboard.com is a wonderful resource as searches can be conducted based on the year and the results include the most popular music during that time.  Combining this knowledge with the client musical preferences (i.e. show tunes, gospel, etc.) can help narrow down the field of possibilities. As these songs are incorporated into the sessions either live or recorded, the therapist can observe the client for positive or negative responses.  Positive responses would suggest the continued use of this song and incorporating similar music (such as tunes by the same musician or group) whereas a negative response such as crying might indicate a need for further exploration into past experiences. 

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Sources
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https://slate.com/technology/2014/08/musical-nostalgia-the-psychology-and-neuroscience-for-song-preference-and-the-reminiscence-bump.html 

Levitin, D. J. (2006). This is your brain on music: The science of a human obsession. New York, N.Y: Dutton.

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Concluding Internship

8/6/2020

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PictureBlog post written by Kate, MT Intern from Queens University of Charlotte
As I sit on a cozy blue couch surrounded by drums, egg shakers and guitars, I sip my cold-brew coffee and begin to reflect on the last six months, my clinical internship at Piedmont Music Therapy. 
I came to Piedmont Music Therapy (PMT) armed with a bachelor's degree worth of textbook knowledge and an array of student “practicum” experiences, but nothing could prepare me for the unknown that 2020 held. I’m sure everyone can relate to that feeling in some way, considering the challenges this year has brought. Back in March when PMT closed the doors to our clinic space, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to continue logging client-contact hours and finish out the capstone of my education.
I always look for the silver lining in difficult situations, and thankfully this one wasn’t hard to find - it quickly became the clients and their families, willing to make the transition to telehealth and continue receiving music therapy services virtually.
Not only have the clients benefitted from familiar musical experiences and therapeutic support amidst a sea of uncertainty, but their smiles through the computer screen reminded me of an important fact I will carry with me throughout my future career - what I do as a music therapist holds tremendous value, no matter what the circumstances may be.
 I have supported clients in their journey to better understand their world and express themselves to those around them - while building and developing my own skills as a therapist. I will always treasure the connections I have made here, and I will always remember that even a simple song can make a world of difference.
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Staff Testimonial by Ashley Tisdale, MT-BC

7/27/2020

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PicturePhoto of Ashley Tisdale, MT-BC wearing mask and personal amplifying device at Charlotte Rescue Mission: Dove's Nest.
Being a Music Therapist in the Charlotte area is great but it’s even better when you’re part of a stellar team! Here are 5 reasons why I love working with Piedmont Music Therapy, LLC!

5) Location: Located off Westinghouse Boulevard, PMT’s clinic space is right off I-77 and close to the North/ South Carolina border. This opens up opportunities for clients from the greater Charlotte and Fort Mill areas to receive services like traditional or adaptive lessons and music therapy sessions. The clinic has a TON of instruments and materials along with restrooms and a cute little coffee area for those midday pick-me-ups!

4) Company “Swag”: PMT provides every employee with an awesome name tag, a magnetic car sign with contact information, and “swag bags” - bags to haul instruments and materials in, (complete with embroidered PMT logo!). 

3) Uniform shirts: I can’t say enough how much I love having a uniform shirt. On the days where you’re running behind or still waking up, or if you have trouble picking something to wear for work, these make my life SO much easier! Plus there’re different colors and even a cardigan for the Fall! 

2) Partnership opportunities: Being part of the PMT team means we have the privilege of working with some amazing organizations and individuals. We provide services to a variety of populations throughout the Charlotte area through partnering with organizations like Charlotte Rescue Mission, Autism After 18, NAMI, Queens University of Charlotte, and many more!

1) The AMAZING STAFF: Probably my most favorite thing about working with PMT is having such an incredible team to work with. The PMTeam (see what I did there?) is comprised of accredited and certified professional MT-BCs who are always ready and willing to lend a hand, to offer feedback, to be your second/ third/ fourth pair of eyes on a project, or to just help work through repertoire. Being part of the team also means that I have people who I can rely on when I’m sick or when I feel like I need to take a step back and re-evaluate case loads. Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help as a professional, but it’s easier to do so when you have a team like this.

All in all, I am truly blessed to be a part of an amazing team with Gretchen, Melissa, and Miriam at Piedmont Music Therapy. I can’t wait to see what the future brings!
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Caregiver’s Role in Music Therapy

6/18/2020

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Written by: Melissa Reinhardt, MSEd, MT-BC

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Music therapists consider the relationship between the client, the therapist and the music as the utmost important factors in a music therapy session.  I would also add that the role of the caregiver is as equally important if sometimes not more important to the success of the music therapy session.  A caregiver as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a “person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people or the chronically ill.”)
     
Oftentimes, especially in group music therapy, caregivers are involved in the session - this may be at the request of the music therapist or perhaps it is the caregivers choice to be involved.  Either way, the caregiver can play an integral role in the success of the music therapy session which translates into success and learning for the client(s) involved.  When I worked at a large state facility for adults with intellectual disabilities, there was always at least one caregiver in each group.  This would often be the same person who would bring the group of clients to music therapy and then escort them to their next program.  A caregiver could make or break a session - this is how important their role was! 
If a caregiver was disinterested, removed themselves from the group and did not participate, the clients instinctively knew that something was up and they often followed their caregiver’s lead!  As they should; this caregiver was like a family member to them - they cared for them, spent time with them and was there for them for extended periods of time.  However, when the caregiver became involved in the session, the clients would take notice and would often respond more positively, be more engaged and willing to participate in the music therapy interventions.  If you are a caregiver, you are important to music therapists!
      
Some may view music therapists as those who only want to work alone and do not need assistance from others - this could not be further from the truth.  Music therapists have expertise in music therapy, but caregivers have expertise in their clients.  The caregiver spends a significant amount of time with their clients and knows more about them than any professional. The caregiver’s knowledge of the client can be extremely beneficial for the success of therapy. Information that is important to share with the music therapist could include medication changes, illnesses, changes in routine and any significant happenings that could affect the client’s participation and success in sessions.  It is a challenge as a therapist to have a music therapy session that does not go well only to find out the client had not had any sleep the night before or they had a significant medication change!
    
What can you do as a caregiver whose client or loved one participates in music therapy?  Talking to the therapist would be a good place to start.  If your family member is involved in a large group, oftentimes just sitting with your loved one during music therapy will not only be a great help to the music therapist, but you also might enjoy yourself and see the benefits!  Perhaps you already use music in some way with your client -share those ways with the therapist so they can be incorporated into the session.  You may learn ways in which you could offer music to your client outside of the music therapy session and therefore, support the use of skills learned to the client’s daily life. Musical preferences is another area that caregivers can be of great assistance - music therapists are very knowledgeable about music, but it is virtually impossible to know every song or style of music the client likes.  Sharing these musical preferences or even significant music from a client’s past (such as a wedding song, etc) can have a significant impact on the client’s interest and motivation to participate.  
     
Furthermore, music therapists teach skills to clients that can be applied to their everyday lives. For children with autism, this may be a song to help them learn how to dress themselves, for a stroke patient who suffers from language difficulties, this may be melodic or rhythmic phrases to express a need or want.  Without the application to daily life, these skills no longer are effective if they can only be demonstrated during the session.  However, if the caregiver learns these songs and/or phrases, they can easily be used in the home, school or work setting to help the client make that transfer of skills which is very important. 
        
Think you can’t sing?  No worries!  The client won’t notice - they will be too excited to hear their song and show you what they can do!

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Music Therapy Listed as Evidence-Based Practice for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

6/9/2020

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written by: Melissa Reinhardt, MSED, MT-BC

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       Recently, music therapy was recognized as an evidence-based practice (EBP) for children (ages 0-14) with Autism Spectrum Disorder under “music-mediated” interventions by the National Clearinghouse of Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team at University of North Carolina/Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.  This report was written with the purpose to inform others of practices that demonstrate definitive evidence of positive effects for children and youth with ASD.  Research published between 1990 and 2017 with behavioral, clinical, developmental and/or educational focus was reviewed. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach to selecting and using interventions that have scientific proof of effectiveness through systematic reviews of scientific literature. This in addition to the practitioner’s (e.g. music therapist) considerations is crucial in order to provide the best possible service to persons with ASD.  Between the years of 1990 and 2011, 3 research articles were included in the review and between the years of 2012 and 2017, 4 studies were included for a total of 7 articles in support of “music-mediated” interventions which includes music therapy.  In looking closer at “music-mediated” interventions (MMI), the researchers define this as “an EBP that uses music as a key feature of the intervention delivery. This includes music therapy, which occurs in a therapeutic relationship with a trained music therapist, in addition to the planned use of songs, melodic intonation, and/or rhythm to support the learning or performance of target behaviors and skills in various contexts” (pg. 92).  
     In examining the results, researchers indicate that music-mediated interventions are an effective approach to outcomes in communication and adaptive/self-help skills for the toddler age group (0-2 years).  For the preschooler group (ages 3-5), music-medicated interventions are effective to support outcomes in communication, social, play, school readiness, challenging/interfering behavior and motor skills. Children ages 6-11 years (Elementary group), communication, social, school readiness, challenging/interfering behavior and motor skills were supported by EBP.  The middle school group (ages 12-14 years), EBP outcomes were identified as communication and social skills.  No data was present for the high school aged group (15-18 years) and the young adult group (19-22 years).  
      As indicated, the preschool aged group and the elementary aged group had the highest number of effective practices/outcomes (6 and 5, respectively).  It should also be noted that even though no data was present for the high school aged group and the young adult age group does not indicate that music therapy is not an effective tool, it means rather that no research studies have been published with these age groups.  

CITATION:

Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with Autism. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team

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7 Years Old

5/29/2020

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Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti 

Written eleven weeks into the pandemic's effects on greater Charlotte...

PictureA major scale consists of 7 notes. A colorful & animated series of quarter notes on the treble clef is pictured as a a metaphor to the seven years of making music in the Carolinas.

In recognition of the seven years that Piedmont Music Therapy has been able to make music with individuals in greater Charlotte, our team of board certifeid music therapists virtually connected with this video. 


Through treatment sessions, lessons, trainings, community events and summer camps we are honored to share music with persons of all ages and abilities. Providing accessible music based initiatives is part of our mission and we are humbled to be a provider available to individuals, families, schools & organizations in Mecklenburg & York Counties.

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Being able to connect with a person and accompany them through music is a tremendous honor. Thank you for trusting us to connect, play & grow in Charlotte, NC; Fort Mill, Rock Hill & Tega Cay, SC.   We look forward to the continued journey in our community, especially through this trying time of health and systemic issues.

Do you have questions about our private practice or studio? Interested in partnering to support mental health needs in our community? Contact us so we can explore those opportunities. Thanks for your support and interest in creative & expressive art therapy and musical pursuits in Charlotte, NC.
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Emoji SONG WORKSHEET: Answers

4/13/2020

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Worksheet Answers
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PMT Emoji Styled Song Titles: ANSWER SHEET
File Size: 8214 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Thanks for downloading these worksheets for your leisure. We hope they were enjoyable!

Comment below with any song titles or artists you discovered: 
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EMOJI WORKSHEET: SONG TITLES

4/10/2020

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How's your familiarity with emojis and song titles from genres like reggea, rock, pop, hiphop?

Test your knowledge of song titles from 11 various genres, some of the clues include who sang the song. Answers will be posted to the blog on Monday, 4/13/20. We hope these worksheets will be enjoyable during a leisure break for you! 

Thanks to Anabella & Nora, PMT Volunteers in high school for their time creating these. Please share with your friends and check back on Monday to check your guesses.


SONG EMOJI FREE DOWNLOAD BELOW
PMT Name That Title Emoji Worksheets
File Size: 15523 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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Service To Your Profession

4/8/2020

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Author

Written by Melissa Reinhardt, MSEd, MT-BC.

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 I recently had the privilege of attending the Southeast Region (SER) Music Therapy conference held in LaGrange, Georgia.  This once a year conference is a time for music therapists to learn, connect and grow with each other through attending continuing education seminars, concurrent sessions and business meetings.  And, of course, the ever important networking with other professionals. 
      As the elected Secretary of the SER, I attended two Board of Directors meeting which included the following persons:  Carmen Osburn, President: Christine Leist, Immediate Past President, Minda Gordon, President Elect: 1st Vice President: Martine Bullard;  2nd Vice President: Diane Garrison Langston; Yvonne Glass, Treasurer; Government Relations Chair(s): Rachel Coon-Arnott and Kirby Carruth; Regional Conference Chair:  Austin Robinson; Student Advisor: Fred Ra and Student President-Elect: Rachel Barber.   
     Why is it important to know these names and their positions?  According to the SER-AMTA Constitution and By-Laws (Article V, Section 2), “The board of directors shall speak, act on behalf of and represent the membership on matters pertaining to the profession and objectives as stated by the Constitution.” These are the folks who spend countless hours volunteering to serve our region for the benefit of all constituents who are involved in some way with music therapy - whether it be as a therapist, a client, a family member, a co-worker, etc. 
     You may wonder why myself and others decide to commit to a 2 year position to serve on the Board of Directors.  Service is defined as “the act of helping or doing work for someone” Sound familiar? As music therapists, we act, we help and we do work for someone, but we are lucky enough to get paid for it!  Service to our profession is just an extension of our role as a music therapist. Throughout my professional career, I have placed an importance on participation in service to the states and regions where I have lived and worked.  To me, service is an opportunity to give back to the profession; a profession that I dearly love (and have for over 25 years!). Yes, there is work involved, but when the opportunity arises to know that I am making a difference, the answer is an easy one.  
     Click here to learn more about SER-AMTA. How have you served your profession?  Has it made an impact on your life? If so, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.
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Positive Affirmations

4/6/2020

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Older teens through adults, all ability levels are encouraged to join us remotely through the Facebook LIVE Stream. We hope this event will  uplift and inspire participants. 

Various songs will be sung, played on guitar and explored.

​Here's a downloadable listing of positive affirmations that you may find useful to refer during the exercise led by Kate, MT Intern:
Positivity By The Stream Worksheet
Positive Affirmations
File Size: 75 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Thanks for making time to connect with us through music. We will offer another episode on Relaxing By The Stream, this Thursdsay at Noon (EST).

​Questions or comments are welcome below...
This will be the 4th week that PMT provides an online event while encouraging neighbors to stay at home. If you are able to, help by sponsoring future events for individuals of all abilities by donating here: paypal.me/piedmontmusictherapy.
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    PMT, LLC

    Providing music therapy services for early childhood to older adults, music instruction and enrichment plus continuing music therapy education in Greater Charlotte Area of the Carolinas.

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