Did you know that music can benefit people of all ages, even infants? In fact, music can support infants’ developmental skills such as ..read more

Short on time? Want a meaningful intervention that promotes: Fine and gross motor skills Cognitive recall Positive social integration ...and more? Check out this FREE intervention idea: Dance BINGO, with opportunities for collaboration, dancing and fun ..read more

Michelle is a board-certified music therapist.  She attended University Wisconsin Eau Claire, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy.   Michelle has provided music therapy services for children as young as age 3, to clients of the young at heart up to the age of 104.  She has had the privilege of being a music therapist for 30 years! Most recently, Michelle worked as music therapist and wellness coordinator with memory care clients.  Michelle always strives to key into the uniqueness and passions of each individual, to build positive connec ..read more

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/4c7c01_880bc3236f914d3eaa9500bed1d1a94a/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 When you hear a song and are transported back to the time you first heard it, the people you were with, and the feelings you had. When you see someone with Alzheimer's singing along to their favorite song. When you can play a song on an instrument you haven't picked up in awhile. Although these moments might feel magical or unexplainable, we have our brains to thank- one of the specific areas being the hippocampus. ,https://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-role-hippocampus-memory.html “Music may increas ..read more

Seasonal music send cues to the brain that the holidays are near! This increases reality orientation and sparks memories for those with Alzheimer's and dementia. For added fun, use shatterproof ornaments with song titles written on each one to help during song selection. Clients can get cues from the festive decorations, increase sensory engagement, and practice fine motor skills to choose an ornament (and song!) from your "Santa Bag". This wonderful session idea comes from Keynote's very own, Jennifer Blair. Thank you for sharing your awesome ideas ..read more

Stephanie is a board-certified music therapist. She received her Associate of Arts Degree from Anoka Ramsey Community College. Following that, she attended Augsburg University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology. She completed her internship through Saint Paul Public Schools where she enjoyed working with elementary aged students with different abilities. She also has experience working with children and adults through teaching private music lessons. Stephanie especially enjoys learning and creating new songs with clients. Stephanie ha ..read more

Population: Older adults // long term care // group settings Goal areas: Improve reality orientation, cognitive recall and relaxation response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YIIZL2n8lc Session plan: Missing out on opportunities for traveling and traditions or holidays are two common experiences for older adults. This intervention is a wonderful way to address this need, create a multisensory experience with opportunities to address a variety of goal areas! Conversation starters -What states have you been to in the USA? -What is your preferred mode of transportation for traveling? -How do you ..read more

DrAfter123/Getty Images Music is powerful. There are few people I know that would disagree with that sentiment! Research and science continues to advance and help us understand WHY that is. Can you believe that music can physically alter our brain chemistry? This article, Building a better brain through music, dance and poetry walks through some exciting research uncovering why the arts are essential tools in helping our brains and bodies thrive. Some of the amazing mentions of music and neurology: -Being creatively engaged in the arts (think music, dance, poetry) creates new synapses in our ..read more

Emily is a board-certified music therapist. She attended Drury University and received her Bachelor of Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Celebrating Neurodiversity. She recently completed her internship at Children’s MN hospital in the Twin Cities. Emily has experience in a variety of settings including kids and adults with developmental disabilities, inpatient pediatric medical setting, and addiction recovery setting. She is particularly passionate about facilitating group music therapy sessions and has experience leading developmental groups in a pediatric oncolo ..read more

We are excited to be welcoming a new team member. Meet Kristi! About Kristi: Kristi is a board-certified music therapist completing her master’s degree in music therapy at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Before pursuing music therapy, she received degrees in piano performance and nursing from Augustana University. Kristi has experience utilizing music therapy with a broad range of clients across multiple settings, including in-patient hospital units for pediatrics and adults, memory care, long-term care, hospice, mental health, Parkinson’s, and cancer treatment. During her internship, she ..read more