Vacaville Music Therapy

You're invited! We have FOUR groups enrolling now! Get details: 1) Music Social Skills Group for Tweens and Teens begins THIS WEEK, Thursday Sept 10th (pro-rated registration will be open until Sept 16th). This is a great way to get your tweens and teens who struggle with social skills (with or without a formal diagnosis) involved in a group that will be encouraging, and allow them to practice skills like flexibility, conversation, working collaboratively, and leadership. ... (Not sure if this is right for your teen? Email me at [email protected] and we'll schedule a quick chat.) Register Here: https://www.vacavillemusictherapy.com//music-social-skills 2) The Uke Group (grades 4-6) and The Uke Troop (middle school/high school). Learn to play the ukulele in this online group! Beginner ukes are inexpensive ($40-65) and this is a GREAT way to introduce your kiddo to music, rhythm, and theory in a fun, approachable context. This class is inclusive! You still have time to order your ukulele (or purchase locally at Live Music Center!) and register for class! Email me if you need help selecting an instrument at [email protected]. Register here: https://www.vacavillemusictherapy.com/book-online 3) Music and Me: Outdoors! starts Sept 23rd. This class is for you and your little ones ages 6 months-5 years. Class will be held at Browns Valley Park. Each registered child will use their own set of instruments (these will not be shared/passed around), and we're asking families to bring a beach towel or picnic blanket to help little ones understand the boundaries between families. Due to social distancing requirements, SPACE IS LIMITED, so reserve your spot! (If the air quality prevents us from meeting, we will extend the class for missed weeks into November.) Register Here: https://www.vacavillemusictherapy.com//music-and-me-outdoo

We had a blast re-writing the classic My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music during a recent music therapy zoom group session! We have had a lot of new folks join in lately, and this was a great way for us all to get to know each other better! What are some of your favorite things? #musictherapy #musictherapist

This song combines lyrics re-written by our clientsboth children and adultswith developmental and acquired disabilities to the tune of the song Defying Gravity from the Broadway show Wicked. Listen to learn some of the things they would like to try to do soon! What’s something you want to try? Let us know in the comments!

This fill-in-the-blank song was written in collaboration with our clients with various developmental and acquired disabilities to help cope with the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. We discussed the things we can’t do during Shelter-at-Home, the things we are doing instead, and end with a reminder that someday things will go back to normal! Both clients and caregivers told me how much this song encouraged themwe hope it does the same for you!

It’s so important to explain why we are staying home to our kiddos and especially to reassure them that someday soon we will be able to go out againwatch our page for a fill in the blank song you can write with your kids this week!

Today is World Autism Awareness Day! So many of the clients we work with live with autism, and we want to take this moment to tell you we SEE you, we ACCEPT you, we are PROUD of you, and we are excited to continue to GROW with you!

Calvin is here to teach you our favorite handwashing piggyback song! Grab some soap and PRACTICE with us! You can use this song when using hand sanitizer too! (Make sure your sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol.) This song fits CDC handwashing guidelines for washing for 20 seconds, but it won't be boring if you sing it along with your kids. Try taking turns (you sing the first part, and your child sings the repeat. Switch and let your child "lead" the next time!)

This is a fun, sensory way to explain why it's so important to wash hands with soap. I saw this idea online and decided to try it with my son, Calvin. Give it a try at home (all you need is a bowl of water, pepper, and a little dish soap!) Make sure you like and follow Vacaville Music Therapy--I'll be posting my favorite handwashing song tomorrow (it's kid- and grown-up friendly, and makes sure you get in that recommended 20 seconds of washing!)

This is so awesome. We are so happy to have partnered with TAT to provide group music therapy once a week for these amazing kids! (And Mrs. Bre loves that her own children get to be a part of this class!)

Looking for a fun way to learn, grow and connect with your little one? There are only two spots left in our Winter session of Music-and-Me parent and child music class for kids ages 6 months-4 years old. This is an integrated class for kids with and without special needs. There are 11 more sessions (class started last week!) so your cost is $165 for the 11 sessions if you join now! Class meets on Tuesday mornings from 10:30-11:15. Come make music with the little ones you love!! Register here: https://www.vacavillemusictherapy.com/book-online (Don’t worryyou’ll receive a pro-rated invoice )

Check this out!! We heard about this from my friend Deanna Deckard--she's been involved with this for several months now, and when I heard about it today, my heart was soaring--the future looks brighter for the children we serve in our center when we see programs like this in development. This day program will offer a different opportunity for individuals we serve to continue to learn and grow, build relationships, and contribute to our community in such a meaningful way!!

A silent standing ovation! How special!

It’s Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month! We are so thankful for every one of our amazing clients with autism and their families! You inspire us dailythanks for working so hard to achieve your goals and for letting us be a part of your journey! Keep marching to the beat of your own drumwe’ll be there to join in your music!