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Information about
Music therapy, creativity, and more! 

October Population: Domestic Violence awareness in music

10/16/2020

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Written by: Mikayla Hill 
Domestic violence is a topic that has been receiving more and more attention throughout the past 10 years. As it came out of the shadows and was discussed openly there have been many avenues that people have used to raise awareness, knowledge, and advocate for domestic violence survivors. Music and song writing has been one of those avenues.

Domestic violence can be found in many genres like country, rock, pop, and rap, dating all the way back to the early 1900’s. One example is a pop song ‘Love the Way You Lie’ by Eminem and Rihanna. The song emphasizes the cycle of domestic violence with lyrics “cuz when its going good, it’s going great. But when it’s bad, it’s awful”. Rock artist Alice Cooper wrote about a woman in an abusive relationship in his ballad “Only Women Bleed”. In his lyrics, he sings “he lies right at you, now you hate this game. He slaps you once in a while and you live and love in pain”. The pop band Green Day, wrote the song “Pulling Teeth” about an abusive relationship where the woman is the abuser. While this is less common, in real life and in songs, there are situations where the husband is the victim of domestic abuse; violence is not limited to one gender. These are only a few examples.

If you take the time and do the research, you will see songs about or referencing, domestic violence throughout the decades. There are several pros and cons to listening to these songs. They consistently remind you that domestic violence is a harsh reality in this world. They raise awareness that this is a larger social issue than we’d like to believe. As awareness, knowledge, and advocacy for domestic violence survivors grows there will be an increase in services, specifically directed to and for survivors. However, if we are not careful, we can become desensitized to the painful reality of domestic violence and the need for survivor services, by accepting and listening to these songs without thinking about their meanings and implications. When we continue to let discussions happen without taking a stand with survivors, we enter into the dangerous territory of apathy. We as consumers, must do a better job of fighting against the attitude of indifference towards domestic violence. Songs that push the message of domestic violence are here for a reason. Whether they push for acceptance of domestic violence or a societal revolution it still reminds us that we have a job of listening, hearing, and advocating against violence and services that help domestic violence survivors.

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Advocating for Music therapy: with non music therapy majors!

9/17/2020

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Mikayla's Blog Post: 
Hello Everyone! My name is Mikayla Hill. I’m a new face at Small Steps Music! I am a college student at Gordon State College, and I am interning with Small Steps Music this semester. You may see me around the practice observing music therapy sessions and music lessons, completing work in the office, and shadowing Mrs. Natalie and Ms. Michaela! I am looking forward to learning and accomplishing new things throughout this experience.
I am 21 years old and I love Jesus, music, and spending time with friends! I am a member of Crestview Baptist Church in Griffin, Ga and I serve in the worship band by playing piano and singing. I also can play the acoustic guitar, bass, and a little bit of the violin. My favorite instrument to play is the piano because my love for music formed fourteen years ago during my early piano lessons. Now I can play the piano to serve in church, use it to express and regulate emotions, and teach others to play it as well. Currently I live with my family and two dogs. In the picture above I am the one all the way to the right wearing the black vest. My parents, Thomas and Tricia, are on the left. Josh, the middle sibling, is in the middle wearing the white shirt and to his right is my youngest brother J.T. If you could not tell from the picture, we are all Auburn fans! We love going to Auburn football games together and going on vacation to the beach!
I graduated from high school in May 2017 and enrolled in Gordon State the following fall semester. I am now a senior at Gordon and will graduate in December 2020 with my B.S. in Human Services. Human Services is a multidisciplinary profession that integrates psychology, sociology, government, and administration. This type of education prepares students to work with individuals and communities to improve the delivery of social services and to assist individuals and families in functioning as effectively as possible. In other words: Human Services is dedicated to people helping people. Some examples of Human Services careers are government and private social services agencies, vocational rehabilitation centers, substance abuse centers, counseling and therapy, foster and adoption, and residential facilities treating the elderly and intellectually challenged.
Throughout the past year I have looked at career opportunities for myself that combine my love for music and passion for helping others. Naturally, I started researching music therapy and became extremely interested in it. With this internship I am wanting to gain knowledge, experience, and a love for music therapy and all it’s components. My plan after graduation is to obtain my music therapy equivalency degree and become a Board-Certified Music Therapist. But until then I will enjoy my time at Small Steps Music with everyone! I hope to see you around!

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Areanna's Blog Post: 
Small Steps Music, a place where students can learn, laugh, grow and develop many skills, and truly learn how to become better musicians! Through my time at Small Steps Music, I have learned so much. To say the least, I have grown into a better learner and musician myself. After studying under the wonderful Natalie Generally and Michaela Shockcor, I got the push I truly needed to truly work hard to become the best Music Therapist I can be.  When observing these wonderful therapists, I was able to experience students learning piano pieces, guitar, improving speech or communication skills, and so much more. Little do people know, before I started interning at Small Steps Music, I knew nothing about the guitar. The moment I mentioned that, both Natalie and Michaela worked with me on those skills. However, there were different targets each time I came in. For example, this week was guitar, and the next week we would be sure to talk about things to know for graduate school, or being able to observe a student so, you can write up the best plan. I’ve enjoyed my time there more than ever, and I truly look forward to learning more about a variety of techniques when working with students. I can’t wait to improve on my guitar skills, as well as preparing for graduate school and the challenges that I may face while finishing my program.
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Sensory Friendly Events

7/31/2017

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Rebekah Tarplin, LPMT, MT-BC
Small Steps Music Therapist & Instructor

Having a sensory friendly approach often makes it easier for individuals with sensory sensitivities to participate in social activities and community events.

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​Summer is the time for barbecues, picnics, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. A sensory friendly event is one designed to be less sensory stimulating and overwhelming. Having a sensory friendly approach often makes it easier for individuals with sensory sensitivities to participate in social activities and community events. Just a few simple steps can go a long way to make your event more sensory friendly for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
 
Tip 1: While some individuals with disabilities may not respond when spoken to, they may also be startled or upset by the softest sounds. If the event has loud background music or sudden bursts of sound, it may be helpful to turn down the music, or limit the music to one area.
 
Tip 2: Individuals with disabilities also tend to be more sensitive to touch and textures. Offer a high-five or handshake and allow the person an opportunity to decline. Having a designated “quiet room” may also be beneficial as a space to provide a break from crowds in needed.
 
Tip 3: Some individuals with sensory issues are highly aware of smells in the environment around them. Be sure to turn off or remove artificial air fresheners from areas used during the event. You may also request that staff or volunteers refrain from wearing perfume or cologne on the day of the event.
 
Tip 4: Some individuals follow unique diets or are averse to different tastes and textures. If food will be offered or available, be sure to have a wide variety of options and, if possible, provide a way for people to notify you in advance about special dietary considerations.
 
Tip 5: Lighting, especially bright lights, can be difficult for a person with a disability. Some may wear hats and/or sunglasses indoors due to their light sensitivity. Offer areas of dim lighting, or cover intense lighting in the ceiling with sheets or tablecloths.
 
If attendees know the event is sensory friendly, it may increase the chance people who may have been anxious about attending will feel more comfortable and welcome. If you are uncertain of what to do at any time, just ask; most individuals or their families will be happy to give tips and suggestions of how to help.

Please consider making all of your events sensory friendly!
​
If you are interested in more information about sensory friendly events or music therapy and sensory integration, please contact us:
info@smallstepsmusicllc.com or 404-446-6945
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Summer Listening

6/26/2017

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Natalie Generally, LPMT, MMEd, MT-BC Owner/Director Small Steps Music LLC

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Think about how much we would miss in living, laughing, and loving if we didn’t listen.
I love “eye shopping” (my 12-year-old's term for meandering around stores for endless hours at a time without ever buying one single item) around stores like Hobby Lobby, Ikea, Michaels, Target, and other home style oriented shops.  Each time, my eye is drawn to the same words on posters and pictures: “Live Laugh Love.”  I think about all the areas of life that covers, but one important “L” is missing… Listen.  Listening is just as, if not more important than those other “L” words.  Think about how much we would miss in living, laughing, and loving if we didn’t listen to our inner thoughts, spouses, co-workers, children, and our surroundings. I challenge you to change your listening habits in a fun, simple, and powerful way!

Incorporating music into your daily life can make summer living, laughing, and loving even more fun! It's an easy way help you connect with the important people in your life while adding the listening component. If you aren’t already grooving to music for day to day tasks, try it by yourself or with your family.  Here are some music missions to keep you movin,’ groovin,’ and listening all summer:

Mission 1- Everyday tasks and music:  
Put some music on and get to work!
  1. Working out
  2. Chores
  3. Repetitive Tasks (computer, seated work)
  4. Cooking
  5. Shower Time
  6. Travel- road trip playlists, including songs related to where you are going
  7. Ringtones – you can add different ones for people you talk to frequently
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Mission 2- Music “Moods” 
Create a playlist for different moods. You might even be able to pick up on someone else's mood by the music they are listening to.  Here are a few examples:
  1. “Let’s Do this/Warrior/Workout Mode
  2. “Pity Party”
  3. “Forget You!”
  4. “Kappa Cray Cray”
  5. “I’m the Bomb”
  6.  “It’s a Good Day”
  7. “Time to Relax/Quiet Time”
 
Mission 3- For Your Ears Only - Music Time Just for You
**Schedule Your Personal Time as Appointments**
  1. Mental Moment – listen to  music while you jot down everything on your mind
  2. Playlists for what you are going through (i.e. lost love, found love, illness, etc.)
  3. Pick your theme song!  This is the one that picks you up anytime you hear it.  It will change from time to time and that’s okay; but, have it handy all the time!
 
The most important thing to remember about music is to pick what you and your family like… it won’t motivate you, empower you, connect you, or keep you listening if it’s not your favorite stuff! Here are some of my family’s favorite artists and soundtracks this summer:
  • Imagine Dragons
  • Twenty-One Pilots
  • Moana Soundtrack
  • Angry Birds Soundtrack
  • Selena Gomez
  • Justin Bieber
  • Ray Charles
  • Pentatonix
  Don’t forget to Live Laugh Love and Listen…..
​
If you are interested in connecting with your loved ones through music or finding more ways to incorporate music in your day to day activities, contact us:

 info@smallstepsmusicllc.com or 404-446-6945
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Community Matters

3/20/2016

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Caroline Beson, LPMT, MT-BC
Small Steps Music Therapist


I did not realize that we would be welcomed so very kindly."
When I joined Small Steps Music in 2015, I was so delighted to discover that Natalie Generally seemed to have a connection with so many community members. I was brand new to this area, and wanted to find ways to “plug in.” Natalie would tell me about present and past contacts in the school systems, clients that had been referred by a friend or family member, and when we went somewhere together, there was always someone there who knew her well and would greet her (and me!) with a big smile and a hug. 

So when Natalie invited me to Peachtree City Seventh Day Adventist Health Fair, I was very excited. I knew that I would have a chance to meet other healthcare providers, munch some salad from a salad bar, and give blood alongside other members of my community that cared about health. I did not realize that we would be welcomed so very kindly. 

We met a few exhibitors that remembered speaking with Natalie the year before at the same event. We met a Licensed Professional Counselor who related to us that she had seen this story about a music therapist coordinating with a popular music artist to help a patient meet rehab goals. We met a Speech Therapist and a Physical Therapist who empathized when we said that we serve seven counties. We met a Certified Life Care Planner who helps families affected by disabilities get the numbers that they need to project costs over time. We saw Raissa Chandler, Founder of Southside Support, who showed us a new, easier-to-navigate resource list for parents of children with special needs.

We came home with quite a few new handouts that may be helpful for us or the clients we serve. I know that the handouts and flyers that we went out went into good hands. Our community has been good to us so far, and we will continue to nurture the ties that bond us. After all, we are all in this together.

If you are interested in learning more, contact us: info@smallstepsmusicllc.com or 404-446-6945
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  • Home
  • Company and Staff
  • Services
    • Music Therapy
    • Telehealth Sessions
    • Private Music Lessons
    • Virtual Music Lessons
    • Birthday Parties >
      • Party Themes & Price List
    • School Programming
    • Summer Camp/ Workshops
  • Resources
    • For Clients >
      • Newsletters
      • Handouts
    • For Music Therapists >
      • Presentation Handouts
    • Blog
  • Events & Community News
    • In Clinic Events & News
  • Contact Us