Music Makes Sense

A Clarification on Professional Standards, Public Statements, and Pluralism in AMTA

2026-04-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

*Author’s Note

Earlier this year, I published an open letter reflecting on the American Music Therapy Association’s public advocacy role and the importance of representing a diverse membership. That post prompted a thoughtful written response and broader discussion among colleagues.

The essay below is not a point-by-point rebuttal. Rather, it is a clarification of my core concern: how professional organizations can communicate ethically, inclusively, and responsibly in politically polarized times.

A Clarification on Professional Standards, Public Statements, and Pluralism in AMTA

Dear Colleagues,

I appreciate the time and care that went into the detailed response to my original open letter. Engagement at this level reflects a shared investment in the integrity of our field, and I welcome the opportunity to clarify my position in a more focused and constructive way.

My purpose here is not to continue a prolonged debate or to revisit every point raised. Rather, I want to clarify what I am, and am not, arguing, and to propose a path forward that I believe better serves both our clients and the full diversity of our professional community. This response comes after a period of reflection and careful consideration following the original statement, with the aim of contributing a thoughtful and constructive perspective.

Clarifying the Core Concern

My original letter has been interpreted as advocating for an “apolitical” professional organization. That is not my position.

Professional organizations inevitably operate within social, cultural, and political realities. The question is not whether AMTA ever speaks on public issues. The question is how and when it does so, and whether those decisions are guided by clear, consistent, and professionally grounded standards.

My concern is that recent statements, including the “Stand With Minnesota” post, appear to move beyond those boundaries by:

Adopting a specific public narrative about a complex civic event
Directing members toward external advocacy actions
Doing so without clearly articulating how this aligns with AMTA’s core mission or represents the full diversity of its membership

This is not a concern about compassion or ethics. It is a concern about institutional scope, representational responsibility, and consistency.

What I Am Arguing For

If I had to summarize my position in one sentence, it would be this:

AMTA should adopt clear, publicly stated criteria for when it issues public statements, how those statements are framed, and when it directs members toward civic or legislative action.

One possible starting point for such criteria could include:

Mission Linkage
Public statements are strongest when they maintain a clear and direct connection to music therapy practice, client access to services, clinician well-being, or professional standards.
Representational Integrity
As a membership organization, AMTA would benefit from taking particular care when speaking in ways that could reasonably be interpreted as endorsing a specific political framing of contested events.
Viewpoint Pluralism
Inclusivity is best understood as including ideological diversity within the profession. Members should not feel that holding a minority viewpoint places them outside the bounds of professional legitimacy.
Consistency
Similar types of events can be evaluated through consistent principles, not selectively based on alignment with a particular interpretive lens.

This is not a call for silence. It is a call for discipline in institutional voice.

On Compassion and Professional Ethics

I want to state this clearly, because it has been a point of misunderstanding:

Nothing in my original letter was intended to diminish the reality of harm, invalidate lived experiences, or oppose efforts to support vulnerable communities.

Compassion, dignity, and ethical care are foundational to our work.

The question, however, is whether a professional association can express those commitments without appearing to adopt a single, contested public narrative as the primary or exclusively ethical framing of complex events. In my view, it can and should strive to do so. A professional organization can affirm human dignity, support those affected by harm, and encourage ethical, trauma-informed care while also leaving room for members to hold differing political or interpretive perspectives on complex public events.

Why This Matters for the Profession

This issue is not abstract for me.

As an educator, clinician, and researcher, I have become increasingly aware that some professionals and students perceive certain viewpoints as difficult to express openly within our field because of potential social or professional repercussions.

That perception, whether fully accurate or not, has real consequences:

It affects willingness to participate in professional organizations
It impacts how educators advise students about engagement with AMTA
It shapes whether members feel represented or alienated

AMTA’s own materials emphasize dignity and respect across differences, including political differences. If that principle is to have meaning, it must extend not only to clients, but to members of the profession itself.

On Professional Discourse

I want to briefly address the tone of the broader discussion surrounding this exchange.

First, I want to be clear that the written response itself was substantive and professionally presented. While we clearly approached several issues from different assumptions and interpretive frameworks, and at times focused on different questions than those I intended to raise, the response did not read as a personal attack, and I appreciate the level of engagement reflected in it.

My concern arises more from the surrounding discussion in informal spaces, where some of the commentary became dismissive or personal in tone. I recognize that these spaces are not formally moderated, but they still shape the professional climate in which ideas are received and debated.

I raise this not to revisit specific comments, but to underscore a broader point: the way we engage with colleagues who hold differing perspectives matters. If we aim to model inclusivity and ethical practice, that commitment should extend to how we conduct professional disagreement, especially when those perspectives fall outside the prevailing consensus.

A Path Forward

Rather than continuing to debate individual statements, I believe a more productive step would be for AMTA to:

Develop and publish clear guidelines for public statements and advocacy
Define thresholds for when member-directed civic action is appropriate
Create space for good-faith disagreement without professional marginalization

These steps would not eliminate disagreement. But they would provide a shared framework that strengthens trust, transparency, and cohesion within the organization.

Final Thoughts

Reasonable professionals can and will disagree on these issues.

My aim is not to resolve those disagreements, but to ensure that the structure within which they occur remains fair, principled, and inclusive of diverse viewpoints.

If this response contributes in any way to a more thoughtful and balanced conversation about AMTA’s role and responsibilities, then it has served its purpose.

Respectfully,
Daniel Tague

For readers interested in the earlier exchange, links to prior posts are available below.

An Open Letter to the American Music Therapy Association: On Professional Neutrality, Ethical Consistency, and Cognitive Responsibility

2026-01-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

* If you’re reading this as a follower of the blog, you can receive future posts directly by email here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1939736/175726236254865315/share

Introduction

I write this open letter as a concerned member and advocate for the music therapy profession. I remain deeply committed to AMTA’s stated mission of advancing ethical practice, promoting access to quality services, and supporting the professional development of music therapists. I also share the grief and concern over the tragic loss of life in Minnesota and the broader psychological harm that violence, fear, and instability cause to individuals, families, and communities.

At the same time, I feel a professional obligation to raise serious concerns about AMTA’s recent public endorsement of the Stand With Minnesota platform. While I understand the humanitarian intent behind this response, the form, framing, and language of this endorsement risk undermining the association’s ethical neutrality, professional credibility, and commitment to impartial, trauma-informed care.

Professional organizations must not only express compassion. They must model intellectual rigor, ethical consistency, and cognitive responsibility. When public advocacy becomes emotionally driven rather than ethically grounded, it risks transforming a professional body into a political actor rather than a stabilizing institution of care.

On Language, Framing, and De-Escalation

One of the most concerning aspects of the endorsement is its alignment with highly charged language and framing. Platforms that describe federal enforcement as an “occupation” adopt rhetoric that escalates fear and polarization rather than promoting de-escalation, psychological safety, and social stability.

A profession grounded in trauma-informed practice should be particularly cautious about endorsing language that intensifies emotional arousal, identity polarization, and moral absolutism. Healing work depends on reducing threat perception, not amplifying it. Ethical care requires careful attention to how narratives shape fear, cognition, and behavioral responses in vulnerable communities.

AMTA’s public voice carries moral authority. When that voice aligns with emotionally charged advocacy frameworks, it risks eroding trust among members and clients who rely on the profession to remain neutral, stabilizing, and non-partisan.

“Healing professions should reduce polarization, not amplify it.”

2026-01-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

From Background Noise to Intentional Care: What College Students' Music Habits Teach Us About Everyday Regulation

A new issue of Music Therapy Perspectives was just released, officially publishing a study I co-authored on how college students actually use music in their daily lives. While the article has been available online for some time, seeing it in the Fall 2025 issue feels like the right moment to pause and reflect on what these findings really mean beyond academic journals.

Here's the short version:

College students don't need more music.
They need more awareness of how music is already shaping their mood, attention, and stress levels.

And honestly? The same is true for most of us.

Music Is Already Doing Emotional Work

In our study, first- and second-year college students reported listening to music daily, often for two to three hours at a time. Most of that listening happened alone (in dorm rooms, cars, or through headphones), primarily through streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

When asked why they used music, the answers were strikingly consistent:

Over 90% reported using music to influence their mood
Many used music to relieve stress or anxiety
Others used it to cope with loneliness, boredom, or emotional overload
Music was frequently used as a way to "escape," "relax," or "take their mind off things"

One student summed it up simply: "Just how I feel during the day."

What stood out wasn't just how often students used music—it was how naturally music had become part of their emotional regulation system, even when they didn't consciously frame it that way.

10 Science-Backed Ways Music Can Support Heart Health and Reduce Stress

2025-12-15T05:53:00.000-08:00

How music therapy research can help anyone use music more intentionally for well-being.

Introduction

For more than 25 years, I have worked as a board certified music therapist. During that time, I have helped individuals reduce stress, regulate breathing, manage pain, improve sleep, and navigate emotional challenges through the intentional use of music. Over and over, people have asked me a version of the same question:

“Why does no one teach us how to use music for our health?”

Most people rely on music instinctively. They use it to relax, to focus, to motivate a workout, or to help them through difficult moments. Very few people understand why music affects the body the way it does. Even fewer know how to use music in a purposeful, strategic way to influence heart rate, breathing, nervous system responses, and emotional well being.

That gap is what inspired me to write my new book, Music for the Heart, a clear and practical guide for using music intentionally to support heart health and reduce stress.

In this post, I am sharing an overview of 10 science backed tools you can begin using today. These strategies are based on music therapy research, neuroscience, cardiology, psychology, and decades of real clinical experience.

If you want the full set of tools, worksheets, templates, and step by step guidance, you can find the book here:
👉 https://www.musicmakessense.com/shop

Grounding with the Five Senses — Why It Works, and How Music + Coloring Amplify It

2025-11-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Grounding with the Five Senses: Why It Works and How Music & Coloring Make It Stronger

When life feels loud, busy, or overwhelming, our nervous system often shifts into “auto-survival mode”: racing thoughts, muscle tension, shallow breathing, and future worries. The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique— naming 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste—is a simple, portable way to bring attention back to the present moment.

In our Grounded by the Five Senses coloring series, we pair this well-known technique with mindful coloring pages and curated music playlists so you can use all five senses in a calm, creative way. This post takes a closer look at what the research says about grounding, why structured coloring helps, and how music can support the process, especially for stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation.

The Science Behind 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding

“Grounding” describes strategies that help shift attention away from distressing thoughts or sensations and back into present-moment awareness. Clinically, grounding is used in anxiety, trauma, and stress-management work as a way to reduce physiological arousal and reorient a person to safety.

A clinical commentary by Imran (2020) describes the 5-4-3-2-1 technique as a structured sensory task that interrupts escalating anxiety by engaging multiple senses in sequence, creating an attentional shift from catastrophic thoughts to observable cues in the environment. This shift is consistent with broader evidence that attentional refocusing and body-based awareness can reduce anxiety and support emotion regulation.

See:

Imran, A. (2020). Combat Against Stress, Anxiety and Panic Attacks: 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique. Journal of Trauma & Stress Disorders & Treatment, 9(4).

Research in body-psychotherapy also highlights grounding as a measurable, whole-person phenomenon. Shuper Engelhard et al. (2021) developed an observational tool for “groundedness” (including posture, stability, and presence) and argued that grounding reflects integration of bodily, emotional, and cognitive states, which is exactly what sensory exercises aim to support.

See:

Shuper Engelhard, E., Pitluk, M., & Elboim-Gabyzon, M. (2021). Grounding the Connection Between Psyche and Soma: Creating a Reliable Observation Tool for Grounding Assessment in an Adult Population. Frontiers in Psychology.

Together, these findings support what many people experience anecdotally: guided attention through the senses can help interrupt spirals, reduce distress, and restore a felt sense of “I am here, I am safe.”

Why Mindful Coloring Fits Naturally with Grounding

Coloring is more than a pastime; when done with intention, it naturally aligns with the “see” and “touch” components of 5-4-3-2-1 grounding.

In a review of structured coloring activities, Ashdown (2018) reported that several experimental studies found reductions in anxiety and negative mood after adults completed specific coloring tasks (for example, mandalas or themed designs).
Mantzios & Giannou (2018) showed that unguided coloring did not automatically increase mindfulness; however, when mindfulness instructions were included, coloring became more effective as a calming and present-focused exercise. In other words, structure and intention matter.

See:
Ashdown, B. K. (2018). How Does Coloring Influence Mood, Stress, and Mindfulness? Journal of Integrated Social Sciences, 8(1), 1–21.

Mantzios, M., & Giannou, K. (2018). When Did Coloring Books Become Mindful? Exploring the Effect of Structured Coloring Books on Anxiety. Mindfulness, 9(4), 1154–1162.

When you color with awareness of line, shape, pressure, and movement, you are already:

Noticing what you see: patterns, curves, shadows, and color choices.
Feeling what you touch: paper texture, the weight of the pencil, gentle repetitive motion.
Regulating your breath and pace to match slow, rhythmic strokes.

This is precisely the kind of sensory engagement the 5-4-3-2-1 method is designed to create. The pages in the Grounded by the Five Senses series build on this by pairing each illustration with a short, therapeutically informed prompt to guide your attention, turning casual coloring into a grounded, evidence-aligned practice.

How Music Enhances Grounding and Coloring

The “3 sounds you can hear” step is one of the most powerful parts of 5-4-3-2-1. Music can deepen this step by offering predictable, soothing auditory input that supports nervous system regulation.

Multiple peer-reviewed studies highlight the impact of music on stress and anxiety:

A systematic review and meta-analysis by de Witte et al. (2020) found that music interventions produced significant reductions in both physiological and psychological stress markers across a variety of settings.
Dong et al. (2023) demonstrated that a 15-minute music intervention for patients after cardiac valve replacement significantly lowered anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure compared to standard care alone.

See:
de Witte, M., Spruit, A., van Hooren, S., Moonen, X., & Stams, G. J. J. M. (2020). Effects of Music Interventions on Stress-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Two Meta-Analyses. Health Psychology Review, 14(2), 294–324.

Dong, Y., Zhang, L., Chen, L.-W., & Luo, Z.-R. (2023). Music Therapy for Pain and Anxiety in Patients after Cardiac Valve Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 23, 32.

These findings support what many of us feel intuitively: thoughtfully selected music can slow our breathing, soften muscle tension, and shift mood. When paired with coloring, music:

Provides a gentle, continuous sound to “hook” your attention during the 5-4-3-2-1 practice.
Helps mask distracting noise, making it easier to stay with the page in front of you.
Supports a sense of safety and predictability, key elements in regulating the stress response.

That is why each book in the Grounded by the Five Senses series is designed to work beautifully with calm, curated playlists. As you color and read the prompts, the music becomes your “3 sounds,” naturally woven into the grounding process.

Turning Evidence into a Simple At-Home Practice

Here is how you can combine 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, coloring, and music in a way that reflects what the research supports:

Set the scene. Choose a quiet spot, soft lighting, your coloring book, and a warm drink.
Press play. Start a calming playlist at a comfortable volume.
Begin with sight. Take a slow breath. Notice 5 visual details on the page—lines, shapes, shadows, and small textures in the illustration.
Engage touch. Notice 4 tactile sensations—the page, the pencil in your fingers, the table under your arms, and your feet on the floor.
Listen. Identify 3 sounds—the music, your pencil moving, and your breath. Let those sounds remind you that you are here, not in the worry story.
Finish with smell and taste. Gently notice 2 smells and 1 taste (tea, cocoa, a candle, or fresh air).

Color at your own pace. If your thoughts wander, simply return to one of your senses or the next section of the page. Over time, this sequence can train your body to associate coloring and music with safety, regulation, and calm, which is exactly what the research describes as effective grounding.

Why a Grounded Coloring Book Is a Meaningful Gift (for Yourself or Someone You Love)

The holidays and everyday life rarely slow down on their own. Building a small, sensory-based ritual is one way to gently reclaim your attention, your breath, and your body.

The Grounded by the Five Senses series was created with this in mind: mindful illustrations, reflection prompts, and sensory themes (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) that fit naturally with 5-4-3-2-1 grounding and the growing research on music and coloring for stress relief.

If you would like a simple, research-informed tool to support grounding for yourself, your clients, or someone who needs a gentle reset, explore the full series on my Amazon Author Page: Daniel B. Tague – Grounded by the Five Senses Series. Pair a book with a cozy playlist, a favorite mug, and a quiet corner, and you have more than a gift; you have a portable, sensory grounding practice.

Color, Notice, Breathe—Now for Teens

2025-10-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing Grounding with the Five Senses: Teen Edition

If life feels extra loud for the teen in your world—school, sports, friends, constant notifications—grounding can help bring attention back to the present. After releasing the adult edition, we heard from counselors, parents, and teens who wanted the same simple approach in a teen voice. So we built it.

Grounding with the Five Senses — Teen Edition blends mindful coloring with short reflection prompts and optional music playlists. Every page is designed to be easy to start, easy to finish, and—most importantly—easy to use when stress spikes.

Why a teen edition?

Short, doable prompts. One or two sentences guide attention without feeling like homework.
Teen-centered scenes. Study nooks, skate parks, sneaker walls, concert crowds, cozy corners—familiar places that invite calm.
Built-in journaling strips. Quick reflection lines help capture “what steadies me” before it slips away.
Music-supported options. QR links (optional) point to calm-focus playlists that pair well with coloring.
Single-sided pages. Less bleed-through; use markers or pencils without stress.

What’s inside

45 calming scenes organized by the five senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, Touch
Reflection prompts on every art page
Therapist-friendly pacing and consistent layouts for individual or group use
8.5” × 8.5” single-sided pages (tear-out friendly if needed)

Quick grounding steps teens can try today

No book required—just a minute.

5–4–3–2–1 Scan
Notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste (or a favorite flavor memory). Slow your breathing while you list them.
Color + Breathe (60 seconds)
Pick one shape or area on a page. Inhale as you trace the outline with your finger; exhale as you lightly color it in. Repeat 4–6 times.
Sound Anchor
Play an instrumental track at low volume. Imagine the sound coming from one spot in the room. Each time your mind wanders, gently return to that sound.
Temperature + Texture Reset
Hold a cool water bottle, rub a soft hoodie cuff, or roll a smooth stone in your palm for 30–45 seconds. Describe the sensation in three words.

How the book helps

The teen edition turns the steps above into guided pages. Each section opens with a short “Try this” and a matching coloring scene that spotlights a single sense, followed by a few lines to jot what worked. Over time, teens build a personal “menu” of sensory anchors they can use before tests, after tough practices, or when emotions spike.

Who it’s for

Teens who color to unwind and refocus
Counselors and school clinicians integrating art-based grounding in session
Parents seeking a practical, evidence-informed tool that doesn’t feel clinical

Meet the creators

Daniel B. Tague, PhD, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist with 15+ years of clinical practice, university teaching, and publications on music, mindfulness, and health.
Anne-Marie White, LPC, LCDC is a licensed counselor who supports teens and families using trauma-informed, mindfulness-based care. Together we designed pages teens will actually use—calm, creative, and doable.

Where to get it

Grounding with the Five Senses — Teen Edition is available now on Amazon.
👉 Buy the Teen Edition on Amazon

Want the original for adults? It pairs well with the teen book for families or groups.
👉 See the Adult Edition

FAQs

Is this therapy?
No. It’s a self-guided resource for grounding and reflection. It can complement work with a counselor.

Markers or pencils?
Either. Pages are single-sided to minimize bleed-through.

Do I have to use the playlists?
No—totally optional. The QR codes simply point to calm, instrumental options many teens enjoy.

Want to try a page first? Grab a printable sampler (one scene + reflection strip).
👉 Download the sampler PDF

Color • Notice • Breathe: A Simple Way to Ground with the Five Senses

2025-10-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

Estimated read time: 6–7 minutes

When life speeds up, our attention narrows to worries, to-do lists, and what-ifs. One of my favorite ways to widen the lens again is the five-senses grounding approach (often taught as “5-4-3-2-1”). Recently, Anne-Marie White, LPC, LCDC, and I turned this idea into something hands-on and enjoyable: an adult coloring & reflection book that pairs mindful line-art pages with tiny journaling prompts and calm-focus music suggestions.

👉 New release: Grounding with the Five Senses: A Mindful Coloring & Reflection Book for Adults — now on Amazon for $9.99: Get the book

Below is a simple practice you can try today, plus a peek at how the book can support an ongoing routine for you—or in your therapy work with clients.

A 5-minute grounding routine you can try right now

Set a tiny intention: “I’m taking five minutes to steady my attention.”

See (SIGHT)
Find one object in front of you. Name three details out loud or on paper (shape, color edges, shadow).
Feel (TOUCH)
Place both feet on the floor. Notice two textures (sock/floor, hand/mug, air on skin). Loosen your jaw and shoulders.
Hear (SOUND)
Pause and name one near sound and one far sound without judging them. Let them come and go.
Smell (SMELL)
Take a slow breath and notice what’s present (room, soap, coffee). If nothing stands out, imagine a pleasant neutral scent (citrus peel, clean laundry).
Taste (TASTE)
Sip water or tea; note temperature and aftertaste. If you’re not eating/drinking, notice the neutral taste in your mouth.

Finish with three easy breaths. Inhale for a comfortable count; exhale slightly longer.

That’s it. You’ve just shifted your attention from mental noise to present-moment cues.

Why add coloring?

Coloring gives your hands a steady, rhythmic task. The simple motor pattern of filling shapes creates a predictable pace that pairs beautifully with five-senses noticing. When you finish, jot a few words about what you noticed—this helps your brain tag the moment as “repeat-worthy.”

How the book helps (and what’s inside)

Grounding with the Five Senses is built to make that 5-minute routine even easier:

45 calming line-art scenes, organized by Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, Touch
Single-sided pages (marker-friendly) with a reflection strip under each image
Short prompts that nudge you to notice one pleasant detail
Hearing section playlist ideas (ambient, minimal piano/strings, lo-fi, acoustic) to support relaxed, steady attention—lyrics optional, volume low
Consistent layouts so it’s easy to use at home or in therapy sessions

➡️ See it on Amazon: Grounding with the Five Senses

Try this “color • notice • jot” micro-exercise

Pick any page (for example, a beach, forest, or sand tray).
Set a 3-minute timer.
Color one small area slowly—no rush, light pressure.
In the reflection strip, finish one of these prompts:
- One thing I saw that felt steady…
- A texture I liked feeling…
- One sound that helped me stay here…
- A scent/taste that felt pleasant or neutral…
Optional: add a soft, instrumental track. If lyrics pull your attention, skip the music.

Repeat a few times this week and see which sense helps you most.

For therapists & counselors

Use a page as a session opener: two minutes of coloring + one line of reflection.
Match arousal: choose quieter scenes for down-regulation; lightly detailed scenes when gentle engagement helps.
For homework, ask clients to color one shape per day and write three words in the strip—keep it tiny and repeatable.

Frequently asked (quick answers)

Is this a workbook or a coloring book?
It’s a coloring journal—single-sided art pages with a small guided strip beneath each image.
Do I need to use music?
No. Music is optional. We include playlist ideas for readers who enjoy a gentle soundtrack.
What if I’m not “artistic”?
Perfect. The goal is a steady activity, not a masterpiece.

A closing invitation

Whether you color for five minutes or fifteen, the aim isn’t perfection. It’s to notice one steadying detail and let your breath catch up. If that sounds helpful, I think you’ll enjoy the pages we made.

👉 Grab the book on Amazon ($9.99): Grounding with the Five Senses

If you try the routine above, I’d love to hear what sense worked best for you—drop a comment or email me at DanielTague@musicmakessense.com.

Honored to be Included in Oxford’s AMTA 75th Anniversary Collection—And What Our Global Survey Revealed

2025-09-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

I’m thrilled to share that Oxford University Press has curated a special collection honoring the American Music Therapy Association’s 75th Anniversary—and our article, “Music therapy practice status and trends worldwide: An international survey study” (Kern & Tague, 2017), is included among the featured works. Being part of this collection is a true honor and a moment to reflect on how far our field has come—and where we’re headed next. Oxford Academic

Why this study mattered

Back in 2017, we surveyed 2,495 music therapists across six world regions to describe the profession’s demographics, practice patterns, and clinical trends. The study offered one of the broadest snapshots of global music therapy at the time and has been widely cited since for advocacy, training, and workforce planning.

Three important findings (in plain language)

A seasoned, committed workforce—often juggling part-time roles
Many music therapists reported 6+ years of experience and a mature age profile, but also noted second jobs and dissatisfaction with pay—especially where services lack consistent funding or recognition.
Where we work—and with whom
The most common settings worldwide were mental health, schools, and geriatric services, with caseloads often tied to where institutional and government funding exists. This aligns with thwide range of populations we serve across the lifespan.
What sessions focus on—goals and techniques
Clinically, music therapists most often target communication, emotional, and social skills, using techniques such as singing/vocalization, instrument play, and improvisation—core processes that show up around the globe.

These findings still resonate today: they point to the heart of our work (relationship-centered, goal-oriented care) and the systems-level needs that affect access, funding, and recognition.

A 10-year follow-up is underway

In April 2025, we ran the survey again. We plan to share results at the 18th World Congress of Music Therapy in Bologna, Italy (July 8–12, 2026)—I can’t wait to discuss what’s changed (and what hasn’t) ten years on. WCMT 2026

How this connects to my day-to-day mission

While I love publishing research, my heart is also in direct service and creative resources for families:

Music Makes Sense is my private music therapy practice, where I focus on accessible, evidence-informed, relationship-centered care.
Through my publishing company, I have begun creating carefully curated coloring books, Memory journals, mindful puzzle books and themed composition books that celebrate music and imagination for budding artists and others who are young at heart. In my coloring books, each page is chosen from hundreds of candidates and staged from my own concepts (with a little AI assist) to support screen-free calm, fine-motor skills, and joyful engagement. And this is just the start! A new children's story book is coming soon!

If this work resonates with you, the most helpful thing you can do is share this post with a friend, family member, teacher, or clinician—and, if you’re local, reach out about services. Your support fuels both client care and our ongoing research.

Thank you!

Visit my practice: https://www.musicmakessense.com/

The Animal Band at Halloween — Now Available! (Behind the Scenes + What’s Next)

2025-09-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

It’s live: The Animal Band at Halloween. See how I carefully curate pages, imagine each scene (with a little AI help), and what’s next for Animal Band.

I’m excited to share that The Animal Band at Halloween is now available! 🎃
For every Animal Band book, I start with one promise: only the best pages make the band. I sift through hundreds of candidate images, narrowing to the most joyful, musical, and color-friendly scenes for kids ages 4–8. Then I imagine the setting—costumes, instruments, moonlit stages, pumpkins, and tiny story details. I do use a little AI help in the creation process, but the concepts, selections, and scene design come from my own imagination and music-therapy perspective.

Why so much care? Because these books are built for screen-free calm and fine-motor skill practice, wrapped in playful, musical storytelling.

Shop the Series

The Animal Band at Halloween (NEW): https://a.co/d/aLm2KmU
The Animal Band (Book 1): https://a.co/d/ajT9bX3
The Animal Band: Duets: https://a.co/d/5Kgib3j

What’s Next

A full Animal Band children’s storybook is on the way—followed by a matching coloring edition. 📖🖍️

If you’d like to support my music therapy private practice, the simplest (and most helpful) thing is to share these links with friends, teachers, and family. Thank you for helping me bring music-infused creativity to more homes!

Watch a quick preview on TikTok and Instagram Reels, and tag your finished pages with #AnimalBandColoring for a feature. TikTok

Retro Guitar Composition Notebook (College Ruled)

2025-09-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

New release! I’m excited to add a guitar design to my Music-Themed Composition Book Series. The Retro Guitar Composition Notebook brings bold, colorful guitars to a classic college-ruled interior—great for class notes, practice logs, theory work, journaling, and lyric ideas.

Quick specs

Size: 7.5″ × 9.25″ (classic composition)
Pages: 110 (55 sheets)
Lines: College ruled
Bonus detail: Six rotating guitar emblem badges appear about every 20 pages in the upper-left header—fun section markers that don’t crowd your writing space.

If you enjoyed my Piano-Themed Composition Notebook, this guitar edition pairs perfectly for a cohesive classroom or studio set.

🎥 See it in action: I posted a short TikTok flip-through here → TikTok

🛒 Get the Retro Guitar Notebook on Amazon: Buy Here!

📚 Explore the whole series: My Amazon Author Page

Thanks for supporting music-inspired learning tools! If you pick one up, tag me—I'd love to see it in your classroom or practice space.

Student Spotlight: Practical Music Ideas for Little Ones—From Two Emerging Voices in Music Therapy

2025-09-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

I’m thrilled to celebrate two of my students—Ayaha Hariyama and Ursula Chumley—whose creative, family-friendly ideas are featured in the latest issue of imagine, the multimedia magazine for early childhood music therapy.

If you’re a parent, educator, or therapist looking for simple, evidence-informed ways to bring music into a child’s day, these two contributions are gold: quick to try, developmentally sensitive, and fun.

What’s inside this issue

1) “Tuneful Routines” (curated by Ayaha Hariyama)
A cheerful, sing-along playlist designed to support everyday transitions (waking up, getting dressed, mealtime, personal hygiene, bedtime). It’s built for connection and predictability—two elements that help young children move smoothly through the day.

Try this today:

Pick one routine (e.g., brushing teeth).
Choose a short, upbeat song that always signals that routine.
Start the track, model the action, and invite your child to join. Over time, the music becomes the cue—less nagging, more smiling.

2) “Daily Music-Mediated Activities—Week #8” (curated by Ursula Chumley)
A week of playful, five-minute activities (Motivation Monday → Feel-Good Friday) that weave in rhythm, movement, memory, and imagination. Perfect for home or classroom brain breaks.

Try this today:

“Song Box” surprise (Tuneful Tuesday idea): Place a few small items in a box. Pick one, name it together, and sing a matching song.
“Letter Detective!” (Thinking Thursday idea): Draw a simple letter/shape on a card, clap a steady beat, and sing the letter’s name while your child “finds” it around the room.

Why these ideas work

Predictable musical cues reduce stress around transitions and help children anticipate what’s next.
Short, repeated music moments build attention, language, and self-regulation—without feeling like “work.”
Co-regulation through music (adult + child together) boosts connection and keeps activities joyful.

Who this is for

Parents & caregivers: quick wins that fit into real life.
Early childhood educators: easy center-ready activities and calm transitions.
Music therapists & clinicians: family-friendly ideas you can share between sessions to generalize skills at home.

How to get the issue

Read the new issue of imagine (digital, multimedia format) here:
imagine 2025 → https://www.imagine.musictherapy.biz/wp/product/imagine-2025/

Tip: Share this post with a colleague, teacher, or parent who loves practical ideas.

About the contributors

Ayaha Hariyama and Ursula Chumley are students at Southern Methodist University who are passionate about helping families use everyday music for development, connection, and fun. I’m proud of their thoughtful, accessible contributions to the field.

Sharing note

Please share this blog post and the official imagine issue link above. Because imagine is a paid digital magazine, please don’t repost full PDFs or copy entire pages. Screenshots for commentary/education with attribution are fine; link back to the issue so creators are supported.

Pair These Ideas with Kid-Friendly Books & Printables

If Ayaha’s Tuneful Routines and Ursula’s five-minute music activities spark ideas for your home or classroom, here are simple ways to weave in my music-themed books and printables:

Animal Band Coloring Books (quiet focus + smooth transitions)

Use a one-song coloring break between activities or after a routine (e.g., “brush teeth → color for one song”).
Keep a “calm table” with crayons and an open page for children who need a regulation pause.
Handy for waiting rooms, centers, and rainy-day bins.
Browse the series on my Amazon Author Page → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Seasonal & Theme Variants (motivation + novelty)

Rotate seasonal editions (e.g., Halloween Animal Band) to refresh engagement without changing the routine structure.
Use seasonal pages as a Friday “feel-good” reward after a week of short music moments.
See seasonal titles → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Music-Forward Activity & Puzzle Books (quiet stamina + literacy links)

Pair Ursula’s Thinking Thursday with music-themed word searches or simple puzzles for literacy carryover.
Try a 2-track timer: one song to start, one song to finish—then switch tasks.
Explore activity & puzzle options → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Composition & Idea Notebooks (adult/teacher toolkit)

Keep a routine log: which songs work best for wake-ups, clean-ups, or bedtime cues.
Jot song prompts, lyric swaps, and child-preferred tracks so any caregiver can step in.
Find composition notebooks → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Brice-Tague/author/B0FFSC4J3D

Why this helps: predictable musical cues + short, repeated creative tasks support self-regulation, attention, and language—and they stay joyful because they feel like play.

How College Students Actually Use Music—And What That Means for Wellness (and Music Therapy)

2025-09-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

College life can be a lot—new routines, academic pressure, and distance from your usual support system. Our new study looked at how students intentionally use music in their everyday lives and what that might mean for stress, mood, and attention. We surveyed first- and second-year undergrads living on campus and asked about where, why, and how they listen to music—and how it affects them.

The headline takeaways

Most students use music to influence mood. In our sample, over nine out of ten students reported using music in the past week to shift how they felt—relieving stress or anxiety, easing loneliness, or just resetting.

Strong emotional reactions to music are common. About seven in ten experienced a strong emotional response to music in the last week, often in everyday, unplanned listening.

Listening is often solo and in personal spaces. Top spots were dorm rooms, cars, and the gym; students mostly cue up music individually via streaming.

Why this matters (for everyone)

If you’re a student (or work with students), you probably already feel how powerfully music shapes the day. What our findings add is a clearer picture of how students are already using music—on purpose—to regulate mood, boost focus, and explore identity. That means we can be more intentional about the “what, when, and why” of listening.

Why this matters (for music therapists)

The data suggest practical, low-friction entry points for care—even when formal services are hard to access. Think brief, personalized listening plans, playlist consults, guided breathing+music routines, and micro-interventions students can use between sessions. And because so much listening is individual and on-demand, it’s a great fit for telehealth or hybrid models. The article includes concrete clinical considerations across assessment, planning, and delivery.

What you can try this week

Build “mood-matching, then shifting” playlists. Start where you are emotionally, then sequence two tracks that gently move you toward where you want to be.

Create a pre-study cue. One short instrumental track to start your focus window; use the same one every time to condition the routine.

Notice the “when” and “where.” If you always listen in your dorm or car, pair specific playlists with that context on purpose.

Read the paper

Clinical Implications of College Students’ Music Listening Habits and Perceptions of Personal Impact. Music Therapy Perspectives, 2025. DOI: 10.1093/mtp/miaf008.
Authors: Daniel Tague, Jana Annabi, Rachel Franklin, and Emily Nielson.

P.S. If you enjoy evidence-based music resources…

I’ve been building kid-friendly, music-themed activity and coloring books that weave in wellness skills—great for classrooms, waiting rooms, and brain breaks. You can browse the Animal Band series and seasonal editions on Amazon. My Amazon Author Page

2025-07-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

Introducing the New Piano-Themed Composition Book:

A Creative Escape for Music Lovers

Hello, music enthusiasts and creative souls! I’m excited to share some big news with you. Not only have I republished my existing books with stunning, high-resolution graphics both inside and out, but I’ve also released a brand-new, piano-themed composition book that’s designed to inspire and relax you. You can find them all now on my Amazon author page, and I can’t wait for you to check it out!

A Visual and Creative Upgrade

This isn’t just any composition book—it’s a thoughtfully crafted tool for creativity and self-expression. The cover boasts a sleek, piano-inspired design that’s perfect for musicians, music students, or anyone who loves the elegance of musical themes. Inside, the piano keyboard themed lined pages make it fun to use, whether you’re writing song ideas, sketching, or simply organizing your day.

I’ve upgraded the visuals on all the books based on your feedback, ensuring a premium experience from cover to cover.

A Tool for Relaxation and Well-Being

What makes these books extra special? More than just coloring books or word searchers—it’s a way to unwind and boost your mental health. Packed with fun animal coloring pages and words evoking peace and meditation to find in the word searches, it’s designed to help you destress and find calm in your busy life.

Coloring for Calm:

The coloring books feature creatively illustrated pages ready for you or your kids
to color. Coloring isn’t just fun—it’s a proven way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Studies show it can lower anxiety and help you focus on the present moment, making it a perfect break from life’s chaos.

Word Searches for Focus:

They’re simple, enjoyable, and a fantastic way to let go of daily worries.

Real Benefits, Real Joy

People just like you have found these activities transformative. One fan told me, “Coloring feels like a mini-vacation for my mind—it’s so soothing!” Another said, “Word searches are my go-to after a long day. They help me reset.” Although aimed at kids I created these coloring books with those benefits in mind, hoping to bring a little more peace and creativity into your world. I think sometimes the adults color more than the kids!

Get Yours Today!

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Whether you’re a musician looking for inspiration, a student needing a creative outlet, or just someone who loves a good notebook or to keep their hands busy, any one of these books is calling your name. It’s also a fantastic gift idea for the music lover in your life.Head over to my Amazon author page to pick up your copy today. Want more tips on how music and creativity can lift your spirits?

Check out my blog for more ideas and insights.

Here’s to creativity, calm, and finding your rhythm!

A Musical Adventure Awaits at Music Makes Sense!

2025-06-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends of Music Makes Sense! If you’ve been following along on my journey at www.musicmakessense.blogspot.com, you know I'm all about celebrating the magic of music and its incredible impact on our lives. Today, I’m thrilled to share something extra special with you—a brand-new coloring book that brings the joy of music to life in a fun, creative way!

Meet My Music-Themed Coloring Book

This isn’t just any coloring book—it’s a musical playground for young artists! Packed with delightful images of musical instruments, fun-loving animals, and playful music-inspired designs, it’s perfect for kids (and kids at heart) who love to color. Here’s what makes it stand out:

- Variety of Illustrations: From pianos and violins Lions, Tigers and Bears! -- every page offers something new.

- One-sided Printing: Durable pages that work beautifully with crayons, markers, or colored pencils that are only printed on one side to avoid bleed through onto other pages.

- Educational Fun: Kids can explore their imagination with music while letting their creativity soar.

Whether your little one is a budding musician or just loves a good coloring session, this book is a fantastic way to blend art and music.

Why Coloring "Rocks" for Kids

Coloring is so much more than a quiet activity—it’s a powerhouse of benefits, especially for children. Here’s why I love it:

- Sparks Creativity: It’s a blank canvas for imagination and self-expression.

- Builds Skills: Gripping crayons or pencils sharpens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

- Soothes the Soul: It’s a relaxing way to unwind and focus, perfect for busy little minds.

Plus, with the music-themed pages, kids get a bonus dose of learning—discovering instruments and animals as they color!

Grab Your Copy Now!

Ready to dive into this musical coloring adventure? You can find my coloring book on Amazon—it’s the perfect gift for a young music lover or a fun activity to enjoy at home. Click the link below to get yours today:

Get the Coloring Book Here

A Little Piece of My Heart

As a music therapist, I’ve witnessed the incredible ways music lights up lives—bringing joy, healing, and inspiration. That’s why I ventured into creating this coloring book. It’s my way of sharing the love of music with kids and families everywhere, one colorful page at a time.

Please let me know what you think! Volume 2 will be out soon!

Thanks for stopping by *Music Makes Sense*! Grab your copy, unleash your creativity, and let’s make some colorful music together. Happy coloring! 🎵✨

Music Therapy and Spiritual Care in Medical Settings

2024-10-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share an insider's peek into this new resource! Dive into the intersection of music therapy and spirituality in medical settings with our new guidebook! Stay informed and inspired. This guidebook offers valuable insights into the synergy between music therapy and spirituality, providing readers with practical strategies, interdisciplinary perspectives, and research-based evidence to enrich their understanding and practice in medical settings. In 7 chapters, readers will discover strategies for utilizing music and spirituality to create a supportive environment for patients facing health challenges while respecting and incorporating diverse spiritual beliefs and practices. As an eBook, it integrates audiovisual content, live document links, and downloadable resources.

Get your eBook with engaging multimedia content now:

Music Therapy and Spiritual Care in Medical Settings

Here is a sneak peek at the table of contents:

Obamacare Co-op fails: This is what you could do with the money lost!

2015-12-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today there is more fallout from the collapse of a New York state insurance Co-op set up to offer health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. Health Republic Insurance ceased to exist today and has left a whole bunch of people (okay, a few more than a bunch - 200,000 patients!) without insurance.

If you have been following my posts on the ACA and music therapy (just type in Obamacare into the search box for a list of articles), you may remember that the insurance co-ops are joint ventures with a given state and the federal government that acts like an insurance company to offer insurance plans on the state exchanges.

Of the 23 co-ops set up around the country, 12 of them have gone bankrupt this year. Part of the problem is that these co-ops set artificially low prices for monthly premiums on their insurance plans. There was a fund set up by the federal government to reimburse these co-ops for the first few years until their subscriber pool became stabilized with the right mix of young and old, and sick and healthy customers. Unfortunately for the co-ops, this pool of money has been cut back and it will not be able to bail out the co-ops as originally intended.

So this brings us back to the most recent failure: Health Republic Insurance. The news reports that $265 million dollars in federal loans has virtually disappeared through this company! Hospitals and doctors that offered services to patients on this health insurance do not expect to get reimbursed for any of the services they have rendered.

So I did some quick calculations based on the 2014 workforce analysis by the American Music Therapy Association and came up with the following as a better use for the wasted $265 million dollars:

$265 million would have paid for 4,152,954 hours (yes, that is over 4 million hours!) of direct music therapy services at the average hourly rate of $63.81/hour for 2014!
$265 million also would have paid the average yearly salary of $50,808 for 5,215 music therapists!

I don't know about you, but I think the money would have been much better spent on music therapy! And that is only one of the 12 failed co-ops this year. Only one co-op out of 24 did not lose money in 2015. I guess I should keep my calculator handy for next November!

The ACA and Music Therapy: Revisited!

2015-11-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Prezi presentation at the 2015 National Conference of the American Music Therapy Association in Kansas City.

Handout-ACA an Update

Hey Justice Roberts! Can We Get Some Music Therapy With That??

2015-06-25T11:53:00.001-07:00

~~Obamacare~~ = SCOTUScare

If you are a regular reader, you know that I have been following the Affordable Care Act for the last several years. My goal has always been to try to help music therapists and other related professionals figure out what the law actually might mean for access to music therapy and whether or not it will help or hurt our profession on the whole.

This is obviously a huge task! And not without peril! Over the last few years I have found that many people are reluctant to engage in the conversation simply because there are so many strong opinions on both sides of the issue. I have tried to to be very even-handed in my treatment of the topics discussed here on Music Makes Sense, and generally have kept things focused on the impacts the law may have for music therapy. I believe I have been pretty successful so far and I appreciate the dialogues that have been opened up about the topic within my professional field.

So let me break down the latest ruling for you:

Many people have been waiting on the Supreme Court decision King vs. Burwell that was handed down this morning. This case basically asked the question, "Do words matter?"

... and the justices have answered the question, "No!" The Affordable Care Act specifically stated that federal subsidies for low income participants to help them pay for premiums purchased through the Health Care Exchanges could only be provided through exchanges "established by the States." This was intentionally written into the original law as a way to encourage individual states to set up their own marketplace exchanges. As it turned out, 27 states decided not to develop their own exchanges. The federal government decided to step in and created Healthcare.gov for participants in those states to use. In King vs. Burwell, states sued the federal government because the law did not say that people in these states should be able to receive subsidies.

Now, whether you oppose or support the law, you can see the conundrum here. If the Court ruled that the law meant what it said (and what Congress had intended), there would be a lot of people who have been receiving subsidies for almost two years, who would lose their subsidies and be unable to pay for their premiums. These same people would then suffer a tax penalty for not having insurance. What a mess!

(...I could digress here and point out that perhaps it is a good idea to write laws clearly, in a bi-partisan manner, and allow public review before voting on it...but, we'll leave that for a different blogger!)

But alas, we have been "saved" by SCOTUS! The 6-3 ruling today explained that although the law was badly written, it was meant to help people. Therefore, the court ruled that it will be okay for subsidies to extend to people signed up under the federal exchanges. Basically, six unelected and unaccountable (except maybe to history) individuals have written a new law that applies to every citizen.

Music Therapy and Caregivers

2015-03-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

I recently gave a presentation about music therapy focused on caregivers for older adults. I used this prezi as part of a broader discussion that included experiential activities such as a demonstration of progressive muscle relaxation to music and how to involve caregivers with their loved ones in singing and instrument playing with moments of structured improvisation. While it is impossible to re-create the presentation here, I am posting this prezi for the benefit of those who attended the presentation. In addition, here are a few good references in the research literature with helpful information about this topic:

Brotons, M., & Marti, P. (2003). Music therapy with Alzheimer’s patients and their family caregivers: A pilot project. Journal of Music Therapy, 40, 138-150.

Choi, Y. K. (2010). The effect of music and progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life in family caregivers of hospice patients. Journal of Music Therapy, 47, 53-69.

Clair, A. A., & Ebberts, A. G. (1997). The effects of music therapy on interactions between family caregivers and their care receivers with late stage dementia. Journal of Music Therapy, 34, 148-164.

Clair, A. A., & Memmott, J. (2008). Therapeutic uses of music with older adults (2^nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: American Music Therapy Association, Inc.

Hanser, S. B, Butterfield-Whitcomb, J., Kawata, M., & Collins, B. (2011). Home-based music strategies with individuals who have dementia and their family caregivers. Journal of Music Therapy, 48, 2-27.

Music Has Power in Senior Wellness and Healthcare

Under the Big Top: Building a Successful Integrative Care Program

2014-11-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

This Powerpoint was presented as part of a concurrent session at the 2014 National Conference of the American Music Therapy Association in Louisville, KY. I invite you to ask questions and make comments regarding the presentation or your own experience with integrative care programs. I will add notes to key topics on the slides soon in a separate Scribd box.

Under the Big Top: Building... by Daniel Tague

Deciphering the Affordable Healthcare Act One Year Later: Implications for Music Therapy

2014-11-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

This Prezi was presented as part of a concurrent session at the 2014 National Conference of the American Music Therapy Association in Louisville, KY. I invite you to ask questions and make comments regarding the presentation or the effect of Obamacare on music therapy services.

Deciphering the Affordable Care Act One Year Later (1)

Buble Draw is Free Today in the App Store!

2014-10-20T17:40:00.001-07:00

Look what's free today! A nifty little music and drawing app!

Bubl Draw

This app is very creative, with three different musical sound sets and lots of colors! It is also fairly intuitive. I tried it with a six year old and she had it figured out in seconds! Go grab it before it's gone!

I Told You So!

2014-10-18T19:10:00.001-07:00

The New York Times Explains the Problems with High Deductible Insurance Plans

I really hate to say it, but if you go back a few months and read my post about High Deductible insurance plans you shouldn't be surprised. You can read my original post here.

You really need to read this article from the New York Times! High deductible insurance plans are the newest fad and are increasingly becoming the norm. The latest news from the New York Times explains exactly what I had been talking about. Many people have been choosing high deductible plans on the Bronze and Silver levels from the new Obamacare health exchanges in order to keep their monthly premiums low. As they are discovering, the premiums may be lower than a traditional plan, but they are not saving enough money to make up the difference in order to pay for services until they meet the large out of pocket deductibles.

This is problematic in several ways:

1. Some people are choosing not to seek medical care because they don't feel like they can afford it, and they likely will not end up paying out $6000 over the year, or whatever very high amount is in their plan before some insurance kicks in. And remember -- once you meet your deductible it is not just a free ride after that! Usually there is still a 10-20% co-insurance that you have to pay.

2. I thought that one of the main purposes behind the Affordable Care Act (AKA: Obamacare) was to get everyone on insurance so as to increase the insurance pool and provide people with medical care outside of the emergency room and promote preventive care?? It sure sounds like this is failing. Although some people are getting preventive care, they are not following up on problems because they simply do not have the out of pocket money to pay for treatment.

Read more »

Music and the Magic Show Theory

2014-10-12T19:56:00.002-07:00

Photo Credit: Thevacationgals.com

There is a new theory about autism and what may cause the stereotypic behaviors and desires for routine and sameness. The Los Angeles Times has the full story here.

Basically, the researchers are suggesting that people with autism experience the world as if they are in a constant state of wonder and high expectation like most people in the middle of a magic show. If you think about this, it makes a lot of sense. The authors of the article even admit that it is a "common sense" explanation for some of the attributes commonly ascribed or observed in people with autism spectrum disorder.

The new theory suggests that people with autism are in a constant state of wonder without being able to establish a connection with previous events and what might come next. In other words, where did the bunny go? - how did it disappear? - and where/when will it pop out??

If a person is constantly put into a constant state of "wonder" it stands to reason that he or she might develop some coping mechanisms to compensate. It is enjoyable for most to watch a magic show and do other exciting things like riding a roller coaster (okay! - not everyone likes this!), but likely completely overwhelming to maintain that level of excitement for too long.

Is it possible that people with autism try to establish order by developing repetitive behaviors in the form of "stimming" (e.g., hand flapping, rocking, etc.) or compulsively trying to establish order on the environment in the form of routines or visual patterns? Is this a form of compensation for the brain's inability to make connections between events and provide context for social interaction and communication?

If so, it would explain a lot about music and why so many people with autism are not only drawn to music, but seem to enjoy and respond positively to music interaction. Music naturally imposes structure to time and Western music especially, provides harmonic, rhythmic and melodic predictability.

If the researchers are on the right track with their theory, it will be interesting to investigate the brain functions related to the specific cognitive tasks for antecedent details and prediction of future events. And can music be a vehicle for developing the appropriate brain pathways that lead to the acquisition of these skills?

Interesting stuff!

Drum Circle Technique: Get Your Groove On!

2014-03-30T13:14:00.004-07:00

*note: A presentation/workshop to students at James Madison University, March 28, 2014. Much of this Prezi is in outline form and was presented simultaneously with in-depth discussion and experiential drumming. The material is adapted from the writings of many of the group drumming pioneers and experts in the field, and further developed by my own training from these individuals as well as my music therapy clinical experiences. Many thanks to Arthur Hull, Christine Stevens, Kalani, and Bill Matney, to name a few.

Music Makes Sense

A Clarification on Professional Standards, Public Statements, and Pluralism in AMTA

*Author’s Note

Clarifying the Core Concern

What I Am Arguing For

On Compassion and Professional Ethics

Why This Matters for the Profession

On Professional Discourse

A Path Forward

Final Thoughts

An Open Letter to the American Music Therapy Association: On Professional Neutrality, Ethical Consistency, and Cognitive Responsibility

Introduction

On Language, Framing, and De-Escalation

“Healing professions should reduce polarization, not amplify it.”

From Background Noise to Intentional Care: What College Students' Music Habits Teach Us About Everyday Regulation

Here's the short version:

Music Is Already Doing Emotional Work

10 Science-Backed Ways Music Can Support Heart Health and Reduce Stress

How music therapy research can help anyone use music more intentionally for well-being.

Introduction

Grounding with the Five Senses — Why It Works, and How Music + Coloring Amplify It

Grounding with the Five Senses: Why It Works and How Music & Coloring Make It Stronger

The Science Behind 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding

Why Mindful Coloring Fits Naturally with Grounding

How Music Enhances Grounding and Coloring

Turning Evidence into a Simple At-Home Practice

Why a Grounded Coloring Book Is a Meaningful Gift (for Yourself or Someone You Love)

Color, Notice, Breathe—Now for Teens

Why a teen edition?

What’s inside

Quick grounding steps teens can try today

How the book helps

Who it’s for

Meet the creators

Where to get it

FAQs

Color • Notice • Breathe: A Simple Way to Ground with the Five Senses

A 5-minute grounding routine you can try right now

Why add coloring?

How the book helps (and what’s inside)

Try this “color • notice • jot” micro-exercise

For therapists & counselors

Frequently asked (quick answers)

A closing invitation

Honored to be Included in Oxford’s AMTA 75th Anniversary Collection—And What Our Global Survey Revealed

Why this study mattered

Three important findings (in plain language)

A 10-year follow-up is underway

How this connects to my day-to-day mission

The Animal Band at Halloween — Now Available! (Behind the Scenes + What’s Next)

Shop the Series

What’s Next

Retro Guitar Composition Notebook (College Ruled)

Student Spotlight: Practical Music Ideas for Little Ones—From Two Emerging Voices in Music Therapy

What’s inside this issue

Why these ideas work

Who this is for

How to get the issue

About the contributors

Sharing note

Pair These Ideas with Kid-Friendly Books & Printables

Animal Band Coloring Books (quiet focus + smooth transitions)

Seasonal & Theme Variants (motivation + novelty)

Music-Forward Activity & Puzzle Books (quiet stamina + literacy links)

Composition & Idea Notebooks (adult/teacher toolkit)

How College Students Actually Use Music—And What That Means for Wellness (and Music Therapy)

The headline takeaways

Why this matters (for everyone)

Why this matters (for music therapists)

What you can try this week

Read the paper

Clinical Implications of College Students’ Music Listening Habits and Perceptions of Personal Impact. Music Therapy Perspectives, 2025. DOI: 10.1093/mtp/miaf008. Authors: Daniel Tague, Jana Annabi, Rachel Franklin, and Emily Nielson.

P.S. If you enjoy evidence-based music resources…

I’ve been building kid-friendly, music-themed activity and coloring books that weave in wellness skills—great for classrooms, waiting rooms, and brain breaks. You can browse the Animal Band series and seasonal editions on Amazon. My Amazon Author Page

A Musical Adventure Awaits at Music Makes Sense!

Music Therapy and Spiritual Care in Medical Settings

Obamacare Co-op fails: This is what you could do with the money lost!

The ACA and Music Therapy: Revisited!

Hey Justice Roberts! Can We Get Some Music Therapy With That??

Music Therapy and Caregivers

Clinical Implications of College Students’ Music Listening Habits and Perceptions of Personal Impact. Music Therapy Perspectives, 2025. DOI: 10.1093/mtp/miaf008.
Authors: Daniel Tague, Jana Annabi, Rachel Franklin, and Emily Nielson.