Virtual community music therapy session
This is a video made specifically for the Beginnings Program at Caring Kind NYC and The Alzheimer’s Association during the coronavirus pandemic. I am happy to share it for all to enjoy.
Music helps us cope with life challenges as much as it enhances our most meaningful celebrations. I hope that this video session brings you comfort and joy during these difficult times.
Please contact us to schedule individual or group virtual sessions and subscribe to our mailing list to get more resources.
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Playlist from the 1950’s (mostly)
Music accompanies us throughout our lives. It is with us during celebrations and during hard times. Below is a list of songs consisting mostly of music written in the 1950’s. These are songs from the Great American Songbook, as well as a few well-known songs in Spanish.
We hope these songs can help you lift your spirits and feel less isolated.
Enjoy with your loved ones and join in by clapping, singing along, and sharing thoughts and memories elicited. Please share your reactions with us! Do you have a favorite? Anything you would like added to the list?
Please subscribe below to get more resources delivered to your inbox. You can also contact us directly for a music therapy consultation.
Check out our interview in Manhattan Profiles Magazine!
Ariel, how did you get into music therapy?
I first heard of music therapy while attending Berklee College of Music where I was studying music performance. I’ve always been interested in psychology, philosophy, and science—so when I saw there was a music therapy degree, I took the introductory class and was instantly hooked. I graduated with a double major in Music Performance and Music Therapy. I also have an MA in music psychotherapy from NYU.
What fascinates me most about music therapy is that I…
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Music is good for the soul – and the heart.
Check out our blog post at Northern Westchester Hospital website..
Portrait of young woman listening to music during workout
https://nwhc.net/blog/music-therapy
Learn MoreSteps to Overcoming Teenage Anger
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
Join us for a Drum Circle at the Alzheimer’s Foundation on February 15
AFA Care Connection Community Class: “I Got Rhythm” Drum Circle
February 15 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST
Am I Depressed? 6 Signs You Should Know About
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
How to Talk About Your Mental Health
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
Antidepressant Medications: What are they?
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.
Depression: Which Therapy is Right for Me?
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
How Music Affects Our Subconscious
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
Depression: Not Just for Girls?
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
Which is better, dogs or cats?
- You’ve been feeling low or irritable for most of the day, every day for two weeks or more. You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods of time, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?
- You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals. This is really about recognizing changes in what’s normal for you – no one is saying you have to exercise five times a week or eat your greens, but changes in your routine can offer concrete indications that your mood is changing.
- You are struggling to concentrate. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation. This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping. Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you, so if concentration has always been something you find tricky there is little cause for concern.
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.
– Robert Frost
My Favorite Albums of 2015
To Pimp A Butterfly: Kendrick Lamar
This album flows like a play, as it takes through the internal struggles, dialogues, and different personalities of Kendrick Lamar within psychosocial contexts. Whether rapping over uptempo swing as in “For Free?”, with the voice of an intoxicated man in deep anguished as in “U”, or in the funkiest of tunes as in “King Kunta”, Kendrick delivers highly personal content through incredible rhythmic phrasing. The continuous surprises in the stellar arrangements and highly stimulating production make for a remarkably dynamic album.
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[x_text]Black Messiah: D’Angelo
14 years after his acclaimed album Voodoo, D’Angelo delivers this highly anticipated and long overdue follow up. In my opinion, this is even better than its predecessor. To me, D’Angelo always sounds like if he is singing to himself while walking down the street. His melodies are so organic and groove in the sleekest ways. I really hope he doesn’t wait another 15 years before the next one.
[/x_text]Last year, Antonio brilliantly represented Jazz musicians and drummers in Hollywood through his groundbreaking work in Iñárritu’s genius film Birdman. In 2015, Antonio continued his high level of productivity by releasing two albums as a leader. Meridian Suite is in the contemporary jazz realm and was heavily influenced by his experience writing for film. Three Times Three is a trio of trios with some of the biggest names in jazz including Brad Mehldau, Joe Lovano, John Scofield and Christian McBride. All trios are fantastic, but the combination of Antonio and Brad (with Matt Brewer on bass) is perhaps my absolute favorite recording of the year. Both albums are highly recommended. Below is an interesting promo video for Meridian Suite.
[/x_text][x_text]Stretch Music: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah continues to establish himself as a leader in today’s Jazz scene, or as he calls it, Stretch Music. The trumpet player from New Orleans has one of the most beautiful and recognizable sounds today. His long and high notes layered over intense and insistent beats create a pulling effect that reminds me a little bit of Radiohead and Bjork. One cool thing about this album is that you can purchase it as an app that allows you to mix the volumes of all the instruments, adjust the tempo, and read the music charts. This is ideal for musicians looking to practice or play along to the record.
[/x_text]As its name indicates, this album is absolutely epic. Kamasi goes for over the top intensity with a 10-piece jazz band, strings, choirs, and a fascinating combination of modern, classic and world rhythms. This is one of the most acclaimed albums of the year.
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Vulnicura: Bjork
This is Bjork’s breakup album after ending her marriage with artist Matthew Barney. We can feel her sadness and loneliness through the enormous space created by lushes of orchestral arrangements that support her typical odd vocal phrasing. The lyrics are deeply personal and take us inside Bjork’s healing process.
[/x_text][x_text]High Risk and Brazen Heart: Dave Douglas
Trumpeter Dave Douglas never ceases to experiment with different bands in different contexts. High Risk includes the electronics of Shigeto, along with Johnathan Maron on bass and one of my favorite drummers, Mark Guiliana. This album is an interesting and exciting mix of jazz and electronics. Brazen Heart involves his longstanding acoustic jazz band, and showcases a set of original compositions along with two spirituals. Below is a live performance of the former.
[/x_text][x_text]Fast Future: Donny McCaslin
After listening to this album, it does not seem that surprising that sax player Donny McCaslin and some of his band members were recently hired by David Bowie to accompany him in his upcoming album. Fast Future is another excellent combination of jazz and electronics that features an array of intense and rewarding moments. Below is a performance at one of my favorite places in NYC, the 55 Bar.
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Woodwork: Matthew Stevens
Guitarist Matthew Stevens debuts as a leader after establishing himself as a prolific sideman in some of the most prominent bands today. The relationship of the bandmates on this one dates back to their school days. We can hear this longtime connection in the cohesiveness of the group.
[/x_text][x_text]We Are The Drum: Kendrick Scott Oracle
Kendrick plays the drums with a fascinating combination of finesse and explosiveness. He is a fantastic band leader and continues to put beautiful albums out there. This is one of my current favorite bands.
[/x_text][x_text]Kaleidoscope: Andréa Wood
After their year-long residence in India, Andréa Wood and her band came back to New York and recorded a wonderful album of mixed styles including Jazz, pop, R&B and hip-hop. Donny McCaslin appears as a guest, as well as hip-hop artist Nick Wood (Andréa’s brother), whose interludes give the album personality and flow.
[/x_text][x_text]Tokyo Adagio: Charlie Haden and Gonzalo Rubalcaba
This is an album of ballads played live in Tokyo by two genius musicians who collaborated for more than 30 years. Gonzalo is a brilliant pianist from Cuba, and Charlie Haden was a legendary bass player who passed away shortly prior to the album’s release.
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