by Heather Dean, MT-BC If you are wondering which apps or sites are appropriate for your child’s age range, Common Sense Media is a great site. I also use this myself with my own kids to check which movies are appropriate. (Nope, I am "no fun" say my teenage boys.) Games: This is for iOS, but soon for android devices. A little intense, it may be better for the older kids. This looks so fun for younger children — great exercise, plus working on attention and focus.  https://www.gonoodle.com/ I like the idea of music-based games because I would rather our kids engage and focus on music rather than anything violent. Music Learning: I used this site when I was a piano teacher. Kids loved it. There are free games, but you need the correct Adobe Flash plugin.  http://www.musiclearningcommunity.com/ I LOVE YouTube for lessons (shhh…don’t tell music teachers). Of course, it is always better to have a personal teacher, but in the meanwhile th...

by Heather Dean, MT-BC The World’s Most Relaxing Film: You know what? I think it might be! At the end check your pulse and be mindful of your breathing. I did and it turned out my heart rate had synchronized with the beat of the music. This is called entrainment — it is a biological phenomenon when our heart rate synchronizes with music. It is a great way to unwind or even energize yourself when trying to get motivated with more up tempo music. Soooo many beautiful sea creatures. There are many videos on YouTube like these. Disclaimer: I am not endorsing any of these videos that make claims of guaranteed relaxation or binaural beats as the answer to relaxation — so much of this is subjective and not grounded in research. It entirely has to do with what you enjoy and find peaceful.  Music Guided Relaxation: These are short but sweet videos. I am in no way a meditation expert, but I do love these videos. I'm not endorsing any of these videos as a prescription, jus...

by Heather Dean, MT-BC I hear many people state feeling kind of fuzzy with time right now. It can be comforting to have routines when grieving or feeling overwhelmed in general. Do whatever works for your family, or if cultivating a routine right now just isn’t a priority – skip this! Also, some families like lots of music in the home, others might find it distracting or irritating. So again, do whatever works for YOUR family. Morning Music Time to get up? Is it 11 a.m. already? How about a gentle song your family would enjoy, like the Beatles “Here Comes the Sun” or maybe a classical piece like Peer Gynt "Morning Mood." Cleanup Time Set a time before a predictable event like dinner, for five minutes of family pickup time, or the length of two songs. Play Time Set the bar for frivolity with fun activities for the family to do together or separately, such as music practice or music game time. Dinner Music Choose special background music that is relaxin...

by Heather Dean, MT-BC For all our families in bereavement and for my children in music therapy bereavement: I am thinking about you all during this time of isolation and I MISS YOU! I hope this series of ideas and activities will offer some comfort to your families. There are many options to choose from for music activities for relaxation, entertainment, family bonding, and education. Lots of online and technology resources, but also some that do not require a screen. Please enjoy and take care everyone! Idea #1: Getting to Know You Puzzle photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com Do a puzzle or take time to color together or whatever craft sounds simple and fun for you and your family. It could just be with one or two family members, or more; you choose. As you engage with your activity, set up a speaker and take turns playing favorite songs. This is a great time to learn about each other’s interests and inner thoughts. Great questions to ask after hearing your ch...