Piano Clinics

Our first piano clinic is Sunday, October 21st from 2-3 p.m.  The sign-up sheet is posted on MTEC's door, and you can sign up by email as well.  A little more about the clinic:

Piano Clinics will be held monthly, on a Sunday from 2-3 p.m. Students must sign up in advance for a 1/2 hour time slot. Spaces are limited. An MTEC Music Instructor will be available during this independent and guided practice time, to answer questions and help with problem areas. The cost is $10 per clinic. 

Piano Clinics are great for . . .

1. Students who get distracted practicing at home.

2. Parents who feel "stumped" helping their child read and practice music.

3. Students who have missed one or more lesson.  (Note: Piano clinics can be used as a make-up!!!  Just let Jaime or Alane know.)

4.  Students who have a keyboard at home and would benefit from playing a piano or digital piano.

5. Any student that could benefit from extra practice- that is every student, by the way!

Staff Profile: Barbara Bownds

Name: Barbara Bownds            Teaches: Piano

Years Teaching: Music instruction in public school: 9 years; private piano instruction: 5 years.

Student Practicing Philosophy: "Students need to practice at least 5 - 6 days a week.  It is much more productive to spread the practice out instead of trying to do it all in 1 or 2 days. They need to practice slow and steady at first until they can build up the tempo. For longer pieces,  isolating the difficult passages, and practicing those first before playing the whole piece, usually gets better results in less time"

Outside of MTEC: "I like to walk or ride bikes, explore the Metro parks, read, go to concerts or plays, and have fun with my three precious grandchildren!"

Did you know?  Barbara also plays the French Horn!


Availability for new students (all times PM):

MON	2:00	2:30	3:00	5:30	6:00	6:30
TUE	2:00	3:00	6:30
WED	2:00	2:30	3:30	4:30	5:00	6:00	6:30

Fall is here!

Fall is back!  Fall songs and activities can make the season extra special for your child.  Here is a spin on the classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear and a great one for a child on the spectrum: "Orange pumpkin, orange pumpkin, what do you see?"

[Source: www.pediastaff.com]

Check out the variations and adaptations found here, as well as links to more pictures and the digital book!  And be sure to check back for more fall songs and ideas!

Pre-writing Skills with Music

Check out this article about a program that pairs pre-writing exercises with music.

Think how this could be even more effective with a music therapist!!!  A music therapist would be able to pair live client-preferred music to pre-writing exercises and adapt the music depending on the client's response.  In addition, the music therapist could lead instrument playing experiences that target fine motor skills.

It is clear that music is a motivator.  What a wonderful tool that all professionals, parents and teachers can utilize!

We moved!

Many of you know and have seen the new office space at the Regency Centre in Westlake.

MTEC is officially moved in and we couldn't be happier!  Each of the therapists are excited to have their own treatment rooms/office space, as well as new digital pianos.  There is a great group space as well, and we have been especially enjoying the windows!

Check back for more pictures soon!

Summer Fun: Music and Sound

MTEC's summer social group is back!  

We still have room in our older group for kids ages 8-12!  

Contact Alane (alane@mtecincorporated.com) if interested!

In the News: Drumming for Development

Music therapists utilize a variety of instrument playing experiences within their sessions.  Time and time again, we use drumming as a engaging way to achieve client goals and objectives.


Take a look at this article "Drumming for Development: How Drumming Helps Children with Special Needs" from Psychology Today here.

The article explores what kind of drumming experiences can be used and which goals can be targeted, as well as research that proves its effectiveness.