Anderson Music Therapy Services, LLC

12/18/2025

As the winter chill sets in, music therapists bring warmth to our hearts with melodies that light up the coziest of sessions. 🌨️🎶

Imagine wrapping yourself in a blanket of soothing tunes, each note a spark of comfort and joy.

From "Let It Snow" to tranquil instrumental pieces, these songs serve as a gentle embrace, assisting in healing, relaxation, and joyful connections during the colder months. Whether you're seeking solace, strength, or simply a moment of peace, there's a melody for every mood. 🌟

Check out our blog about the "Top Winter Songs Music Therapists Use for Cozy Sessions" (link in the comments)

12/17/2025

Don't forget about Music Storytime tomorrow!

Join us for this interactive session that combines stories, music, and movement to spark joy and creativity.

Who: Children ages 0-4

When: December 18 at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Williamson Road Branch Library, 3837 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24012

12/05/2025

It's the holiday season, and with that challenges can arise for us and our kids. Check out our blog about using music to prevent holiday meltdowns!

"For those of us who thrive on routine, having strange people in our living space throws everything off balance.

Add in extra noise from constant conversations (or yelling at the tv during football games, if you’re in my family), and sensory overload can happen quickly.

If your kid doesn’t cope especially well with all the difficulties that come with the holidays, using music can help with transitions, deal with overstimulation, and create a calm environment for both your child and yourself."

Read more below (link in the comments):

12/02/2025

Are transitions a challenge in your household?

Try incorporating music to make them smoother!

1️⃣ Create a special transition song. Choose a catchy tune that signals it's time to move to the next activity. Sing it together and make it fun!

2️⃣ Make a playlist. Select a few songs to represent different tasks or routines. When it's time to transition, play the corresponding song to signal the change.

3️⃣ Use musical cues. If your child is engaged in an activity, softly play a specific song to let them know it's almost time to switch. It helps them anticipate the transition.

4️⃣ Incorporate movement and dance. Encourage your child to dance or move to the music during transitions. It adds a playful element and makes the process more enjoyable.

Remember, music can make transitions more fun and engaging for your child. Give it a try and see the difference it can make!

Do you use music for transitions? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

11/27/2025

🦃✨ Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Anderson Music Therapy Services! Today, we celebrate gratitude, connection, and the joy of togetherness. 💛

We are incredibly thankful for each of you—our wonderful clients, caregivers, and community. Your trust and support inspire us every day to make a difference through music therapy.

What are you thankful for this year? Share your thoughts below! 🥰🍂

11/26/2025

✨ Gratitude isn't just a feeling—it's a powerful tool for improving our mental health and well-being! 🌈 Studies show that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, enhance relationships, and boost overall happiness.

At Anderson Music Therapy Services, we believe that taking time to acknowledge what we’re thankful for can transform our perspective, especially for caregivers and families navigating challenges. 🙏💖

🦃We are grateful for the privilege of serving our community through everyday services and special events like our Friendsgiving we held this month!🦃

What are you grateful for today? Share in the comments below! 👇

11/25/2025

🎵 Calling all caregivers and parents! 🎶 Let's dive into the power of music and how it can positively impact the little ones in your life. 🌟

🎶 Music isn't just a delightful tune—it's a tool that can boost creativity, aid in learning, and promote emotional well-being. 🌈 Whether you have a special needs child or a little one in their early years, here are some tips to make the most of music:

1️⃣ Sing along: Don't be shy! Singing together can create a bonding experience and boost communication skills.

2️⃣ Explore different genres: From classical to jazz, expose your kiddos to a variety of music styles to stimulate their auditory senses.

3️⃣ Dance party, anyone? Moving to the rhythm helps develop gross motor skills and coordination.

4️⃣ Incorporate instruments: Introduce playful instruments like shakers, tambourines, or xylophones to enhance sensory experiences.

5️⃣ Musical storytelling: Use music to narrate stories or encourage your child's imagination through melodies and lyrics.

Remember, no musical talent is required to embark on this journey together. 🎶 It's all about creating joyful moments and nurturing their development. 🌟

Tell me, have you tried incorporating music into your little one's routine? What's their favorite song or activity? Let's share and inspire each other in the comments below! 👇✨

11/20/2025

December dates for Music Storytime at Williamson Road Branch Library are here!

Join us for this interactive session that combines stories, music, and movement to spark joy and creativity.

Who: Children ages 0-4

When: December 4 and December 18 at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Williamson Road Branch Library, 3837 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24012

11/18/2025

Registration for our FREE music therapy group is now open!

This group is free thanks to 5 Points Music Foundation.

⭐️WHO: Adults, who have experienced a brain injury (stroke included) or spinal cord injury

⭐️WHAT: For 5 weeks, you will participate in a faith-based music therapy group designed to support your individualized goals related to your brain or spinal cord injury. Sessions will integrate the Fruit of the Spirit—such as love, peace, patience, and self-control—while strengthening communication, attention, cognitive skills, and social connection. Through therapeutic music experiences rooted in hope and spiritual growth, the group promotes functional recovery, resilience, and overall well-being.

⭐️COST: FREE, thanks to 5 Points Music Foundation!

⭐️WHEN: Tuesdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m. / December 2 through 30

⭐️WHERE: Online or In-Person, depending on registrants

For questions, please call or email us at Noel@amusictherapy.com

We're looking forward to making music with you!

Link to register is in the comments!

11/17/2025

Registration for our FREE music therapy group is now open!

This group is free thanks to the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund.

⭐️WHO: Adults, who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury

⭐️WHAT: For 12 weeks, you will participate in a music therapy group designed to support your individualized goals related to your brain or spinal cord injury.

Sessions will focus on strengthening communication, attention, cognitive skills, and social connection, while promoting functional recovery and overall well-being.

⭐️COST: FREE, thanks to the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund!

⭐️WHEN: Twice a week for 1 hour, November 18 through February 26 OR once a week for 1 hour November 19 through February 18

⭐️WHERE: Online

For questions, please call or email us at Noel@amusictherapy.com

Link to register is in the comments!

We're looking forward to making music with you!

11/17/2025

Struggling with homework? Try this trick on our FB page...

Struggling with homework?

How do you use music to help your child focus on homework and work more efficiently?

This is useful for many kids, and especially powerful for kids with .

GIVE TRY THIS:

Do an experiment while your child is doing their homework, by experiment with different kinds of music. Perhaps try music without words one-time and then music with words.

I SUGGEST CHOOSING MUSIC YOUR CHILD PREFERS, BECAUSE THIS WILL MORE LIKELY INCREASE FOCUS AS IT INCREASES DOPAMINE LEVELS.

1. For example...if your child is doing math homework ask them for a preferred genre or a favorite song and say, “Let's see how many problems you can get through with correct answers during this song”.

2. Then switch the music. “Here’s another song. Let's see how many problems you can get done with correct answers”.

3. Afterward ask your child, “How did it feel when you did that?” “Which song made it harder to focus?” “Which song made it easier to focus?”

Let your child use his own insight, as it’s going to be WAY more powerful when it comes from them.

They'll also realize that they have the ability to help themselves. Their confidence will be boosted when they're able to find those support strategies and coping skills. 🎶

11/13/2025

There's one more Music Storytime this month at the Williamson Road Branch Library!

This interactive session combines stories, music, and movement to spark joy and creativity.

Who: Children ages 0-4

When: November 20 at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Williamson Road Branch Library, 3837 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24012