Anderson Music Therapy Services, LLC

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

11/12/2025

🎶 Transform Your Home into a Calming Oasis with Music! 🏠✨

Creating a sensory-friendly environment for neurodiverse children is essential for their well-being. 🧡 And music can play a powerful role in their sensory regulation journey. 🎵

✨ Here's how you can use music at home to create a calm and soothing atmosphere for your child (and YOU):

1️⃣ Sensory-Friendly Music Selection:
Choose instrumental tracks, soothing melodies with gentle rhythms, or preferred music that uplifts your child's mood. These can help regulate emotions and promote relaxation in your little one.

2️⃣ Calming Space Creation:
Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home for sensory regulation. Fill it with soft cushions, cozy or weighted blankets, sensory toys, and incorporate music to set the calming mood.

3️⃣ Grounding Technique:
Try pairing deep breathing exercises or deep pressure with calming music to help your child focus and reduce anxiety. Rhythmic movements can also be incorporated to enhance the sensory experience. Moving in straight lines (think rocking side to side) organizes and calms the brain.

4️⃣ Individualized Strategies:
Observe and understand your child's unique sensory needs. Experiment with different styles of music and sensory experiences to find what works best for them.

5️⃣ Consistency is Key:
Incorporate music as a regular part of your child's sensory regulation routine. Consistency and familiar melodies can provide a sense of security and predictability.
Remember, it's important to consult with healthcare professionals or a music therapist for personalized advice tailored to your child's needs. 🤝

✨ Share in the comments below: What are your favorite calming songs or music strategies that work for your neurodiverse child? Let's create a community of support and share our experiences! 💬🎶

!

11/11/2025

“Music therapy is a drug-free way of helping people feel less sad and less anxious. We hope that the higher quality of recent studies and increasing evidence-base will result in more attention being given to music therapy and other non-pharmacological approaches.

"Looking at the effect sizes, music therapy is a reasonable alternative to pharmacological approaches and is much more person-centered.”

Read more below (link in the comments).

11/08/2025

Megan and Sandy have upcoming spots open for new clients!

Both enjoy working with all types of people.

Reach out if one of these days and times would work for you or someone you care for to start music therapy!

11/05/2025

We have a three new FREE Music Therapy Group for brain and spinal cord injury survivors starting the week of November 17!

Two groups will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. starting November 18 until February 26.

Another group will meet on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm starting November 19 through February 18.

These groups will meet online via Zoom.

A link to register is in the comments.

The group is supported in full by RFA #262-23-077 from the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) Trust Fund and managed by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CNI Trust Fund or DARS.

11/01/2025

Join us in thanking Catherine for her eight years with Anderson Music Therapy! We appreciate her dedication to her clients and her dedication to AMTS. Thank you, Catherine!

10/29/2025

Join us for our next Music Storytime at Williamson Road Branch Library!

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

Who: Children ages 0-4

When: November 6 and November 20 at 11:30 a.m.

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