My New Job

I am very excited to announce that I have been offered a full-time music therapy job (with benefits!) at a facility in Irvine. Let me tell you the story of how I created this job opportunity for myself...


My job search started in late July, early August. I really wanted to wait until we were settled back in California to start the search, mostly because it is so time consuming. Once I finally started looking online, there were no music therapy postings anywhere. Uh oh. No need to panic, I signed up as a TakeLessons instructor, got a contract for a company down in San Juan Capistrano, and a contract for the Children's Music Fund. By no means was this going to pay the bills.

I started searching Craigslist and came across numerous companies hiring for speech therapists, behavior therapists and occupational therapists. Unfortunately, and obviously, I didn't qualify. However, a thought came across my mind. Why not offer my services to these companies that offer amazing therapies that go hand in hand with what I do? I had to be creative. And that's what I did. I emailed various companies in the Orange County area offering music therapy. I included a cover letter, resume, recommendation letters...the whole shebang.

You know what? It worked. All it took was one hit (and several interviews and meetings) and now I have a full-time job.

I will be working as a music therapist for a facility that offers speech, occupational and behavioral therapies. I am starting from nothing, starting a program I have always wanted to start, fulfilling my dream on someone else's dime. And most importantly, I will be working with kids with Autism, making a difference one smile at a time.

Update 4: "The Next Chapter"

It's been a while since I talked about music therapy on this "music therapy" blog of mine. Ending my job in Cincinnati back in June allowed me to have a nice summer of traveling, moving, and getting settled in Southern California. Many things have happened since the traveling stopped.

We moved to Orange, California. Our new home is right across the street from this place, 2 miles from this place, and 4 miles from this place . Yay!

We got a puppy! We rescued a 4-month old MaltiPoo named Poppy and have fallen in love! Caring for a puppy is a full-time job in and of itself! Phew!


Poppy the puppy

The next big announcement is: I got a job! I can't wait to tell you all about it in the next post.

The Countdown Begins

I'm a big countdown person. Once I know how many days until something occurs, I find it easier to make it through the days and then have something to look forward to. It's just how I work and how I get myself motivated.

Yesterday was my last day working with my groups and clients on Saturdays. Parents brought in two thoughtful and beautiful bouquets, a lotion gift set, cards, and hugs.


Flowers from my clients

So, here's my work countdown until my last day of work!

3 more Tuesdays
1 more Wednesday
2 more Thursdays

This Wednesday my In-laws and some extended family come into town for my husband's Masters Graduation from CCM. We actually moved to Cincinnati after our July 2009 wedding for him to pursue his Masters in Orchestral Conducting from CCM and now he is finally done! I'm so proud of him!


My in-laws and us at our wedding

I am looking forward to spending time with our family, packing up our apartment, and moving on to California!

3 Things...

...You Must Tell Your Client Before You Say "Goodbye" for Good.



In my last post about Termination, I discussed the five steps needed to make termination successful for both the client and yourself. Today I will discuss the three things you must tell your client before your final goodbye.

1. Appreciation
Tell them why you appreciate them. What you've done together, how much fun you've had together, why they're such a great musician, etc.

2. Regrets
Of course I wish I could spend more time with all of my clients! But, unfortunately, that is not the case. Tell your client something you regret. "I wish we could have worked some more on your guitar because you are sounding really good." "I was really looking forward to getting to know you better."

3. Gift/Wish
Wish something to your client. For example, "My wish for you is that you continue to spread music and joy to all those that hear you sing." or "I hope that you always remember me when you sing our favorite song, and remember that when I sing it, I'll always think of you, too." If you've made CD's, DVD's or projects, the last session is the perfect time to present them with this.

Some of my last sessions are this coming Saturday and this next week. I am preparing videos, photo slide shows, hand written notes to each and every client, and a Donut party for my Saturday morning groups.

Do you have any traditions for your last sessions with clients?

Change

That's a big word. For me at least.

Change is something that I try to avoid at all costs. But this one, this change, I know it's going to be good.

Here's the change: My husband and I are moving (back) to California. We're Californians at heart and that's where we were both raised. Although we have enjoyed our time here in Cincinnati, we really couldn't be happier about leaving.

I have just told my current boss that I will be leaving in six weeks. Rachel (check out her amazing blog here) recently wrote a post that I totally related to. Giving up Hope resonated with me because that was something I had to deal with myself. I emailed Rachel and asked for some advice, tips, and things she did when she herself resigned. So, thank you Rachel for sincere kindness in providing me support and the words of wisdom I needed. Although it was a day I have been dreading, my boss took the news surprisingly well and has already offered to write me a letter of recommendation.

Phew. I am relieved that it went so well.

Many changes are still coming my way...and I'll update you as I start to process them myself.