What are your KEY Words?

by | Jan 19, 2011 | Advocacy, Music Therapy | 3 comments

I find it very fitting that not only am I completely revamping our business and attempting to “start anew” but in January, as music therapists and those around us, we are celebrating Advocacy! This is a joint project between the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). The goal is to spread the word about music therapy advocacy and government relations through the social media airwaves.

Why is it so fitting that my private practice make over is happening at the same time????

Well let me tell you!  I am talking to every individual I come across as I spread the word about not only my new expansion, but the joys and benefits of why music therapy is beneficial throughout my community! I get to sit down and write letters (my goal is 100) to people throughout my community in order to tell them all about music therapy! I made the letter writing campaign a goal even before Christmas!

As I go out and do all of this advocacy and positive marketing, I have to think about each of the individuals that I am talking with.  While my definition of music therapy is nice and informative, it may not always be the definition that will ring with the person with whom I am speaking.

This afternoon, I had a meeting with a wonderful lady at our local parks and rec department (I first met with her and began talking music while in my PJ’s and she invited me back for a second meeting. I guess she really liked me!) about beginning Music Classes.  When asked what I do, I couldn’t really sit and discuss the benefits of music with mind, body, spirit, because she works with children and for her key words are “Development” or “Autism” or even “Routine”.  Putting these words into my definition and explanation made her say “It is amazing how Music Can do that!” and then proceeded to tell me about a class she attended with her nephew that had such a wonderful routine based on the music!

When talking to the Internet Hosting guy on the phone, those  words didn’t apply.  He was more interested in the soothing aspects of music and how it may affect emotions and feelings.  For him my key words were “calming effects” and strangely enough describing the “iso principle”, which he totally understood.

Each person we connect with offers us just one more chance to advocate for our profession and one more way to spread the word that “LOOK, Music DOES help and here is WHY!” It also gives us ideas for new and exciting words to use while discussing our profession and what it means to us! Think about all of the different KEY words can come up with to describe what we do!

I should probably get back to writing my letters now!

Happy Advocating!

Here are some more blogs that discuss their thoughts on Music Therapy Advocacy, and what they are doing this month (and every month after!):

3 Comments

  1. JoAnn Jordan
    JoAnn Jordan on January 20, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Keywords are so important. Part of knowing which words are key is understanding you audience – as you pointed out. I am finding that if I lead with questions such as “What is your greatest need” I have a better idea of which key words to use in our conversation.

    Have fun with the revamp. I look forward to reading of your experiences.

  2. Kellee Coviak, MT-BC
    Kellee Coviak, MT-BC on January 24, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Great point about adapting words to fit the audience. Good luck with your letters!

  3. Emily
    Emily on January 28, 2011 at 11:46 am

    Very well said! I sometimes forget to fit keywords in, and this was a great reminder. I would love to hear more about your letter writing campaign.