I'm a Music Therapist

I’ve never been a big gift-shopper. The mall is too crowded and I never know how to choose a gift that is useful and individualized for everyone on my list. And on a music therapist’s salary, I’m always looking for thrifty solutions. This year, I’ve taken a DIY approach for this year’s holiday gifts: archiving the songs that are meaningful to each member of my family.

This is how it works: I emailed all the members of my immediate and extended family (about 12 people in all) and asked them to send me the name of a song that carries significance for them. No explanations or rationale necessary. Once I received their choices, I arranged and recorded myself singing each of their selections.

Come Christmas, I’ll hand out CDs with a copy of everyone’s songs on it. I’m hoping everyone will take a moment to listen to each person’s selection and hopefully share the memories associated with each song. I’ve been surprised with picks thus far which include Elton John, The Mamas and The Papas, Louis Armstrong, and Taylor Swift. The process of learning and recording these songs has given me a chance to connect with my family members’ histories. I’m hoping this gift will start conversations among family members that wouldn’t otherwise have happened.

Best of all, the cost to me is close to nothing! With my iPad and my GarageBand app, I have a simple way to record and mix songs. There are also plenty of free programs (such as MixPad) that utilize external microphones and run on PCs. My guitar and my voice I’ve had forever. The only cost should be buying the CDs on which to hold the final recordings. The hardest part has been finding the right arrangement that both fits my style and honors both the song and family member who chose it.

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season draws nearer, here’s hoping you find the perfect gift for your loved ones this year!