As many of you music therapists know, we are always on the move! Our day to day schedule can include meeting with individual clients in their homes, group sessions in schools and presentations here and there. Music therapists are always moving, and always carrying something! My internship included two different cities, over 11 different sites and sessions with individuals ranging from ages 3 to 94 years old. Not only did I have to become efficient at packing and carrying things I had to be prepared for the unknown! Starting out I tried to be as prepared as possible by planning each and every session moment, don’t get me wrong this was extremely important being a newbie, however I learned very quickly that I had to be flexible, in the moment, and prepared for anything! Moods, attendance, weather, illness, and well… just about any other variable can throw off a session! Thanks to my fabulous supervisor, Andrew’s idea for session material transportation I was able to jam pack my way to efficiency & self care! My mini-suitcase allowed me to prepare for the days that were upside down and have many materials on hand while traveling between two different cities. I was able to pack my session staples: schedule board, plastic container to pass out instruments, and rhythm instruments. I was also able to pack my back up plan too: parachute, puppets, song based books, and drums. With my guitar on my back and my session materials suitcase, I am able to have a free hand for an extra drum or a Tim Hortons coffee!

I just can’t promise it stays this organized during the day! What are your session essentials and how do you get them from session to session?

My suitcase goodies: