What’s In My Bag?

Tanner here, sharing what I have in my music therapy bag!
Or I could also say, “What’s In My Car?” due to the nature of the ‘traveling music therapist’.

Music Therapy has a large variety of populations that it serves. The demands for equipment can vary depending on the setting and what type of clients the Music Therapist encounters. I have experienced a fair share of populations throughout my time at school and during my practicums, internship and career. I’m excited to share an inside look into my life as a music therapist!

Starting with the most used equipment:
Acoustic Guitar: Seagull S6

– Guitar Picks                                                     – Jumbo Guitar Pick

– Capo: G7th                                                        – Color stickers

– Water bottle (Very Important!)                    – Guitar Strings (For Good Measure)

Keeping instruments in tune is also very important to me, good thing that nearly everyone today is carrying a mobile device capable of downloading a tuning app! Fender Tune is a great free option!

– iPhone Fender Tune App

I occasionally have clients that have an interest towards rock, pop, or blues. The electric guitar can be great for these individuals. I use it during the session, but can also have students who want to learn how to play.

Electric Guitar: Epiphone, Les Paul Model

– AMPLIFI by Line 6 (Very versatile, can pair via bluetooth with smartphones!)

– Fretboard stickers (Responds to Heat!)

Bass Guitar is another instrument I use with a few clients, and also with the Adaptive Rock Band.

Electric Bass Guitar: Ibanez 4-string

• Fender Bass Amp

Although it can sometimes be a hassle to transport, I love bring the drum-set to clients houses! Glad I found one that was portable enough to fit entirely in my trunk!

Drumset:

Quest Love’s, Breakbeats.

– Sabian cymbals

– Vic Firth drumsticks

Backpack:

• Folders, for sheet music & visuals.
• Toe Tambourine
• Dry Erase Markers & Dry Erase Sheet Protectors
• JBL Pulse 3 Speaker
• iPad Pro w/Pencil
• Roli Lightpad Block

The iPad

The Apple Pencil along with Notability allows me to easily document my session and transfer my notes to our online database, no need to use a computer or scanner.

Roli Lightpad Block

–Roli Play App

Garage Band iPad App
– GarageBand

MIDI Keyboard: iRig Keys

Works with IOS & Android devices!

Headphones & attachments/chords

• Used when recording vocal parts in music apps. (Avoiding feedback from iPad/Laptop speakers)
• Over Ear headphones are best sanitary option to use with clients
• Cords (Left-Right): Standard male-male cable, micro adapter, iPhone dongle, headphone cord, charging cable.

Music Apps

Apps I use during sessions.                     Apps I use as a musician.                             Apps for younger populations.

Tote:

                   Schedule with PECS inspired visual binder

                  Writing Utensils

                  Disinfecting  Wipes

Instruments:

    Lollipop Drum.                                                                Paddle Drum

Shakers                                                                              Jingle Bells

      Cabasa                                                                                Rhythm Sticks

                                                Shape Drums                                                                    Pete The Cat Books                                                                                                                                                                   (Recommended to use with electric guitar!)

Stay on the look out for more “What’s In My Bag?” blogs from the rest of the Toneworks team. Let us know if you have questions or would like to know more about any of these featured items!

Keep Smiling,

Tanner Bergersen