In this interview, Dr. Erman Turkeli, a violin professor from Turkey, shares his journey from studying violin performance in the U.S. to developing innovative music education methods tailored for early childhood and special education, especially for children with autism and other neurodivergent needs. He discusses his groundbreaking book, *First Steps of a Little Artist*, which teaches young children and those with developmental disabilities to play instruments like the piano and violin without traditional notes, using shapes, colors, and symbols instead.

Erman explains how his method originated from personal teaching experiences with very young children and autistic kids. He emphasizes creating a positive, confidence-building learning environment. His approach is being adopted worldwide, including in academic research and pilot programs, and it has demonstrated remarkable success, such as autistic children playing the piano.

Additionally, Erman talks about his ongoing plans to expand accessibility, including series of these books on different instruments and the possibility of a mobile app. He also shares personal insights about teaching his own young son with his methods, highlighting the independence and confidence his approach fosters. Erman invites interested individuals to connect through his website for more information and to share their experiences. The interview underscores the importance of innovative, individualized teaching strategies in music education for diverse learners.

Erman's website: https://www.ermanturkili.com

Erman explaining First Steps of a Little Artist on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MC7PRun8BOU?si=U2hQI3G-atBL1pw9

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erman_turkili

Try This Tip: I Love to Brush My Teeth

Want your kiddo to brush their teeth without fights, tears, or meltdowns? This week’s Try This Tip is a fun, step-by-step song that makes brushing easy and even enjoyable!

I wrote this song 16 years ago. It's dentist-approved and includes playful, dramatic starts to grab attention. Sing along to all the steps, and watch as your child builds a positive routine with giggles and smiles.

At the end of the episode, you'll hear a version in Spanish! Check it out and see how just a little singing can turn teeth brushing into a joyful activity.

#ParentTips #ParentingHacks #KidsActivities #TeethBrushing #musictherapy #Neurodiversity #AutismSupport #ChildDevelopment #ParentTips #TherapyTools #MindfulParenting #SensoryProcessing #EmotionalRegulation #TransitionsWithMusic #SelfCareForParents #CreativeParenting #MusicInMind #ParentSupport #HealingThroughMusic #TherapistsUnite #EmpowerParents #MusicMagic #cuethemagicpodcast #estherthane #etmusictherapy #globalmusictherapyproject #podcast #adaptedpiano

Esther Thane has specialized since 1996 in neurodivergent individuals & diverse needs. After over a decade on faculty at Capilano University, Esther continues to present, publish, and consult. In 2014, she completed Dr. Diane Austin's (Music Psychotherapy Center, NY) training program in Advanced Vocal Psychotherapy. Esther’s publication in the book: Voicework in Music Therapy, focuses on her innovative method of Vocal-Led Relaxation for Children with Autism. Esther created Meet In The Music© (MITM) music therapy curriculum, which is utilized by music therapists globally. She has received numerous awards including: 1. “Iconic Women Creating a Better World For All Award”, presented by the Women Economic Forum in New Delhi, India (2017), 2. “Peer Recognition Award for innovation and Advocacy”, presented by the Canadian Association For Music Therapy (2021), 3. Luminous Alumni Award of Excellence, presented by Capilano University (2024). Esther is also VP of UnitusTI- Mental Health and Diverse Needs Cloud.

Connect with Esther Thane:

🌐 Website: https://www.etmusictherapy.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etmusictherapy

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etmusictherapy/

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@etmusictherapy

Rooted in Music Relaxation Recordings: https://www.etmusictherapy.com/rooted-in-music/rooted-in-music

Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Esther Thane, Music Therapist Extraordinaire

Journey into Music Therapy: Esther shares how she followed her intuition into the field, drawn by her lifelong love of music and a transformative experience working in Germany.

About ET Music Therapy: Based in Vancouver, Esther’s practice has been supporting neurodiverse clients of all ages for nearly 30 years, with a focus on creating fun, engaging, and mission-driven sessions.

Team & Community: She built a supportive community of therapists to prevent burnout and foster collaboration, making the field stronger.

Why Music Works for Neurodiverse Kids: Music is a universal, non-threatening language that captivates children, especially those with autism. It promotes motivation, success, and deep engagement.

Using Music at Home: Tools like personalized playlists, exploring instruments, and recording relaxation tracks empower caregivers to support their kids daily.

Transitions & Daily Life: Esther suggests singing preferred songs for smooth transitions and using music as a flexible tool to ease change and overstimulation.

Empathy & Sensory Experience: She highlights how overstimulation affects everyone and emphasizes understanding sensory sensitivities, sharing insights inspired by Glenn Gould’s listening exercises.

Core Philosophy: Children thrive when activities are motivating and successful—music naturally fosters curiosity and deeper learning.

The Joy of the Unknown: Every session is unpredictable and rewarding; her favorite part of being a music therapist.

Collaboration: She emphasizes working with speech therapists, OTs, and other professionals, blending goals into fun, effective activities.

Resources for Families & Practitioners: Check out her website and downloadable relaxation tracks designed for home, school, and self-care.

Final Word: “Meet your child in the music.” It’s all about connection, presence, and the magic that happens when we sing together.

Creating Safe, Musical Spaces for Growth with Emily Ross

Emily Ross joins me to explore the magic of music therapy and its role in helping children thrive. We talk about the importance of safe environments, the power of improvisation, and how music supports emotional regulation, communication, and connection. Emily also shares why parent involvement is essential, and how consistent, child-led music experiences can lead to real breakthroughs.

Emily Ross, MA, MT-BC, began her professional career in rural Benton County public schools teaching general music, choir, and band to students K-12. After seven years, Emily recognized that many of her students had needs that she couldn’t address in the music classroom. She was moved to find a way to address those emotional and cognitive needs by pursuing an advanced degree in music therapy.

Emily received her MA in counseling psychology/music therapy from Naropa University in 2003. Her emphasis throughout her master's program was on autism, culminating in her master's paper, entitled: Music Therapy as an Appropriate Intervention in Improving Communication and Relationship Skills in Individuals with Autism.

For 13 years, Emily ran her private music therapy practice, Self Express Music Therapy Studio, and served as adjunct faculty in music therapy at Marylhurst University. From 2015-2018, she held a full-time position at Marylhurst as Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Professor of music therapy.

Emily is excited to be back in private practice full-time while developing her dream of combining horses and music therapy with Hoofnhorn Music Therapy.

Emily lives in Portland with her husband, Ted, and their cat, Nutmeg. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, quilting and singing. She played French horn in the Portland Wind Symphony for 18 years, and is now learning to play Celtic harp.

Music Therapy experience includes:

• 20 years in Private Practice (individuals and small groups)
• 5 years Private School: Victory Academy (year-round school for children with autism)
• 2+ years Public School: Salem Keizer School District, Clackamas ESD, Portland Public Schools
• Summer Camps: Creative Arts Day Camp (Marylhurst’s summer program for those with and without special needs)

Prior to graduate school, Emily spent 27 months teaching English as a Foreign Language in the former Soviet republic, Kyrgyzstan, as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Being the first American to live in her village, she developed a deep compassion for the frustrations of limited communication skills.

Stephanie Leavell is an award-winning songwriter, a music therapist, and the creator of Music for Kiddos. This online education company provides high-quality music resources and continuing education for music therapists, music educators, and parents. Stephanie is a Berklee College of Music graduate and is passionate about using music to help kids succeed. She specializes in working with babies and kids through age 10.

Insta: @music_for_kiddos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicForKiddos

Website: https://www.musicforkiddos.com

YouTube: youtube.com/musicforkiddos

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0t9vTFNjGsjQMtfrJqgZ13?si=px9eIcyBTcSvh_fUat3P1w

MusicForKiddos.com offers high-quality music resources for parents, music therapists, and educators. Parents can find engaging songs, free downloadable music, and educational tools designed to support child development. The site also features a podcast that provides valuable insights on using music to foster learning and growth. Additionally, parents can explore the blog for creative ideas and strategies to incorporate music into daily routines. Learn more at Music for Kiddos.

Marie Miller is a neurologic music therapist based in Maine. She owns and operates Rhythm and Strings Music Therapy, LLC, which provides group and individual services to children and young adults with disabilities ages 3-21. Marie is passionate about creating multisensory learning experiences for children and young adults. These experiences combine music, movement, and visuals to build skills in expressive and receptive language, motor skills, and sensory regulation.

Instagram: @rhythm_and_strings_mt

Facebook: @Rhythm and Strings Music Therapy, LLC

YouTube: @Rhythm and Strings Music Therapy

Website: www.rhythmandstrings.com

Marie has great resources on her website, including:

• Where do you Sleep? a children's singable picture book about the sleeping habits of animals
• Make it Multisensory - approved for 5 continuing education credits for music therapists (available again in April)
• Seasonal resource packages with chords, lyrics, printable visuals, and instructional videos for music therapists

For more information about The Global Music Therapy Project, please visit:

• Website

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Spotify

For more information on our host, Angie Kopshy, please follow her here:

• LinkedIn

• Stoneface Honey