It’s that time of year! If you are a music therapist in the United States, you very likely have (or already had) a conference come up for your region. Here in the South East, we are all heading to Spartanburg, South Carolina for the South Eastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association’s annual conference!

Since this year’s conference is in my very own state, I’ve had the good fortune of being one of the people helping to get things ready! This is the first time that I’ve gotten to be in on the inner workings of a conference as opposed to just being a vendor or a participant and it has definitely been a learning experience.

So what do you have to look forward to from this regional conference?

If you are a client:

I’m going to be coming back from conference refreshed, rejuvenated, and with LOTS of new ideas! Conference is a wonderful time for me to not only meet and hang out with other music therapists in the south east, but also a time for me to learn, get updates on new things in the field of music therapy, and get new ideas! I’ll likely come back packing new songs, activities, and ideas for more ways to make sure that you get the most out of my services as possible.

If you are a music therapist in the South Eastern Region:

You get to look forward to ME (not really). I am really excited about attending this conference in my new role as a private practitioner, member of the South Carolina State Task Force, and the President Elect for the Music Therapy Association of South Carolina. This conference marks the fruition of my work stepping out into professional life as someone doing something other than practicing my craft. I have the honor of opening the student sessions as the keynote speaker, as well as leading a panel on private practice, and participating in a panel on advocacy.

Other than me, as a music therapist, you get to attend sessions given by our South Eastern colleagues on everything from making your own instruments to drumming, to ethics. Not to mention the chance to meet and network with other music therapists!

If You Are My Husband:

You get me out of your hair for three whole nights! And when I get back, you’ll get to see me more motivated to truck on until National Conference in November. So conference = less crabby.

I hope that if you find yourself attending a regional conference this month that you enjoy yourself, learn, and grow! While conference is a nice reprieve for us, it’s so important to remember that the reason we attend these is so we can equip ourselves with more tools to serve our clients better!