Using Music Therapy to Teach Skills at School: An Interview with Ryan Judd

his episode is all about music. Have you ever felt anxious and put on your favorite calming song? Or perhaps sad and delved into a heartfelt playlist? I would guess most of us use music to fuel our tough workouts! My guest on this episode Ryan Judd is an internationally known music therapist who uses the power of song with children - mainly in the school setting. Research shows music produces Oxytocin in the brain which is the hormone associated with social bonding, a very important skill to learn as a child. Listening isn’t the only part that is beneficial, but playing music can help children bond further and release any emotions through sensory play. 

The topics we cover in this episode are:

How Ryan found Music Therapy

What music therapy looks like in a school setting

How powerful it is to work in a group

Singing produces Oxytocin in the brain

The bonding experience of singing with others

Music and anxiety - are there any links?

The sensory side of playing music

How Ryan likes to rest and recharge 

Being present with your children

About The Guest - Ryan Judd

Ryan lives in Exeter, New Hampshire with his wife and their two young boys. He is an internationally known music therapist, Billboard Chart Topping recording artist, and ChildLight Yoga® & Mindfulness Instructor. Ryan has a master’s degree in music therapy and counseling psychology from Naropa University, one of the top contemplative education schools in the country. Ryan has a private practice in music therapy and has been helping kids find fun ways to relax and de-stress through music and mindfulness for more than 20 years. His two albums of research-based sleep music for children are the top-selling sleep CDs for children on Amazon and they have both won the "Parents' Choice" silver medal award. Ryan's soothing instrumental music has reached the top ten of Billboard charts, is featured on SiriusXM's Spa Channel, and has been added to numerous editorial playlists on Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music. His recordings bring together his skills as a music therapist and accomplished fingerstyle guitarist and have been streamed more than 250 million times. Ryan is committed to making music and meditations to improve the well-being of others. 

Ryan’s Website’s - www.TheRhythmTree.com / www.RyanJuddMusic.com / www.CoolKoala.co

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/coolkoalabedtime

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coolkoalabedtime/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/RyanJuddMusic

Resources from Ryan 

Cool Koala iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cool-koala-bedtime-meditations/id1615557294

Soaring Together Album:

Streaming link: https://songwhip.com/ryanjudd/soaring-together

Physical CD on Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Soaring-Together-Relaxation-Meditation-Well-Being/dp/B08TMSHD9C

Music Therapy Resources: https://www.therhythmtree.com/store

About The Host - Janine Halloran

Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children and adolescents for over 15 years. She loves to create products and resources, so she started two businesses to support families and professionals who work with children and teens. ‘Coping Skills for Kids’ provides products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. It’s the home of the popular Coping Cue Cards, decks of cards designed to help kids learn and use coping skills at home or at school. Janine’s second business ‘Encourage Play’ is dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! Encourage Play has free printables, as well as digital products focused on play and social skills.

Coping Skills for Kids - https://copingskillsforkids.com

Encourage Play - https://www.encourageplay.com

Interested in reading my books? 

The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook/products/coping-skills-for-kids-workbook-digital-version

Social Skills for Kids - https://store.copingskillsforkids.com/collections/encourage-play/products/social-skills-for-kids-workbook

Connect with Janine on Social Media

Instagram: @copingskillsforkids

Facebook: facebook.com/copingskillsforkids and facebook.com/encourageplay

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JanineHalloranEncouragePlay