Organizing for Clinics, Studios, and Classrooms
We know how important organization is for music therapists and music teachers, whether you have a clinic space, a studio, a classroom, or if you travel from site to site in your mobile office on four wheels (aka your vehicle!!).
In part one of this two-part series on organization, we explore ways to organize your clinic, studio, and classroom spaces (read Part 2 here).
Utilizing Wall Space
Whether you have a thriving studio or a busy classroom, having your movement props and musical instruments stored up and off the ground is advantageous. This keeps some of your most important tools away from curious hands.
Using a guitar wall mounts/hangers is a perfect way to keep your guitar safe. This neat guitar wall mount from Wallaxe.com is visually appealing and super cool (and bonus points because their products are made in the USA!).
If you are handy and want to make your own guitar wall mount for your clinic or classroom space, you can easily search for “DIY guitar mount” or “DIY guitar stand.” You’ll find hundreds of results, building plans, and ideas.
Our friends at Music Therapy Connections in Springfield, Illinois have put together a neat and efficient slatwall that easily holds movement props (there’s the Stretchy Band!), books, baskets of instruments, and special materials for their early childhood music classes.
The team at MTC shares their process and the reasoning behind using this simple wall piece that can be purchased right from a local hardware store. It’s a perfect solution for them as it keeps their instruments better protected and cuts down on distractions for their students and clients.
Ideas for organizing your clinic space, studio, and classroom via @BearPawCreek Share on X
Establishing Storage Areas
Having a separate storage space in your clinic or classroom space is a nice perk, as well.
Whether your movement props, musical instruments, and visuals are stored in a closet, an office, or simply a bin or bookcase, having a storage makes your life a little bit easier.
Everything is in its’ own place so that you can easily find it for the next time.
Music therapist Kathy Schumacher from Tuneful Teaching shared exactly how she organizes her music therapy equipment — from instruments to puppets to visuals. She primarily uses drawstring bags, tote bags, and an organized system of labels.
Having an organized space certainly makes your life as a therapist, educator, or professional much easier.
For more organizing ideas, make sure to visit our Pinterest board for organizing!
TIP FOR PROFESSIONALS
Place an instrument (eggshaker, jingle bell, rhythm sticks, small tambourine) in a drawstring bag. Give it a shake and see if your students or clients can guess the instrument.
Great for sound identification and awareness goals.
I love your advice. The images you’ve included are so helpful to me. I don’t have any tips or tricks to contribute, but I’m going to borrow some from you for our homeschool environment. Thanks Julie!
Glad you enjoyed it, Jenette! 🙂
Thanks for great ideas. Do you know where I can get some egg shakers and have a name put on them…………….I use sound, movement etc. for all my presentations.
Mary Jo
Hi Mary Jo! I’ve heard GREAT things about Egg Shaker World (http://eggshakerworld.com/). Many of my must therapy friends/colleagues have used them. 🙂 Hope this helps!
I don’t know what I would do without all of my drawstring bags! I am so thankful for a sister who loves to sew. Wonderful post, Julie. I can’t wait to read part 2.
I love my drawstring bags, too! 🙂 Thanks, Kathy!