Inspiring Conversations with Bonnie Houpt of Rhythmic Roots Music Services, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Houpt.

Hi Bonnie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) who got my degree from the University of Georgia. I moved to Denver in 2018, and in 2019 I went full time with my private practice. Then as we all know, the pandemic hit. I pivoted from in-person, in-home music lessons and music therapy services to all online services. Now, I provide both, depending on the needs of each family I serve. I love bringing joy into my students’ and clients’ lives through music and am passionate about bringing accessible music opportunities to the disability community as every individual deserves to receive music education and musical opportunities they desire.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been some bumps, but many businesses could say that the last year or so. The pandemic cut my already new, small caseload in half, and I had to shift my services to a completely new platform, one they did not teach in school. Navigating the pandemic has been difficult as well as many of my clients are immunocompromised or too young to receive a vaccine. I have done my best to pivot services, provide safe options, and to make sessions as safe as possible during this public health crisis.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rhythmic Roots Music Services, LLC?
Rhythmic Roots Music Services, LLC is my private practice I own and operate as a solopreneur. I provide in-home and community based music therapy, music lessons, and music groups to individuals with disabilities or any beginner that wants to learn music in a way that is adapted for them and their learning style. I provide music lessons as a music therapist that are play-based and develop curriculum for each individual I see, arranging preferred music that motivates my students to learn. As a music therapist, I teach percussion, ukulele, guitar, piano, and voice. These instruments as well as several hand-held percussion instruments are used in music therapy as well. Musically, I studied percussion in school, and this rhythmic base in what is foundational in my approach to students and clients I serve. I believe anyone who wants to learn music can learn, no matter how old or what their abilities are. Rhythmic Roots scaffolds learning to meet students where they are at and matches their learning styles and sensory needs. This adaptation leads to the most important thing about Rhythmic Roots’ music services: music brings joy! I am also constantly connecting with the community, whether at groups or events. Recently, I collaborated with Milestone Pediatric Therapy Services and hosted a Fall concert and picnic with them that was free to families thanks to a sponsorship from Developmental Pathways. I believe we are stronger as a community so I try to be active in-person and on social media to stay connected with others.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am an avid podcast listener. Some of my favorites that help me in music therapy, business, and life include: “Music Therapy Chronicles,” “Creative Therapy Umbrella,” “Being Boss,” “Very Bad Therapy, “What Works, by Tara McMullin” “Parenting After Trauma,” and “Don’t Keep Your Day Job,” and “Music for Kiddos Podcast.” Honestly, there are more. I drive a lot between clients and like to tune in to different perspectives to inform my practice, improve my business, or improve my mindset and mental health. Feel free to message me to discuss podcasts!

I am currently reading “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. which helps inform my practice as well.

Contact Info:

• Email: bonnie@rhythmicrootsmusictherapy.org
• Website: https://rhythmicrootsmusicservices.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhythmicrootsmusicservices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhythmicrootsmusicservices
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwLxyKOm1NZ6AKn4MjqZ0BQ
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-966874725

Image Credits:
Terra Scott