ABOUT MINDFUL MUSICIANS
Written from the lens of a music therapist, music educator, mother, and self-help book junkie, our material encompasses the standards of music curricula as well as socio-emotional curricula.
Our Goal: Normalize conversations around brain health by using music to bridge the gap from adult knowledge to youth experience. We aim to implant socio-emotional core beliefs that support positive brain health and coping skills for times of future distress.
Our Products: Backed by research in the fields of psychology, neuroanatomy, education, and music therapy. our product works to implant socio-emotional core beliefs that support positive brain health and coping skills for times of future distress.
Our Lyrics: Backed by practical real-life scenarios of childhood adversities, parenting obstacles, and traumatic losses that challenge resilience, encourage exploration and acceptance of self, and remind us that the most important part of this entire journey is to enjoy it.
MEET THE TEAM
Callie FitzGerald
Callie FitzGerald is a human that is committed to experiencing life in a vulnerable and honest way. She is motivated to helping improve the resilience and mental health of our world starting with the youngest of learners. A board certified music therapist specializing in neurologic music therapy, Callie has founded Mindful Musicians to promote and normalize harder conversations and topics in fun and interactive ways. She believes in shifting struggles in life into connection and growth opportunities. She proudly continues her own learning through the experiences in roles as wife, mother, and CEO of non-profit Centrally Rooted in Dubuque, Iowa
ANA MARIA LOCKE
Ana Maria is a clarinetist, artist, and educator based in Dubuque, Iowa. She is a graduate of Troy University and the UNC School of the Arts, and she is in the final stage of the doctoral program in Clarinet Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Iowa. Her passion for education and music has led her to serve in several nonprofits, including ArtistCorps, Please Pass the Love, and Centrally Rooted. She has found great joy working for Mindful Musicians, where she is able to draw, design, and develop new projects that further the mission by providing high-quality, engaging tools for youth to learn more about brain health. When she isn’t working on a new project, she can be found exploring Iowa or enjoying music at home while crafting with her husband and daughter.
Scott McDermott
Scott is a thoughtful and innovative musician dedicated to creating mindful children’s music that inspires joy, creativity, and emotional well-being. A musician, songwriter, and recording engineer with nearly 30 years experience playing, writing, and studying music.
As a song writer my goal is to blend soothing melodies with meaningful lyrics, designed to nurture young minds and encourage self-awareness, empathy, and imagination.
“We teach the youth mindfulness through music. Those lessons tend to ripple up to the parents and grandparents. My intent is to make the world a more compassionate place.”
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is my child too young?
Kids begin hearing in utero. At 4 months gestation, they have the capability to gain benefit from rhythm. After birth, they mature with rhythm alongside their development. This translates into nonmusical tasks such as speech sequencing, walking, coordination, and even reading. The benefits of music have been proven effective even in NICU babies, so no! Your child is not too young to join!
Do I have to be a musician?
Nope. Music making is for every single person. You need not have any musical background to gain full value out of these courses.
Can my child do this without me?
Only if you’re sending them with a different caregiver over the age of 18. Each child under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. The caregivers get the responsibility of redirecting any behaviors during class, while the teacher has the responsibility of maintaining the flow.
What if my child doesn’t seem to be engaged in class?
This is quite common the first few semesters of class. Do not fret; there is still passive learning occurring and often in the beginning, kids will hide, play shy, or appear disengaged. The key here is your engagement. If you do the modeling, it will catch on with your kiddo. Please do intervene, however, if there is disruption to another child’s experience.