The times, they are a'changin.
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 by Victoria Storm | Studio Happenings
With the opening of school in the online format, I have decided to reduce my overhead for the time being and close our beloved music therapy studio in the Medical Arts Building here in Oak Park. All of our clients and students that were able to do so, switched to sessions and lessons on line. Thank you to those of you who did so for making the pivot a positive experience for all. Closing the studio was a tough but wise decision. And who knows, when this is all over we may be able to open up that or another space for in person sessions and lessons again.
Meanwhile I will be teaching and leading sessions and online concerts from my home studio. Our music therapy colleagues and music educators are doing the same. We appreciate you coming along for the ride.
Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.
Stay tuned for a new website, some enhanced offerings from my personal collection of music and recordings, and more activity in the blog and podcast world.
Until next time, keep singing, this time with your mask on.
Victoria Storm
Singer/songwriter and community music therapist
312-286-6778 cell/text
TEDx Oak Park Women and Telehealth updates
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 by Victoria Storm | Speaking
Hello dearest friends of Oak Park Music Therapy!
With all my heart, I am hopeful that you and yours are weathering the shelter-in-place orders with grand success and health. Maybe you have a little more time at home these days? Might I suggest that you take 15 minutes to watch my TEDx talk delivered on December 12, 2019. Although it was just a few months ago, it seems like so much longer already. I don't know if you've had a chance to see it yet, so maybe now is your chance.
Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTlkHqcNwvk&t=1s. You'll find some advice on how to use music listening at home for general mood regulation and boosting positive thinking. As an Oak Park Music Therapy insider, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the TEDx talk.
Like many of you, I and my family, have been turned upside down in our routines. It has been a challenging time so we are using a lot of music around the house these days to keep our moods light and bright. How have you been using music to make your COVID-19 journey more tolerable?
Feel free to jump on my Oak Park Music Therapy facebook page too. I've starting adding a little more content there related to resilience and general mood elevation.
Most importantly, I'm delighted that many of you are continuing services virtually via our telehealth services. I have been pleasantly surprised how well these sessions have gone, and I can say I am so glad to be a part of keeping the routines alive and well for those families I serve directly.
Because of this telehealth access, it means it is also a great time to refer us to a friend or family member who could use a bit of customized music experiences while sheltering in place. Don't forget I also have Jeff Kust, master guitar teacher, composer, and performer at the ready to offer guitar lessons. We also have Don Kovach available for orchestral instrument lessons. Music Therapists Katie Bender, April Hickey, and Michelle Russell are booking sessions on line as well through Oak Park Music Therapy. We are ready to serve you!
Thinking outside of the geographic box, a person need not be here in the Chicagoland area either, since telehealth removes the barriers of miles and timezones. By all means let us know if you feel someone in your circle could benefit from our offerings, and pass our information along. I have a special soft place in my heart for those in our community that are in skilled nursing facilities or the like and have lost the regularity of their visitors and friends. Maybe it is your own parent or a beloved aunt - I'd be happy to provide telehealth support during this difficult and isolating time and bring them the joy of customized music and conversational support.
As always, an exploratory intake call is free of charge - 312-286-6778.
Until next time, stay well and stay safe. See you on the other side of the screen, and keep singing! Let me know if you have any questions.
Victoria Storm, MM, MT-BC
Director, Oak Park Music Therapy
312-286-6778
Photos, links, and bio of Mr. Kust - WELCOME!
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 by Victoria Storm | Uncategorized
We are excited to welcome master guitar teacher Jeff Kust to our Oak Park Music Therapy team. 
Copy this YouTube link into your browser to see Jeff play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZxhRKETQ9U&authuser=2
Multi-instrumentalist Jeff Kust holds a bachelors and masters degree in guitar performance and has a long history of teaching guitar. He has performed and recorded with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, toured as a soloist and played live concerts on Chicago’s WFMT-FM. He has numerous recordings and theatre credits and has performed everywhere from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go in L.A. to New York’s CBGB’s. Currently, Jeff is the Assistant Director of the The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra and performs regularly with his Bluegrass/Americana band, Kaldi Jones.
