Music

[TTC 19 month #1]

I thought I'd share my personal music favorites and hope you guys will share yours. I am super picky about the music I use. I like slow, mellow stuff that most people won't have around their house. I used the music from Target for a while but people recognized it. Also, I don't like words. I want people to forget there is music playing. I have found two CD's that I LOVE and clients seem to enjoy the music also. Reiki and The Heart of Reiki, both by Merlin's Magic. My clients even comment on how relaxing they are. I use them almost all the time. Occasionally I switch them out to try something new but I always go back to those two CD's. Another thing I like about them, they are 60+ minutes of continuous music. There is only one song so you don't get a break every few minutes. I shared the music with the neighboring hypnotherapist and he is now using them in his sessions. VERY relaxing stuff!That said, what CD's are you guys enjoying and why do you like them? Do your clients ever comment on your music? Does anyone just use nature sounds like water? My first massage ever, the therapist just had ocean sounds playing in the background. I enjoyed it but thought if someone had a phobia relating to water, it would have freaked them out!!!

 

[I <3 Pomeranians]

Music

I have 4 or 5 of the Target cd's and I like them too. I have 2 rooms that I flip flop between massages. Each room has a 3 disc player on continuous play, and I change the cd's once a week. I rarely hear the same cd twice in one day. In each player I put 1 classical, 1 new age, and 1 nature sound cd. This way I don't get too sick of the music and if a client has a prefernece, it's the touch of a button to change the style of music. I refuse to ruin my beloved cd collection by getting oils on them (breaks down the plastic) or on the machines (they cost $300 a piece). I bought cd players that are mounted right on the wall and they look really cool, but subtle, and don't take up any space in my rooms. Most of the time, it's the first thing the client comments on before I've touched them. It shows new clients that I took time for the extra little things for their relaxation experience, meanwhile, it was just as much for my ease and peace of mind, too.Steven Halpern is a great artist for massage but he doesn't have enough cd's out to be exlusively playing his music. My tastes in my private life are much harder than what is appropriate for massage (Metallica, Incubus, Oasis) so sometimes for younger, hipper clients, I've burned a few cd's with Moby, Massive Attack, Sade, Morcheba, Sting, ...also some jazz, like Chet Baker. All slow, calm sounds, but never a whole cd by the same artist. Most of these artists have slow tracks on their cd's but some songs are not appropriate. Loreena McKinnit (sp?) and Enya are great the first 20,000 times you hear them, and I still cycle back once in a while.

 

[momof2girls]

So far I've had great luck with music by both Steven Halpern and Dean Evenson.   Also Music by Marcey, the one with the blue cover is great for massage.  However, I've been told by another massage therapist that she finds that clients who have a history of sexual abuse seem to be unable to relax with the last choice...beats me why.Cassandra

 

[Sax Man]

I have been a long time member of BMG Music Club.  So I watch for their 50 - 60% off and no shipping charges sales, so I have a wide variety.  The website allows you to listen to clips of each song, so you don't get any suprises when listen to the whole CD for the first time.  One of my favorites, which you can't get at BMG, is Kitaro.  He is a Japaneses instrumentalist.  Some if his newest stuff has voices.  I don't like voices either.  :-/

 

[BMT]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum so please go easy on me.  LOL. My music is quite a potpourri including classical, neo-soul, japanese koto.  It really depends on my clients and what they're in the mood for.  I have some awesome Natve american flute music which is my personal favorite as well as Glenn Velez rhythm CD's.  I have a client who requests Reggae music and a client who wants Jazz Ballads.  So really its what they want.

 

[akl]

I think I found a way to keep all my clients happy.  I got the XM Radio.  It has 101 stations with most having no commercials.  (a few do but it is less then 6 min per hour)  Then I have a CD player and let them bring in whatever they want to listen to.  I really like the relaxation station (no burn out on a CD) and the clients like that they can listen to anything.  It cost 9.99 a month (about the cost of a CD)

 

[MJsLiberianGirl]

I'm not really big on voices either. Lyrics tend to distract the client and they are not able to relax as easily. I try to have a variety of CDs for my clients to choose from for outcalls, usually 3-4. I also have a 5 CD changer at the salon where I do most of my work. I have a few CDs I have burned to be about 30 minutes in length for 1/2 hr sessions, and several CDs which I have burned to be about 60 minutes in length. I have found several good artists with free downloads at Amazon.com, Charlie Wayne is a particular favorite, as is Rosewynde Flute and Harp Duo.Being in a day spa, having CDs with known lengths keeps me on track with other appointments the client may have scheduled after. I also change the CDs maybe once a week. I always have one of the CDs from Hanai Music in there. It is one of my clients favorites.  It was designed to have 50-70 beats per minute, to help induce the relaxation response. The musician, Hanai, is also a hypnotherapist, though she feels that sharing the music that is inside her is her true calling.  The story of how she decided to make her first album is so touching. And her music is absolutely amazing!She currently offers 7 great and relaxing CDs to choose from.   Give it a listen @ http://www.hanaimusic.com

 

[ashleycoolcat22]

I rarely use anything with words, I think it is too distracting for my focus and for the client's concentration.  My current favorite is Steven Halpern.  Medwyn Goodall "Medicine Woman" is another favorite.  I have "Mozart for Massage" for clients who don't enjoy my usual "new age" selections.  I accidentally brought my Cirque du Soleil Alegria soundtrack to the office one day in a stack of CD's and several clients have requested and enjoyed that.I've discovered that many people associate Enya with private time alone with a significant other, so I don't personally find it an appropriate choice.  It's not something I enjoy listening to while receiving a therapeutic massage, anyway.  (It is wonderfully beautiful and relaxing music, though!)

 

[Austin]

Music

Sharp and others, thank you for your suggestions. I'll be adding to my music library forever. Now I'm looking for music that is appropriate for hypnotherapy...always something new BTW, I am loving it in Arizona and am SO thrilled to be back in school. Thanks to those of you who were personal cheerleaders. I needed all the support and encouragement I could get!

 

[skeptik]

Music

OOOps! I just posted a similar question in the modalities section!! We must be on the same channel!sulilly

 

[Werowrigo]

Try hallsofthemachine.com and check out the album called "Atmospheres for Lovers and Sleepers".  It's all instrumental and very modernistic.  It's almost hypnotizing.  It's incredible to work to.  There are fast and slow beats, followed by soft and loud moments.  I've received excellent feedback from it!! The soundtrack from "Crouching Tiger" is also good.  It's all instrumental except for the last two songs.  Both great if you want to try something different!!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Okay, I play all sorts of music in the room but I also run a table fountain for background noise.  The fountain gets slimy in no time from the water on the rocks and stones.   It's a hassle to clean too.  Does anyone use on of those sound machines in their practice or spa?  I'd like to know if they are useful or should I just keep cleaning my fountain.  Also, I've tired all sorts of cleaners, calcium deposit remover in the water and the like.  It still gets gross.  I'd like a cleaner alternative.  Any ideas?  Thanks, Joe E.

 

[Pompal 09.]

[quote author=Joe_E link=board=bus;num=1057815176;start=0#13 date=09/11/03 at 18:12:40]Also, I've tired all sorts of cleaners, calcium deposit remover in the water and the like. آ It still gets gross. آ [/quote]I've found that using only distilled water rather than tap water or other bottled waters helps quite a bit to slow down the "yuck" process.  Distilled water has no minerals or other foreign substances, so you only have to worry about whatever is floating around in the air and landing in your fountain.

 

[William Y]

Music

Joe E.I use the sound machines. Drugstore.com has them for $15! Cheaper than anywhere else. I mounted them on the walls, up high where they can kinda blend into the backround. I have them in each room and keep them on a VERY low volume. I use the "white noise" feature, as the other sounds (ocean, spring rain, crickets, heartbeat) can be too obviously fake. It cuts down on voices traveling from room to room, or reception to room. I also have an electric wind chime machine. I keep it near the bathroom, so people feel the restroom is a bit more separated. I bought it at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It was only $20, and EVERYONE compliments me on it. It's very subtle, and adds atmosphere. Backround noise can make people feel more private, and adds a mental barrier from one area to another. If a client can hear other clients, how secure can that client feel about opening up?

 

[xsexixlexix]

Music

Joe E,I use the travel sound machine/alarm clock from Sharper Image. It has a LOT of sounds to choose from & they are very clear & realistic compared to some I have heard from other machines. I am actually using it for my baby right now while I'm on maternity leave. I work in a busy salon & the laughter & such outside the door is hard to keep out. We have a sign, etc, but who wants to discourage people from being happy & chatty when it's their buck, and others are offering more upbeat, social services? I mask the sounds completely by having a velvet curtain covering my door, my sound machine, a fan (moves the air, moves my wind chimes & adds a small amount of white noise... it's actually quieter than I thought it'd be) and my music selections. Sounds like alot, but I have them all coming from different corners. The center of the room is a beautiful blend of soundscapes.I had always wanted a fountain, but my husband is a chef & a USPH expert. He told me once that bacteria & molds need water & a food source to exist. It stuck in my mind. That, and a couple of other MT's slimy and/or calcium deposited fountains I've seen in their treatment rooms. (ha! now you know why my strong reaction to MichelleTX's post with the 'only cold running water' issue)Jill/SagetherapistJill/Sagetherapist

 

[Prime96]

Music

Okay, I knew you'd have a good idea Jill (especially the velvet curtain over the door.  Is it on a slide rod so it's not in the way when the door is opened and closed?  Now the wind chime, has anyone ever complained about it and how big of a chime?  Is it one of those tiny ones.  My spa is also a salon and it gets noisy in the hallway.  I'm always looking for ways to quiet the room.  As for the fountain, it's just plain gross.  I'll be hitting Sharper Image.  Was the sound machine pricey?  Thanks, Joe E.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Music

The nature sounds reminded me of a couple massage therapists I've been to. My first massage ever so I was a little uneasy to begin with. The lady had a tape playing of the ocean or something. In the middle of the massage she had to stop massaging and turn the tape over. That was extremely distracting to me. It happened one other time also. The lady had some irish folk music on...not one of my favorite selections and she had to stop and turn her tape over but she didn't just turn it over either, she actually was fast forwarding or rewinding or something. I felt like it was very unprofessional. One other time I was getting a massage and the power went out. It didn't bother me at all. I actually enjoyed the sounds that were going on out and around the building. Kids were splashing around in the swimming pool (a little laughter but not screaming like kids sometimes do) and I could hear people walking by. So for anyone who reads this post, my suggestion would be to never ever ever ever EVER use a tape. You can get some really cheap nature sound CD's and to me, that would be 100% better than a therapist leaving me laying on the table while they mess with their equipment. When I was working at the spa, occasionally I would forget to put the CD on repeat so mid massage there was no music. I learned to maneuver my way around the table and how to get the cd started with my big toe. Hopefully without interrupting the flow of the massage. Just don't take away from my time so you can go deal with music issues. I'd rather be in a silent room and know the therapist is totally present.

 

[pelops_dl]

Music

That is too funny, Sadie, about stretching out & using your toe! Funny enough, we had a circuit breaker problem (fixed now... I now have my own breaker assigned to my room) & the power would go off in our little funky old coteforum.xxxe-turned-salon. I was ever-grateful for my candles & my little sound machine from the Sharper Image! It keeps running on batteries (by the way, I only have to change them about once a month or so), and the candles helped until someone in the salon would throw the breaker for me.Joe, the Sharper Image travel alarm sound soother is $69. If you know of anyone who gets the Sharper Image catalogue, there's often a $25 coupon if you purchase $75 or more, etc. That's what I did. There's also always a sharper Image coupon in the Entertainment.com booklets. (I'm always out for a bargain on the higher ticket items)The wind chime is a desktop display. The chimes that hang from it give off a very light sound. Easy tones, not annoying. I just happened to accidentally have my fan oscillating in the right position one day to occasionally hit the chime with enough force to move it slightly. Its basically a 'random tinkling'. you're right though, in leading that it might be annoying. I just move the chime away from the fan if I or somebody else don't want to hear it.Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Antonia K]

Jill, thanks again for the info.  I had 4 massages in our "least favorite" room yesterday.  The noise level was unbearable and I was furious by day's end with the entire staff.  It's really our wet room and the vichy makes a lot of room noise but when you're just using the massage table it's another story entirely.  I've already ordered the Sharper Image sound machine.  Link below for those interested.  You can even hear the sounds it makes right on the web.  Velvet is next!!!Here's the link for those interested:  http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=26695100&pcatid=4&catid=401Joe E.

 

[georgiesmith103197]

I just can't get into the nature sounds CDs very much. I have purchased some CDs with "Ocean sounds and relaxing music" that the waves were so loud on I felt like I was in the ocean being knocked over by the waves. LOLI've also had some "music with nature sounds" that had so many birds I was reminded of the Alfred Hitchcock movie...There's a fine line in there somewhere. Unfortunately not all musicians/artists realize this apparently.As for covering the sounds of a salon, chatter, etc. I too have this problem. I work practically at the head of the wooden stairwell, and sounds and laughter from downstairs is often heard by my clients and myself. The upstairs is divided into 3 "cubicles" by auto-poles and draped fabric (the fabric is polyester about like the lining of a jacket). There are no curtains at the windows only mini-blinds so this thin fabric is all that separates one "Cubicle" from another. Thus you can have a female getting massage and a male getting reflexology or a facial just a few feet and a thin peice of fabric away.I brought my 5 CD Changer from home to move the music closer to the client thus hopefully covering some of the sounds. And that has helped some, especially when I play more "complex" music.The salon owners have talked about moving me to a new room that has become available downstairs, and I was pretty excited about this at first (real walls!), only to learn now that it won't be just "my space" that they will be using it for facials now as well. The  other problem I had with it is they just want to put one of those accordian type doors on it to separate it from the manicure/pedicure area.  I kindly suggested that they invest in a real door to help absorb the sound. (But not sure how well that went over, they usually don't like my suggestions. They like to wait a couple years until it's their idea...)I don't know what to do, I almost feel like if they're going to not put on a real wooden door that I should not even bother moving downstairs.The power of music is awesome, but it can only do so much.  I'm really thinking it might be best just to tell them...  "I'm movin' on."