Valerie was born prematurely, and immediately immersed into a world of monitors, lights, and alarms in neonatal ICU. But her critical first days as a one-pound “micro-preemie” (born at 23 weeks, 5 days) also included music from her mother, Robin. Valerie survived and thrived, and, over the years, her mom’s music has helped her with challenges in life and school. Now Valerie is a beautiful young lady – inside and out – with musical talents of her own. Listen to this AMTA-Pro podcast by Valerie’s mother, Robin Spielberg, telling the story of Valerie’s rocky start in life and the impact music and music therapy has had on the whole family.

Click on the text section of Robin’s AMTA-Pro podcast to find several brief but intriguing videos about this musical journey from micro-preemie to pre-teen, and peek at photos of Valerie recording music for Robin’s recently released CD, Sea to Shining Sea: A Tapestry of American Music.

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Robin Spielberg, pianist, composer and recording artist, has recorded sixteen CDs, and her music appears on over forty compilations worldwide. As AMTA’s Artist Spokesperson since 2002,  Robin has twice performed at AMTA national conferences, and she advocates for music therapy around the country by conducting outreach programs in public schools, community centers, universities, often alongside board certified music therapists. 

Robin’s recording, Beautiful Dreamer: Lullabies for the Parent & Child is used in NICUs across the nation. This photo of Robin and her daughter, Valerie, was taken during the album cover photo shoot.

Below is a link to an NJN news story – MUSIC & PREEMIES – featuring Valerie at 1 lb along with Robin and her husband. The family now lives in rural PA.

Robin Spielberg’s newest CD, Sea to Shining Sea: A Tapestry of American Music, contains Americana music that crosses generations as well as three original Spielberg songs. Copies of this newly released CD are available on the AMTA web site http://musictherapy.org  and will be on sale in the book store at the AMTA conference. Proceeds from copies purchased here benefit AMTA.

Robin’s daughter, Valerie, is a special guest on the Sea to Shining Sea CD. The photos of rehearsals and video clip of the recording session in the studio help capture the special musical bond between Valerie and Robin.

Valerie practicing in the studio for her first recording session.

Valerie recording back-up vocals on “Look to Tomorrow,” one of Robin’s original compositions on the Sea to Shining Sea CD, and a favorite song shared in daily life between mom and daughter.

Robin and Valerie listening back to “Bicycle Built for Two” in the control room.

Behind the scenes video look at CD recording process with insights into Valerie’s participation – playing rhythm and xylophone, and singing vocals.

Click on Robin Spielberg’s website for a wealth of information about her recordings and upcoming concerts, and about her commitment to music therapy.  http://www.robinspielberg.com/