In many schools however, it is becoming more and more difficult to give children any kind of music program. The time may be right to examine an alternative approach. If we cannot place a choir or band or orchestra in every school, what can we do?
One option is to provide children with a very strong music foundation at a very early age, especially between Pre-K to 2nd grade. What if we could...
...create a simple system that is fun?
... make it something teachers can implement easily, even those who do not have formal music training, by providing them with support materials and a CD?.
...give teachers continuing education credits and provide a simple training program that shows them how use the program to acheive daily classroom objectives?
...integrate the program with existing state curriculum requirements so the program helps schools fulfill their broader education goals across many disciplines?
...create a simple way that children actually sing just a little bit each day?
...give children the fundamental music vocabulary that will open the world of music to them so they can sing their whole lives?
...help establish the groundwork that will allow kids to learn to play an instrument in half the time and effort?
...give kids the tools they need to teach themselves to play music, or even compose music on their own?
At the core of music talent is the ability to sing. Yet, for those who are not born with a natural sense of pitch and rhythm, singing is very intimidating. So frightening, that a single bad experience can convince some children that they have no talent, they can not sing, and will never be able to participate in music their entire life. The Making Music Fun and Easy program makes sure that doesn't happen. It helps children overcome their fear of singing by showing them ways to build up to it gradually, without worrying about right or wrong notes.
How does the program work?
Step 1: We inspire children with a great live performance.
When I was playing in the Symphony, we were asked to go to the schools on a regular basis. The children always loved the assembly programs. They were exposed to some great music, but I always wondered whether our one performance a year made a lasting impact on their lives. In our program, we give that great performance, and we show the children the excitement, joy and power in music, but we also teach them the basics of singing during the show. We then provide them with a door of discovery to walk through after we leave, so they take their new found enthusiasm and motivation to participate and turn it into a life long skill.
Step 2: We give them follow up materials so they can learn to do it.
Practice CDs and support materials can bring a brief 5-8 minute segment of music to the children each day. This can be introduced by a teacher who simply follows along with the CD, learning with the children. When the teacher gains confidence, they can gradually take over segments of the program without playing the CD. By making the lessons 'live', the children stay engaged in learning.
Step 3: Show parents and teachers how to help them succeed.
A simple fund raising event for the school takes place. Parents are invited to a attend Making Music Fun and Easy Workshop. When they come, they receive a CD and support materials to take with them. If they can't be there physically, they can purchase the CD to support the fund raiser anyway. This creates a way for parents to be more involved in the lives of their children.
50% of the proceeds from the event are used in anyway the school or parent teacher organization sees fit to address the needs of their school. The other 50% provides in depth training for classroom teachers so they can implement the Making Music program effectively and it equips them with the materials and CDs they need.
With this approach, teachers suddenly have the kind of participation and support from parents that really makes a profound impact on the children's lives. All in about 10 minutes a day! After all, both parents and teachers are very busy. It needs to be practical and efficient as well as fun and easy.
How much does it cost and how do we afford it?
1) The assembly program is provided to the
school or organization free of charge with the training segment.
2) The children, families and teachers get free access to follow up
materials on a website.
Making Music Fun and Easy
3) The Parent Teacher Organization sponsors a fund raising event where
parents purchase a CD and/or attend a Making Music Fun and Easy workshop to
learn how to use the materials successfully. The PTO receives 50% of
the money generated by this event to use in any way they see fit.
4) The remaining 50% of the funds pay for classroom support materials
and training for classroom teachers.
Notice: All the proceeds from the fund raising event are channeled back into the school! Either in the form of dollars to address needs and/or in professional continuing education for teachers to enhance that school's over all educational program. These are improvements that help now, and also continue helping year after year through the ongoing use of this simple music program by the classroom teachers.
You can hear and see the method in action by going to the Making Music page.
To learn more
about it, please contact the program director:
David Paul:
david@musicbydavidpaul.com
or call 904-294-7219
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