September 12, 2009:
FIRST STEPS IN MUSIC: Developing Tuneful, Beatful, and Artful Children
This workshop will provide a bridge from research to practice by demonstrating how a "natural" curriculum, rich in the repertoire of traditional children's songs, rhymes, games and dances as well as movement with classical music can develop the next generation of tuneful, beatful and artful citizens. A program for parents and children playing together in the years from birth to age three will be presented as well as a curriculum for 3 to 7 year old children in classroom settings.
Dr. Feierabend: is considered one of the leading authorities on music and movement development in early childhood. He is a Professor of Music and the Director of the Music Education Division at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford and is a past President of the Organization of American Kodály Educators. Dr. Feierabend makes frequent presentations both in the United States and abroad and is the author of over 60 books, articles, CDs, DVDs and videotapes.
A music educator for over thirty years, he continues to be committed to collecting, preserving and teaching the diverse folk music of our country and using that folk music as a bridge to help children understand and enjoy classical music. His books are a result of his belief that when many generations share common experiences such as traditional folk songs and rhymes, it helps them develop a valuable but dwindling commodity - a sense of community. When adults share child like memories with children they not only connect children with their ancestors, they enrich their children's childhood and enable their children to some day tap into their own delicious childhood memories in order to share that same repertoire with their children.
