song-happy!

I have decided to change the name of my blog to song-happy. The reasons are:

- This will appeal more to the early childhood music target market
- Mum thinks "song-head" sounds crass and unladylike.

Anyway, the new blog is under construction at song-happy.blogspot.com - it has all the same posts so far. No banner up yet.

Beat Lehmann workshop

This is awfully late notice (first session is happening ooh, right about now) but I promised my choir buddy Amanda last night that I'd put this up. Beat Lehmann is running workshops in acapella world music singing this weekend in Bondi Junction. You could still get to tomorrow's (Sunday's) session - details below:

- 10 am to 4 pm
- 61 Newland St Bondi Junction
- Cost for one day $70 ($125 both days)

For beginners and experienced singers, no music reading skills required. Beat Lehmann is an accomplished conductor from Queensland.

By the way, last night's concert was a blast.

What makes a great early childhood music teacher?

This is a bit presumptuous of me, but I reckon I have a few ideas about what makes a great children's music teacher. Bear in mind that this is just my opinion - a product of my experiences, both good and bad. I have taken my young children to half a dozen different music teachers over the years, so have a bit of experience. I am also studying the Kodaly approach, so I am looking at this through a Kodaly lens. I am not saying, however, that the only good teachers follow that approach.

So - here is my list of the characteristics of a great music teacher for young children (under 6). I might expand on some of these points in future posts.

• Likes the company of children
• Gets along with your child
• Loves music, and generates enthusiasm for music
  
• Great musicianship (can sing in tune, play an instrument, read music)
• Detailed understanding of child development
• Makes their own detailed lesson plans, but does not have a "script" that must be followed
• Has an overall plan for helping children to develop over the long term (7 years), with musical objectives and general developmental goals
• Limits the group size to levels appropriate for the age of the children
• Provides a varied and interesting lesson
• Helpfully and cheerfully answers your questions and offers useful advice
• Is relaxed about younger siblings, tantrums, and those times when your child would rather not participate.

There are probably other things I will remember later. If so, I'll add them.

Personally, I also prefer that the teacher is not part of a franchise. I know that all teachers are paid for their work. However, there is a difference between a professional association and a franchise. A professional association (like KMEIA), exists to educate teachers to a high standard, and advocate for children and teachers. There is no pressure on this type of organisation to endorse a teacher if their work is not up to scratch. A franchise exists mainly to make money. There are probably some great teachers who happen to belong to a franchise, but it's better to be aware of the difference.

Anyway, that's my list as of 12.25 am tonight. Let me know if you agree/disagree.

Image: 'The pianist'
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