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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Acapella Gig - Friday April 3

Um.... I think it was meant to say 7.30 PM. Should be a fun night.

See my earlier post for info on the charity we are supporting with the proceeds from this concert.

Paul Jarman

On the weekend I took the kids to a sensational workshop run by Paul Jarman. The kids loved his sense of humour, awesome musicianship and wonderful collection of quirky woodwind instruments from around the world. If you ever get a chance to see him, grab it!

I was also impressed with the workshop for another reason. The participants were mostly Central Coast Children's Choir members between the ages of 5 and 8. Paul had them doing complicated body percussion, four part rounds in various languages, and harmonies. There seemed to be nothing these kids couldn't take on. They didn't even really think about it - they just did it! It was testimony to the power of the Kodaly approach, and to their teachers, Jenny Bell and Joanne MacMahon.

Paul concluded the workshop by showing the kids how to make a woodwind instrument out of a drinking straw. We demolished half a packet of straws when we got home. The four year-old just kept cutting them into little pieces, but the 8 year-old was blowing raspberries through his straw for quite a long time. Such a soothing sound! Thanks Paul......

Gig - Friday April 3

On April 3 there will be a concert in Kensington featuring two acapella choirs run by Stuart Davis. All proceeds will go to a wonderful charity - the Kantha Bopha Foundation in Cambodia, run by Dr Beat Richner. This amazing man has built several hospitals for children in Cambodia, and every week he also puts on a cello concert to raise money to continue his work.

Details of the concert:

- Ising On the Cake and Sea Minors (Stuart's youth choir) will perform.
- 7.30 pm
- Entry by $5 donation
- St Martin's Church Hall, Kensington (Sydney).

The Song-head syndrome

Years of singing in choirs with 4-part harmonies has led to a condition I am calling the song-head syndrome. It is not the individual who suffers with this syndrome, but their family and friends, and sometimes even their neighbours.

You see, I return home from a rehearsal, enthusiastic about a new song we are learning. All week I sing it. But I'm singing the Alto part. Over and over again. I can hear the other parts in my head - to me it is a rich experience. However, for the innocent bystander it becomes very grating.

Things do not improve if I attempt to sing more than one part at the same time (sometimes I can't resist pinching a juicy bit from another section). This just annoys people further.

My children often ban me from singing altogether for whole afternoons. This makes me grumpy, and also I forget about the ban and burst into song anyway when they least expect it. Somehow, it's not nearly as satisfying to me if every part is confined to my head.

Sadly, it appears that this condition is hereditary. On a recent fishing expedition my son drove my dad bananas as they sat together in a small boat for a long time.

Feel free to comment if you are a fellow sufferer (or family member thereof) and have any suggestions for alleviating this condition. Perhaps we can form a support group.

Image: 'heavy rain'
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