Philosophy

excerpt from A MUSICAL BILL OF RIGHTS (Music for People)

Human beings need to express themselves daily in a way that invites physical and emotional release.

Musical self-expression is a joyful and healthy means of communication available to absolutely everyone.

The human voice is the most natural and powerful vehicle for musical self-expression. The differences in our voices add richness and depth to music.

Your music is more authentically expressed when your body is involved in your musical expression.

Any combination of people and instruments can make music together.

There are no 'unmusical people', only those with no musical experience.



We all want to give our children the best that life can offer, and what better gift than a love of music? Music is not only a fun activity for young children, but will be a source of pleasure and comfort throughout life.
Research findings (and twenty-five years of teaching experience) show that all children are born with the potential to learn to sing in tune, keep a beat and appreciate the basic elements of music. I believe EVERYONE is entitled to develop this potential through developmentally appropriate, motivating experiences in a secure, nurturing environment.

These experiences need to involve the child's first instruments, that is, the body and the voice. Through moving, vocal games and playing simple instruments children gain confidence, competence and a positive attitude to learning that will lay the foundations for future musical development.

In addition, group music experiences support the child's development socially and emotionally. Children in early childhood music classes develop new friendships and group participation skills such as listening, sharing, turn-taking and cooperating with peers. Sharing ideas for music making with parents and peers in music classes sparks a heightened awareness of sounds and music at home. As my own research suggested, attending early childhood music classes increases the incidence and variety of children's music play at home, truly making it an everyday part of life.