Reach Your Child's Potential with Professional Insights
A set of handbells is an unusual musical instrument, suitable for children of all ages and in various developmental stages. Handbells are bells designed to be rung by hand and are generally played in tuned sets. An experienced handbell choir, or handbell ensemble, rings recognizable music with melodies and harmony. Unlike an orchestra or choir [...]
Historically, songwriting has been a very powerful voice for people to share their feelings, their stories, their achievements, their motivations and so much more. It can also provide a great way for children to express strong emotions that come with life’s transitions, such as going back to school. At this time of year especially, children [...]
As we explore the field of Music Therapy, it’s important to understand how to incorporate this treatment into your child’s life. The use of Music Therapy is a unique application of music to enhance personal lives, by creating positive changes in human behavior. The Benefits of Music Having said the above, I would like to [...]
Classical music is a very popular and commonly used term, although it is sometimes confusing as it has more than one meaning. It can refer to a type of music whose defining characteristics are rooted in its orchestration and musical forms or to a period of time in the history of European music. A Period [...]
by Marlene Cooper-Williams Over the course of several decades of teaching, other music educators have posed many questions to me about teaching music to children with special needs. Is it possible to teach a child with special needs to play an instrument? Prior to music therapy becoming trusted and recognized, I was often asked if [...]
by Martianne Stanger With the holiday just around the corner, many children and parents are thinking about celebrations and gifts. As you do, I encourage you to think about music. Holiday concerts provide a great opportunity to introduce your child to music (with, of course, a few prior considerations made for keeping sensory overload at [...]
These days, it seems that public schools are faced with a huge increase in and awareness about Autism, ADHD, SPD and many other challenges, which requires them to offer special educational programs. Many of these schools are overwhelmed with this need and are even more challenged with the lack of funds available to address these [...]
An inspirational article crossed my desk, Tucson Schools Enhance Learning with the Arts. I was so impressed with the success story that I reached out to two OJTA Members for feedback. The article opens with “At Corbett Elementary School, in Tucson, Arizona, classical music floats through the hallways all day. First graders and fifth graders [...]
As the school year begins, how many of us can remember the endless and tedious penmanship exercises we had to endure learning to write cursive? We sat for hours practicing our loops, swirls, circles, etc., sometimes being allowed to use a pen, but at other times only a pencil, until we developed enough skill. If [...]
