Hello! This is my third year teaching at St. Brigid, and I am so excited to be a part of this faith based community of learning. I graduated from the University of Dayton in 2017 with a degree in K-12 Music Education with a vocal concentration. I began my teaching career as a choir and theater teacher at Xenia High School in 2017.
My elementary music method of instruction is a combination of Kodaly, Feierabend, and a little bit of Dalcroze (a method of movement in music). These methods work together to create a cohesive curriculum that uses movement and folk songs to teach musicianship. Below is a quote from Kodaly that expresses why movement is needed for children.
Singing is the instinctive language of the child, and the younger he is the more he requires movement to go with it – the organic connection between music and physical movement is expressed in singing games. These, particularly in the open air, have been one of the principle joys of childhood.
(Zoltan Kodåly, Singing Games, 1937)
Below I have included links with more information about the different methods if you would like to read more and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
I am looking forward to a wonderful year of music making!
The Kodaly method: https://www.iks.hu/index.php/zoltan-kodalys-life-and-work/education
Feierabend:
Lower Grades – First Steps in Music: https://www.feierabendmusic.org/first-steps-in-music-for-preschool-and-beyond/
Upper Grades – Conversational Solfege: https://www.feierabendmusic.org/conversational-solfege/