Amherst workshop to focus on teaching kids about music

Thursday, January 19, 2012

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Educator and musician Deborah Stuart will lead an exploration of early childhood music Jan. 28.

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AMHERST – “Songs, Singing Games & Simple Instruments” is a participatory Arts in Early Learning workshop designed for early-childhood educators (pre-K-grade 2), librarians, teaching artists, pre-school and child care administrators and care providers, as well as parents and grandparents, and college or high-school students.

The workshop takes place Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m.-noon at Preschool in the Village, 11 Church St., Amherst.

Educator and musician Deborah Stuart will lead an exploration of early-childhood music, rhymes, counting-out chants, and traditional circle and playground games. The links between music and language, self-expression and literacy skills will be discussed, but participants will primarily learn by doing, and will take back to their children lots of new ways to introduce rhythm and music into daily activities. They will also learn how to make and use simple rhythm instruments.

“The songs participants will learn will include such useful items as ‘There are toys on the floor, pick ’em up, pick ’em up!’ – and lots of finger and hands plays, action songs, books you can sing, a variety of singing games – as well as a look at children’s recordings, and a chance to share your own favorite early childhood music,” Stuart said.

Singing games are also an effective tool for social learning, Stuart said, and offer children ways to use these traditional rhymes and games on their own, at school and at home, with their friends and families. Information about recordings, song sheets and resource lists will be made available so that all the material can be used immediately. Particular attention will be given to meeting the needs of children with developmental and learning differences.

The workshop is part of the Arts in Early Learning collaboration between the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire and VSA New Hampshire, supported in part by the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

“We are so glad to be giving people a chance to delve more deeply into the songs and games that were once part of every American childhood,” Arts Alliance director Frumie Selchen said. “And to encourage educators and care providers to revive some of these wonderful traditions. And making instruments and then playing them together is a joy for everyone from toddlers to adults.”

Stuart, who was the editor and contributing writer for Start with the Arts, is a folk musician who has worked with children for 40 years and is active around the country as a speaker, trainer and children’s musician. She will be joined by Will Cabell, a professional puppeteer, actor, musician and educator. Stuart and Cabell have teamed up over the years to provide a wide variety of traditional music for all ages. They have toured locally, in other areas of the U.S., and overseas, including a cultural exchange to Russia.

Participants are invited to bring a lunch if they would like to stay and talk with the presenters after the workshop. Registration is $20, $10 for students, with reduced rates for Arts Alliance members ($15) and staff at member sites ($17.50). Scholarships are available on request. Professional development credits are offered.

Pre-registration for the workshop is required; register online at www.aannh.org. For more information, contact the Arts Alliance at 323-7302, or e-mail info@aannh.org.