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The Justa Syndrome

Justa Syndrome

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pep talk time. In the past two days, I have had two separate interactions with people in my life that reminded me of something many of us will face at some point or another. I call it the “Justa Syndrome.” Our kids will probably face it, too. And if we don’t know how to deal with it, it’s going to be hard to help them work through it.

“So…what is it, Dr. Boyle?” I hear you asking through the fiber-optics and wireless signals of the internet.

I’ll tell you…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

I’m Just a Music Teacher

Interaction #1 is what reminded me of the Justa Syndrome. It sneaks up on you in quiet moments, often when you are doing busy work. Or perhaps you’re riding an elevator, surrounded by other humans, but remaining in relative silence. It’s that sudden (or maybe even constant) thought that what you do (or even who you are) is somehow not enough. This happens often in our field – when asked, a music teacher might say “I’m just a music teacher,” especially if they might not be performing as part of their career.

A friend and colleague emailed me about one of our alums who is out doing her thing. She had just gotten a new post as an organist and had let several of us know. My friend is one of the biggest cheerleaders our students have. He reminded me that he gets “annoyed at those who would say, ‘I’m JUST an elementary/junior high/private music teacher.'”

JUST? He answers that question with, “What do you mean, you’re JUST…Do you realize the impact you have on those students? You may be giving them the only lasting relationship that they have with music!”

He’s right, of course. But it goes beyond our field. Everyone can take pride in the work they do. We all contribute to the whole.

And if you are reading this blog, I assume you probably have a child, maybe more than one. Maybe you are a grandparent or an aunt. Maybe you are a caregiver. When the Justa Syndrome sneaks up on you, remember this friends…you are EVERYTHING to that child. When you love a child unconditionally, when you tuck them in at night with a kiss, when you wake them up in the morning with a smile, when you hug them when they are hurting and laugh with them when they are silly, you are their sun and moon. They trust you in all things. You are never “just” an anything. You are their light in the dark.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Just a Kid

Guess who is even more susceptible to the Justa Syndrome? KIDS! How often have you heard, “I can’t do that. I’m just a kid.” Now…what doesn’t help this is that there certainly are things that kids can’t and shouldn’t do. I don’t want my five-year-old nephew flying my plane…but we could PRETEND to fly or make some paper airplanes! I don’t want my neighbor’s three-year-old daughter operating a jack hammer…but we could get some blocks and build something, then knock it down with glee! We can be portals of possibility for our kids. We can show them the world and all its wonder. We can remind them that they are wondrously made, with a built-in compass that points to the possible. We just have to guide them to age-appropriate possibilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][blockquote cite=”Dr. Boyle”]”We can be portals of possibility for our kids.”[/blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Enemy of “Justa” is “Trust”

When I work with private voice students and I notice that they are carrying unnecessary tension in the body or the voice, I have them move. I tell them, “The enemy of tension is movement!” As they move about the studio, the tension dissipates and the voice becomes free and easy.

When a child looks inward and says “I’m just a kid. I can’t do that”, to be that portal of possibility, to point the way to something they can do, there must be a beautiful sense of trust between you and that child. That flows from the unconditional love we all have for the kids in our lives. If the child knows you love them, they will trust you. And when you say, “well, it might be hard to do that now, but I bet we could try this!”…they will be more likely to believe you and believe in their own possibilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Just Not Ready

Interaction #2 was with one of my private voice students here at my university. She’s a senior and one of the hardest working people I know. She’s organized, respected by her peers and the faculty, and is a joy to teach. This past lesson, I started the way I always do – I asked how she was doing. She started with “It’s okay. I mean, everything is happening so quickly…” and she broke down in tears. This happens more than you’d think, and I keep a stock of tissues for this reason. The relationship between private voice teacher and student is a special one. Our students tend to be more open with us.

I asked her to sit down and handed her the box of tissues. She expressed that she “just didn’t feel ready” for what was coming – the real world.

Normal. I wake up somedays and have that feeling. We are human.

This is a variation of the Justa Syndrome – that feeling of inadequacy.

I needed to remind her of a few things.

“Do you remember coming here as a freshman from high school?

“Yes,” she said.

“And did it feel similar to this, heading into the unknown?”

“Yes!”

Normal.

“Now,” I said, “when you came here, you knew nothing about your chosen field. You were facing several years of new information. It’s completely normal to feel this way right now, but I want to give you some perspective. You are leaving here with four years of accumulated knowledge that you have successfully applied in class, on tests and quizzes, in-field experiences, and now, as an upper-class student who all the other students look up to. Your professors are proud of the work you have done. Your family is proud of you, too. I’ve seen the look in their eyes. We are all in your corner rooting for you. And while it feels overwhelming…I know you are ready. You are more than good enough. You’re you.”

She smiled. “I hadn’t thought about it like that.”

No matter who we are, no matter how old we are or what we do, we will have Justa Syndrome moments. Each of us has opportunities to positively impact others, through our work, through our daily lives, through our relationships. If you made someone smile today, if you held a door open for someone or picked up a piece of trash on the sidewalk, or if you made the life of a child brighter and fuller with love, then you are not “justa” anything. You are you.

And that’s everything.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Building Community Through Music

Building community

I travel quite a lot as a conductor. I guest conduct choral festivals in various locations as a part of my musical life. Last month, I found myself working with the New Jersey Treble All-State Choir, an ensemble made up of high school sopranos and altos. These types of festivals are always exciting for me. There’s something special about conducting a group that will only exist for a very short period of time. After the performance is over, that ensemble will never exist again. For this choir, people come from high schools all over New Jersey to make music with strangers. One of the things I always focus on is building a community in the ensemble, even for the brief time they are together – because an ensemble that has a sense of community about it will always make more meaningful music. This is directly related to the emotional and social benefits found in a Kindermusik class

Connections

To be bold, building that sense of community is actually more important to me than the music; particularly at first. The ensemble won’t trust me just because I was selected by a committee and have fancy letters after my name. I work hard to prove to them that I am there for them as people first, musicians second. I do my best to connect to each person – all 150 or them – in some meaningful way, even if it’s only for a second. This often takes the form of standing at the door and greeting each person with a handshake and asking their name. I might walk through the rows of singers and do the same.

As we move from piece to piece, I often ask the musicians to turn to their neighbor behind or in front of them (this will prevent students from the same school as the default interaction as they often sit next to each other) and share something about themselves that makes them proud or that makes them smile. This breaks down walls and starts to build simple, but powerful connections between the singers.

Purpose

I admit, I talk a lot in rehearsal. I certainly talk less now than I did when I was younger, but I do still talk quite a bit. We talk about the text of the music and what it means for us and our audience. We talk about composer’s intent. We talk about what our job as musicians is…what our purpose is. Put plainly, I tell the students that it’s our job to change lives for the better. It’s our job to make people feel something. To give the audience a shared experience. That is difficult to do without a unified sense of the music we make. I ask questions. I encourage mistakes…bold mistakes…mistakes to be celebrated. I tell them that the person who makes no mistakes makes nothing. I do my level-headed best to create an environment of possibility in which we can learn from a mistake and not be embarrassed by it.

When the rehearsal starts, the very first thing we do is sing. That’s our practical task at hand. Our purpose is to enrich each other’s lives with the shared experience of music, thereby enriching the lives of our audience. “The person who makes no mistakes makes nothing.”

Community
Choral singers holding hands…building on that sense of family and community.

Music’s Magic

I talk about this a great deal on this blog. There certainly is a ton of science that tells us, as best it can, why music affects us the way it does. We talk about that, too; it’s important to know that information. But, as silly as it might be, I fully embrace Albus Dumbledore’s take on music, so beautifully stated in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone:

“Ah, music,” he said, wiping his eyes. “A magic beyond all we do here!”

It is magic. A roomful of singers who have never made music together smile at the wonder of it all. They feel the connection, almost instantly. Kindred spirits from different communities, ethnic backgrounds, faith experiences, and socio-economic groups coming together to sing, one of the purest forms of musical expression. Each singer finds their place rather quickly as we understand our common goal…to change lives.

We work hard for three and a half hours. I sweat like crazy (I’m quite active in rehearsal). We practice extravagant gratitude. I ask them to thank each other and thank our collaborative pianist. I ask them to thank their choral directors at their high school. I ask them to thank their parents and guardians. I ask them to feel proud of their work.

End Game

When we are done after this initial meeting, this first rehearsal, a new family has been created. A new community full of connections and shared purpose and magic has been born. Hopefully, they are looking forward to the next rehearsal, this opportunity to be together as that community to change lives, even each other’s lives.

One of the most important aspects of the Kindermusik experience is making music with other kiddos. The social/emotional benefits of this activity can’t be overstated. As kids see others engaged in an activity that brings themselves joy, the spark of connection lights a fire within. Emotional sensitivity for others is increased. The very idea of cooperative society blossoms in a Kindermusik class.

Our educators approach what they do in the same way I approach all my rehearsals…with love. It’s an honor to change a life with music. And every day we wake up knowing that’s what we get to do, we friends, that is a good day.

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Halloween Book Review: Bats in the Band

Halloween Book Review

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bats in the Band, written and illustrated by Brian Lies, is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and is available in digital (free for kindleunlimited members), hardcover, and audio formats.

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Bats and Music – What’s not to Love?

This. Book. Is. Everything. Educational? Check. Fun to read? Check. Beautiful illustrations? Check. A fun story? Check. But it’s so much more. As Mr. Lies says, “Come on – look alive!”

This isn’t just a rhyming children’s book about bats. It’s a book about musical bats! Musical bats of all types…choir bats, a bat string quartet, country singing bats…blues, rock and roll, you name it. There’s even a bat paying bagpipes and a “one-bat” band.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Here's our one-bat band. Lies does make him look pretty tired while playing all those instruments!
Here’s our one-bat band. Lies does make him look pretty tired while playing all those instruments!

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Coming Together to Make Music

The Bats come from all over to make music in an old barn-like theatre. Vacated by humans, the bats take over late at night. I think my most favorite moment is when the bats are getting their instruments ready for the evening’s festivities.

Not every bat comes prepared, so Lies lovingly illustrates bats making due with various items – a spoon string bass, a comb harp, hairpin drumsticks, and even a straw for who knows what? Only the bat knows. This teaches kids that resourcefulness is a valuable skill to possess, and not just for bats! We in the Kindermusik world know you can make music with ANYTHING![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Halloween Book Review
Music with spoons and straws, right along guitars and violins!

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Fun to Read, Fun to Listen, Fun to Look!

Lies provides a lyrical, rhyming text accompanied by fun illustrations that make the bats just a little less scary, even if it is Halloween. These flying creatures are often misunderstood, and Lies does much to normalize them! Bats in the Band is part of a series of Bat Books, including Bats at the Ballgame, Bats in the Library, and Bats at the Beach. As you might have guessed, we at Kindermusik are partial to the music-making bats![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Minneapolis Memories: Kindermusik Educators Take Over The City of Lakes

Close to 200 Kindermusik Educators from across the globe gathered together at the mind-blowing Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota July 27-29 for three, fun-filled days of learning, connection, friendship, and, of course, shopping!

Wednesday evening Maestros were treated to a memorable reception at The Hard Rock Café joined by President and CEO, Scott Kinsey.

State Representative Drew Christensen - former Kindermusik kid!
State Representative Drew Christensen – former Kindermusik kid!

Thursday morning special guest, former Kindermusik kid, and the youngest candidate to ever be elected to Minnesota’s House of Representatives, Drew Christensen, opened the conference sharing how his Kindermusik experience attributed to his successful political career.

We were then introduced to Occupational Therapist, Paige Hays, who skillfully led us through The Brain Architecture Game, developed through a partnership of the Center on the Developing Child and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Look for an interview with Paige later this month!

Educators
Paige Hays

A conference highlight was meeting Stephanie Johnson, educator, therapist, and author of Baby Bare: A Bottom Up Approach to Growing Strong Brains and Bodies. Her informative presentation explored the body’s role in early learning. Educators took away valuable insights to share with families.

Other conference highlights include: hearing from special guest and marketing guru, Kari Switala on the importance of storytelling in marketing, class demonstrations led by Robyn Pearce and Helen Peterson, and watching Kindermusik legend, Carol Penney, and Maestro Louise MacDonald’s powerful presentation on Intergenerational Learning.

Conference is about connection!
Conference is about connection!

Outside the conference, Minneapolis offered a relaxing retreat to Minnehaha Falls with breathtaking waterfalls.

We can’t wait until next year’s conference in the Big Easy – New Orleans! Hope to see many of you once again – and perhaps some new faces as well!

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Book Review – Fidget Wisely

Fidget Wisely

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fidget Wisely: 10 Ways to Teach Mindfulness Skills to Kids Who Can’t Sit Still by Kirsten May Keach MA, MFT is available at your favorite local bookstore or online in both digital and paperback editions.

 

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A Wonderful Resource…

Does your child fidget? Perhaps he has a hard time sitting in one place. Let’s face it…we’ve all been there to one degree or another. Kirsten May Keach, a licensed family therapist has written the perfect book to help us help our kids develop mindfulness skills into their day to day lives. In the book’s introduction, Keach tells us the genesis of Fidget Wisely:

I had the privilege of working as a therapist in an elementary school. I very quickly had a full caseload of kids. Children were coming to my office frustrated and anxious… The conversations with teachers and administrators went something like this: “He/she is a smart kid with lots of potential but…he just doesn’t listen” or “She won’t sit still”… The conversations with parents began in a similar way… I call this the “He/she is a great kid, but…story.”

The story began to permeate my days. I was my job to identify and dissolve the “but” standing in the way of these kids and their success. What I found was that for the most part, these kids had poor emotional regulation skills. This means that they had difficulty managing their feelings and emotions.

I began to teach kids emotional regulation skills through mindfulness and yoga activities. I integrated the skills I learned living in a Thai Buddhist Monastery into my work as a therapist. I made all these skills kid-friendly.

The kids loved learning mindfulness skills. To my surprise, they caught on like wildfire.

– Kirsten May Keach, Fidget Wisely

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Unsure What Mindfulness Is? Keach Has you Covered

Before diving into the meat of the book, Keach provides the reader with a very clear definition of what mindfulness is. How can we help our kids attain this skill and state of being if we don’t know what it is? Put simply, mindfulness is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding experience.”

She elaborates in plain terms, of course. You’ll have to buy the book to learn more![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Simple Flow, Easily Digested

Keach has organized her book into very easily followed instructions so that even the mindfulness newbie can take valuable information. She provides several craft activities, with detailed instructions, followed by information on how that craft can be used to help a child center themselves and find that elusive mindfulness. The first craft is a glitter jar, Keach’s version of a snow globe. Here, we create an object with the sole purpose to be touched, shaken, fidgeted with – but with the end game of providing a point of focus for the child.

Each section is formatted in a way that makes executing the craft or activity simple. For crafts, she provides a supply list and clear steps. There is also always a set of rules, that are both practical and humorous.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Book review
Keach’s instructions for a rice box. Remember, don’t eat the rice!

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Physical Activities

Keach provides many wonderful activities throughout the book, from breathing exercises to basic yoga poses for kids. Tips for teachers, information on set-up, and specific instructions are provided. This compact, affordable book provides several poses that are useful for children.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Book Review
Kirsten May Keach, MA MFT

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Fast Read, Helpful Content

We’re all busy people. This resource – a pragmatic and activity driven approach to helping kids develop mindfulness skills is quickly read and packs a great deal in a small package. Take a look, you won’t be disappointed. Oh! And if you are a kindleunlimited™ member, it’s free![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Interview: Paige Hays and Brain Architecture

Paige Hays

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Stay tuned for an interview with Paige Hays, Occupational Therapist!

 

Paige HaysI am a licensed and registered occupational therapist with extensive experience and expertise in working with children with developmental needs. I have always been drawn to helping children. I starting building my knowledge and skills while an undergraduate student by studying behavioral therapy techniques and working with children on the autism spectrum using ABA therapy. I paired my undergraduate degree in psychology with a master’s of science in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. The combination of psychology (I love studying the brain and how it works) and occupational therapy (which focuses on functioning in daily life) has given me the basis to best help children and families.  My clinical experience ranges from infants through young adults. I’ve worked in school, in-patient, and out-patient settings. I’ve worked with children with most major developmental disabilities, as well as specializing in children with rare disorders or complex medical needs. I provide care that integrates several therapeutic approaches: behavioral, developmental, sensory, cognitive, and neuro-developmental, with a focus on providing evidence-based interventions for families and children. My areas of expertise include executive functioning in children, behavior management, and neuro-developmental treatment (I completed the Pediatric Neurodevelopment Treatment training program in 2012). My wide range of clinical experience allows me to assist children with a variety of needs and children with multiple areas of needs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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6 Reasons Music Supports Child Mental Health

music as medicine

Until recently, “mental health” strides were mostly focused on adults and sometimes older teens, but children were largely excluded from calls to action. The truth is, the need to support positive child mental health begins at birth—a strong social-emotional balance affects everything from language development to motor skills, and music is one of the most cost-effective and easily accessible mental health boosters out there.  Let’s explore a few of the many reasons why music is so good for our minds, bodies, and hearts.

Music Increases Dopamine Levels

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that affects our emotions, behavior, attention, learning, feelings of pleasure and pain, and even our movements.  Research studies have demonstrated that listening to music can increase dopamine levels significantly, providing a documented link between the enjoyment of music and our overall well-being.

Music Provides an Outlet for Self-expression

The famous quote by Hans Christian Andersen says it best, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Music helps even the youngest children process new emotions and gives them a way to express those feelings safely.  And when it comes to grownups, we often need to re-set how we regulate our own emotions when caring for children—music helps!

Music makes us smile!
Music makes us smile!

Music Can Help us Relax

In our fast-paced, busy lives, we all need to deliberately make time to just relax and do nothing.  This is especially true for young children and precisely why our Kindermusik curriculum includes listening and quiet time activities.

Check out Kindermusik’s Relaxation playlist on the free app for some ideal quiet time music! 

Music Can Enhance our Ability to Focus

Sometimes tired or distracted minds just need a little boost, and the right kind of music can do just that.  Classical music and music with no lyrics playing softly in the background does wonders for increasing attention span and improving the brain’s processing efficiency.

Music Connects us with Others

Shared musical experiences, from playing pots and pans in the kitchen to a Kindermusik class, brings people together and creates opportunities for meaningful social interaction.  For example, we use “Meet-and-Greet” circle dances and songs to build a strong sense of friendship and belonging.

Music Motivates Us

Have a child(ren) that’s often too tired for morning or bedtime routines? Aside from starting a little earlier, turn on some appropriate music for that little boost of energy they need (check out our free Rituals Album in the Kindermusik app!) and to make those unwanted tasks a little less daunting. 

The bottom line?  Music is a natural enhancement to positive child mental health! 

It has the power to soothe, inspire, energize, and so much more. 

For more musical mental health tips, join a class near you or check out our audio-led kits for early childhood professionals. 

This post was originally authored by Theresa Case, Accredited Kindermusik Educator and owner of Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC. 

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Sing Like a Pirate!

Sing like a Pirate

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ahoy, mateys! Did ye know? Tomorrah is National Talk Like a Pirate Day! Huzzah! Hoist the main sail! Batten down the hatches! WHERE’S MY PARROT?! It’s fun to talk like a pirate…ye just need an extry big bucket of RRRRRRRRRRRs!

Here in Kindermusik land, we be doin’ a bit more than just talk like a pirate! We sing like pirates! How do we do that? Well…ye came to the right place!

Arrrrrrrrgh![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Happy Birthday in Pirate

Our first test…know someone with a birthday tomorrow? Why not sing the traditional Happy Birthday song in Pirate instead of boring old land lover language? Let’s give it a go. It’s pretty simple…

Happy Birthday to ye,
Happy Birthday to ye,
Happy Birthday dear Blue Beard!
Happy Birthday to ye!

Easy as an albatross pie! Let’s try another one…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]sing like a pirate[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Mary Had a Little Lamb? No…She Had a Ship…and a Parrot!

The pirate version of Mary Had a Little Lamb has Mary out on the high seas looking for treasure! Here be a link for some accompaniment music for ye!

Mary had a little ship,
Little ship, little ship!
Mary had a little ship
And sailed the seven seas!
And Everywhere that Mary went,
Mary went, Mary went!
Everywhere that Mary went
Her sails would catch the breeze!

She found some treasure on the beach,
On the beach, on the beach!
She found some treasure on the beach
And split it with her crew!
Her parrot asked her
“Where’s my gold? Where’s my gold?”
Her parrot asked her “Where’s my gold?
A bird deserves gold, too!”

Did ye ever hear tell of a parrot demanding gold? Well, this be a pirate parrot. Always best to do what a pirate parrot asks of ye!

Try makin’ up yer own verses![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Traditional Sea Shanties

What be a Sea Shanty, ye ask? Well, I’ll tell ye – but listen up, mateys! Capt’n Dr. Boyle doesn’t like repeatin’ his-self. I’m busy tryin’ to talk a parrot out of his gold.

A Sea Shanty is a work song – used to get a group of people to complete a task that requires cooperation – or in pirate speak, a song to make us move as one, like a school of fish swimmin’ in the sea….ARRRRRRRRRRGH!

Here’s a classic – Haul Away, Joe![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBigLvMyKzU&index=1&list=PLC161314B67D41FE1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There be some great songs about pirates, and Ward, the Pirate is probably one of the finest ye’ll hear. Take a listen to Ralph Vaughn Williams’ setting of the story of Capt’n Ward. Here be the words of the song! Ye can listen to a recordin’ below…

Come all you gallant seamen bold,
All you that march to drum,
Let’s go and look for Captain Ward,
Far on the sea he roams;
He is the biggest robber
That ever you did hear,
There’s not been such a robber found
For above this hundred year.

A ship was sailing from the east
And going to the west,
Loaded with silks and satins
And velvets of the best,
But meeting there with Captain Ward,
It proved a bad meeting;
He robbèd them of all their wealth
And bid them tell their king.

O then the king provided a ship of noble fame,
She’s call’d the “Royal Rainbow,”
If you would know her name;
She was as well provided for
As any ship could be,
Full thirteen hundred men on board
To bear her company.

‘Twas eight o’ clock in the morning
When they began to fight,
And so they did continue there
Till nine o’ clock at night.
“Fight on, fight on,” says Captain Ward,
“This sport well pleases me,
For if you fight this month or more,
Your master I will be.”

O then the gallant “Rainbow”
She fired, she fired in vain,
Till six and thirty of her men
All on the deck were slain.
“Go home, go home,” says Captain Ward,
“And tell your king from me,
If he reigns king on all the land,
Ward will reign king on sea!”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeZh_xnwZyo”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Rupert the Wrong Word Pirate
Rupert the Wrong Word Pirate

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]So there ye be! Enjoy the day and have fun singing like a pirate. If ye want to talk like a pirate, just be sure it’s not like our friend, Rupert. He get’s the words wrong all the time. Ye can learn about his tale in the book, Rupert the Wrong Word Pirate.

Sail on, me hearties! Sail on![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Educator Spotlight: Tricia Murrish

Tricia Murrish

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This is a big celebration year for Tricia – her 10th year of being a Kindermusik educator.  Music has always been a big part of her life, but she found her heart’s calling when she took over an existing studio in 2007. Now known as Kindermusik with Tricia, Tricia’s program serves families in Kearney, Nebraska, where her studio is housed at Yandas Music. To know Tricia is to love her, with her gentle spirit, generous heart, and love for children and music.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/232055011″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC:  Your studio has such a fascinating history.  Tell us a little about how Kindermusik with Tricia came to be.   

TM: Kindermusik in Kearney began in 1998 with Educator Rick Mitchell who is currently our Kearney High School Band Director.  In 2002, it passed to then Yandas Music Employee and now local Pastor, Brian Jenkins.  I took over the Kindermusik Studio in 2007 as Educator and Business Owner.

TC: What made you decide to become a Kindermusik studio business owner?

TM: Music has always been important in my life. At 5 years old, I remember begging my parents for piano lessons as I sat at my Grandmother’s old upright piano, swinging my feet and “pretending” to play a song. I was able to start private lessons in 2nd grade and began playing regularly in church when I was 16. Band, jazz band and marching band were important throughout Jr. High and High School (I even met my husband at marching band camp!). I graduated from college with a degree in Elementary Education and have served alongside my husband for the last 30 years in full-time youth and children’s ministry first Pastoring, and now serving with Royal Family KIDS, a non-profit camp, club, and mentoring program for children in the foster care system. During that time, music played a vital role in every position I served in – with preschoolers up through adults. When I was presented with the opportunity of taking over the existing Kindermusik studio in Kearney – with my passion for parenting, love of teaching, and involvement in music – it was a perfect fit![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: You not only give to your own local community, but you’ve also served in other organizations. Share with us a little about some of the ways you have given back.

TM: I just finished my three-year term as a member of the Kindermusik SOUND board. It has been an honor to serve the Kindermusik community that way, and I know I grew professionally and personally with the friendships and relationships formed during that time.  I also lead the National Music Board for Royal Family KIDS.

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik song to sing?

TM: My husband says I have a song for everything. My 4 children (Jarrad, Natalie, Noah, and Ethan –  now 25, 22, 20, and 14) would often roll their eyes over the years when I started spontaneously singing a related song during an activity of our day. My husband has even been known to play a game to call out a word and then wait for a corresponding song!  We have a lot of fun and laughter in our home together. So, back to my favorite Kindermusik song…. it’s Sing Your Way Home from the Sing & Play Zoom! Album.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Educator Spotlight[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: And this is a fun question to ask too. What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance to lead?

TM: I love Turn, Cinnamon, Turn and Mama Paquita.

 

TC: So I have to ask.  What do you love most about being a Kindermusik educator?

TM: There are so many things I love about being a Kindermusik Educator – I love the music, and of course, the children, but I think what I really love most is the natural encouragement and affirmation of parenting that happens in a Kindermusik setting. Parents often share with me how much their child loves me and looks forward to seeing me at Kindermusik. I always try to take that moment to turn it back to the parent, encouraging them with the truth that what their child deeply looks forward to are the moments of love and laughter that happen with THEM at Kindermusik. I am simply the one who gets the credit for those moments of joy because I create the atmosphere and facilitate the magical moments they spend together as parent and child. I am able to give parents “tools” for their parenting “tool belts” that they can use throughout their relationship journey. That’s what I love about my job.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?

TM: Early in my Kindermusik years I was challenged to change the way I saw “problems” in my classes. If something doesn’t go the way I think it should with a child’s behavior or response, the first place I need to look at what to change is me. That has shifted so much in my preparation, attitude, and outcome of my classes.

TC: What makes your studio such a special place?

TM: Kindness and respect for every person “where they are” is practiced. There is a treasured gift that hangs in my studio – a sign that says, “Do the kindest thing, in the kindest way.” A mom shared that her son picked it out to give me when he graduated from Young Child to describe his feelings about his Kindermusik experience.

TC: If you could share one tip with a new Kindermusik educator, what would it be?

TM: I believe a large part of my studio success is that I am a “by the book” person. My tip for a new educator? Follow the recipe. On the business side, KI provides us with great training and tools to help us succeed. On the educator side, our curriculum and teacher guides are based on the most current research and best practices. We can add our own distinct flavor and garnish – but it is a successful recipe … so follow it![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Educator Spotlight[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What’s something new and exciting that’s happening with your studio business?

TM: I am excited about expanding my studio reach in two new ways this year. I will be adding Simply Music piano classes for Kindermusik graduates this fall.  Also, I will be partnering with Country House for Memory Care here in Kearney. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011 and now resides at Country House. I have been longing for a way to combine my deep respect and love for my mother and others with Alzheimer’s with my passion for music and families. I am so excited to begin Kindermusik with Grandfriends! I will be offering a Kindermusik class 4 to 5 times this school year at Country House. My current families will have the opportunity to share the Kindermusik joy with elders with Alzheimer’s and dementia as we sing, explore, learn and grow together on a whole new level.

TC: What is your favorite inspirational quote?

TM: I have always been captured by the picture of a strong life-giving tree.  My life verse from the Bible is Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord… they are like trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water.  …They never stop producing fruit.”[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Shared by Theresa Case whose award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC, has been a happy advocate for the benefits of music for over 20 years now.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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How Music Affects your Mood and your Mind

Music and mood

With over 30 years of observing children and adults in the Kindermusik classroom, we know from experience that music has a huge effect on the emotions. Science and research continue to affirm what we also suspect, and that is that music can significantly impact cognition as well – in the early years and later in life as we age.

And so we find articles like Music & the Brain: The Fascinating Ways Music Affects Your Mood and Mind to be very intriguing and incredibly confirming of the wonderful benefits of being enrolled in a music program like Kindermusik.  The author of the article, Barry Goldstein, points out four ways that consistent participation in a “…musical program can target and enhance certain brain functions.”  Here’s a quick summary of those four benefits that Goldstein identifies.

Emotion

Music actually affects the brain emotionally because of the way specific brain circuits are wired to respond to music. The closeness and bonding times that come through singing and dancing together actually release the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone.” And when listening to music touches us emotionally, it’s because there’s a neurotransmitter produced in the brain, called dopamine, that helps feel the pleasure and connection of music.

music and mood
This little guy has found joy in music making.

 

Memory

Even when the mind is debilitated by the effects of Alzheimer’s, it can still be awakened when the patient hears music from his younger years to which he had an emotional connection. One of the most beautiful illustrations of this is an elderly man named Henry who was featured in the movie Alive Inside. Watch this and see if it doesn’t move you to tears! The music we love creates memories that stay with us for all of our lives.

Check out this charming older couple making music together.

Learning and Neuroplasticity

Did you know that the brain can literally reorganize itself by forming new neural connections?  And that the formation of new neural connections can be significantly affected by music?  We see this documented in extreme cases of brain damage when music is one of the stimuli used to cause the brain to rewire itself.  For example, music therapy and singing were instrumental in helping former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords learn how to speak again.  If music has this kind of powerful effect on a brain that’s suffered trauma, just think of what effects music can have on a healthy brain!

Gabrielle Giffords used music therapy as part of her recovery process.
Gabrielle Giffords used music therapy as part of her recovery process.

 

Attention

Unlike any other medium, music has the unique capability o capture our full attention, and as a result, can “activate, sustain, and improve our attention.”  In a culture that’s full of distractions, the ability to focus our busy minds and allow our brains and our hearts to connect, we can find true balance and deep-seated joy.  This wonderful phenomenon can occur for both adults and children alike.

All of this research and brain “stuff” can be a little dry; we admit it. But it also underscores the amazing and powerful effects of music, no matter what age or what stage of development the mind and emotions are in. Understanding a little of the science behind the powerful effects of music on our minds and emotions makes it all the more meaningful when experience music together in our Kindermusik classes. It reinforces again the immeasurable and lifelong value of early childhood music classes – something the children adore and memories that we as adults can hold in our hearts long after those precious years of childhood are left behind.

Shared by Theresa Case whose Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC, has given her a heart full of songs and musical memories that she knows she’ll enjoy for the rest of her life.