Music with Miss Julie
Music to My Ears
This week I am thrilled to provide you with a BONUS article from a very talented musician and teacher. She’s a lovely woman, teacher, and friend, that I’m truly blessed to know and I am so excited to share with all of you! Recently, she started to record some of her work and it’s too good not to share! It is my pleasure to introduce, Miss Julie:
“Having taught in Canada, Switzerland, England, Romania, Scotland and the USA, Miss Julie is a heavily experienced Pre-K through 5th grade teacher.
Throughout her experiences in public, private and Montessori schools, Miss Julie began integrating music and movement more and more, as it proved to be an incredible tool in managing disruptive classrooms, engaging children, and stimulating the minds of her most difficult through her most intelligent students.
Miss Julie uses instruments and materials from all over the world to promote child development while capturing the attention and imagination of all of her children. Her methods resonate at every school she visits, and her passion shines through during her teacher training events. Miss Julie's special ability to bring children under her spell is something she feels she can share with teachers for a greater learning, and teaching, experience.
Miss Julie provides accredited and supplementary teacher trainings in the finest private kindergarten's, elementary schools and Montessori schools in Montgomery County, Maryland where she is also certified by the Maryland State Department of Education as an Advanced Trainer of Trainers.”
Source: www.musicwithmissjulie.com
Music...the Soundtrack of Life!
Let’s get further acquainted with Miss Julie, “Music has always played a major role in my life and I know I am so fortunate to be working in a field I feel so passionate about. Music was always playing around my home when I was a child, all kinds of styles, my mother often sang whilst doing chores and my father played the drums and organ. I grew up being encouraged to sing and play and for that I am very grateful.
I believe music can enhance all our lives and have made some suggestions here, as to how to provide musical experiences for your child in your home and everyday life. Recent research suggests that babies can not only hear sound at the prenatal stage, but may also have some memories after birth. A baby will turn their head towards a recognized voice. Music played during pregnancy can soothe a baby to sleep after they are born, suggesting that there is a memory of what they heard in the womb. I actually had this experience with one of my own sons!
Montessori believed that music should be part of the daily routine here is one of my favorite quotes:
“...his environment must be such that it can arouse in him a feeling for, and an understanding, of music.”
( Montessori M, 1967 “ The Discovery of the Child” Ballantine Books New York).
I try to encourage the feeling for and understanding of music here are a few ideas for you at home:
Sing and play with your baby from the word go.
Nursery Rhymes, chants and singing games use lots of facial expressions.
Enjoy a good Nursery rhyme book together.
Choose some music you like (a good place to start).
Play music in the car and sing along.
Be wary of instruments that are toys and do not produce the right sound.
Have music on around the home, when you are doing chores or relaxing.
Look out for live concerts to take the children to.
If you or your friends play an instrument play in front of the children and if possible, let them try or at least hold the instrument.
Provide opportunities for moving and playing.
If you have no drums in the house pots and pans and wooden spoons are still a good way to start.
Have illustrated music books so that the child can see what the instruments look like.
Use correct terminology.
A Ukulele is a Ukulele not a little guitar!
Pay attention to what interests your child musically speaking this can help with choosing an instrument.
Find a good music store in your area and ask about tutors and the cost of renting instruments.
Whatever you do keep making music and enjoy every moment with your child.”
**Special thanks to Miss Julie Billingsley for sharing this article with all of us and providing us with some BEAUTIFUL songs to enjoy for babies and children!
Ready to listen in!? It’ll make your heart smile. Some songs available for FREE and additional tracks for purchase. "Getting to Know You" is an introductory pack of lessons and songs which will help you interact with your group of kids. Use promo code "FREE" for a free download! Check out some of Miss Julie’s FABULOUS recordings for children here: www.musicwithmissjulie.com
Curious to know how else to incorporate music into your home? Contact Miss Julie or Stacey for consultation packages: info@homedayhero.com