Welcome back to part 2 of our podcast, Creating Literacy in the Music Room with Claire Preston!

In this episode, we dive into the debate of using accompaniment or opting for a more acapella approach when teaching music to students.

We'll also explore strategies for growing your music program by emphasizing the importance of teaching students how to read music.

Lastly, we'll discuss the vital role of advocacy in promoting and sustaining music education in schools.

Tune in as we uncover valuable insights to enhance your music teaching journey!

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

📕 Books

• Lifeline for Children's Choral Directors by Jean Bartle
• Sound Advice by Rick Notter

🎙️ Episode 97: Creating Literacy in the Music Room (Part 1)

🎶 Ep 72: Together Sing

Where to find me (Debbie O'Shea):

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic

Welcome to our podcast on creating literacy in the music room!

In this episode, we delve into the art of teaching kids to read music beyond just learning new songs. We explore innovative methods like utilizing the TV in the music room for engaging games that foster musical understanding. Additionally, we discuss strategies for selecting the right repertoire to enhance students' musical learning experiences.

Join us as we uncover the keys to unlocking musical literacy and creativity in the classroom!

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

📕 Books

• Lifeline for Children's Choral Directors by Jean Bartle
• Sound Advice by Rick Notter

🎙️ Episode 96:

Where to find me (Debbie O'Shea):

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic

Tune in to this episode to hear Claire discuss the excitement of introducing music on the first day of class and witnessing her students' deep connections with music.

Claire Preston Biography

Claire Preston boasts a rich career spanning both Australia and North America, with a focus on nurturing young singers. Notably, she served as the Assistant Conductor of the Toronto Children’s Chorus and Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus. Additionally, she lent her talents as the accompanist for Canada’s leading professional choir, the Elmer Iseler Singers. Moreover, Claire was a Co-Founder of the acclaimed Exaudi Youth Choir. Upon her return to Australia, she assumed the pivotal role of Head of Choral Studies at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Here, she actively commissioned and recorded Australian music, fostering regular collaborations with the VCA Orchestra.

Maintaining an active presence in the choral community, Claire is highly sought after as an adjudicator for prestigious events. She lends her expertise to renowned festivals and eisteddfods, including the New Zealand Choral Federation's The Big Sing, Festival of Voices, Australian Honours Ensemble Program, and Voices of Birralee. Furthermore, she has been a recurring guest conductor at the esteemed Gondwana National Choral School. Currently, Claire holds the esteemed position of Head of Choral and Vocal Studies at Hillcrest Christian College. Her outstanding contributions were duly recognized with a scholarship at the National Excellence in School Leadership Institute in 2020 and a prestigious Leadership Award from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders in 2021.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

📕 Books

• Lifeline for Children's Choral Directors by Jean Bartle
• Sound Advice by Rick Notter

🎙️ Episode 94: Children's Choral Music

🎙️ Episode 95: Making Positive Change in the Lives of Children

🎙️ Episodes with Paul Holley: A Passion for Choral Music (Part 1 and Part 2)

Where to find me:

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb