A good music program today needs to include the Montessori music materials and the singing games, dances and songs so necessary for a child to grow into his or her full human potential. They are no longer a part of every child's (and teacher's!) daily environment, as they were in Maria Montessori's time. I don't think she could have imagined the cultural poverty in which many American children live. Montessori music materials are a wealth that is not understood and used regularly in the classroom. I believe they are best taught to children already comfortable with music and movement. A culture which normally includes singing and dancing makes children familiar with rhythm, basic beat, and melody through lullabies, finger plays, repetitive physical chores (washing dishes, chopping vegetables, raking leaves, jumping rope), poems, dances and songs. These Montessori Music and Movement workshops contain all of these elements. As adults, we also need to move, sing and dance. We become more alert and focused, creative and connected to one another, and therefore better teachers.

My purpose is to help Montessori schools build joyful, creative environments through music and dance. My work involves helping people find, develop and enjoy their own musical abilities, which build and sustain the human community.

The Washington Montessori School
240 Litchfield Turnpike
New Preston, CT 06777

Work: (860) 868-0551
Home: (860) 868-3200

E-mail: matildag@charter.net