“Music and Movement for Infants and Toddlers: Naturally Wonder-full.”
John M. Feierabend
Classes
Rachael is certified in Dr. John M. Feierabend’s nationally-recognized approach to early childhood music education, which nurtures “tuneful, beat-ful, artful” children through a variety of fun and engaging musical exercises. It draws on a rich repertoire of folk songs and rhymes that will have children and their caregivers tapping, clapping, singing, and dancing from start to finish. There are several classes to fit every child’s age and ability.
First Steps in Music for Infants and Toddlers (age 0-34 months)
This parent-child course features simple songs, tickles, bounces, finger plays, and lullabies that will become part of your family’s repertoire for years to come.
First Steps in Music for Preschool and Beyond (age 3-5)
This course is designed for slightly older children with parental participation, and draws on a rich literature of folk songs, rhymes, and classical music. Activities include pitch exploration, simple songs, circle games, beat-keeping, movement exploration, and more.
Conversational Solfege (Levels I and II) (age 6+)
Children must have a solid musical foundation before starting this series, which dives deeper into understanding melody and rhythm. Activities first teach rhythm and solfege syllables “conversationally” and then gradually introduce students to traditional music notation.
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Feierabend’s philosophy and approach to music education, I highly recommend his 1996 article entitled “Music and Movement for Infants and Toddlers: Naturally Wonder-Full.”
Schedule
Fall 2025 classes have now finished for the year. Please check back in April for spring, summer, and fall schedules for 2026!
Resources for Families
Whether you have attended a First Steps class and want to bring the music home, or you would like to get a better sense of the songs and pieces used in class, there are many resources available for little or no cost.
Dr. Feierabend has compiled a CD of classical music called Keeping the Beat that is sure to get children on their feet and moving to the beat. The selections range from Corelli to Copland, and the playlist can be streamed online through Spotify.
Most of the folk songs, rhymes, and song tales used in the First Steps curricula have been recorded by Dr. Feierabend, so you can listen when- and wherever you like. The music spans several CDs and has been loosely organized by age, starting with the most basic rhymes all the way through more complex echo and call-and-response songs. You can stream the entire series on Spotify.
Work with Us!
Great Marsh Music Studio primarily works in partnership with local libraries and non-profits to offer music courses for little or no fee. However, if you would like to schedule a private class for your school, co-op, or other organization, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to work with you!
Great Marsh Music Studio 