Monday, February 10, 2014

Louisville, Kentucky, February 8, 2014

I arrived at my 1st of two sessions to find a group of 70 Kentucky Music Educators ready to get moving. I asked them, "How many of you were able to attend one of my sessions at KMEA last year?" and about 40 of the hands went up!

I was flattered, and so pleased to get to work with such nice folk. 

KMEA scheduled me for two sessions back to back allowing us to work progressively. It was so nice to be able to build on the the work of the 1st session. 

Thanks KMEA!


Monday, February 3, 2014

Dalcroze Society of America, Pelham Summit of 2014

This past weekend, I met with 10 of the most wonderful (and most prestigious) Dalcroze educators in the United States. 

The membership of the Dalcroze Society of America asked me and this group of master teachers to form a committee that would compare the history and requirements for attaining the "Dalcroze Certificate" and "Dalcroze License" and investigate the possibility of establishing national standards. 

The committee has been meeting over conference calls once a month for the past year and this week we were able to meet in person for a full weekend in Pelham, NY. 15 hrs of intense debate, comparisons, biases, sharing, and compromise over three days of meetings. Many smiles and funny stories, much listening, and all in the strongest of good will. I have been in the Dalcroze community long enough to appreciate how special these days really were. 

Thanks to my most impressive colleagues. Your experience and skills and dedication to this work leaves me speechless, humbled, and thankful for the time spent together.