Suzanne O'Shea teaches Children with Special Needs

Saturday Mornings at 11:00am

There is no charge for the class. Donations are graciously accepted.

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Originally posted 2009-07-22 19:39:36.

Alan Gresik is a renowned piano player and orchestra leader, noted for creative renditions of all styles music, “rocking swing tunes and swinging rock tunes”. He is the leader of the famous “Swing Shift Orchestra” that appears weekly at Chicago’s Green Mill.

Equally as creative in his teaching approach, Alan tailors exercises, activities, and repertoire to best suit the learning style and goals of his students. Whether students want to “Jump with Symphony Sid”, or present award winning renditions of the classics, Alan very capably takes every student down a path of positive musical growth.

View a video of Alan’s Swingshift Orchestra below.

Originally posted 2009-07-29 14:18:11.

Greg Cahill is a world class bluegrass banjo player and teacher

Greg Cahill – Bluegrass Banjo

Chicago born and bred, Greg has been playing bluegrass banjo since the early 1970s and formed The Special Consensus in 1975.

He has appeared on all of The Special Consensus recordings, on numerous recordings by other artists, and on many national television and radio commercials as the banjo player of choice on Chicago’s busy jingle music scene. Greg has also recorded with the ChowDogs (Slavek Hanzlik, Dallas Wayne, and Ollie O’Shea) and periodically tours European countries with that band.

In addition to conducting workshops at festivals and teaching at World Music Company, Greg has released four instructional videos and is the Chairperson of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Bluegrass In The Schools Committee.

We offer a unique opportunity for aspiring Banjo players to learn from world class performer and instructor, Greg Cahill. Sample a free video lesson below.

Due to his busy touring schedule, Greg teaches one hour lessons once per month.

Originally posted 2009-07-22 21:10:17.

$90 for 8 Consecutive Weeks. Start your 8-week session whenever you want!

This class is led by Professor Becker, a long time musician and primary level school teacher. Professor Becker leads the kids in playing various rhythm instruments such as maracas, tambourines, egg shakers, long drums, djembes (from Africa), triangles, chimes, and more. The growing musicians also sing, clap, stamp, dance march, make up song verses, and “jam” while Professor Becker plays his guitar.

Originally posted 2009-07-20 18:32:02.

GUITAR, DRUMS, and PIANO

“You are never too old for anything you may take an interest in. Always go for it!”

Music has always been a part of Cheryl’s life, and she’s wanted to pass along her love for music since her days of musical education in college. Cheryl has learned that students need to be patient- and willing to be “bad” long enough to get good at their instrument.

Cheryl also leads the Girls Rock Band Class. “I’ve seen the challenges that young girls have growing in the rock world,” Cheryl says. “And I’ve always wanted to be part of helping young girls grow in the World of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

A music teacher for nearly 5 years, Cheryl joined the World Music Company faculty in September of 2008. She says that she has been “amazed and inspired by how quickly my students pick things up.”

Originally posted 2009-07-22 18:44:43.

By Kris Cullum

Music can be a motivating and fun way to teach all children and in particular children who have special learning needs. It is unquestionable that through the medium of music many essential and enabling life skills can be learned and the benefits that playing and learning music can have on a child’s growth and development are immeasurable.

All children have the same need to express themselves and playing a musical instrument can provide an outlet for creative and emotional expression. When we think of music we don’t often think of it as therapy. But it can be.

The playing of good quality percussion instruments during music therapy sessions can be of inestimable value for children who have difficulties in hearing, seeing, moving, thinking or responding; each can experience the music in their own unique way. The music is not the goal of music therapy. Cognitive stimulation, self-expression, self-awareness, or increased motor movements are some of the goals that music therapy can focus on and the music itself is simply a tool to achieve these goals.

Listening to music for enjoyment is very beneficial but active participation is even better. For children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, playing music may be an effective way to stimulate speech development and communication skills, express emotions, develop a sense of rhythm and provide opportunity for physical, cognitive and motor development whilst creating an environment for socialisation and fun.

Every child can be helped to learn to enjoy and to become involved in music to some degree and instruments tuned to a harmonic pentatonic scale which produce a soothing sound straightaway, makes playing them an instantly gratifying experience.

Playing music and music therapy has proven to be a very effective method in dealing with autism and aspergers syndrome. Most children diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s lack the social skills that enable them to participate fully in play and other social situations. Interestingly, many children with autism show a heightened interest in music. While they may be unable to easily communicate verbally with others, music is an avenue for many autistic people to express themselves and communicate in a non-verbal, non-threatening manner. Playing music puts the individual at ease, allowing for strides in social interactions to follow.

Easy access to musical instruments may provide an outlet that encourages children to use music to deal with emotional issues, especially when they are unable to express them through speech. Where words fail, music may be a medium through which to explore one’s inner world and experiences. Often people with developmental delays and learning disabilities such as Down’s syndrome will respond to music. The easy, non-challenging way in which pentatonic instruments can be played offers opportunities for response and expression to children and adults with such developmental delays.

Musical instruments in the classroom or playground offer blind or partially sighted children the opportunity to explore and musical sound and awareness. Instruments, which are simple to play and enable creative experimentation and tactile exploration, encourage the use of motor skills, thus developing coordination whilst stimulating the imagination.

Music is a tool that is used in pain management and healing for children undergoing medical procedures and as a comfort for those who have suffered a traumatic experience. Music can be a powerful distraction, turning the patient’s attention away from pain and promoting relaxation as well as to help ward off depression, promote movement and ease muscle tension.

The use of music in group therapy has long been advocated and practiced in the music therapy profession, in addition to the purely musical benefits, playing in an ensemble is useful for working on concepts such as cooperation with others, coordination, and a sense of accomplishment. Making music and singing songs together in a group can build a harmonious cooperative spirit of support and encouragement for everyone. Children who experience severe obstacles in forming relationships with other children, adults and their environment can achieve security and joy in making music. Music making involves many of the fundamental elements of social interaction; turn taking, listening and responding to another person can all be augmented in music therapy.

To see, hear and play musical instruments at school or in community programs is an important cultural experience for every child. While music therapy is an important discipline, you can also achieve benefits from making music on your own. Successful projects include sensory or music gardens where musical instruments have been installed outdoors, making them accessible at break times as well as for use with the curriculum. Playgrounds and outdoor spaces should be viewed as therapeutic settings and an outdoor music centre or garden could enhance learning and development for both children with and without special needs.

Kris Cullum represents Outdoor Musical Instrument suppliers Freenotes, instruments that create enchanting music that anyone can play and are also proven to contribute to Music Therapy.

Call us at 773.779.7059 or read more about our special needs music classes.

Originally posted 2009-09-05 14:45:27.

GUITAR, UEILLEN PIPE, IRISH BOUZOUKII, TIN WHISTLE

Born in Dublin of parents from Wexford, Pat began playing traditional Irish music at the age of 8. He attended the Chatham Street School of Music where he began on the whistle and later moved to the uilleann pipes under the tutelage of the world renowned uilleann piper, Leon Rowsome. He also studied pipes with Tommy Reck and was influenced by pipers Liam OFlynn, Willie Clancy, and Matt Kiernan.In 1988, Pat began playing the bouzouki.

He relocated to Chicago in 1991 and has been actively involved in the Irish music community ever since. He has been working with Norways Secret Garden for the last 12 years and has toured the world and recorded with them as their uilleann piper and whistle player. Check out one of his songs.

http://www.patbroaders.com/

Originally posted 2009-07-22 13:40:02.

Little Folkies Piano and Violin, Infant and Toddler Class, and Creative Music for Special Needs Class

“Try as many different instruments as you can until you find the right one.

Aside from Suzanne’s amazing ability to communicate with children, she also has an uncanny sense for bonding with and teaching children with special needs. A few indications of this of this incredible quality that Suzanne possesses are the songs, smiles, and laughter that pour out of the Creative Music for Children with Special Needs classroom every Saturday morning.

A life long Beverly area resident, Suzanne has taught at World Music Company for 7 years. For Suzanne, music is more than a skill. She believes it is a gift that needs to be shared. And she feels that music is the key that can unlock educational opportunities for children who might find it challenging to learn in other ways.

One of her students cannot communicate in normal conversation. But he has learned to express his music through song.

A love of music can begin at any time. Suzanne believes that it’s never too late to take music lessons. No matter what style- classical or her own favorite, folk rock, people can learn to play because it is never too late to get gifts.

Originally posted 2009-07-22 20:15:22.

TeachingPhilosophy Every voice is a unique instrument! In my studio I provide a relaxed, positive environment where students feel comfortable to sing without inhibitions. This makes progress easy and enjoyable. Lessons are catered to each student’s individual talents and goals. My students sing only what they enjoy and feel passionate about.

Vocal Technique
I am a classically trained vocalist with a degree in Jazz Performance. I’ve performed in rock, funk, R&B, Blues, Country and Folk bands and have found that classical technique can be applied to any genre. I teach with a focus on healthy singing, breath control and vocal strength and flexibility.

The Educated Vocalist
I arm my students with knowledge on how to read music, choose keys and write their own lead sheets. Music theory is not drudgery because it is worked into the vocal exercises and repertoire study. A student can choose to learn as much or as little theory as he/she likes.

Originally posted 2009-07-22 18:57:07.

Guitar and Bass Guitar

“There is nothing I can show you that you can’t figure out on your own. I’ll just show it to you faster. Come have fun and learn guitar with me.”

Doug is well known for being one of the best guitar players around. Countless years of playing the guitar, solo and with many local bands, have helped Doug to deliver the mechanical facet of mastering the fretboard. Doug is very conscious of each of his student’s need to find their own niche.

Originally posted 2009-07-20 18:36:35.