Local Educator is a Maestro of Early Childhood Education

Shawna Gordon has been named a Maestro to the Mezzanine level of studios and also as a Maestro in Outreach by Kindermusik International for the third year in a row, the world's leading publisher of music and movement programs.

Gordon is the owner and an early childhood specialist at the Kindermusik of Lincoln studio. Gordon teaches Kindermusik in both Kindermusik of Lincoln studios (Christ's Place Church and East Lincoln Christian Church). The Maestro Mezzanine award recognizes that Shawna has achieved excellence in both Maestros in Outreach, teaching Kindermusik to children with special needs and as a Maestro Producer, ranking in the top 5% of Kindermusik programs worldwide in reaching the most children.

"The Kindermusik Maestro has a mission: helping children become better learners and helping parents understand how to help them reach their highest potential," said Michael Dougherty, CEO at Kindermusik International.

Shawna is one of 5,000 licensed educators in the world who use Kindermusik's music and movement curricula. Shawna Gordon began providing Kindermusik in 1999. Today, Shawna teaches the music and movement learning program to 120 plus families from Lincoln and surrounding communities.

Shawna has added an additional studio and met the needs of her families by increasing the amount of classes offered. Her outreach includes a percentage of her studio offered in scholarships, leading an Excite class of preschoolers once a week and a commitment to work with Sudanese immigrant children as their parents learn to read and speak English through the Lincoln Literacy Council.

"I am passionate about what music can offer children in terms of an additional means of learning language, reading, the social interaction our classes offer and an environment that parents and children can play and learn together! The recognition from Kindermusik International affirms the pursuit of my dream!" said Gordon.

The Maestro Program recognizes licensed Kindermusik educators who master one of three levels in early childhood development: fast-growing programs, outstanding community service, or teaching excellence.

November 23, 2008

Young Child Year 1 Semester 1 Week 10


YC1/Week 10/Lesson 10

Dear Young Child 1 Parent:

“…[A]ll human beings are born musical and will respond to music. Because classical music, with its complex repetitive patterns, has far-reaching effects on the child and his brain development, it is the perfect experience.”*

As we focus in class on melodic direction, listening for high sounds and low sounds, we are using the familiar “Star Light, Star Bright” song. The children are “tuning” in to sounds and pitches, learning to differentiate and identify.

Consider extending your child’s listening opportunities at home by adding to your CD collection. Some possible selections include:
Mozart: The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations, recorded by Daniel Barenboim, (On this recording you might especially enjoy the variations on the familiar “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman.”)
Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, and Fanfare for the Common Man, recorded by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and
Holst: The Planets, recorded by Andre Previn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

As you and your child listen to various pieces of music, talk about them. Discuss distinctions and preferences. Early exposure to a wide variety of music will ensure your child’s acceptance and appreciation of music for a lifetime!


*Good Music, Brighter Children, by Sharlene Habermeyer, p. 27.

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