Kaleidoscope Music Education
Courses
Kodály Musicianship Sessions
Currently offering four courses at Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Intermediate 1, and Intermediate 2, Michael guides online classes through various musical concepts via the Kodály Approach. Each course will include learning repertoire from folk, musical theatre, Western art music, and pop genres as a vehicle for understanding musical concepts such as rhythm names, use of solfa and hand signs with movable doh, and form. Students will be encouraged to participate in activities ranging from singing in parts/harmony and playing games, to composition and improvisation.
These courses are aimed at adults of all abilities, Michael has a lot of experience working with complete beginners and taking them to levels of competent musical literacy, as well as working with more experienced musicians helping them build stronger foundations. and ‘fill the gaps’ in their general musicianship.
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Deconstructing Gender in the Vocal Classroom:
Challenging Stereotypes and Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT+ Singers
In this presentation, Michael draws upon his own life experiences as a gay singer and musician, career experiences as a teacher and conductor, and academic gender theories prevalent in the current educational sphere to bring together various ideas and possible 'solutions' to current teaching ‘road bumps' within the vocal classroom for LGBT+ singers.
Michael will guide participants towards a better understanding of what it means to be an LGBT+ singer/musician in today's vocal classroom. Split into three sections, this seminar will address the following broad topics:
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The Difference Between Sex, Gender, and Sexuality
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Issues Within Voice Categorisation, Vocal Setting, and Ensemble Structures
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Model Practice for Teachers in the Vocal Classroom
This seminar is aimed at any musicians or teachers who work with voices in their fields of expertise - Kodály/Dalcroze musicianship tutors, 1:1 peripatetic teachers, vocal coaches, singers and classroom music teachers. Michael has plenty of experience working with singers from ages 4 - 84 so this course will be accessible to teachers from a variety of specialisms.
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Programming Thematic Choral Concerts & Shows
In this presentation, Michael will discuss the benefits of formulating performances that are tied together by a common theme. Michael will use real-life examples of shows that he has successfully programmed for his choir, Carpe Harmonia, over the years, taking time to discuss the pitfalls and achievements that can arise in this process. Together we will explore:
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Why Themed Shows?
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Process for Initial Ideas
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Repertoire Research, Selection, & Programme Notes
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Programming Artistic Diversity - Choreography, Quartets, Small Groups, Solos/Duets
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The ‘Extras’ - Costumes, Props, Transition Music, Advertising/Social Media, Related Charity
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Case Studies/Examples: In Tune With Nature, Once Upon a Time Signature, Song Voyage, Dreams of Sleep, & Up in the Air
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Choral Arrangements
Over the course of his career, Michael has spent much time arranging music for various ensembles he was worked with, particularly choirs. Often inspired to write for his own choir, Carpe Harmonia, Michael noticed a lack of arrangements in CCM genres of music - pop, musical theatre, jazz - that were challenging and in multiple parts. So, Michael wrote many songs in 6-8 part arrangements depending on the current structure of Carpe Harmonia at the time, ranging from SSAATB to SSAATTBB vocal settings.
Please contact me if you are interested in requesting a commission for a particular song in a specific vocal setting.
Implementing Kodály in Secondary Schools - KS3
Michael will take you through the core principles of the Kodály Approach and give you suggestions for 'drip feeding' Kodály ideas into different genres of music. We'll explore how to approach teaching Pop, Musical Theatre, Jazz & Blues, Gamelan, and Samba music in the Kodály way.
Emphasis will be placed on working within your context, implementing Kodály teaching in ways that meet the needs of your students. Aimed at those teaching in the KS3 ages range (11-14 year olds), this presentation is suited to music teachers based in secondary, music hub, and prep school settings; though anyone is welcome.
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Designing a Kodály Curriculum for Secondary - KS3
Michael will spend time explaining the methodology behind teaching Kodály in the secondary setting. He will cover how to teach a song in the Kodály way, how to select repertoire to teach, and the 'Three Ps' of the Kodály pedagogy - the Preparation, Presentation, and Practice of individual musical concepts.
This will lead to discussing how to design a Kodály curriculum for KS3 students, taking a different approach to the delivery and sequence of concepts for 'older beginners'. Aimed at those working with KS3 students (11-14 year olds), this course is ideal for those with responsibility for curriculum planning in their teaching contexts.
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