Giving Voice to Children’s Artistry: A Guide for Music Teachers and Choral Conductors

This book presents a comprehensive view of children’s musical artistry and how to develop it in both the music classroom and children’s chorus. Author Mary Ellen Pinzino presents the musical mind as the gateway to children’s artistry, addresses the power of movement in its embodiment and advancement, and shows how songs--rhythm, melody, and text, independently and together--influence children’s developing artistry musically, expressively, and vocally at every level. Accordingly, she also offers a multitude of specific songs that inspire children’s artistry, all in various tonalities and meters and on a continuum of increasing difficulty.

Keeping the need for practical application in mind, Pinzino offers materials for implementation with children from kindergarten through seventh grade, as well as guidance for professional development. Content can be applied alongside any pedagogical methodology, as well as with older singers in the process of developing their own artistry. In short, this book makes the intangibles of children’s artistry more tangible. It enables music teachers and choral conductors to draw artistry out of every child and draw every child into the choral art. It summons music teachers and choral conductors to bring artistry to the forefront of every music class and choral rehearsal—and to the forefront of the field of music education as a whole.

“Approaching music teaching and learning through the portal of artistry is desperately needed in teaching children. In this book, artistic spirit and the psychology of music learning become true partners. A landmark publication.”

“This uniquely refreshing book offers meaningful perspectives into not just music teaching but something much more significant—cultivating children’s artistry. Mary Ellen Pinzino’s thoughtful insights and approaches, particularly to repertoire and teaching strategies, are certainly a major contribution to our profession!”

“Perhaps the most salient aspect of this beautifully written book is the unwavering respect Mary Ellen Pinzino shows for the musical artistry of every child. The joy and wonder of music learning resonates on every page.”

“Highly recommended! Sequential teaching and learning suggestions included. Compatible with Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze, and Gordon. Challenges current and future music educators, choral conductors and children to greater musicality through unusual rhythms, thoughtful texts, and lovely melodies!”