Music Teachers National Association Conference 2013

This week, Ms. Susan traveled to Anaheim, California, to present before the Music Teachers National Association Conference, where she discussed teaching music to adults! Ms. Susan has been a music educator for many years, and is gifted in teaching people of all ages. We are so pleased to have her as part of the Love & Grow Music Studio team! Here, in her own words, is a summary of her lecture:

Get Happy! The Magic of Recreational Music Making

Susan Geffen, NCTM

Mature Recreational Music Making students often come to classes with a lifelong dream of playing an instrument. Many of them have waited a long time for music lessons, sometimes since childhood, postponing instruction because of personal or professional obligations, economic challenges, or even the simple fear of failure.

Now these grown-ups are tuning the pianos their kids played, or perhaps they are buying new electronic keyboards for their apartments. After years of waiting, these students know what they want: they are ready to play—right now—and you the RMM teacher are there to jump-start their wish fulfillment. Not only that, you might fulfill a dream of your own: delighting in every adult class you teach.

The session is for both new and veteran RMM teachers. New RMM educators will get an idea of why teaching RMM is so invigorating, and veteran teachers will take home new teaching ideas they can put to use as soon as they return to their classrooms.

Meet Our Teachers

Cara Phillips

Cara grew up in a musical family, as the daughter of two music educators.  She plays Piano and French Horn, playing both in college on a grant.  For several years she was a French Horn player for the Rockwall Community Band and a brass quintet called Rockwall Brass.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Missouri State University, Cara taught High School Chemistry for five years. She continued her education to add a Masters in Counseling, focusing on children and adolescents.

Cara has two young children and found Kindermusik as a parent, when she took her children to classes. As a Kindermusik mom she loved the bonding time she had with her kids during class and the developmental benefits they were receiving.  Cara loves to share her passion for music with families in her own Kindermusik classroom.

Sheri Dacon

Sheri Dacon is a licensed Kindermusik educator with over 20 years of music teaching experience.  Before teaching Kindermusik, Sheri was an elementary music teacher for 9 years, most recently with Garland I.S.D.  She has served at her church for many years as children's choir director, and as a vocalist and pianist.  She is active as a piano accompanist for local student choral groups and soloists.  Sheri earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Hardin-Simmons University with a double major in vocal performance and music education.  She is also a trained Orff-Schulwerk specialist and has led early childhood music workshops for schools and church groups.  

Sheri is married and is a mother of four young children, all of whom have been Kindermusik students.  She believes that music is a gift for every child, and her desire as a Kindermusik educator is to inspire families to create homes where music is made and enjoyed.

Jennifer Nation

Miss Jennifer grew up traveling all over the world with her dad as an Air Force Pilot. Her traveling gave her a deep love for other cultures and ways of life. She took piano lessons and voice lessons from age 5. She taught children’s choir in her church and also has taught piano lessons over the years.

Miss Jennifer currently helps lead worship at her church. She recently left her job as a nanny to pursue a career in Kindermusik. She is looking forward to combining her love for kids and her passion for music.

Newly married, Miss Jennifer moved to the Dallas area a little over a year ago.  She is so excited to be here to share her love of music with others! She invites you to come join her at Kindermusik for a wonderful time of making new friends, learning new skills, and delighting in the joy of music.