What's included
3 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. includedClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Day 1: Introduction to listening. Learners will be asked to take their instrument of choice OUTSIDE. *Please no electric instruments. Students can go in their back yard, their porch, the park (with an adult), the beach, the lake, etc. Be sure your location has a place to go in the event of rain. There is a whole world of sound just outside our doors if we just take the time to listen. In this first day of class, students will share the sounds of their own outdoor location. We will then cover the fundamental principles of music including rhythm, pitch and harmony. Students will also get to share their basic knowledge of the instrument that they brought to class. Day 2: Introduction to improvisation. After spending day one listening to the outdoor world as well as each other, what can we create? Today, we will join in the symphony of our outdoor environment. Can you guitar play along to the lapping waves on the lake? Can your violin mimic the call of a bird? Today, students will play their instruments with nature as their guide. Day 3: Introduction to collaboration. Today, students will each take a section (rhythm, melody or harmony) and we will "compose" a piece of music all our own by working together as well as incorporating the sounds of nature to make an original piece of music.
Learning Goals
This camp will be a very basic introduction to music improvisation and composition.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Learners must have some kind of acoustic instrument; guitar, violin, lap harp, drum, harmonica
Supply List
All students must bring an acoustic instrument of their choice to class each day
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hi, I'm Ms. Michele.
I teach French and Music (piano, harp, violin and guitar as well as preschool and Kindergarten music).
I own Michigan Music Conservatory where I teach music.
I spent several years teaching French at a Montessori school as well as at a high school.
When I'm not teaching, I write and illustrate children's story books.
I believe everyone is a natural learner. When we are engaged, interested and encouraged, we can learn anything successfully. My goal is to make Music and French classes fun and inspiring.
Here is my CV:
MUSIC TEACHER, MILFORD MONTESSORI AND OUTSCHOOL ONLINE PLATFORM
2018-PRESENT
Planning lessons that meet the needs of students but also fit the theme and theory that is
Montessori. Coordinating parent volunteers for concerts as well as working closely with
parents in the community who see art and music as a valuable teaching tool in early educa-
tion. Teaching music theory, ear training as well as cultures from around the world through
songs.
OWNER/TEACHER, MICHIGAN CONSERVATORY FOR MUSIC: 1999 TO PRESENT
All operations of running a small business are my responsibility. I work with parents to co-
ordinate 40+ individual music lessons. I build relationships within the local community
where students can perform and combine music performance with community service. Ac-
counting and book keeping for instrument sales, music lesson fees, taxes and the best
strategies for profitability. Social media is often my job too; although at different times
throughout the year, I coordinate interns who sign on to work as apprentices to learn the
business.
EVENT COORDINATOR, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, KIWI LANDSCAPING, 2009
-PRESENT
This job started out for me as a volunteer. Now, from March until September, I have the
responsibility of seeing this event from inception of theme to fruition at the gathering on
Labor Day weekend. Kiwi Landscaping is owned by a man from New Zealand. Each year,
he hosts a Hangi for his company and 300-400 people attend from several countries. I
arrange discounts with local hotels for his guests and set up ticket purchase options
through Event Bright (like Ticketmaster).
I coordinate 50-100 volunteers every year. The numbers of volunteers grows as does the
event. In the earlier part of the year, we set up committees and have meetings online
through Skype (nearly half of my volunteers are out of state or out of country.) Commit-
tees are formed for everything from children’s activities, to hiring live music, a committee
for t-shirts for that year’s design to a group in charge of the teens who babysit and act as
designated drivers. Then, as the event draws closer, I meet with the heads of each commit-
tees to make sure we are all on the same page, are on the same timeline for the 3 day
event. As the day arrives, I do what good leaders do, I trust my committee captains to do
their jobs. I then have the time to answer questions about international travel and sort out
emergencies.
HARPIST, 1999-PRESNT
Member of the Pebble Creek Chamber Orchestra since 2016 and a board member since
2018. I’ve written score as a harpist and composer which lead to a 2015 and a 2019 De-
troit Music Award Finalist for Best Classical Composer. I perform as a soloist with two pub-
lished CD’s. Social media networking, performing in the community for major life events
from weddings to funerals to corporate events. I presently work without an agent and do
my own booking, accounting and contracting.
NON-PROFIT AND GRANT WRITING, CELTIC KETTLE, 1999-2005
I am one of the original founders of the Celtic Kettle Coffee House, a non-profit that started
in Milford and is now housed at Heartland Music Hall. Our goal was to provide the Huron
Valley area with affordable, high quality entertainment in a smoke-free, alcohol-free, family-
friendly space. I helped to write and apply for non-profit status. Then, I learned through
free classes and through mentorship, the art of grant writing.
AUTHOR — 2005-PRESENT
Senior Writer for SEARCH Magazine where I write their travel and food column. Three hor-
ror novels published through Boston publisher, Undead Press. Two novels were nominat-
2265 Welch Court, Commerce, Mi 48390 248-535-1754 harpymichele@gmail.com
ed for a the Horror and Science Fiction Parsec Award. Two children’s books published in
2016 and 2018. Several romance novels published by Meant To Be Press 2017-2018.
Winner of the Joy Humanist award for Poetry, Village Fine Arts Association.
EDUCATION
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — 1990-1992, OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1992-1994, HEALING HARP THERAPEUTIC MUSICIAN PROGRAM 2015
Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
for 3 classes3x per week, 1 week
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
2-6 learners per class