#117. Teaching the Child Singer Part I with Dana Lentini

This week on A Voice and Beyond, we have part 1 of a two-part episode with Dana Lentini, who is a noted pedagogue and the author of Teaching the Child Singer: Pediatric Pedagogy for Ages 5-13. Dana is an expert in teaching methodologies for this age group, and her articles and podcasts have been distributed worldwide.

In this episode, Dana addresses many of the myths surrounding teaching young children and why there is such a resistance towards teaching pre-pubescent singers amongst many teachers. Dana firmly believes that there needs to be a mindset shift around teaching this age group, because if teachers do so, they will find there are many benefits, not only for children, but also their parents e.g., singing does not require the purchase of an expensive instrument but will still offer many musical benefits for the child. Everyone, irrespective of age can discover and celebrate their unique voice through singing, including children. Dana affirms that teaching children to sing can set them up for success while they go through the voice transition during puberty.

Dana also shares her ideas around the master-apprentice model and tells us that teaching children in the same way we were taught at a university, is not the way to teach this age group. We must pace lessons for children, so they stay engaged and have fun – even while they are still learning the fundamentals of singing. Dana describes some of the pathways she has created to teach technique in its most simplest form, in order to give a whole comprehensive experience in the singing lesson.

This episode is packed with so much valuable information, and remember it is only part 1 of my interview with Dana Lentini and part 2 will be released next week.

Find Dana Online

Website: https://www.born2singkids.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.lentini

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lentinidana/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-lentini-9a480537/

Book: https://www.halleonard.com/product/371932/singing-kids-songbook-level-1

In this Episode

1:15 – Introduction

5:51 – Singing as a child for Dana.

9:33 – How she started teaching children. 

15:02 – Singing doesn't require the purchase of an expensive instrument.

28:11 – Benefits of group classes

34:49 – Impact of cultural traditions on children’s singing voice

41:47 – Born to sing kids

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/117

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