2024ECMMAPROGRAM by ecmma

Foundations oftheFuture June 27-29, 2024

2024 BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Brownsville, TX

Welcome to the 2024 ECMMA International Convention!

On behalf of our dedicated team, I would like to thank you for taking the time and resources to be here for several days of learning, community, and celebration Please be sure to find Dr Mike Ruybalid, Dr Jason Jones and other members of our host institution UTRGV to thank them for their tremendous effort in making this convention a success

Like many non-profit organizations, we are in a time of rebuilding after the effects of the recent pandemic But rebuild we have! This convention is one of the first products that is the fruit of our labor, and our convention title "Foundations of the Future," encapsulates my vision for ECMMA moving forward Teaching young children in any capacity is the most noble work there is We as early childhood educators are the brain builders We build the capacity for humans to achieve their greatest potential We build the foundations of the future

Thank you again for being here with us today and for being in the early childhood community in general We look forward to building on the momentum of this convention to expand our network, share our good work with each other, and celebrate the art and science of music and movement in early childhood. Please enjoy yourself and thank you once more.

Sincerely,

Tiger Robison, Ph.D. President, Early Childhood Music & Movement Association

"Foundations of the Future"

Welcome to the Rio Grande Valley! At ECMMA, we believe children are the future of our society and, thus, must have a solid foundation for learning the skills necessary to adapt and innovate. We believe using and learning music in early childhood provides a firm foundation for knowledge and growth. This conference centers on creating Foundations of the Future through 1) the need to increase connections between music makers regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion; 2) developmentally appropriate practice; 3) pedagogical practices of tomorrow; and 4) the beginnings of lifewide music making The sessions in this conference will aid all attendees in providing a foundation for their students

We are thrilled to feature the works of prominent scholars, practitioners, and artists in the field of music and movement in early childhood. We welcome our plenary session presenters, Dr. Tiago Madalozzo, author-educator Gabriela Montoya-Stier, and Dr. Amanda Soto. They will present plenary, stand-alone sessions without conflict and simultaneous sessions. We also want to welcome the 2024 Hall of Honor inductee Dr. Lili Levinowitz, who will present a simultaneous session. In addition, we welcome our simultaneous session presenters, who give a variety of options to meet all professional development needs. Lastly, we are very honored to have our featured performers from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Music and Department of Dance.

We would like to thank our convention joint sponsor--the UTRGV School of Music--for hosting the conference and providing the infrastructure support, and a big thank you to our corporate sponsorship manager, Lara Larsson. We hope you enjoy!

Sincerely,

Mike & Jason Vice Presidents of Convention

Welcome!

From the University of Texas (UTRGV) School of Music, we welcome you to the Rio Grande Valley, one of most historic and culturally rich parts of the United States As a bi-national city and B3 university, we are happy and honored to host and joint-sponsor the 2024 ECMMA Biennial International Convention, "Foundations of the Future."

UTRGV provides a "Foundation of the Future" for its students. UTRGV ranks first in Texas for awarding the most undergraduate and graduate degrees to Hispanic students, first in the USA for the performance of first-generation students, second for the performance of Pell Grant Recipients, and first in social mobility (Washington Monthly).

As a School of Music in the Rio Grande Valley, we provide unique opportunities for our students to explore music from an international perspective Our students have opportunities to perform in operas, chamber ensembles, two mariachi ensembles, wind symphony, orchestra, choirs, and modern band Our professors are dedicated to the implementation of culturally responsive and relevant teaching, as evident in instruction, syllabi, repertoire selection, and community involvement.

Our approach to music education for students of all ages, our dedication to historically marginalized communities, and our commitment to international educational perspectives make UTRGV a great place for the "Foundations of the Future" ECMMA internal conference. We hope you enjoy your time on our beautiful campus.

Sincerely,

Bienvenidos!

Desde la Escuela de Música de la Universidad de Texas (UTRGV), le damos la bienvenida al Valle del Río Grande, una de las zonas con mayor riqueza histórica y cultural de los Estados Unidos. Como ciudad binacional y universidad B3, estamos felices y honrados de albergar y patrocinar conjuntamente la Convención Internacional Bienal de ECMMA 2024, "Fundamentos del futuro"

UTRGV proporciona una "Base del futuro" para sus estudiantes. UTRGV ocupa el primer lugar en Texas por otorgar la mayor cantidad de títulos de pregrado y posgrado a estudiantes hispanos, el primero en los EE. UU. por el desempeño de los estudiantes de primera generación, el segundo por el desempeño de los beneficiarios de la Beca Pell y el primero en movilidad social (Washington Monthly)

Como Escuela de Música en el Valle del Río Grande, brindamos oportunidades únicas para que nuestros estudiantes exploren la música desde una perspectiva internacional. Nuestros estudiantes tienen oportunidades de actuar en óperas, conjuntos de cámara, dos conjuntos de mariachi, sinfónica de viento, orquesta, coros y banda moderna Nuestros profesores están dedicados a la implementación de una enseñanza relevante y culturalmente receptiva, como se evidencia en la instrucción, los programas de estudios, la selección de repertorio y la participación comunitaria.

Nuestro enfoque de la educación musical para estudiantes de todas las edades, nuestra dedicación a las comunidades históricamente marginadas y nuestro compromiso con las perspectivas educativas internacionales hacen de UTRGV un gran lugar para la conferencia interna de ECMMA "Fundamentos del futuro". Esperamos que disfrute su tiempo en nuestro hermoso campus.

Sincerely,

Executive Board

2021-2024

Tiger Robison, Ph.D. President

Jason Jones, Ph.D. VP-Convention Site & Secretary

Christina Svec, Ph.D. Bookkeeper/Treasurer

Assunta D'Ambrosio Past-President

Michael Ruybalid, Ph.D. VP-Convention Programming

Gina Yi, Ph.D. VP-Certification

Executive Board

Angel Tang, Ph.D. VP-Communication

Webber VP-Membership

Xin Xie VP-Programming

Larsson Convention Sponsorships Manager

For more information, click here

Samantha Lara

2021-2024

Thursday, June27

8:00AM Registration

UTRGV Courtyard

9:30AM-10:30AM

Harmonious Diverse Horizons:

Exploring World Music Through Young Musical Minds

Amanda Soto

Sala Vaquero

This plenary session will delve into the transformative power of world music pedagogy in shaping inclusive and diverse musical experiences for young learners across various musical educational settings Through insightful and practical insights, Soto will explore innovative approaches to integrating world music experiences that foster cultural appreciation, empathy, and understanding among children. From traditional folk tunes to contemporary global rhythms, Soto will examine how educators can harness the rich tapestry of musical diversity to create enriching learning environments that celebrate cultural pluralism Whether in classrooms, community centers, or informal learning spaces, this session will equip attendees with strategies and resources to effectively leverage world music pedagogy, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore, appreciate, and engage with the vibrant array of musical traditions our world has to offer.

10:30AM-11:15AM

Dance and Play! Pre-School Movement Favorites

Tiger Robison, ECMMA President

Sala Vaquero

11:15AM-11:30AM

Session Preview

Listen to previews of convention sessions

Sala Vaquero

11:45AM-1:00PM

Lunch Break

Poster set-up

Thursday, June27

1:15PM-2:15PM Simultaneous sessions

Benefits of Music for Social and Emotional Development

Lili Levinowitz

ECMMA 2024 Hall of Honor Inductee

Sala Vaquero--Virtual

From this session, music educators and early childhood professionals will gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which music and movement can naturally support children’s developing social and emotional learning during the early childhood years They will also experience music activities that help young children practice socialemotional skills

Connecting Music and Language in Early Childhood Education: Music Aptitude, Phonological Awareness, and Morphological Awareness

Victor Lozada

Sala Resaca

This sequential explanatory mixed methods study found the relationships among music aptitude, and phonological and morphological awareness in 1st-grade bilinguals, which included evidence that active musicking contributed to higher rates of music aptitude and Spanish phonological awareness.

2:30PM-3:30PM

Simultaneous sessions

Texas Mexican Musical and Culturally Relevant Experiences for Young Children

Amanda Soto

Sala Vaquero

Step into a world where music tells the stories of generations past and present, where every note carries the essence of Texas Mexican culture In this dynamic session crafted for children, the magic of music intertwines with the rich tapestry of tradition. Soto will lead participants through the lively sounds of conjunto, Tejano, and mariachi, setting the stage for an immersive journey that they can replicate with their own young students. Interwoven with musical exploration, this session will offer glimpses into Texas Mexican traditions, fostering appreciation for its vibrant heritage Through playing, singing, dancing, and listening, children will not only discover the beauty of music but also embrace the cultural treasures that enrich their world. Resources and links to the recordings utilized will be provided

Moving together with Kodaly and Orff

Carrie Cruz

Sala Resaca

This session will include music and movement from a variety of musical styles, languages, and cultures for the children of today and tomorrow using both Kodaly and Orff approaches

Thursday, June27

3:45PM-4:45PM Poster Session

Sala Vaquero

In this session, convention presenters and researchers will display posters of their work for attendees to discuss important topics in early childhood music and movement.

George Blankson: Exploring Ghanaian Children’s Play Songs, Movement, and Learning Activities

Deanna Bucci and Dr. Farida Peña: Fueling the STEAM Engine with Music!

Rachel Crust: Engaging the Community Through Online Music and Movement

Carrie Cruz: Moving Together with Kodály and Orff

Amanda Holliday-Bembridge and Jessica Eastridge: Empowering Adults: Taking the Lead in Active Music Making at Home

Maria O’Connor: “Como se dice ?” Songs & Strategies for Making Cross-Cultural Connections with Spanish-Speaking ELL Students in Music Class.

Maria O’Connor and Jason Jones: Our Musical Neighborhood: Combining the Work of Fred Rogers and Music in Early Childhood Classrooms

Rob Sayer: Utilizing the Entire School Community to Super Charge Your Teaching.

Christina Svec and Kalliopi Katsiris: Women in Early Childhood and Elementary General Music Education Research

Sam Webber: Exploring Creative Movement with Preschoolers

Thursday, June27

5:30PM-9:00PM

ECMMA ANNUAL EXCURSION

Every Convention, we gather together to explore the rich area of the convention site. This year we will be exploring South Padre Island. Please see our social media and flyers at the convention for more information.

Friday,June28

8:00AM-9:00AM

IJMEC Editorial Meeting-Sala Virtual

9:00AM-10:00AM

Reflecting on a Hispanic Musical Journey: The Making of El Patio De Mi Casa

Gabriela Montoya-Stier

Sala Vaquero

Gabriela will discuss the events and influences that led to the creation of El Patio De Mi Casa. Participants will also get to sing and play some of the repertoire in her book.

Banquet and Hall of Honor Induction

El Gran Salon

You are invited for an evening of fellowship as we celebrate inducting Dr. Lili Levinowitz into the Early Childhood Music and Movement Hall of Honor. Dinner and drinks will be served. Entertainment will be provided by the internationally recognized UTRGV Ballet Folklorico.

Dr. Lili Levinowitz Hall of Honor Inductee

Lili M. Levinowitz, Ph.D. is Director of Research for Music Together Worldwide and Professor Emerita of Music Education, Rowan University. She is also the coauthor of the early childhood music and movement program, Music Together. She is considered a leader in early childhood music. Her articles appear in professional journals and popular magazines, and she presents frequently at national conferences, and present online webinars. M.M., Ph.D.: Temple University; B.M.: Westminster Choir College.

Haven’t purchased your ticket yet?

Scan the QR code posted at the convention or click here: https://ecmma.org/events/2024-convention-banquet-2/

Saturday,June29

8:30AM-9:30AM

Morning Musical Gathering: Singing Activities with Dr. Christina Svec

Christina Svec

Sala Vaquero

Getting to Know ECMMA

Join our past-president, Su D’Ambrosio, to learn more about ECMMA’s DEI initiatives, Certification, and Organization. Location will be announced at the convention.

Saturday,June29

1:15PM-2:15PM Plenary Session

Sine musica nulla vita: The Constellation at Play in Early Childhood Music Education

Tiago Madalozzo

Sala Vaquero--Virtual

This session explores the role of music in children’s cultures, serving as both a means of expressing and reading the sound and musical world around children. By presenting a comprehensive concept of music in early childhood, this session aims to reflect on the constellation of childhoods that define music education, involving an active, creative and inventive participation of children and adults: teachers and caregivers. Specifically, the session examines the relationship between research theory and pedagogical practice, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary and collaborative work to enhance understanding and action in early childhood music education The future of music education for children is discussed in terms of fostering increased connections centered on the multifaceted characteristic of music play The implications for future practice and research point to the need to create a significant music learning environment focused on children and their cultures

2:30M-3:30PM Simultaneous Sessions

Exploring Ghanaian Children's Play Songs, Movement, and Learning Activities

George Blankson

Sala Resaca

This study investigated the perceptions and practices of Ghanaian elementary school teachers regarding the use of movement as a pedagogical tool to enhance learning in the classroom

Exploring Creative Movement with Preschoolers

Sam Webber

Sala Resaca

In this session, we will explore how educators can use elements of movement to encourage creativity in preschool music and movement classes Using art, poetry, and children's literature, we will explore concepts including space, awareness of body, time, and force

Saturday,June29

3:45PM-4:45PM Simultaneous Sessions

Music-making in Early Childhood: Proposals for Planning and Playing During Music Classes

Vivian Madalozzo & Tiago Madalozzo

Sala Vaquero

Music education engages a constellation of childhoods at play: the children’s and the teacher’s In this workshop, we will engage in creative music proposals with Brazilian repertoire while discussing music planning and how music-making can be significant to children in different learning settings

Giving Voice to your Work: Publishing in the International Journal of Music in Early Childhood

Diana Dansereau

Sala Resaca-Virtual

Dansereau will discuss how to publish original works in the IJMEC

5:00PM-5:45PM Plenary Session

Around the World in 60 Minutes: Enriching Children’s Lives with Global Music Adventures

Amanda Soto

Sala Vaquero

Embark on a captivating journey as this presentation promises a whirlwind tour across continents, immersing participants, and young children in the rich tapestry of global music. Through vivid storytelling and melodic demonstrations, participants will explore the diverse rhythms, melodies, and instruments that define cultures worldwide. Soto will weave the 5 dimensions of world music pedagogy through short, interactive activities that will highlight the profound impact of introducing children to such musical diversity, fostering cultural appreciation, empathy, and a broader worldview. Through interactive activities, attendees will leave inspired to infuse their educational and parenting practices with the transformative power of global music, ensuring that every child’s journey is enriched by the beauty of our world’s musical heritage Resources and links to the recordings utilized will be provided

Plenary Presenters

Amanda Soto, Ph.D.

Amanda C Soto was born and raised in Mercedes, Texas located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. She is an Associate Professor at Texas State University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses since 2014 Before coming to Texas State University, Soto served on the faculty of the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music She is co-director of the World Music Pedagogy: Teaching Music/Teaching Culture teacher certification course in conjunction with Smithsonian Folkways. Her ongoing research on social justice in music education, mariachi and world music pedagogy, children’s musical culture and identity, and Mexican and Mexican American music and culture has been published in both music education and ethnomusicology journals. She has presented research and conducted clinical workshops at regional, national, and international music education and ethnomusicology conferences She created student and teacher workshops for the American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music exhibit at the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle, WA, and for the PBS documentary, Latino Music USA

Soto was a participant in the Symposium on Music in Schools held biannually at Yale School of Music which explored how institutions of higher education can prepare music educators and teaching artists for service in the 21 st -century music ecosystem. She co-constructed the mariachi curriculum for the mariachi music education degree with all-level teacher certification at Texas State University She was a keynote speaker at the Music Mexico Symposium hosted by the University of Houston Moores School of Music and Dartmouth College She currently performs with the University of Incarnate Word Mariachi Cardinal.

She served as the music education area coordinator and student teacher coordinator at Texas State University, was the music education board member for the College Music Society Board of Directors, was co-chair of the Education Section of the Society for Ethnomusicology and was cochair of the Society for Music Teacher Education Cultural Diversity and Social Justice for Music Teacher Education ASPA of the Society for Teacher Music Education (STME). She also served as the Collegiate Chair of NAFME Texas and was faculty advisor for the Texas State University Collegiate Texas Music Educators chapter Soto earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas, a Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Washington. She has undertaken certification studies in Orff and Kodály pedagogical approaches and holds a certification in world music pedagogy from the Smithsonian Institution

Plenary Presenters

Tiago Madalozzo, Ph.D.

Tiago Madalozzo holds a Ph.D. in music from the Federal University of Paraná, focusing on the discussion of musical and social meanings that contribute to children's engagement in early childhood music education, considering the music classes as opportunities to foster children's creativity and autonomy Recently, he completed post-doctoral research in education at the Federal University of Paraná and childhood studies at the University of Minho in Portugal, integrating theories from both music education and childhood studies. His research explores how children engage with music through movement and how educators may look at and listen to children’s music expressions to propose significant music experiences in music education.

Tiago emphasizes that music plays a crucial role in children's cultures, shaping their cultural production and understanding of their surrounding sound and musical world. He previously served as Assistant Professor of Music Education at the State University of Paraná, Brazil, from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, he taught and coordinated music courses for children aged 0-8 years at Alecrim Dourado, a music school in Curitiba, from 2010 to 2017

Tiago presented a workshop on active music listening at ECMMA's 2018 Convention in Buffalo during a doctoral exchange period at the University of Southern California. He is a member of the Research Group 'Art, Education, and Teacher Training' at the State University of Paraná and the Research Group 'Educamovimento - Childhood and Early Childhood Education' at the Federal University of Paraná. He is actively involved in the Brazilian Music Education Association, serving on the Editorial Board of the association's journals and currently acting as co-editor of the Music in Basic Education Journal He also serves on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Music in Early Childhood

Currently residing in Braga, Portugal,Tiago lives with his wife, researcher and music educator Vivian Agnolo Madalozzo, and their 7-year-old daughter, Helena, who recently began piano lessons at Braga Gulbenkian Conservatory

Plenary Presenters

Gabriela Montoya-Stier

Gabriela Montoya-Stier is an elementary music specialist with the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of New Mexico and her Master’s in Music Education from Indiana University, Bloomington, where she completed Kodály certification with Dr Jean Sinor and Dr Alan Strong She completed her Orff certification at Trinity University

She is the author of El Patio De Mi Casa Book and CD which is published by GIA. She is also a contributing author to Music in Elementary Education by John W. Flohr and Valerie Trollinger. Gabriela has been on the faculty for the Kodály Certification Program at Hays CISD in Kyle since 2008.

Gabriela has presented several times at TMEA, including a Texas Invited Clinician in 2013. She has also presented several times at the OAKE National Conference, Feierabend Association for Music Education, and American Eurhythmics Society. Gabriela loves to spend time with her family, walk her dog Lucy, and work in her fiber studio.

Hall of Honor Inductee

Lili M. Levinowitz, Ph.D.

Lili M. Levinowitz, Ph.D. holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College, an M.M. in Music Education Research and Ph D in the Psychology of Music from Temple University She is professor emeritus at Rowan University and Director of Research for Music Together Worldwide.

Together with Ken Guilmartin, she is the co-author of Music Together, a music and movement approach to early childhood music development for infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten children and their parents, teachers, and other primary caregivers. Originally offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement The Music Together Parent-Child curriculum is offered in over 50 countries. Furthermore, the In-School adaptation is being taught in both public and private preschools throughout the world; outreach applications have been funded by major corporations and the U.S. Department of Education.

She is an international leader on early childhood music education and has been actively involved in teaching very young children as well as graduate students Her articles appear frequently in professional journals and popular magazines; she is sought after as a presenter in Early Childhood Music Education throughout the world.

Special Performers

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Ballet Folklorico

The Ballet Folklórico is a thirty-two member organization comprised of students who are pursing degrees in a variety of disciplines. The Ballet presents student and public concerts annually and travels to present programs for local, state, national, and international private and public affairs The Ballet has jointly produced ballets, concerts, zarzuelas, and musicals with the Valley Symphony Orchestra, the UTRGV Theatre, and the UTRGV Music Department. In 1996, the Ballet traveled to Ottawa, Canada to perform in their Dieciséis de Septiembre Festival. In 1999, the State of Texas House of Representatives honored the Ballet Folklórico with House Resolution N. 510. The Ballet Folklórico has been showcased at state and national dance conferences such as the Asociacion Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos, the American College Dance Festival, the North Texas Folkloric Festival, the Texas Association of Health, Physical Education and Dance and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Dance. In 2006, the Ballet was one of 100 outstanding Texas artists chosen for inclusion on the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster Program The Ballet Folklorico has also traveled on a European tour visiting countries such as France and Italy

The UTRGV Ballet Folklorico has received national recognition through the American College Dance Association (ACDA). Their works have been showcased and selected to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performance Arts in Washington, D.C. in three consecutive national years in 2012, 2014 and 2016

Miguel Peña, director

Simultaneous Session Presenters

Dr. George Blankson, Assistant Professor of Music, serves as the Coordinator for Music Education at Reinhardt University. He teaches music education courses, supervises student teachers, and directs an African Drumming and Dance Ensemble. Before joining Reinhardt’s faculty, Dr. Blankson received a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Mississippi.

Deanna Bucci has a B.M. in Music Education and a M.A. in Administration with 15+ years music education and training experiences, including presenting for NAEYC and NHSA. As the Director of Product Development for Kindermusic International, she oversees the creation of curricula, resources, and training.

Rachel Crust is a newly certified Pre-K to 12 music teacher from Slippery Rock University. She has a passion for working in early childhood and elementary general music and has taught preschool music classes both in person and online for several years as well as other community outreach music programs

Carrie Cruz is a general music educator at McCalla Elementary School in Jefferson County, Alabama and has been teaching since 2001. She received her EdS in 2023 and is working on her PhD in music education from Auburn University. She is certified in Orff, Kodaly, and has a National Board Certificate in Early/Middle Childhood Music.

Diana Dansereau, Ph.D. (Boston University) focuses her scholarship on early childhood music education. She is co-editor of Pluralism in American Music Education Research (Springer, 2018), and founding editor of the International Journal of Music in Early Childhood (Intellect, 2019).

Jessica Eastridge teaches early childhood and instrumental music in Virginia. Mrs. Eastridge holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Music in Teaching from the University of Delaware.

Amanda Holiday-Bembridge’s research focused on how music impacts a mother’s ability to bond with their young child Her mission is to share the incredible bonding power of music to create connections between caregiver/child that significantly impact ohe ongonig development from a Polyvagal Theory Lens

Simultaneous Session Presenters

Jason D. Jones, Ph.D is an assistant professor of music education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Here is teaches undergraduate courses in elementary music methods and the music teaching profession that are endorsed as culturally sustaining and bilingual flexible. He also teaches graduate courses in music for exceptional learners and motivation for music making. He received his docorate in music education from the Eastman School of Music.

Kalliopi Katsiris is a junior undergraduate music performance majorat Iowa State University.

Victor Lozada, Ph.D. is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Literacy & Learning at Texas Woman’s University where his research examines music, bilingualism, and literacy. Read his work in the Journal of General Music Education, the Bilingual Research Journal, and his co-edited book Engage and Empower.

Vivian D. A. B. Madalozzo is the founder and coordinator of music courses for children 0–6 years at the music school Alecrim Dourado She is an Adjunct Professor of Music Education at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná She is a doctoral researcher in Childhood Studies at the University of Minho

Jennifer S. McDonel, Ph.D. is Director of Music Education at Radford University, where she teaches early childhood/elementary music education courses. She is co-developer of the Harmony & Heart™ early childhood music program for Primrose Schools®, a national early education and care franchise, and music composer/consultant in “Problem Solvers” early childhood curricula for Zero-to-Three.org.

Maria O’Connor is a K-5 elementary music teacher in San Antonio, Texas who has completed two levels of Kodály training. She has taught in dual language, Title I schools since 2015. Her areas of focus include strengthening students’ SEL and using music to build relationships with her students.

Simultaneous Session Presenters

Farida Peña is a Bilingual Trainer and Curriculum Specialist for Kindermusik International She has an M D and Master's in Music Education and training in MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodály, and Dissimilis. Farida has 25+ years experience as an educator, presenter, and trainer in the U.S. and Latin America.

David Rivers is Director of Music Business/Commercial Music at Radford University, Previously, Rivers worked 25 years in Nashville and Los Angeles as a songwriter, producer, and music publisher and served as National Education Director for Nashville Songwriters Association International. He creatively collaborates as composer/producer for music in the “Problem Solvers” early childhood curricula for Zero-to-Three.org.

Tiger Robison, Ph.D, is associate professor of music education at the University of Wyoming and current president of ECMMA. Tiger has diverse research interests and has published in The Journal of Research in Music Education among other venues. He enjoys volunteering his time each week to teach pre-school students with the help of his 8-year-old daughter.

Rob Sayer is the Director of The Music Class, an ECMM program founded 25 years ago in Atlanta Rob created music and curricula for parent/child classes and preschools, and has enjoyed working with independent teachers and schools as well as large franchises in the US and China.

Christina Svec, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Music Education at Iowa State University and serves NAfME as Early Childhood Music SRIG Chair. Dr. Svec’s research interests include research methodology, music aptitude, and singing voice development. She is published in JRME, Psychology of Music, IJMEC, JMTE, Contributions, Visions of Research, and Update.

Samantha (Sam) Webber is pursuing her PhD in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music. Sam holds Bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Flute Performance, as well as a Master of Arts in Music Education. Sam has 9 years of experience teaching early childhood and elementary general music.