Despite all the evidence that proves the benefits of music education, including positive effects on math and language arts, the current generation of children has little to no music in their school curricula. And yet, recorded music for children continues to expand in popularity, which says that parents see how important music is to help make kids happy and inspired. But not all kid CDs are put together with the right mix of fun and educational rewards like this first recording from Debbie Cavalier.
With two decades of experience as a classroom music teacher and a current position as the Berklee College of Music’s dean of continuing education, Debbie puts her considerable know-how into an album of original songs. Using a pop music spin that revolves at a pace just right for pre- and elementary-school ears, she offers upbeat songs that boost young egos (“I’m Glad You’re Here”), teach key concepts (“Opposite”), and promote laughter (“Knock, Knock Song”). Many of the compositions head into the forest of fairy tales to tell musical stories, as she does with the Great American Song Contest winner, “Three Pigs and a Wolf” and the interactive “Little Red Riding Hood,” among others.
With her superb supporting musicians and kid back-up singers, Debbie performs with a clear purpose of entertaining and teaching young minds, rather than aiming for an adult slickness. This puts her in the company of such family music standard bearers as Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer as well as current superstar Laurie Berkner.
Gregory Keer is a syndicated columnist, educator, and on-air expert on fatherhood. Read More
