Our Guest: Marcia Perez
Show Notes
Marcia Perez joins the podcast to share her expertise with Montessori music curriculum and materials. Long before the technology existed to prove it, Montessori realized that music was key to children’s neurological development, and language development in particular. The Bells, therefore, can not be thought of as an “extra.” Instead, they are an essential part of the Sensorial curriculum in the Primary classroom.
Marcia briefly shares the history of the development of the Bells and Tone Bars. She then encourages Guides who are intimidated by the music work to think of it simply as pitch and rhythm. They can be studied individually, or together in the form of song. Marcia dives into how to incorporate rhythm, pitch, singing, movement, and music appreciation into a rich experience woven throughout the curriculum.
Marcia discusses how the Bells should be set up, introduced to the children, and used by the Guide when singing. She talks about how to use the White Boards (the singing charts), which introduce pitch and pattern, and the Rhythm Patterns (clapping charts), which work on rhythm. These materials become centerpieces for the child training their ear in music, which in turn, improves the child’s ear for the development of language. Marcia says, “Music IS language!”
About our Guest
Marcia Perez
Montessori Guide & Montessori Music Trainer
Marcia Perez taught primary Montessori in North Dakota and Michigan before receiving her AMI Elementary diploma from The Washington Montessori Institute and completing a master’s degree from Loyola College. She has taught Montessori Elementary 6-12, and is currently the Upper Elementary 9-12 Guide and director of music at Mater Amoris Montessori School in Ashton, Maryland. She is recognized as a Montessori lecturer and has presented the complete Montessori Music Curriculum throughout the United States and internationally. She has been an examiner for the AMI Elementary teacher training centers in both Dallas and San Diego.
Marcia grew up in Minnesota where she enjoyed singing choral music as a child and continues singing today as a member of a choir and performing as a vocal soloist. She is married and has two adult children who both attended Mater Amoris Montessori School from ages 2 ½ to 12 years of age.
Resources
At the Beginning Song
Butterfly Song
Clapping Chart
References
Singing Chart
Snowman Song
Sunflower Song 1
Sunflower Song 2
Voices in Montessori Podcast
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