• Conversational Solfege – Overview

    Conference Session

    CONFERENCE: Indiana Music Education Association - Fort Wayne, IN 

    With the Conversational Solfege approach, music literacy starts with an “ear-before-eye” philosophy. Songs are broken down into their component parts and then reassembled so students grow in musical understanding. This session is a basic overview of the 12-step teaching method created by Dr. John M. Feierabend.

  • FOUR JOHN FEIERBEND SESSIONS @ MICHIGAN MUSIC CONFERENCE 2025

    Conference Session

    12 Steps to Music Literacy Using Conversational Solfege: Part 1 - Rhythmic Literacy

    12 Steps to Music Literacy Using Conversational Solfege: Part 2 - Melodic Literacy

    Learning Harmony and Improvisation Using Conversational Solfege

    Sing in Parts: Pedagogy Ideas for Beginning Part-Singing by Ear and by Eye

  • First Steps in Part Singing

    Conference Session

    CONFERENCE: Illinois Music Education Association - Peoria, IL

  • Vocal Development in Young Children

    Conference Session

    CONFERENCE: Georgia Music Education Association - Athens, GA

    Tuneful singing requires tuneful thinking and physiological awareness. To help young children explore the sensation of singing, we must use developmentally appropriate techniques and activities that are wonderfully child-like, imaginary and fun. This lively session will share ideas that immediately engage, encourage and support young children in their vocal development.

  • Sing in Parts: By Ear and By Eye

    Conference Session

    CONFERENCE: Georgia Music Educators Association - Athens, GA

    Transitioning from unison to part singing is challenging for upper elementary/middle school students. Proven strategies first by ear, then by eye are critical for the preparation of choral singing in the later grades. This lively session will guide participants through the sequential steps necessary to guarantee success in part-singing competency.