About Us

 In the summer 2005, I took Orff Level 1 at the University of Manitoba. I have thought many times since, “I should have done this a long time ago.” In all of the years of my teaching, I found the Orff method to suit my desire to teach toward a creative musical experience while at the same time making conscious musical literacy.   I find the Orff philosophy, of teaching to the child, put simply, quite an appealing and enjoyable approach that is effective and touches on the affective. Having taught for many years in inner city schools I am also impressed with Orff Music for Children being accessible to all. It is impressive in our ever-increasing technological world, that all a child needs to participate, is their voice. Of course, all of the teachers were fantastic, but I was most influenced by Joan Linklater’ s calm, creative musicality and her ability to inspire level one Orff students with wonderful ways of teaching children. I have been an active member of the Manitoba Orff Chapter since the fall of 2005. 

 Life has been busy and good since March 2, 2009. In July of 2009 I studied with Marcelline Moody, Jewel Casselman, Diane Sjoberg and Carolyn Boyes at the University of Manitoba where I attained Orff Level Two! In August of the same year I participated in Jazz Orff, with International Music Educator Doug Goodkin, (also at the University of Manitoba). During Doug’s wonderful course I learned about Keith Terry, one of his colleagues. Keith Terry is a Body Percussionist from Oakland, California. In 2012  I had the opportunity to work at   Constable Edward Finney  school in Winnipeg Manitoba. At this time Gary  Jackson was the principal and  he encouraged  creativity. At that time, teaching at Finney was  like teaching in a Reggio Emelia Arts School.  This is  where I learned about Music Explorations. In 2013, I studied with Keith Terry at the San Francisco School, in San Francisco, California. Along with taking courses, I have enjoyed teaching Early Years Music at a variety of schools in Selkirk and Winnipeg. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the many students of all ages that I have taught at Blazingstar Music. Best, Mary 

 During group music classes the children will have the opportunity to explore the environment of the music room. This starts with a mini lesson about an element of music that we are learning. This is followed by an invitation to work on that idea, or to explore the many different instruments or other possible activities in the music room. Children come up with their own projects and often collaborate with their friends. The real excitement occurs at the end of the class when the children share something that they have learned. Music Explorations activities often become wonderful performances.