Music

My name is Jackie Landry and I have been a musician all of my life. My area of expertise is in songwriting and for the past 16 years, I have focused on children’s songs. I perform regularly, and since 2001, I’ve been teaching children between the ages of 1 - 12.  My serious musical education came later in life when I moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music where I studied Songwriting.  I sing as well as play the guitar and piano.  Previous to my Berklee years, I received a Bachelor’s of Arts from Western State College in Gunnison, CO where I studied recreation with a minor in music.

I believe musical communication for children at a young age provides a connecting link which enhances future learning skills in every aspect of a child’s life.  By tapping into children's hidden talents early on, we can strengthen and solidify a foundation of confidence, embracing their excitement and expanding their imagination. For children, music is a vehicle through which their thoughts, emotions, experiences and triumphs can be expressed with truth and clarity. When fun is mixed in, the result is “wanting” to sing, play, and practice music.

When the challenge is new and exciting, the interest level is amplified and a contagious energy generates a unique and positive learning environment. With the use of numerous different percussive instruments, some melodic instruments, some creative, coordinated choreography and props, every music class will be filled with the joy of learning in a fun and educational way.

I believe there are many ways to teach children music and each child learns differently from the next. It is my job to recognize and fine-tune my lessons, to develop, revise and communicate until “everyone” understands and feels confident. Success in one area often breeds accomplishments in other areas. Many times in the past, it has been the child who has enlightened me and through these experiences, I have learned to refine and adapt, to create and write new material and gladly turn around and share it with the children.

My idea of a well-rounded music program includes:

Singing: choosing an assortment of different songs from various genres and time periods capitalizing on different tempos, feels and messages.

Playing: using a variety of different percussive and some melodic instruments.

Music Theory: reading music, understanding melody and harmony, key signatures, time signatures, rhythm, dynamics and feel.

I am always open to new ideas and I welcome any suggestion, especially from the children.