After graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education from DePaul University, Joan Arnold spent ten years teaching in the Chicago Public Schools where she also wrote and was awarded several grants. In 2003 she received her license as a Kindermusik educator and two years later became a teacher trainer. Joan will be teaching courses in the Community Music Division’s early childhood program.
Q. What was your first musical experience?
I’ve loved music all of my life. Early on I listened to The Nutcracker Suite every night as part of my bedtime routine; I couldn’t get to sleep without it. Later, I spent a lot of time singing along with the songs my older sisters were listening to, a favorite being "These Boots Are Made For Walking" by Nancy Sinatra. I also loved singing along to my parents’ music, particularly "The Tennessee Waltz."
Q. How did you get into Kindermusik and early childhood education?
The director of the preschool my son attended contacted me one day because she knew I was an educator. She recognized the importance of including music in the preschool curriculum and needed a teacher for the three-year-old program. I explained that my background was in general education, not music, but she recommended Kindermusik for their full training/licensing program and established curriculum. Thus, a new Kindermusik teacher was born.
Q. What is it about rhythm/movement/music that is so compelling to young children?
All humans are powerfully affected by music. Archeological evidence points to its presence in human lives far into the past. Neurologists believe that our brains are wired to respond to music. In fact, brain growth and functioning seems to be advanced by musical activities. For children, musical activities like those found in a Kindermusik class stimulate their brains in all areas of development: cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language. Through a fun and nurturing environment, children also gain a basic knowledge and understanding of the components of music, something that will help them more easily learn to play an instrument later on.
Q. How do you approach teaching?
With regard to Kindermusik I view myself as more of a facilitator than teacher. My goal is to provide a loving, safe environment where each child is nurtured and encouraged based on their individual temperament and developmental stage. I am also nurturing parents and helping them understand how our specific activities help their children so that they can continue the experience outside of our classroom. Sometimes I’m also helping them understand their child and the stages they move through.
Q. If you couldn’t do Kindermusik, what would you be doing?
I would be a teacher in another area.
Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my children, husband, and extended family. I also love reading. I can’t go a day without it.
Q. What is your favorite piece? Who is your favorite composer?
I have trouble identifying favorites. I can never pick just one in any category, especially music with the immense variety it provides. I can say that some of my favorite memories are brought back by Tchaikovsky and the Beatles.
Q. What are you looking forward to the most about working with the CMD?
DePaul is my alma mater so I’m very excited about being on campus again. I’m also thrilled to be working amongst so many talented musicians and music educators.