Our Teachers
"What we are teaches the child far more than what we say, so we must be what we want our children to become."
~Joseph Chilton Pearce (Teaching Children to Love)
Ginger's life-long love of music started very early, thanks to her family! Here she is at 2 years
old, with her ukulele.
Ginger Parish
Director and Certified (Level I) Teacher
®
Ginger, a singer/songwriter, naturalist, and Music Together teacher, is also Director of our local program. You'll find Ginger in classes playing guitar, ukulele, and mountain dulcimer, but her favorite instrument is the human voice! For over 40 years she has interwoven her passion for music and children with her love of nature by using music in nature education classes, and for many years now, she has focused especially on music teaching. Starting in the 90's as a preschool music specialist, Ginger found deep enjoyment working with young children, and became interested in childhood musical development with the birth of her son in 1999.
She opened Santa Rosa Area Music Together in October of 2000. In July 2002, Ginger was awarded Certification Level I by the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, NJ, having demonstrated outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy and parent education. In August 2005, Ginger completed Orff Schulwerk Level I, and the following summer continued her Orff studies in a week-long course designed for teachers. She directed the One World Children's Ensemble, for 3rd-6th graders, from 2007-2011. She's led numerous song circles with children and adults in schools, at music festivals, and around campfires! Ginger has played in a couple bands, and can sometimes be seen singing around town with friends.
She occasionally speaks on early childhood music development at schools, parent groups, and the SRJC Early Childhood Program.
Ginger's passion is to use her training and music skills to awaken a life-long love of music in young children, and to get people of all ages singing together in community! She has delighted in bringing Music Together to Sonoma County's fine families for nearly 22 years.
Ginger's CD of lullabies,
"Twilight Comes Tiptoeing," has been
honored with a Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award and People's Choice for Best Children's Album of 2014 from Independent Music Awards. These tunes have become favorites at naptime and bedtime!
Find out more about this recording
What people say about Ginger...
"Anytime Sofia sees a guitar she gets really excited and thinks of Ginger. You have a wonderful gift of music and sharing that with others. Thank you so much. We will be singing with you again."
~Adrienne V, Santa Rosa
"We love the way Ginger keeps the attention of the kids and parents between songs, She is so great at keeping the energy of the room captivated and moving along.
~Melissa E, Santa Rosa
"Music Together classes with the wonderfully musical Ginger Parish were a highlight of my daughters' childhoods, and the gifts of rhythm, tone, and song reward us every day of our lives."
~Paul J. (father of now young adults)
"We love the songs, The drumming has been especially fun, but we love all the variety and instruments. But most of all we love coming to see you, Ginger. You make class so much fun, so engaging and sweet, you put so much energy into the class. You really make the class amazing!
~Shifra H, Santa Rosa
"There is no other program we have found that lives up to the Music Together Standard. I love what you do and the music you have brought to our lives, Ginger. You are so special as a teacher to each of my children. Please don't ever discount the impact of what you do. KEEP IT UP."
~ Amy J, Santa Rosa
"Ginger is so upbeat, so energized and excited to make each child's experience the most it can be."
~Gina P, Santa Rosa
®
Music Together Teachers...
Over the years, Ginger has worked with a number of wonderful and passionate Music Together Teachers. Currently she is the only teacher at SRAMT, but she looks forward to a time when she can bring another teacher on board.
All teachers complete the Music Together Teacher Training (25 hours), developed by the Center for Music and Young Children , in Princeton, New Jersey. All teachers also receive internships and/or mentoring from experienced Music Together directors.
Also, every semester, Music Together teachers update their skills in professional workshops covering not only musical elements but also child development, different learning styles, and classroom management. Teachers receive ongoing support and development through the above-mentioned workshops, certification training, teachers' newsletters, and an international exchange of ideas through very lively online social media groups.
Our 2018 Teaching Staff, here with Music Together musician Gerry "Uncle Gerry" Dignan and "Aunt Denise" after a September 2018 Family Singalong Concert.