ROCHESTER, NY — An Eastman School of Music professor’s new book for teaching the fundamentals of music to “Little Mozarts” has earned a Parents’ Choice Award, a prestigious seal of approval from the Parents’ Choice Foundation — the nation’s oldest not-for-profit evaluator of children’s books, videos, toys, audios, computer software, television, and magazines.
Acting Dean of Academic Affairs and Eisenhart Professor of Music Education Donna Brink Fox is the lead author of five who co-wrote Classroom Music for Little Mozarts, a three-part curriculum suitable for children ages 4-6. Published by Alfred Publishing Co., the book includes a CD and is based on the standards set by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC). It provides 10 lessons and accompanying materials for parents and teachers who have little experience teaching music to young children (ages 4-6). The award was given to the first book in the series, as the two subsequent volumes are currently in development.
Fox is an internationally recognized expert on early childhood music education. A member of Eastman’s faculty since 1984, she currently is serving a one-year term as academic dean. She chaired the School’s music education department from 1992-2001 and directed its Summer Session from 1997-2000. In 1998, she became the first Eastman faculty member to hold a named professorship. In addition, she is the recipient of several honors and awards from Eastman and elsewhere, including the Eisenhart Award for Excellence in Teaching (1996), the Ohio University Outstanding Alumni Award (1994), and inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (2002). In 1985, Fox created and has since directed Eastman’s nationally recognized early childhood music program called MusicTIME, offered through the Eastman Community Music School. The program will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year.
“We designed these curriculum materials for early childhood teachers to use in their classrooms, and I’m delighted that the Parents’ Choice Foundation recognized the value of these for parents, who are children’s first teachers,” said Fox. “The focus of the lessons is on playful interaction with music, which is appropriate for both home and school.”
Parents’ Choice Awards are given to less than 15% of items submitted for consideration each year. They are awarded to products that exceed benchmark standards set by educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents, and kids themselves. Additional information is available at www.parentschoice.org.
# # #
Note to editors: A photo of Donna Brink Fox is available.