On this 2-DVD set, John M. Feierabend presents 6 hours of lively instruction on the history, philosophy, and pedagogy of the Conversational Solfege music curriculum.

Disc 1 begins with the fascinating background and historical foundation of the rhythm and melody approaches in Conversational Solfege. Dr. Feierabend outlines the 12-step program that develops listening, singing, reading, writing, improvisation, and composition skills students develop on their way to music literacy. Central to the Conversational Solfege approach are rhythmic and melodic patterns drawn from the rich diversity of American folk songs and traditional classical music. This DVD set is a wonderful companion resource for the Conversational Solfege Student and Teacher’s Editions, classical music CDs, flashcards, and The Book of Tunes for Beginning Sight-Reading.  

Disc 2 features Dr. Feierabend’s energetic and witty presentation style as he demonstrates the many fun and effective techniques for teaching all 12 steps in each of the 13 units contained in Conversational Solfege, Levels 1 and 2. He draws many of these innovative teaching techniques from the four companion books to Conversational Solfege. The Book of Canons, The Book of Song Tales, The Book of Song Dances, and The Book of Playground Songs & Rhymes serve as wonderful resources that expand and enhance the lesson plans found in Conversational Solfege.

This DVD set is the perfect way to explore the Conversational Solfege series, to learn what makes it effective, and to gather great teaching ideas and strategies.  

John M. Feierabend, PhD, has spent decades compiling songs and rhymes from the memories of the American people in hopes that these treasures will be preserved for future generations. Dr. Feierabend is a Professor of Music Education at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford.  

Running time: approx. 6 hours