Dear Friend of Music

Welcome . . . to the first edition of our new enewsletter, MusicNotes.

We'll have regular updates coming your way next year, filled with useful information, music resources and even an Ask Susie question and comments forum.

MusicNotes is for preschool and primary teachers, caregivers, parents,
therapists, community members and anyone who loves music and is passionate
about music for children and all people - regardless of age or background!

If this is you, please read on. If not, simply reply to this email with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line and we will remove you from our email list.

Planning for next year?

Well, that's where we can help!

We currently offer 7 albums*, over 100 choral pieces and associated products and services (including workshops, shows, song writing and artists in schools programs) plus the sensational Jon Madin marimba and Shenanigans dance music resources. So if you are looking for new ideas or a boost, have a look at the range on our website at www.welcometomusic.net and you may find just what you need!

This year we have been ‘on the road' a great deal, presenting teacher's and children's workshops in New Zealand, Singapore, Tenerife (Spain) as well as Launceston, Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle! We have also been involved in several Artists in Schools programs and we've written several school songs! If you are already thinking about your music program for 2005, we would love to visit you in your part of the world.

On-line shopping now available!

On our website you will also find sample songs and pages from our teacher's manuals, PLUS information on our workshops and school programs, PLUS we now have on-line shopping for your convenience. It's quick and easy, and school orders and credit cards are welcome – check it out now here.

Singing is good for the heart, the soul, the body and the mind...

We can all sing...!

We can all sing (unless there is a problem with hearing or the vocal mechanism, which is very rare). Many people believe they are tone deaf, or have a very small singing range. You don't have to be a musician or have a musical background to sing. With practice we can all learn to listen to our voice, sing in tune and enjoy our voices!

The b enefits of singing:

The voice is your most natural gift. Your voice can lead you towards a richer and more enjoyable life by means of communication and singing.

Singing is free, it's easy and for everyone.
Singing is a wonderful source of recreation, accomplishment and self-expression.
Singing can help increase confidence, vitality and physical well being, understanding and enjoyment of one's voice, improve communication and listening, develop creativity, relieve stress, foster team work skills, energise oneself and precipitate enjoyment and fun.

“If only the best singers in the bird kingdom sang,
the woods would be silent indeed”
Henry David Thoreau

Workshops in Melbourne - Feb 2005

Friday 11th Feb:
Music Workshop for Early Childhood Teachers, Parents
and Community Members
presented by aMuse

New songs, rhymes, dances, games and instrumental activities for the 3 – 8's

With Susie Davies-Splitter & Phil Splitter

This will feature activities off Susie and Phil's new Early Childhood album.

Location: Statewide Resource Centre, 150 Palmerston St , Carlton , 10 - 3pm
Enquiries: Kevin Kelley - kevin.kelley@amuse.vic.edu.au

Friday 18th Feb:
Music Workshop for Primary School Teachers
presented by VOSA

Back to School Day - New ideas and inspiration for the new school year

Presenters - Carolyn Royal, Bronwyn Bedford and Susie Davies-splitter

Location: Korowa Girls School , Ranfurlie Crescent , Glen Iris 9 – 3pm
Enquiries: Glenys Gijsbers - glenys@stockdaleacs.com.au

Watch this space for details of other workshops around Australia in 2005.

In the meantime we wish you well for the remainder of 2004, and we look forward to sharing our music with you next year and beyond.

Have a safe and joyous festive season!

Yours in harmony

Susie and Phil

*PS: New early childhood album to be released Feb 2005 ... stay tuned!


	December 2004