Participants will learn traditional songs and chants from several music cultures including Ghana, Puerto Rico, Tahiti, Mexico, Japan, and Canada. Pedagogical considerations for incorporating diverse materials into a First Steps structure will be explored including movement exploration, movement for form and expression, movement with beat motions, simple songs, and songtales. Strategies for using materials in various languages will be presented, as well as how to incorporate cultural and historical content relative to the material in a developmentally appropriate manner.

Karen Howard is an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of St. Thomas. She received her B.M. and M.Mus.Ed. from The Hartt School, and Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Karen taught elementary music for 20 years in Connecticut and Washington. She has extensive training in global vocal, instrumental, and dance traditions. Karen has presented at the national and international level helping music teachers around the world to make meaningful connections with music, dance, and people of diverse cultures and navigating the creation of learning experiences that promote and celebrate equity. Her research interests and publications include works on ethnomusicology, activism in music education, and global singing traditions.