Since I was hired at my school, I've been very fortunate to have multiple articles in the press about the music program that I've built. It's a wonderful opportunity to be a part of it! I've had two neat appearances most recently...
In July, an article in the Orange County Register was written about a Preschool Music Event that I helped host at our school. You can
click here to read it.
This September, in the Orange County Family Magazine, an article that I wrote was published on page 84!! It's an advertorial section called "Experts Speak Out." Don't get too excited for me, as "advertorial" means that our business paid the magazine to put the article there, but it's still pretty neat to see my words in print. The school marketing director said that she wanted me to be featured. That's quite a compliment considering there are 9 music teachers that teach at all of our school's campuses. Below is the page with a picture of my students and me drumming, and the text of the article. Enjoy!
Experts Speak Out
Music Boosts Brainpower
SarahLynn Zavoral is the Music Specialist at {school name removed by blogger}. She holds a BA in Elementary Music Education from Brigham Young University and has many years of experience sharing her love of music with children of all ages.
I have the best job in the world because I get to bring children joy through music! Children need the freedom to sing, dance, bang on a drum, and express themselves through music. It helps them grow socially and emotionally and does amazing things for the brain and for learning.
When children learn to read music, keep in time with beat, and improvise new melodies, they are developing literacy skills, mathematical skills, and problem solving skills. Scientists have discovered that when a musician is playing his or her instrument, multiple areas throughout the brain are highly engaged—a feat that few other activities can accomplish.
The music program at {school name} focuses on developing music literacy through joyful musical experiences. In our sound proof studio, students in JK-8th grade sing, dance, and play a variety of percussive instruments, including our Orff xylophones and 20 African drums. Students also read, write, dictate, and compose musical rhythms and melodies.
While many public and even private schools are eliminating regular music instruction, our program is growing. This year, we are excited to start our first children’s chorus, which is already 50 students strong.
As a parent, you can greatly influence your child’s musical growth. Here are five simple ways to get started.
1. Spend 10 minutes a day singing folk songs, lullabies, or religious songs with your child. Children who are sung to are more likely to develop acute listening and singing skills, making it easier for them to read music and play instruments.
2. Create a music playlist for listening to in the car. Include selections from all genres, especially classical music and children's folk songs. Avoid music that substitutes real instruments for electronic sounds.
3. Sign yourself up for instrumental lessons. If you want your child to learn to play an instrument, the best thing you can do is set the example for your child by learning to play that instrument.
4. After you've set the example, a great time for your child to start piano lessons is in first grade or when your child can read. Make sure your child has opportunities to improvise and create his own songs at every level of instruction. This will help keep him motivated.
5. Enroll your child in a school that offers music education as part of the school day or choose an after-school program that offers developmentally appropriate music instruction.
It was funny to see them show planes and ship technology from 1991...as if it was ancient artifacts. 
There was so much to see and learn! I wish we could have stayed on the ship longer, but we had to go to a wedding!
