Some people get their ideas in the shower.  I get mine, mowing the lawn.  What started out as a passing thought while mowing the lawn, has grown into a full-fledged project. As I mowed the lawn on that fateful day, I wrestled with the idea of how to rally a broad range of children’s music artists to participate in a collaborative booth at NAEYC.

As if that wasn’t enough, as often happens, the idea grew as we realized we needed a coherent publication to hand out at the NAEYC, hence the Children’s Music Guide was conceived.

After much work (and some reworking) we seem to have hit upon a formula that is working (see details here). As of today we have 36 artists signed-up to have their music represented at our booth with, complete with CDs for sale, music stations, giveaways, and more. We are excited to include well known artists such as Lauri Berkner, Elizabeth Mitchel, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Ella Jenkins, Suzi Shelton, Ben Rudnick & Friends, The Jimmies, Debbie & Friends, Gustafer Yellowgold, as well as relative newcomers such as Charlie Hope, Meg Russell and more.

We have a great range of music that is perfect for the early childhood market, including those that focus on health, math, language, science, and getting along as a kid.

We also have had a great response from artists wanting to perform at the booth. We will be announcing those award winning artists as soon as they are confirmed.

The Children’s Music Guide is also shaping up. We have commitments for articles to be written by the Children’s Music Network, BostonChildrensMusic.com, Daria Marmaluk-Hajionnou, and Children’s Music Center of Boston. Topics will include themes such as resources available to teachers, the importance of live music, multi-culturalism and music education, and the benefits of music instruction. These topics may shift between now and printing, but we are excited about the interesting content that will be interwoven with your profiles. If you have a burning desire to contribute content to the guide, please contact us to pitch your idea.

There is still time to get involved! Registration is being extended until next Monday September 20th, to be sure we have everyone on board that is coming aboard. Slots for a presence at the booth is limited, but we still have a few slots remaining.  REGISTER HERE!

Thanks again for all those that have been supportive. We are looking forward to letting your music shine for the teachers at NAEYC.