Logo that reads "Early Childhood Music + Movement Association" in white, on a blue and purple rectangle.

Creating Musical Childhoods
Biennial International Convention

Online June 28 - 30, Michigan State University

About The Convention

The 2021 convention theme addresses the needs and experiences of young children and the individuals who make music with them. Through lenses of human diversity–such as culture, (dis)ability, language, age, gender, and socioeconomic status–the convention will explore how children, adults, and communities interact with music and movement. Sessions, in a variety of formats, will primarily address music and/or movement pertaining to one or more of the following areas:

  • Constructing self-knowledge and identities (e.g., as musicians, movers, teachers, researchers, observers, facilitators, learners, listeners, co-creators)
  • Developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in music, movement, and other areas (e.g., math, literacy, mentoring, teaching, self-care)
  • Promoting emotional wellness and wholeness
  • Strengthening families and communities (e.g., school, neighborhood, world)

Where

Online (ZOOM)

When

28 – 30 June 2021

Convention Sponsors

Event Schedule

Click below to review an interactive schedule for each conference day.
All times are eastern daylight time.

08:00 – 08:30am

Morning Warm-Up: Wake Up You Lazy Bones: Beginning the Day with Singing Voice Development Activities
Dr. Christina Svec, Iowa State University
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08:30 – 09:00am

Welcome
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09:15 – 10:15am

Keynote: Anchoring Literacy Learning through Creativity
Elaine Bernstorf, PhD, CCC-SLP, Wichita State University
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10:15 – 10:45a

Break

10:45 – 11:45a

Breakout Session 1

I Can … Move!
Dr. Patricia Gingras, Florida Gulf Coast University
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Using Picture Books to Enhance Music Experiences in Early Childhood Settings
Dr. Suzanne Hall, Temple University
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Creating Music from the Inside Out: Scaffolding Young Children’s Vocal Improvisations (Part A)
Kathleen K. Arrasmith, University of South Carolina
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Rethinking My Teacher Identity in Working with Grades K-2: What I’ve learned from Preschool Children
Dr. Joanne Rutkowski, The Pennsylvania State University (Emeritus)
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11:45a – 01:30p

Lunch

12:30 – 01:15p

Lunchtime Activity: Leaping Out of the literature: Using Poetry and Children’s Books to Engage in Music and Movement
Erika Knapp, Michigan State University
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01:30 – 02:30p

Breakout Session 2

Welcoming Diversity in the Classroom: Understanding the Challenges and Celebrating the Opportunities
Amalia Allan, Florida State University
Su D’Ambrosio, Early Childhood Music & Movement Association
Lisa Darmanie de Quiñones, Alabanza Music
Susan Darrow, Music Together Worldwide
Dr. Charulatha Mani, Sing to Connect, Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre (not presenting)
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Cross-Curricular Connections: Music and Movement for CORE Skills Development
Ashley G. Moss Fox, Rochester City School District
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Creating Music from the Inside Out: Scaffolding Young Children’s Vocal Improvisations (Part B)
Kathleen K. Arrasmith, University of South Carolina
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Research Forum 1:
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The Alignment of Children’s Media Soundtracks with Recommendations for Children’s Music Listening
Sab Irene, Boston University
Diana R. Dansereau, PhD, Boston University

Student Perception of Hand Signs in the Elementary Music Classroom
Whitney Mayo, Michigan State University

02:30 – 02:45p

Break

02:45 – 03:45p

Breakout Session 3

Executive Function: It’s more than just STOP and GO
Elaine Bernstorf, PhD, CCC-SLP, Wichita State University
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A Kaleidoscope of Activities for the Preschool Music Classroom
Mr. H. Grant Poole, Danville Public Schools
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Research Forum 2:
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Student Perception of Hand Signs in the Elementary Music Classroom
Whitney Mayo, Michigan State University

Immersed in Sound: Infant Daily Home Music Soundscapes
Eugenia Costa-Giomi, The Ohio State University
Anabella Petronsi, The Ohio State University (not presenting)

Informational Meeting 1:

Giving Voice to your Work: Publishing in the International Journal of Music in Early Childhood
Diana R. Dansereau, PhD, Boston University
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03:45 – 04:30p

Break

04:30 – 05:30p

Breakout Session 4

Two Little Blackbirds – Using Finger-Plays and Hand Puppets to Enliven Stories, Enhance Music Fundamentals, and Generate School/Family Connectivity
Eric Maring, University of Maryland, NASA, Levine Music
Sponsored by Music is Elementary
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Research Forum 3:
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Immersed in Sound: Infant Daily Home Music Soundscapes
Eugenia Costa-Giomi, The Ohio State University
Anabella Petronsi, The Ohio State University (not presenting)

The Alignment of Children’s Media Soundtracks with Recommendations for Children’s Music Listening
Sab Irene, Boston University
Diana R. Dansereau, PhD, Boston University

Informational Meeting 2:

ECMMA Certification Information Session
Gina J. Yi, Ph.D., Wheaton College-Conservatory of Music
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Creating a Path Forward (Get to Know ECMMA)
Su D’Ambrosio, Early Childhood Music & Movement Association
Dr. Christa R. Kuebel, University of Central Arkansas
Lara Larsson, Perkins Elementary at Newark CSD
Tiger Robison, University of Wyoming
Amy Rucker, Duquesne University
Mike Ruybalid, University of Montana
Gina Yi, Ph.D., Wheaton College-Conservatory of Music
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06:30 – 07:30p

Student Networking Event
Jason Jones, Reinhardt University and Eastman School of Music
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08:00 – 08:30a

Morning Warm-Up: Mindfulness Wake-Up: Engaging in the Right Now
Dr. H. Ellie Wolfe, Drake University
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08:45 – 09:45a

Breakout Session 5

Equipping Parents and Caregivers to Make Music a More Meaningful Part of Home Life
Dr. Lisa Koops, Case Western Reserve University
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Intersectionality and Inclusivity in the Early Childhood Music: Part I, Foundations of Intersectional Praxis
Dr. Karen Salvador, Michigan State University
Dr. Mara E. Culp, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Sponsored by Eastman School of Music
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Engaging in the Right Now: Considering Mindfulness as a Way to Practice Making the Most of the Moment for Yourself and Young Children
Dr. H. Ellie Wolfe, Drake University
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The Center that Holds: Self-Care for Music Educators
Dr. Christa R. Kuebel, University of Central Arkansas
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10:00 – 11:00a

Breakout Session 6

Writing Songs for Children
Nicole L. Porcaro, St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Hospital
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Research Forum 4:
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Is Participation in an Early Childhood Music Program Related to Child Socio-Emotional Development? A Meta-Analysis
Aimée Gaudette-Leblanc, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Hélène Boucher, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Montréal (not presenting)
Jonathan Bolduc, Ph.D., Laval University (not presenting)
Jessica Pearson, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (not presenting)
George M. Tarabulsy, Ph.D., Laval University (not presenting)

At Home in the Atelier: Co-Creating Home Music Environments
Kerry B. Renzoni, SUNY Buffalo State
Nicholas Stanford, SUNY Buffalo State

Informational Meeting 3:

Giving Voice to your Work: Publishing in the International Journal of Music in Early Childhood
Diana R. Dansereau, PhD, Boston University
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11:15a – 12:15p

Breakout Session 7

Children as Storytellers: Creating and Supporting Student Agency in Music Learning and Play
Whitney Mayo, Michigan State University
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Research Forum 5:
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At Home in the Atelier: Co-Creating Home Music Environments
Kerry B. Renzoni, SUNY Buffalo State
Nicholas Stanford, SUNY Buffalo State

Is Participation in an Early Childhood Music Program Related to Child Socio-Emotional Development? A Meta-Analysis
Aimée Gaudette-Leblanc, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Hélène Boucher, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Montréal (not presenting)
Jonathan Bolduc, Ph.D., Laval University (not presenting)
Jessica Pearson, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (not presenting)
George M. Tarabulsy, Ph.D., Laval University (not presenting)

Informational Meeting 4:

ECM SRIG Informational Meeting (30 minutes)
Dr. Lisa Koops, Case Western Reserve University
Eugenia Costa-Giomi, The Ohio State University
Dr. Christina Svec, Iowa State University
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12:15 – 01:45p

Lunch

12:45-1:30p

Lunchtime Activity: Yoga and Meditation for Music and Movement Providers
Angela Guerriero, Tempo Music Therapy Services
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01:45 – 02:45p

Breakout Session 8

Decoding with Love
Elaine Bernstorf, PhD, CCC-SLP, Wichita State University
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Intersectionality and Inclusivity in the Early Childhood Music: Part II, Suggestions for Practice
Dr. Mara E. Culp, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Dr. Karen Salvador, Michigan State University
Sponsored by Eastman School of Music
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Guiding the “Grown-ups”: Cultivating Community and Honoring Identity in Early Childhood Music Classes
Amy L. Sierzega, Ann Arbor Public Schools
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Informational Meeting 5:

ECM SRIG Informational Meeting (30 minutes)
Dr. Lisa Koops, Case Western Reserve University
Eugenia Costa-Giomi, The Ohio State University
Dr. Christina Svec, Iowa State University
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03:00 – 04:30p

Research Posters & Lightning Talks
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03:00 – 03:30p

Lightning Talks (live)

03:30 – 04:00p

Group A

04:00 – 04:30p 

Group B

04:30 – 05:00p

Break

05:00 – 06:30p

General Membership Meeting

Hall of Honor Induction
Installation of Board
Ames Children’s Choir Mini-Concert
Christina Svec, Director
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08:00 – 08:30a

Morning Warm-Up: The “Work” of Childhood: Our Identities and Roles as Early Childhood Music and Movement Providers
Dr. Tiger Robison, University of Wyoming
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08:30 – 09:30a

Keynote: The Role of Music in Shaping Children’s Self-knowledge and Identity: Perspectives from an African Setting
Elizabeth Andang’o, PhD, Kenyatta University
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09:45 – 10:45a

Breakout Session 9

Preparing Communities for Early Childhood Music Teaching and Learning
Donna Brink Fox, Eastman School of Music
Sponsored by Eastman School of Music
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Juguemos a Cantar: Traditional Mexican Songs and Cultural Identity
Dr. Beatriz E. Aguilar, Edgewood College
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Research Forum 6:
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Potential, Access, Equity: Musical Interactions of Urban, Low-SES Families in the Home and Music Class
Dr. Joe’l A. Staples, Buffalo Public Schools

Musical Learning as a Contributing Factor in the Development of Socio-Emotional Competence in Disadvantaged Children Aged 4-5: An Exploratory Study
Helene Boucher, Université du Québec à Montréal
Valerie Peters, Université Laval
Aimee Gaudette-Leblanc, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Julie Raymond, Université Laval

11:00a – 12:00p

Breakout Session 10

Transforming Practice and Profession through Teacher Action
Diana R. Dansereau, PhD, Boston University
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Weaving Musical Stories: Storytelling with Nursery Rhymes and Songs
Jason Jones, Reinhardt University and Eastman School of Music
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Informational Meeting 6:
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Creating a Path Forward (Get to Know ECMMA)
Su D’Ambrosio, Early Childhood Music & Movement Association
Dr. Christa R. Kuebel, University of Central Arkansas
Lara Larsson, Perkins Elementary at Newark CSD
Tiger Robison, University of Wyoming
Amy Rucker, Duquesne University
Mike Ruybalid, University of Montana
Gina Yi, Ph.D., Wheaton College-Conservatory of Music

ECMMA Certification Information Session
Gina J. Yi, Ph.D., Wheaton College-Conservatory of Music

12:00 – 01:30p

Lunch

12:15 – 01:15p

Lunch with Keynote
Elizabeth Andang’o, PhD, Kenyatta University
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12:30 – 01:15

Lunchtime Activity: Back to Basics: Exploring the Laban Elements of Movement for Preschool Children
Whitney Mayo, Michigan State University
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01:30 – 02:30p

Breakout Session 11

Empowering Young Children Musically
Cynthia Crump Taggart, Michigan State University, Emeritus
Sponsored by GIA Publications
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Developing Culturally Sustainable Classrooms from Early Childhood
Lourdes Cossich, Westtown School
Lynn Clements, Westtown School (not presenting)
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Research Forum 7:
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Musical Learning as a Contributing Factor in the Development of Socio-Emotional Competence in Disadvantaged Children Aged 4-5: An Exploratory Study
Helene Boucher, Université du Québec à Montréal (not presenting)
Valerie Peters, Université Laval (not presenting)
Aimee Gaudette-Leblanc, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Julie Raymond, Université Laval (not presenting)

Potential, Access, Equity: Musical Interactions of Urban, Low-SES Families in the Home and Music Class
Dr. Joe’l A. Staples, Buffalo Public Schools

02:30 – 03:00p

Break

3:00-3:45p

Celebrating Research in Early Childhood
Dr. Lisa Koops, Case Western Reserve University,
Eugenia Costa-Giomi, The Ohio State University
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04:00 – 05:00p

Closing Session: Teaching and Learning Children’s Songs from an African Cultural Context
Elizabeth Andang’o, PhD, Kenyatta University
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These Are Our
Headliners And Hall Of Honor Inductees

Wichita State University - Ph.D, CCC-SLP
Kenyatta University - Ph.D
Eastman School of Music,
University of Rochester - Ph.D
Michigan State University, Emeritus - Ph.D

Who Made This Event Possible
Convention Coordinators

Photo of Mara Culp smiling at camera. They have long black hair and are wearing a white and black speckled shirt.

Mara E. Culp

VP Convention Program Chair (2018-2020), Convention Program Chair (2020-2021)

Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester

Photo of Karen Salvador who has short dirty blonde hair wearing brown long sleeve shirt smiling at camera.

Karen Salvador

VP Convention Site Chair (2018-2020), Convention Site Chair (2020-2021)

Michigan State University

Convention Committee

Program Committee

  • Christian Bigliani, Eastman School of Music
  • Dillon Downey, Eastman School of Music
  • Jason Jones, Reinhardt University and Eastman School of Music
  • Jing Tian Ngiaw, Buffalo United Charter School
  • Michael Ruybalid, University of Montana
  • Wenjing She, Independent Musician
  • Alvin Simpson, Eastman School of Music

Site Committee

  • Whitney Mayo, Michigan State University

Proposal Reviewers

Research Proposals

  • Joy Galliford, University of Miami Frost School of Music
  • Brittany Nixon May, Brigham Young University, School of Music
  • Kerry Renzoni, SUNY Buffalo State
  • Lisa Huisman Koops, Case Western Reserve University
  • Eugenia Costa-Giomi, The Ohio State University School of Music

Led by Lisa Huisman Koops and the National Association for Music Education Early Childhood Music SRIG

Proposal Reviewers

Practical Proposals

  • Diana R. Dansereau, Boston University
  • H. Ellie Wolfe, Drake University
  • Donna Brink Fox, Eastman School of Music
  • Jason Jones, Reinhardt University and Eastman School of Music
  • Lisa Gruenhagen, Bowling Green State University
  • Marena Henkle, St. Ansgar Community School
  • Terri Lenzo, Ohio Northern University
  • Brittany May, Brigham Young University
  • Whitney Mayo, Michigan State University
  • Beatrice Olesko, Ithaca College
  • Jill A. Reese, The State University of New York at Fredonia
  • Tiger Robison, University of Wyoming
  • Joanne Rutkowski, The Pennsylvania State University (Emeritus)
  • Karen Salvador, Michigan State University
  • Christina Svec, Iowa State University
  • Heather Waters, Adelphi University

ECMMA Board 2020-2023

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Su D'Ambrosio

President

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Amy Rucker

Past President

Black and white photo of Tiger Robison smiling at camera. They have short hair and are wearing glasses and a suit.

Tiger Robison

President-Elect / VP Membership

Portrait Photo of Mike Ruybalid smiling. They have short black hair and a goatee. They are wearing glasses and a grey button up shirt.

Mike Ruybalid

VP, Convention Programming

Portrait Photo of Ann Harrington wearing glassing and slightly smiling

Ann Harrington

VP Convention Site

Portrait photo of Christa Kuebel smiling. They have long straight brown hair and are wearing a blue blazer.

Christa Kuebel

VP, Social Media

Portrait photo of Gina Yi smiling. She has straight long black hair and is wearing a purple dress shirt. She has one arm in front of her.

Gina Yi

VP, Professional Advancement

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Lara Larsson

VP Development

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