Michelle Wiley

Michelle Wiley, Kids Music Learning Project

Hi everyone. I am not a film maker, although I co-wrote the title theme to an Academy Award winning film, An Unmarried Woman. Currently my focus is on Kids Music Education. I have an idea for a series based on a little girl who loves music but is (for many reasons) afraid of her music teacher. She travels through the music on her piano to Staffland, a most unusual musical place, where she learns everything there is to know about music from its fun and friendly citizens. I have written content for 20 shows but have yet to find anyone interested in producing such a program for TV or internet. I have songs composed and sketches of characters and would love to connect with anyone interested in this much needed music education tool. With funding cut backs in our public and private schools, there is a huge hole in should be every child's right to music literacy.

STAFFLAND is a musical education program, designed to allow students (primarily young students, although not limited to youth) to engage and interact with music theory and practice in the form of structured play. (After all, we say that musicians ‘play’ their instruments.) Each concept leads to the next in story form and growing musical depth. Because music is presented as a story the retention by the students of new concepts is facilitated by their own involvement and interest in the story. The story line keeps students ‘on track’ and also allows them to progress at their own individual pace. Through this program, music is presented as an engaging and entertaining story, rather than the traditional tedious rote and practicum. We do not dismiss practice and repetition, as developmental tools; rather we supplement these with an eager interest in learning and an understanding of where the practice leads. Thus, with this program, music becomes a journey undertaken by the student guided by the unfolding story of STAFFLAND. Are there any like minded people out there interested in this genre?