Ten years ago (Wow! It's been that long) my daughter was in Nursery School. Just for fun, I brought in my guitar to play a couple of songs for her class. The School Director loved it & offered me a tuition reduction to play twice a month. Within a two weeks I wrote my first kid's song, "I Got An Alligator." Soon I had requests to perform at parties & other schools. Things mushroomed from there.
2) What kinds of jobs did you have before your career in kids' music?
I was family therapist treating folks of all ages. I ran a few men's depression groups, did marital therapy & some play therapy with kids. Other jobs: Group Home Counselor, Draftsman, & Sailing Instructor.
3) Do you write your own music? Melody or lyrics or both?
Yes, I write all of my music, except for a few traditional tunes that kids love. Often I start with a few words while driving to a gig. I sing them into a portable tape player. Later, I sit down with a guitar & work out the rest of the melody & lyrics. Lyrics can change a few times during studio recording.
4) Where do you get your inspiration?
Kids! Mine & the audience. They are naturally open to experience & are wonderfully inventive. Sometimes I'll just ask the kids to come up with a topic & some words. Before long we have a jingle or a whole song.
5) What age do you gear your songs toward?
Mostly 3 - 7 y.o.
6) Do you think of parents when you are writing too?
Yes. I love lyrics with double meanings. Kids get the words or humor on one level & parent's appreciate it on another. I enjoy rock-based music & I know most parents do too. So, I write energetic pop/rock songs that won't annoy adults (or me), especially because I'll be singing them a 1000 times.
7) What do you think about the area of children's music these days?
I'm amazed at how it's growing. Musicians are taking real chances on a variety of genres, & families are enjoying music together. I particularly love the comradery between artists. Many of us share resources & applaud each others successes. Good people & good music.
8) What are the top messages you want to communicate to children?
Life is sweet. Eat it up!
Live fully & genuinely. Get your parents (if not, drag them in) to do the same.
9) What music do you listen to when you aren't working?
I'm a big fan of alt-rock, alt-country & punk. I love The Clash, Ramones, Pixies, Death Cab for Cutie, Spoon, Moby, X, Wilco, The Shins, Sufjan Stevens, Devo, Husker Du, Sonic Youth, Yo La Tango...I can go on & on.
10) What songs or singers were your favorites as a child?
I was born in Israel & lived there til the age of 10. I enjoyed a lot of Israeli pop singers, as well as The Beatles, Elvis, Jackson 5, & the Rolling stones. Also, my grandmother, a former teacher in Poland, used to sing us songs in Polish that had funny interactions. She was my favorite singer of all.
11) Why do you think music is important?
It connects people. It liberates. It inspires & heals. I've seen parents, teachers & kids having the time of their lives, loosing inhibitions, & naturally expressing sheer joy during a concert. It's awe inspiring!
12) What else do you want to share with us?
Hug & kiss & sing to your kid today. If you already did, do it once more.
