Philosophy
By approaching creativity with our whole body, listening' with all our senses, and practicing techniques which utilize both halves of our brain, we can deepen our access to, and take responsibility for our own creativity. These practices also enrich our appreciation and  understanding for the creativity of others.

Synopsis
In a classroom setting, students learn and practice body-centered writing and presentation, through demonstration, exercise, and discussion. Workshops are fast paced and funny, utilizing techniques which allow for individual expression within a cooperative group setting. 

In these process-oriented sessions, though short-term goals are reached for, we focus on the 'reaching for,' rather than on the goal. Unusual theories and ideas from a broad range of fields, including philosophy, physiology, and physics are introduced and applied. 

Question and answer periods allow the students to learn more about a performing artist as role model -- someone who enjoys his work, and whose work is informed by a positive, ethical perspective.

Classes are designed and tailored individually, based on age of students, size of groups, and student population.  Pre-residency teacher guides are provided.
Workshops may be integrated with curriculum or free standing.  Staff development sessions, assembly concerts, and family programs can also be included.

PURPOSE

• Inspire students to create their own works, both during and after the workshop.
  
• Encourage enjoyment, excitement, and self-confidence about writing and creativity in general
  
• Provide easy, practical methods for accessing a deeper, richer use of language
  
• Demonstrate successful songwriting, poetry, and storytelling by presenting my own and others' work
  
• Present myself as a positive role-model as both a creative writer and a workshop leader.
  

Recent letters from Tanglewood Elem. School, South Glens Falls, NY, after a weeklong residency

Thanks for the wonderful performance. We all enjoyed the songs, and singing along! - Miss Pastore and class

Your time with us this week was truly a gift. Your wonderfully creative, sensitive, yet engaging style gave us something to look forward to each day. Good luck to you as you continue to pursue your dreams and goals. - Sue Ouderkirk,  teacher

Thank you so much for inspiring our class and me! Your presence in our room has been very motivating. I especially appreciate that you never spoke down to the children. You shared your high expectations with them, but in a very encouraging way. Enclosed are some notes from our children. They are unedited, and from the 'inside'.  I hope you enjoy them. -Suzanne Morris,  teacher

I think your music touched us - Nate

You helped me to feel my feelings. You made up songs that weren't only funny, but meant a lot to me.  Also; thank you for the compliments. You probably have a whole bunch of friends. - Your friend,  Alison

Your work kept me interested.  I also like that you wouldn't make anyone do what they didn't want to do. - Kristen

I had a fun time with composting the meolodies. - (actual spelling)
- Sincerely, Matt

I thought you were the best because I never heard someone tell a story with so much mush feeling and if I did that, I'd just be scared. These were the first songs that made me laugh all day. - Sincerely, Katy

I really learned some things from you!  I didn't know I could write a song,  I really didn't! You really brought out the creative person inside. - Your pal, Pat

I really enjoyed the program you did with my class, and I've learned
I do have some musical talent. Writing that song made me think that. - The kid with no some musical talent, Justin

I will never forget this experience. You taught me it was O.K.
to share my feelings and it was O.K. to do what I wanted to do in life.
I used to be very shy to get up in front of the class, After your speech I am still shy, but not as much as I was. - Amy