Your proven lesson plans made me super confident
My first ever reception lessons today were brilliant. The utter joy and fun was quite overwhelming! Knowing that I could use your proven lesson plans really does mean that I can feel super confident in not only what I’m delivering but why I am teaching in a Kodály inspired way. Read more “Your proven lesson plans made me super confident”
It has changed how I approach everything
Ever since I found Helen and Doremi Connect I have felt part of such a supportive community. Everyone is so knowledgeable and happy to share their teaching experiences. My students and I are benefitting from the resources and courses available in the membership. I am absolutely transformed and it has changed how I approach everything! Thank you to a Helen and fellow members for all of your wonderful support. Read more “It has changed how I approach everything”
Re-energised my teaching
Helen has re-energised my teaching in a way that is almost unexplainable. Helen is full of knowledge and experience of really teaching what she preaches and continuing to be reflective and outward looking. She goes above and beyond in support and resources and her expertise is hard to match. Read more “Re-energised my teaching”
Friendly and supportive
Led by Helen, the Doremi Sofa offers such a lovely, friendly, supportive community where people can share their worries and speak their mind whilst knowing that they are always going to get helpful replies and be treated as a friend. It’s not always easy to find lovely places on the internet. It’s really special. Read more “Friendly and supportive”
My Kodály one stop shop
It’s great to have a readily available ‘one-stop shop’ for all things Kodály. Helen hosts regular live sessions where we not only get to practice our musicianship, but pick up really cool teaching tips and discuss aspect of teaching that are more general eg. setting fees, contracts & imposter syndrome. As a Teach: Piano member I’m benefitting loads from Helen’s detailed video explanations and adaptable lesson plans. Helen is not only a great teacher but a fabulous role model too! Read more “My Kodály one stop shop”
My weekly treat
Helen’s musicianship classes are my weekly treat. I love the vibe in the group – everyone is friendly and engaged. I feel comfortable to make mistakes in front of the class and to try things outside of my comfort zone, which I think reflects Helen’s skill as a tutor and her enthusiasm for all things Kodály and music! Read more “My weekly treat”
Warm, friendly and fun
Who would have thought Zoom classes could be so warm, friendly and fun?! Plus it is so well structured, Helen is approachable and clearly knows her stuff! I started by dipping my toe into Kodály musicianship; now I’m fascinated and want to learn more! Read more “Warm, friendly and fun”
The lesson plans are amazing
I have learnt so much from Helen. It is a joy to participate in her classes and the online discussion groups are full of fun and learning. There is something there for Kodály enthusiasts at any level. Helen is always encouraging, non judgemental and full of energy and has made my Kodály teaching so much easier and more organised. Her “microstep” lesson plans are amazing. Read more “The lesson plans are amazing”
I love Doremi Connect
Helen’s classes are so much fun and incredibly supportive. I have gained so much confidence and understanding of music theory, and the resources are great too. The whole community helps you to feel connected and there is so much expertise and experience available.
I love Doremi Connect… and I HAVE got the t-shirt 🙂 Read more “I love Doremi Connect”
Hi, I’m Helen Russell and I’m waiting to help you achieve your goals.
I’m ready to help you improve your musicianship, develop your teaching, use the Kodály approach, get to grips with technology and even make new friends!
Have a nosy around my site, and if you have any questions or aren’t clear on your goals then get in touch. I’m ready to help.
I can’t wait to get to know you!
Memorising Kodály Music & Piano Lesson Plans
Do you memorise your lesson plans for piano lessons or music classes?
So many of us feel we need to memorise our lesson plans. Here are my reflections on my own journey, hang ups and misconceptions about memorisation.
Which Solfa to Start with in Kodály Music Lessons
So know you want to teach using solfa, and you know that throwing them into the full diatonic scale is not the best way. But which subset of the tones, or toneset, do you teach first? Get ready for some controversy!
4 Differences of Kodály Music Lessons and Piano Lessons
Do you teach classroom music and private instrumental lessons using the Kodály approach? Here are my four top differences between these teaching settings.
How to start planning your Kodály Music Curriculum
Do you want or need to create a singing based curriculum for your school, class or club? Maybe you’ve done some Kodály training but have been left highly motivated but not quite knowing where to start.
5 Essential Questions Before Teaching Older Students with the Kodály Approach
Whether it’s in a piano or other instrumental lesson, a singing lesson or in a class setting, this topic crops up all the time.
What can I do if my students won’t sing?
My experiences and advice on how to deal with this in classroom music lessons, one-to-one piano lessons and also unbelievably in private singing lessons too!
How to succeed with no budget for musical instruments
Are you Music Lead at your school? Maybe you have a cupboard of old musical instruments. Or maybe nothing. But you certainly don’t have theRead more “How to succeed with no budget for musical instruments”
Versatile Repertoire for Kodály Piano Teaching
I’ll admit I can be pretty ungrateful when it comes to gifts! Especially toys for my kids. Every January my house is full of flashyRead more “Versatile Repertoire for Kodály Piano Teaching”
Don’t wait! Participate! – Effective learning in shared piano lessons
One of the wonderful things about music is that it connects people. However learning piano can be a solitary endeavour with fewer opportunities for ensembleRead more “Don’t wait! Participate! – Effective learning in shared piano lessons”