Puppets And Props In The Music Room: Tamara O’Brien Interview

In this episode, I chat to Tamara O’Brien, an award-winning composer, creative educator and teacher trainer for early childhood and primary music, dance and drama. She provides engaging and practical workshops for teachers and childhood carers through her company, Music For Children. 

Speaking to me from Frenchs Forest just north of Sydney, NSW, Tamara tells me how she uses puppets and props in the music room to help children emerge from their shell and grow with confidence, while learning at the same time. 

Episode highlights: 

• How Tamara started her puppet journey - two former students inspired her use of puppets
• How ‘Sylvester the Sock’ was born
• Audiation explained - the process of inner hearing
• How Tamara uses audiation in her teaching
• Tamara’s use of Magic Lips - something she picked up in one of her pre-schools
• Other daily items that can be used for teaching rhythms
• How Tamara uses buttons to teach
• How Tamara uses ribbons to teach
• Other types of props Tamara makes out of everyday items
• Building her puppet collection - a 15+ years process
• An example of Tamara’s dragon song
• Why making eye contact with the child’s puppet, not the child, is important when interacting and teaching
• How puppets can help inspire creativity and boost confidence in children
• Shyness vs confidence - how Tamara deals with different characters and personalities in children
• Teaching in the UK and how children’s responses to puppets differ
• Why Tamara enjoys teaching with puppets

Recipe: 

James Morrison: Chermoula Chicken on a bed of cous cous with chilli Jam

Quote 

“If I were not a physicist I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Albert Einstein

Useful Links:

Tamara puppet activity video (free)- https://www.bushfirepress.com.au/primary/professional-development/puppets-and-props-in-the-music-room-pd/

Tamara’s Orff resources (with free activities)  - https://www.bushfirepress.com.au/primary/music/orff-resources/

Tamara’s downloadable Orff resources - https://www.bushfirepress.com.au/music-room-connect/

Tamara O’Brien on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-o-brien-17999b6/ 

Music For Children Website - http://www.musicforchildren.com.au/ 

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