I began writing songs for my students 12 years ago after attending a professional development seminar. The speaker explained that children learn more, retain more, and love learning through songs. I was so inspired that I began writing songs about everything I wanted to teach. When California introduced its draft for the state standards 11 years ago, I wrote a song to teach each standard to my children.

At that time, teachers at my school really wanted tools to teach these new standards. Some asked me to produce my songs professionally. This sounded fun. Being a violinist from Missouri, I was excited by the prospect of producing real songs in a real studio near L.A!

I found some excellent musicians who worked with me to turn my ideas into quality music. After producing my first two programs, Phonics Time and Science Songs, I conducted a pilot study with 80 teachers in South Bay Union School District. I invited them into my classroom, told them about my ideas, and asked for their feedback. They used the songs in their classrooms and gave me suggestions for making the music truly user-friendly and effective with children. They suggested important changes. They requested books with lyric sheets and simple lesson ideas. They wanted more songs to teach all subjects. I took my colleagues’ advice.

Soon, several companies expressed interest in my music. Staff Development for Educators, the Institute for Educational Development, and the Bureau of Education and Research hired me to speak across the country. School districts and conference directors asked me to share my ideas with teachers. Several publishing companies, including NASA, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill and Pearson Learning, licensed songs to enhance their programs.

Currently, I teach first grade in a small country school in the North Shore of Oahu. I am honored to have the ability to make a difference for thousands of children world-wide as I work every day to help my children. Thank you for inviting me into your home or classroom. Please let me know how I can make a greater difference for you and your children!

Sincerely,
Jennifer Fixman