BRIEF BIO:
Malcolm Moore is the K-4 Music Teacher at Larchmont Charter Hollygrove in Hollywood, CA. With over 20 years combined teaching music public and privately, serving various organizations as a Behaviorist (all ages from youth to senior), and also as a professional recording and performing artist, Malcolm has devoted his life toward helping people achieve their greatest un-tapped musical potential. He is certified by UCLA Arts as a Music Medicine Facilitator.
SETTING:
Whether I am doing a drum circle, teaching a music class, or teaching a private lesson, classroom setting is imperative. From the moment the student walks in the door, I want them to be inspired and comfortable.
Lighting: I use soft light, lamps, and sometimes just natural light on a sunny day. I also have curtains on the windows to help control light and make it easier to see when I show videos.
Sound: I start and end each class with minimalist music. Some of my favorite artists to use for such soundscapes are Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Robert Fripp, John De Kadt, Peter Gabriel, David Byrne, and Kimba Arem.
Scent: I use a diffuser with essential oils. These are relatively affordable and require only a few drops in water that last about 4 hours. Some of the most effective oils include peppermint, lavender, and lemon.
Vision: Especially for drum circles, I set up circular tapestries or rugs with vibrant colours. One of my favorite circular tapestries was made by my good friend, Abbie Ehorn (fellow music teacher in Cottonwood, CA). It has 4 sections; Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. I set up the percussion instruments in strategic places on the circle. Then, I ask the students why each instrument is in each section. There are no wrong answers; it’s all about constructivism and using their own creativity!
MINDFULNESS:
This doesn’t only work for classes or large groups. I often set up my classroom in the form of an obstacle course for 1 on 1 instruction with students on the spectrum. This works wonders for those with a short attention span, sensory processing disorder, or autism. I walk them through myriad activities within 5 minute stations. They never get bored and it’s all about self-discovery within the art of play.
Creating mindfulness in the classroom disarms nervousness and helps students to feel safe. This enables their individual personalities to develop, and eventually makes a permanent impression in their daily lives and those of others. Mindfulness is positively contagious!
For more information, feel free to visit my website:
“To say ‘music medicine’ is to move music to a place in your life beyond entertainment or distraction. Instead of tuning out, this approach allows you to use music to tune in and turn up.” – Christine Stevens
Musack is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to provide a voice to underprivileged kids and teens through music by providing instruments and support for instructors.
RESOURCES:
Self-Healing with Sound and Music
by Dr. Andrew Weil & Kimba Arem
https://www.amazon.com/Self-Healing-Sound-Music-Revitalize-Sound-Healing/dp/B0167DDZT6
Music Medicine: The Science and Spirit of Healing Yourself with Sound
by Christine Stevens
http://ubdrumcircles.com/musicmedicine/
Essential Oils:
www.youngliving.com
Abbie Ehorn: Drum Circle Tapestries
http://abbiesmusicbox.com
*Malcolm Moore plays Yamaha acoustic & electronic Drums,
ZildjianCymbals, Kandu cajons, and Vic Firth sticks & brushes.