Hip Hop, It's Elemental

We will break down components of Hip Hop into musical concepts that all musicians can understand. We will model lessons that build skill with scheming and similes. Participants take part in the lesson as if they were the children, and review the process for building skills with k-5 musicians. Culturally responsive general music educators are looking for ways to engage their musicians with music that represents the culture and interests of their students. Many k-5 general music teachers are intimidated by Rap and Hip Hop because they lack knowledge of the musical structures, are not sure where to access Hip Hop in the elementary setting, and are concerned about crossing the line from appreciation to appropriation. Breaking down the elements of Hip Hop and Rap into musical concepts that all musicians can understand opens the door to including Hip Hop in the elementary general music classroom in a culturally respectful, engaging and musically rich learning environment.

LeslieAnne Bird 

Three Little Birds Music Education Services LLC
Owner/CEO

LeslieAnne Bird teaches middle school general music and chorus at University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, is an adjunct lecturer for preservice music teachers at Akron State and Cleveland State. She has 28 years experience teaching general music to children in pre-k-12th grade in public schools in four states.

Kenrick Wagner 

University of South Florida
Director of Contemporary and Commercial Music

Kenrick Wagner is a social entrepreneur with over 15 years of professional musical experience as a music educator, performer and recording artist.
Kenrick is the Director of Contemporary and Commercial Music at the University of South Florida. The Commercial Degree Program is Expected to launch in Fall 2023.

The FMEA Professional Development Conference and All-State Ensembles receive support in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.