My name is Robert Kennedy and I specialize in singing traditional/folk songs that engage children from 3 to 12 years old and their families. These songs are mostly performed on the acoustic guitar and ukulele, but it wouldn't be unusual to hear a banjo, accordion or mandolin show up in a set. My main musical influences that have shaped my approach with children are Pete Seeger, Dan Zanes, Raffi, Elizabeth Mitchell, Ella Jenkin and Tom Chapin. I am a certified Kodaly Method educator with 30 years of experience that utilizes American folk songs, songs from other cultures, traditional games, singalongs, call and response, camp songs, as well as songs that encourage movement and dance. Thematic sets of songs that support my school’s curriculum, recycling, the environment and community/family are often incorporated. My goal has been to use music to help children understand and connect to the world that surrounds them.
While I am not a certified Music Therapist, I am well-versed in the techniques of Music Therapy, which I often incorporate into my music sessions. They are essential when working with children who have a wide variety of language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities.
Robert also has four years of experience at Fieldston Outdoors located in Riverdale (Bronx), New York. Fieldston Outdoors is a summer day camp, which “fosters self-awareness, concern for others, and the deep satisfaction of connecting with nature.” During his time there, Robert served as the music counselor and leader of the “Quad” (a group of singers and musicians who played for the entire camp at the end of every day). The focus of the song repertoire was nature, environment, and good old fashioned camp singalongs and movement activities. He also led songs at the entire camp’s morning meeting called a “Council” where folk stories were told and acted out to raise awareness of the Hudson River, the environment, history and other cultures.
As you have noticed, my stage name is "Bobby Curious." It is a name I have performed under for many years as a musician and singer/songwriter. More info on that aspect of my musical career can be found at: www.bobbycurious.com
EXPERIENCE:
(1990 - 2005)
THE PARKSIDE SCHOOL (NYC)
http://www.parksideschool.org/
POSITION:
MUSIC EDUCATOR/HEAD OF THE ARTS DEPARTMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Daily Music Appreciation Classes with special needs students ages 5 to 11
Lead weekly school-wide music assemblies
End of year Music Festivals
Collaboration with Music Therapist and Art Therapist
(2014-2018)
FIELDSTON OUTDOORS - ECFO (RIVERDALE, NY)
https://fieldstonoutdoors.ecfs.org/
POSITION:
MUSIC COUNSELOR
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Daily music classes with campers aged 5 to 13
Teach traditional, environmental and camp singalong and movement songs
Support morning “Council” sessions with songs
QUAD BAND LEADER/MUSICIAN
(Band that performed for entire camp at the end of each day)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create daily set/song lists
Organize and lead daily practice sessions with up to 7 musicians/singers
Lead and perform at “Quad” singalongs every day and special events
Sing lead and harmony
Play bass, acoustic guitar, ukulele, (occasional banjo and mandolin)
Work on arrangements of songs
(1992 - 2021)
THE GILLEN BREWER SCHOOL (NYC)
POSITION:
MUSIC EDUCATOR
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Daily Music Appreciation Classes with Special Needs students ages 3 to 11
Coordinate with teachers/therapists to sing/create songs to support curriculum
End of Year Achievement Ceremony Songs and Videos
Implementing Carnegie Hall Musical Explorers Program
SKILLS:
Vocalist (lead and harmony), acoustic guitar, bass, ukulele, harmonica, songwriting, large group singing leader, improvisation
EDUCATION:
BA JOURNALISM (UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA)
CERTIFIED KODALY MUSIC INSTRUCTOR (NYU)
Recommendations upon request