Testimonials
"I highly recommend the Play and Play curriculum! As a piano teacher for over 25 years, I have tried a plethora of method books, striving to find the best approach for my students and their individual needs. I was so fortunate to receive my Kodaly training 2018-2021, and started teaching general music to homeschoolers. This led to an interest in teaching piano in groups, and I began reading books and researching the best ways to do that, while adhering to my personal philosophy of “joyful music literacy”. In 2021, I was very blessed to have Diane Engle as my pedagogy instructor at Chenaniah Summer Music Institute, where she introduced me to the “Play and Play” book. It combined my love of piano teaching and the Kodaly methodology and has made my group lessons so effective and joyous! The children love to play the games associated with each song and are eager to play the songs on the piano for their peers each week in class. Since the method uses American folk songs, it fulfills me to know I am passing on our American musical heritage to the next generation. This book now holds a firm spot in my teaching toolbox. I am able to use it with children ages 5-12 with ease. I have even adapted the games for use in private lessons! I suggest you try it for yourself!"
Melissa Surman
Gloria Music Studio
Cincinnati, Ohio
I used game songs from PLAY AND PLAY as a dual language teacher in Houston, Texas. Playing the games with students enhanced their English language development and literacy skills. Now, as an elementary school principal, I appreciate the method of using interactive singing games to promote language and literacy skills. Student engagement in music class through these game songs is high when the experience is interactive and appropriate for their skill level based on the child developmental progression.
I highly recommend the PLAY AND PLAY BOOK to music teachers to enhance instruction in their music classes."
Lindy Robertson
Elementary School Principal
Houston, Texas
"Every beginner piano student I have used Diane's books with has loved them, including a precious 13 year old girl with down syndrome. The layout is easy for the students to read and understand and the songs progress at just the right pace --enough new information at a time to keep it interesting without ever being overwhelming. Because there are several songs at each new concept level, students can apply their new knowledge by learning a piece on their own and I can assess how well they understand the latest note or concept. The folk songs are tuneful and students really like them, especially after they have played the games! One of my students told me she liked this book because it had "real songs" in it, songs that she had had fun singing while playing games with her friends! I highly recommend these books for use in individual or group lessons!"
Sarah Davis
Elementary Music Teacher and Piano Teacher
West Monroe, Louisiana