YourClassical

Teacher Feature: Cheryl Henningsgaard

Teacher Feature: Cheryl Henningsgaard
Cheryl Henningsgaard
Cheryl Henningsgaard, holding a harp guitar
Submitted photo

Classical MPR's Teacher Feature highlights the lives and work of music teachers throughout Minnesota.

Cheryl Henningsgaard
Early Childhood Music Faculty Member
MacPhail Center for Music
Minneapolis

Where did you go to college?

I received my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, earned a Master of Science in Child and Family Studies at St. Cloud State University, and have pursued further music studies in Orff Schulwerk at The University of St. Thomas.

Which grades and classes do you teach? The MacPhail Center for Music, a nonprofit organization, makes Early Childhood Music accessible to the community through financial support. Today over 3,500 children are participating in MacPhail Early Childhood Music! Classes are taught at the MacPhail Minneapolis, Apple Valley, Chanhassen and White Bear Lake locations, online and at over 100 community partnerships! Every year, I have had the opportunity to teach or mentor teachers at our various locations and community partnerships.

This year, I am developing curriculum and teaching online to several Preschool and Kindergarten Classes located in rural Minnesota. I am teaching at community partnerships, and at the Minneapolis location. I teach classes for our youngest students and their caregivers, Music for Baby and You (ages 6 weeks to 10 months), Musical Explorations (10-24 months), Musical Discoveries (24-36 months), Musical Make Believe (3-4 year olds), Forte Fridays (3-5 year olds), Family Music (six weeks to 4 years), and Musical Storytelling (all ages)! One of the features of our curriculum is the emphasis on creating a musical home environment. This is achieved through weekly e-lessons that feature specific music listening selections, videos of specific songs used in the curriculum, and child development information.

In what ways do you try to encourage your students to appreciate and participate in music?

I encourage my families to create a musical home environment through the utilization of our weekly e-lessons. I encourage music participation though daily listening, and singing songs featured in class and on the e-lessons! I also encourage families to use music as a teaching tool and for transitions. I encourage my families to listen to a wide variety of musical genres. Music is a language, and children must develop their palate through listening to many different musical styles! I encourage families to attend the many concerts offered at MacPhail, and live music concerts offered in their communities. Finally, I encourage families to develop their personal musical skills and abilities. Perhaps they once played a specific instrument, or enjoyed singing. Instrument playing or singing live music at home is always encouraged!

If you were to help program a day of music at Classical MPR, what would be a piece of music you'd play in the morning? What piece of music would you play in the evening?

For the morning, I would choose, "The William Tell Overture," by Rossini:

For evening, I would chose, "O Mio Babbino Caro," by Puccini:

In the overture, the music begins with quiet sounds of morning, but suddenly accentuates with the excitement of new beginnings! I love the lush orchestration and the brass. And I chose the Puccini because I believe young children should experience bel canto singing. This song is like a lullaby. Lullabies, little love songs, are songs caregivers sing to their children, around the world.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$
<!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE-->