Plato states that "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything." Why does music exist? Why do human beings sing? Is music essential to the human being? In addition to making an attempt to answer these questions, we will follow the course of music throughout the ages; imagining the sounds of primitive and ancient man through music of indigenous culture, envisioning the balance and harmony of the music of ancient Greece, and following the birth of western music from the medieval ages through music in our current culture.  It has long been said that "music is a universal language." In addition to proving this thesis, we will also try to disprove it by challenging our ears through music that is unfamiliar or that uses a different type of modality.  The experience of this music will be primarily achieved through singing, although a few examples of recorded music will be given. Singers of all levels are welcome!

 JEFF SPADE

 

JEFF SPADE, a music teacher in Waldorf schools for the past twenty-one years, began at the Kimberton Waldorf School while getting a M.A. in Vocal Performance. Observing classes at the Steiner school in Stuttgart, Germany, he saw the impact of Waldorf pedagogy in the urban environment. This led him to teach vocal music, orchestra and high school drama at the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City. Currently, Jeff teaches vocal music in grades 3–12 and orchestra in grades 4–12 at the Chicago Waldorf School and singing, recorder and music curriculum courses for the Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Education Program.  In addition to his work in the Waldorf movement, he maintains a private vocal studio in his home, stage directs opera and musical theater, and is an assistant conductor for the Chicago Licorice Sticks, a clarinet orchestra performing music from all genres.