This interactive session explores how Dr. John Feierabend’s Conversational Solfege® develops musical literacy through an ear-first approach that prioritizes listening, responding, improvising, reading, and writing. Designed for music educators working with learners ages eight and older, the clinician will demonstrate practical strategies for teaching rhythmic and tonal concepts through accessible traditional repertoire and a sequential process that moves from sound to symbol.
Participants will move, sing, echo, decode, improvise, write, and reflect as they experience elements of Feierabend’s 12-step framework. The session highlights strategies that create multiple access points for multilingual learners and students with varied musical backgrounds and readiness levels. Participants will leave with ready-to-use literacy activities, lesson structures, sample repertoire, and practical tools adaptable to general music, choral, and instrumental settings.
Target Audience
Elementary and middle school general music
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
JOhn Crever
Music-ade, LLC
John Crever is a music educator, clinician, and FAME-endorsed teacher trainer who serves the FAME Board of Directors, coordinating media and supporting the Teacher Trainer Committee. Endorsed to teach all three Feierabend certification courses, he developed FAME’s virtual certification courses and continues to expand access through innovative “pop-up” offerings in all places west of the Mississippi. In 2025, he received a FAME Award for exemplary service, honoring his dedication and leadership. He lives in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches high school choir and continues inspiring music educators worldwide.