Discover practical ways to bring Music Learning Theory by Edwin Gordon into the early childhood classroom. Participants will be immersed in engaging musical activities while learning the research and theory that support them. This interactive session will explore age-appropriate applications for children ages 0–8, offering educators practical strategies, musical games, and movement experiences they can immediately apply in their teaching. Teachers will gain concrete tools to nurture students’ ability to audiate—to internally hear, understand, and think music before, during, and beyond performance—while fostering musical independence, creativity, and deeper musical understanding.
Target Audience
Elementary Music Teachers / Early Childhood
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Dillon Walters
Palm Elementary - COJUSD
Dillon Walters is a composer, world music enthusiast, elementary music teacher, and Director of Curriculum at COJUSD. He currently serves as President of the California GIML Chapter. Dillon earned his B.A. in Music Education from California State University, Fresno, and previously served as Choral Director at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fresno, California.
He has completed certification training in World Music Drumming, Orff, and Music Learning Theory for elementary music education. His teaching approach integrates multiple methodologies, with a primary emphasis on developing students’ audiation through a Music Learning Theory–inspired framework combined with mindfulness practices.