Overview
In this practical CPD webinar, I support primary school teachers to deliver the music curriculum using simple and engaging songs.

Aligned with Department of Education’s New Music Curriculum, I show how musical skills develop naturally through singing. Together, we explore how one song can be used to teach the nine key musical elements — pulse, tempo, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, timbre, texture, and structure — in a way that feels clear and enjoyable and without too much preparation time.

I demonstrate how children can use their voices, bodies, and senses as instruments, nurturing creativity, self-expression, and artistic engagement — without the need for specialist musical knowledge. This CPD supports inclusivity through providing a balance between Irish music and music of other cultures.

You will leave with a useful resource that you can try out with your class the very next day!

Facilitator Bio: Betty Fitzgerald
- Master’s in Education (Music), from Trinity College Dublin (2021). Dissertation title “The Design and Evaluation of a Music Programme for the Continuing Professional Development of Primary School Teachers”- Created a doable programme to show teachers how to teach basic tin whistle – even if they have no previous musical experience of teaching music/tin whistle. Intention was to improve teacher’s confidence to teach tin whistle

- 9 years as a musicianship lecturer (all levels - 4-year-olds to 4th year BMus Degree

Students), in MTU Cork School of Music

- 20 years’ experience as a visiting music teacher to 10 primary schools teaching tin whistle, recorder, musicianship skills following the primary school curriculum requirements

- 35+ years’ experience as a choral director, piano teacher, and accompanist

- Founder and musical director of Cór Geal, a highly successful 4-part choir, approximately 55 members See website for details - https://corgealchoir.ie/about/

- Certified life coach and motivational speaker, integrating confidence-building strategies, creator and delivery of on-line life-skills programmes and CPD music programmes for schools