Welcome to the IVMS Music Learning Environment!

    Middle/Upper Elementary Classes: We are a bit eclectic in the Music LE. Our students are invited to try piano, keyboards, acoustic and electric guitar, drums, bass, vocals and percussion. Our focus is fun with performance.

    Music is described as Expression of the Soul, Communication Without Words, and countless other valid explanations. It has also been supported with empirical studies to improve the cognitive powers of a growing child. However or whatever it means, all the evidence points to a positive impact on a person. This is the one and only purpose I pursue with the students at Island Village.

    Therefore, I present an atmosphere (a room filled with instruments waiting to be played), an opportunity (material with support from Mr. Peter on how to play the instrument), and a presentation (instruments played by Mr. Peter) of the material on the instrument (while Mr. Peter is having fun playing it).

    Then I wait (the window of opportunity) to see who picks them up. Ask any musician why they play their instrument. It always boils down the desire to play. Therefore, by using a Montessori technique I set the essential elements and environment for the desire to take place. If it happens, it becomes a personal attachment and presto! ? A musician is born.

There are 4 main performances (all volunteer - no one is required to play).
They are always jammed packed with performers.

1. The Fall "Show Your Stuff" lunch time concert
2. The Winter "Seasons and Holidays" night concert & talent show
3. The Spring "Band Jam" w/solo artists lunch time concert
4. Arts Week - A week of Art and Music

    The students perform as solo artists (piano, guitar, vocal), duo/trio combination, and complete band combinations (guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, percussion).

    We have also added 4 iMac computers loaded with the Garage Band/ Finale programs. The students will have pportunities to compose music, record music, and promote their music.

The Music LE also sports a sound room for band practice and two private piano studios.

    K-1/Lower Elementary Classes: Though these classes do not participate in the Music LE, but they are definitely not left out. K-1 classes participate in sing along songs, visits from the student musicians, and have a guitarist come and sing to them once a week.

    Lower Elementary Classes have access to a complete set of Orff Musical Instruments (Montessori Approved for this age group), recorders, and other musical instruments (this is all dependent on each learning environment). I'm even starting a pre-K visit with my Upper Elementary musicians!

Music is for everyone! For more information, e-mail me below.

    During the 30 years as a professional musician and instructor, Peter studied Classical and Jazz music at Cabrillo College and Chabot College in California. He also studied privately with Jazz Greats: Don Haas (Benny Goodman), Smith Dobson (Gary Burton), Dave Smith (Joe Pass), and Ray Brown (Stan Kenton). From Classical, Rock, Reggae, Ethnic, and Jazz, Peter has participated as a studio and stage performer. Well rounded in many styles, he is comfortable with conveying the vast interesting world of music.

    In 2001 he moved to Florida with his fiancée and began to study psychology at USF. He has been performing and teaching here in Venice since. After obtaining his Bachelor in Arts, he found himself interested using motivational techniques with kids and music. As a father and a teacher, he enjoys working with kids and is excited to be part of Island Village Montessori. He is applying for State Certification for Psychology and Music.