For children, she's a friend with a message. For parents, she's a stress reliever. And for teachers, she's a classroom aide with class and an SOL resource. Betsy Q., local children's musician and songwriter, enjoys an enduring popularity in schools homes and communities spanning 10 years.
Focusing on rhythm, repetition and encouragement, Betsy Q.'s songs seem to leave children clapping and singing along even after just one listen. Of why her songs seem to strike such a chord, Betsy Q. sticks with a simple explanation: "They're fun."
But just as import as having a good time, songs have a special power when it comes to reaching children with an educational message. "It's a really good feeling that you can reach a child with music and they can learn so easily," she says, herself awed with the power of a little bit of melody and rhythm.
Incorporating 20 years of experience as a professional rock 'n' roll musician touring widely in Virginia venues, Betsy Q. speculates that her biggest edge in reaching her audience is her ability to incorporate learning into tunes that sound modern and fresh. "In all of my music, I still have that rock 'n' roll influence," she says. "It's not just 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.' This gives them a lesson, but it keeps them in a modern [context]."
Spanning topics ranging from science and self-esteem, to fun with reading and making friends, Betsy Q.'s music tends to cover requests from educators for songs treating specific educational requests - another important part of why her music offers such a scholastic enhancement in the classroom.
"Over the years, I've gotten requests from teachers. They'd say, 'hey, we need a song about insects', or something like that. I think the only subject I haven't covered is math," she chuckles. It's hard to rhyme, she explains, when you constantly have to check your subtraction.
While Betsy Q. sings, teachers rave over expansive body of work, which includes over 50 song titles. "In my classroom, Betsy Q. songs are an integral part of the curriculum," maintains Judy Nickels, a kindergarten teacher with Chesterfield County Schools. "The objectives in language arts, social studies, and science are incorporated in her songs and are easily connected with the Standards [of Learning] we are required to teach."
Now with five collections of music focusing on children's education under her belt, Betsy Q. also recognizes what a tool she herself can be to teachers in the classroom. She tours extensively, making appearances in classrooms, at PTA/PTO meetings, at libraries and at almost any function where children assemble to learn. "It's all about audience participation," she insists, explaining that her reliance on repetition in her songs helps drive home important concepts. "It teaches the child to listen."
Betsy Q.'s collections of songs, available on cassette, can be found at Borders Books and Music and at area teaching stores, such as Edward T. Rabbit and Toys that Teach.
