I first came across Sound Thinking Interactive in the Summer of 2022 during my coursework for Kodály Level 1. I was fully Orff certified, but beginning to blend that into my newly acquired Kodály knowledge seemed like a daunting task. Nonetheless, it was the right decision for me since I would be switching campuses that coming fall. Sound Thinking Interactive drew inspiration from the lessons in Houlahan and Tacka’s Kodály Today: A Cognitive Approach to Elementary Music Education. Since that is what I was following, it made sense to use their program. Our district was asked if anyone would be interested in piloting the program, and I was more than happy to oblige.
After using the program for a school year, a survey was sent out from Sound Thinking asking if anyone using their product would be interested in presenting a session at TMEA. I had had such tremendous success with it that I was more than willing to submit a proposal. I worked with Kristopher last Spring into the Summer to prepare our presentation, and in August, we got the news that our submission had been accepted. Throughout the whole experience, I have felt nothing but support from Kristopher and his team. Anytime I had a question or felt unsure, I would reach out and have an answer within a short amount of time. I sincerely appreciate all the help and encouragement I received. The experience of working with Sound Thinking Interactive and presenting at TMEA has made me a better educator because it has challenged me to think creatively but to teach sequentially and and develop my students’ musicianship.
Christen Jones
Music Specialist, Katy Elementary
Katy Independent School District
