General COMMENTS
"When my daughter and I enrolled in Aniko's solfa class, little did we know that we'd be getting much more than do-re-mi. Aniko incorporates many elements of music education into her class - rhythm, singing, eartraining, sightsinging, movement. But that's not all. Aniko takes the children on big adventures in social studies. Whether learning cowboy songs of the Old West or slave songs of the South, the children think and talk about history, geography, and the everyday lives of people in other places and times. By intertwining the melodies, words, and discussions with the children's imaginations, Aniko brings history to life through song. It is a most marvelous way for the children to learn." Lila Turner, MD 2005
"Just wanted to say thanks,
Aniko, for the wonderful musical experience you have given our beloved boys
(ages 13 and 9) over the past five years. As a public school music teacher, I
especially appreciate the high level of musical excellence that all your groups
achieve. I am amazed at the apparent ease with which your i Cantori and i Voci
groups perform extremely sophisticated and complex vocal arrangements. Many
college level music students only wish they could sing with a group such as
this.
"As wonderful as your concerts have been, the best part for me was observing
these kids after the concert was over. Seeing them continue to sing out in the
lobby or even out the door into the parking lot, to initiate favorite songs all
by themselves, is truly a testament to their love for singing. Obviously this
has been cultivated by your fine teaching and by your establishment of a
wonderful environment in which this can happen. Nothing makes a music teacher
happier than seeing kids experience and enjoy music to such a degree.
"I can't wait to see what the future holds for these groups, and, for these
students. Thanks again for your commitment and fine teaching."
Steve Sinni, Music Teacher at Montgomery Knolls Elementary School
Silver Spring, MD (Montgomery County Public Schools) 2005
"I knew our (six year old) daughter was really paying attention in your class when one afternoon as we were driving and listening to the radio she said, "Mom, can you change the station please? That song is way too minor!". Thank you for increasing my child's musical vocabulary and helping her develop a discerning ear." Barbara Dashiell, MD 2005
"When my older children (Joshua and Madelyn) were babies, I heard a children's chorus in Utah sing that was just heavenly. The children had learned to use their voices correctly and the pure clear sound was truly artistic. Ever since then, I've kept in the back of my mind the desire to find a good children's chorus for my kids some day. In the small town I grew up in, the only non-school chorus that I was aware of was a show choir. I don't have anything against "show choirs," but the kids just yelled, and it wasn't a pretty sound. So I've been keeping my eye out for a good children's chorus, and I'm happy to say I've found one! My only concern was that I was the one who wanted them to do the chorus, because I wanted my kids to learn to sing with a beautiful tone, and I knew Madelyn would love it, but I knew I'd have to do some selling with Joshua. You made that easy, because they were both instantly sold! They absolutely loved it from day one!
Also, I want to tell you that from a musician's standpoint, I'm very impressed as well. I have a master's in violin performance and pedagogy, and although I'm not a singer, I have thought before that I should spend some time teaching my children to sing. (Don't laugh, because if you've listened to me sing at all, you'll know I'm not good, but I know a few basics for trying to help my children, and my mother was an elementary school music teacher, so we grew up singing a lot of the songs that you teach). First of all, I never was getting to teaching them singing, so for that I'm grateful for your class, but secondly (and I know this is obvious, because you are trained to do this) you do such a better job than I could ever do, not just because I'm not a singing teacher, but because you are one of the most skilled teachers that I've ever observed. You have such good classroom management skills, cover so many important musical concepts, teach history along with it, use every minute to the best advantage, have a predictable routine that the kids become used to and anticipate, and make it all fun! I can't imagine a childhood music program any better! Anyway, that was long, but though I have meant to, I have never taken the time to tell you before how much we appreciate you! I also appreciate your making it affordable and easy to come." SaraLyn Baxter, MD 2005
"As always, Ioanna loves your chorus and finds it an extremely rewarding and important part of her week." Lynette Mattke, MD 2008
SENIOR MUSIC APPRECIATION & HISTORY CLASSES, OASIS, MD, 2008
"Awesome, outstanding, so much knowledge. My life has been forever changed!" Joan Wilkins
"The instructor not only was extremely knowledgeable but a fantastic instructor, humorous, and willing to answer any questions at all." Zoe Lefkowitz
BRINGING WALDORF HOME CONFERENCE, VA, 2005
"She's fantastic!" "Thank you for your wonderful session. It was enjoyed by all!" "I enjoyed the playfulness of teaching music." "A great start to music curriculum - loved getting the handouts and Aniko's energy." collected by Nicole Correri, Conference Director
THEORY
"I thank you for a great year, and look forward to continuing my musical education in Theory III next year. You really helped me build the strong musical foundation that I needed." Faisal Choudhury, Washington, D.C. 2003
…”I have always found Aniko’s work to be of the highest standard; carefully thought through, exceedingly well documented both for herself and her pupils, and above all highly creative in its approach to the particular needs of her charges.” Colin Iversen, Executive Director, West Australian Youth Orchestra, Perth, West Australia 1988
Blue Hill, Maine
"Dear Aniko, Getting the chance to work with you beats a vacation in Tobago any day. Ever since we did the Renaissance songs last year, I have been looking forward to your return. Learning history through songs makes it truly unforgettable! Whenever any subject that we have covered in song comes up, I know your words will spring to mind. I have learned so much from you." Suzanna, 7th grade, Blue Hill, Maine
"You have taught us so much - from Archimedes to the first flight, to knowing what is major and minor, to knowing what instruments were in a symphony. I had great fun working with and singing all your beautiful songs. Thank you so much, Aniko; I now look at music in a different way." Pete, 7th grade, Blue Hill, Maine
"You've made us sound a million times better in the few days you've worked with us. A million thanks for making the Finale lower for us big guys. P.S. The songs you wrote for us were great." Tristan Benoit, 8th grade, Blue Hill, Maine
"Thank you so much for helping our class learn your masterpieces! You helped us from horrible to perfection. I will never forget the songs!" Justin Kaley, 8th grade, Blue Hill, Maine
“.. Aniko
is a master teacher… Her work with the children was focused, consistent, set
high standards, and inspired a level of enthusiasm that was wonderful to behold.
She is a natural teacher and truly brings out the very best in children…
It is without reservation and a statement that I do not make often that 'Aniko
is truly one of the finest educators with whom I have worked.'
You would be truly fortunate to have your children interact with her.”
“No school could ask for more in a music teacher than what Aniko Debreceny brings to the task. Her ability to engage and inspire students with the “stuff of music” is second to none in my twenty years teaching experience.” Catherine Razi, Faculty Chair, the Bay School, Blue Hill, Maine May 15, 1996
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Have a question? anikodebreceny@comcast.net