Biography
A personal look at Creative Director, Martha Krueger
After singing in cafes and clubs as a professional singer and songwriter in Toronto, Martha Krueger took a right turn when she shifted her audience to the young at heart. Becoming a mother marked the beginning of that new path. She has sung to children ranging from newborn to 10 year olds in a variety of contexts. For six years she taught at a play gym program called "Gymboree" in Hamilton. The weekly themes became a catalyst for creative circle times with puppets and original songs. Martha has also taken her 12 string guitar into daycares, libraries, public schools and bookstores in the Hamilton and Niagara region. She focused on psychology and education in her university degrees and later went on to study early childhood music at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. This academic background combined with her experience as a musician and teacher enabled her to write the curriculum for this program. It reflects not only her child development and music knowledge, but also her love for children, music and fun. Martha appreciates the power music has to impart positive values to children, foster language development, coordination and social skills.
In
September 2000, she began a business called "Open Door Music". Children, ranging
from 4 months through 4 years, come with a parent or caregiver to weekly 45
minute classes where they are taught songs, move to music and explore a
variety of age appropriate props and rhythm instruments.
Here is a quote from someone whose son was taught by Martha:
"For over one year I have observed Martha educate and entertain both children
and parents and can say without any doubt that she is truly outstanding at what
she does. Her blend of music, play and exploration keeps her audience captivated
and stimulates the child's motor and intellectual skills. I wholeheartedly
recommend Martha's services to anyone with young children and wishing to
introduce their child to music."
Luc Groleau, Consultant for a Computer Company