Kid's Korner

Brian Vogan

By Hilary Field

There is a new rising star in the Seattle music scene, and perhaps one of the very few who collaborates with indie-rock producers as well as pre-school kids. Brian Vogan is an exceptional musician and early childhood educator, whose debut CD, Little Songs, was showered with accolades. About.com and Cookie magazine placed Little Songs in their 2008 top ten best children’s CDs list. He was also awarded a Children’s Music Web Award for Best New Artist for Preschoolers. Brian currently teaches infant, toddler, and pre-kindergarten music classes at several preschools in the Seattle area. Brian’s teaching style is based on the emergent curriculum philosophy, where lesson plans are based on the student’s interests and imagination. This was the seed for the creation of his CD Little Songs, where children were directly involved in the creative songwriting process. “Together as a class we work on songwriting and discuss themes, lyrical ideas, and the children offer up tips on arrangement,” said Brian. “The songs seem to take on a life of their own and it's through this process that I created my first children's CD.”  The songs on Brian’s debut CD are fun, clever, catchy, and musically rich enough for adults and kids alike. “Animal ABCs” goes beyond the everyday critters to reach “N is for nutria, crawl like a nutria.” (Full disclosure here – I had to do a quick google search to learn that nutrias are large, semi-aquatic rodents.) Kids get to bone up on their zoology while leaping, galloping, crawling, and dancing to great music. Brian understands that music and creative movement are cornerstones for learning. “The Listening Song” gets kids warmed up and moving and ready for the day. “Touch your legs, they’re for stomping. Touch your teeth they’re for chomping. Touch your head it’s for thinking 'bout everything.”

Brian Vogan will be performing at the Mount Baker Community Club on April 18th at 10:30 AM as part of the Pied Piper Series (www.mountbaker.org/piedpiper.php). I recently had an opportunity to interview Brian about his music. Here are some excerpts.

HF: What is your opinion on "Kindie Rock" and the direction of kids’ music today?
BV: I'm new to the kid's music scene, but one thing I appreciate about it is that the D.I.Y. work ethic really seems to be alive in this genre. Also, there seems to be an emphasis now on creating music that appeals to both kids and adults, which results in some quality music. 

HF: What music did you listen to as a kid?
BV: My father is a musician and my mother is a preschool teacher, so I guess it makes sense that I'm an early childhood musician. Music was a big part of my childhood. I grew up watching my dad play live in country western bands in Missoula. At home, I remember we listened to a lot of Don Williams, Sam Cooke, Willie Nelson, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash and the Beatles. I also grew up watching children's classics like Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, The Muppet Show, and The Electric Company.

HF: Who are your musical influences now?
BV: I'm still really influenced by the music I grew up on, especially the Beatles, Sam Cooke, and Don Williams. I also really admire the songwriting of Jimmy Webb and I'm a fan of They Might Be Giants, Weird Al, and David Bowie.

HF: Barrett Jones, well known for his work with groups such as Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Melvins, and others, produced your CD. How was that experience?
BV: Working with Barrett was great. We're friends and played together in the band Magneto. He's an excellent producer and I hope to get back into the studio sometime this year to start recording my second children's CD.

HF: What can one expect at a Brian Vogan concert? Will there be a chance for interactive play?
BV: Yes, I try to make my concerts fun for the whole family and I play a variety of songs including originals and classics. Many of the songs I perform incorporate creative movement with audience participation. Also, I teach a diverse group of kids so there's a good chance your family will enjoy the tunes!

For more information about Brian Vogan, including his concert calendar and CD information, please visit www.brianvogan.com