Muriel is a teacher, singer/songwriter, and founder of the program Chanson Magique.

She was born in France in 1970 and moved to NYC in 1994.

She has taught her original program at the renowned Lycée Français de NYC for several years. She has composed more than a hundred French songs for the Language Workshop For Children in Manhattan.

Muriel loves classical music, jazz, dance and art. She had studied at the Boulogne-Billancourt National Conservatory of Music, receiving a Diploma in Flute in 1980, and a First Prize in chamber music in 1990. During these years, she also graduated in Musicology and Art History at La Sorbonne. She also attended Orsay, where she earned a degree in early music education with congratulations from the jury.

ABOUT MURIEL'S SONGS:

Her songs are original compositions about everyday themes of childhood interest, such as animals, colors, numbers, parts of the body, clothing, toys, food, seasons, and more... Melodies, rhythms and sounds effects are carefully orchestrated in order to illustrate the song's meaning and style. Muriel interprets them on her CDs.

THE APPROACH:

Classes are organized into playgroups. The multimedia approach was conceived to offer both structured and play activities at the same time. Original French songs and traditional comptines are taught through dance, mime, puppets, musical instruments, storytelling and art activities. Humorous props and colorful illustrations are systematically used in order to help children associate French words with the action of the songs. The constant flow of singing and play are never interrupted, allowing children to immerse themselves naturally into French language. All activities are age-appropriate.

There is no English spoken during class: Muriel leads by example.

"A CHILD-CENTERED METHOD":

I have carefully observed children during class or in playgrounds. I have paid close attention to their behavior and conversations, all of which has offered me great insight into their worlds. While I am with them, lyrics and melodies naturally come to me. This is how I feel, hear and compose songs, using my own voice and the inspiration which children give me. I consider it an essential part of my practice to implement a "child-centered" method where children are encouraged to fully live "their" song. Thus, children will find in me a teacher, an artist, but also a friend, as the "child in me" is always alive.