Colleen Casey Nelson
Music Director
“I am dedicated to opening a world of music to children. My passion is to draw upon global inspirations for nurturing individual growth and community connections through song, movement, and play.”
Combining Montessori philosophy and teaching music with a global lens, is natural for Colleen. As an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University and The Hartt School of Music, Colleen brings world music to life in both the Adolescent and Elementary programs here at MSGH. Certified by Smithsonian Folkways in World Music Pedagogy, Colleen now lectures within that program. She is active in both the American Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly Educators groups, on local and national levels, embodying a blend of these child-centered philosophies. As a recipient of an Arts Fellowship from the Council for Basic Education, Colleen has traveled to Japan to collect and study Japanese folk music. During last year’s MSGH Moving-On Ceremony, the Adolescent students, guided by Colleen, created an original piece of music using Taiko drums.
She lives in Avon with her husband, a science teacher, and enjoys the adventures of her two sons. They all enjoy travel and exploring – the world and their own backyard! The family motto is: “Go out for adventure; Come home for love.”
