Album Notes

Brian Vogan is a songwriter, performer and early childhood music educator in Seattle, Washington. His debut recording ‘Little Songs’ is a collection of eleven songs that were directly inspired by the interests and ideas of the children Brian visits each week as a music educator.

As a former pre-kindergarten teacher, Brian has always been an advocate of the philosophy known as emergent curriculum, which is a system of creating lesson plans that are based on student’s passions and interests. Observation, creative brainstorming, patience and flexibility are the basic ingredients used to create a healthy enviornment for each child to flourish. Rather than start with a curriculum plan that requires a ‘hook’ to get the children interested, emergent curriculum starts with the children’s interests.

It was through this process that each song was crafted. Every tune became it’s own little project that the children would look forward to working on every time Brian taught a music class. Soon the children were busy offering lyrical ideas and tips on arrangement, eager to hear their ideas evolve over the course of weeks ahead. Brian soon realized that the idea of making a recording of children’s songs had grown into something much bigger than he could have ever imagined.

“For those of us working with young children, we know that children learn through repetition; hands-on experiences; their senses; in play-based settings and through child-directed and child-focused environments and programs. Brian’s CD, “Little Songs”, encourages creative movement; embraces, enriches and extends early learning through songs that are age and developmentally appropriate and relevant to themes in a child’s world; and reinforces kindergarten readiness skills and concepts through music and movement. Brian’s voice is calm and soothing and he is gifted in engaging young children through rhythm and rhyme. Two of our children’s favorites are “Race Car” and the “Listening Song”! Brian’s music is original, special and very unique.”

-Cheryl Iverson- Program Supervisor for Childhaven-Lake City in Seattle, Washington

“Little Songs” is produced by Barrett Jones, who is known for his work with the Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Melvins, John Doe and Brad to name a few. It also features musician, composer, and educator Jeremy Reinhold as well as long time friend and drummer, Kory Christian, and early childhood teacher and singer, Kari May.

Brian currently resides with his wife, Nikki, in Seattle, Washington. For information regarding live events near you, please check out his website, www.brianvogan.com.