Album Notes

Sign-a-Song at a Glance

\"In Brooklyn, babies are flocking to Sign-a-Song classes
at a Park Slope yoga center called Devi.\"
--The New York Post, March 18, 2003

Sign-a-Song was born in Park Slope, Brooklyn in November, 2001. Andrea Fixell, then a new mother, started a signing class for friends and their babies. Continued interest prompted Andrea to seek a new location and accompanist. Enter Ted Stafford, guitarist and parent. Andrea and Ted\'s zany chemistry and original songs have become the hallmark of Sign-a-Song. In February 2003, Andrea and Ted released \"More!\"--a cd of ten favorite songs from class, including three original songs. And now, 3 years later, their second cd \"My Bed Is an Airplane...and other excuses\" has been released to rave reviews.

Parents everywhere are discovering the benefits of signing with their babies. Studies indicate that babies can comprehend sign language as early as their sixth month. By eight months babies develop the necessary motor skills to sign themselves. An early introduction to sign language can help alleviate frustration, strengthen the bond between caregiver and child, and increase vocabulary.

At Sign-a-Song participants are introduced to American Sign Language vocabulary via stories and songs. Babies are encouraged to interact with their classmates, play the guitar, and, of course, show off their signing.

Now in its fifth year, Sign-a-Song is growing and exploring new communities and venues. Andrea and Ted are hard at work teaching babies, toddlers and caregivers, writing songs, exploring new media, and performing concerts in order to share Sign-a-Song with a wider audience.

About the Teachers

Andrea Fixell received her Masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in Deaf Education. Since 1991 she has been a teacher of deaf and hard-of-hearing students at private and public New York City schools. She has served as an educator at St. Francis School for the Deaf, LaGuardia Community College\'s Program for Deaf Adults, and the New York City Department of Education.

Ted Stafford received his B.A. in Comparative Literature from Oberlin College. After many years working as a graphic designer, editor and writer for an educational publishing firm, Ted left the industry for his first love: Music. Ted teaches guitar and music theory as well as performing for children and adults all over the tri-state area.