Cavanaugh & Kavanaugh

Our Work

Cavanaugh and Kavanaugh

Workshops and performances available for schools, libraries, summer camps, afterschool programs, etc.

Workshops include:

Where in the World Are We? An interactive program of songs and dances from around the world, often sung in those languages. Each country is marked on a world map with that country's flag as each song is introduced. Countries include Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, European countries, Russia and more. Instruments may include fiddle, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, limberjack, banjo, guitar and vocals.

Get a Clue (2007 Summer Reading Program) Specially designed for the 2007 Summer Reading Program, children play a musical game of Clue using the clues they hear in a variety of songs to eliminate people, places and things.

Exploring American Folk Traditional American Folk songs and tunes tracing sections of American history with the use of a U.S. map. We will show the Old Chisolm Trail (The Lonesome Cowboy) and Oregon Trail (Sweet Betsy from Pike), the path of the Underground Railroad (Follow the Drinking Gourd), the Erie Canal and others. There will be opportunities for singing along and creative movement. Instruments will include fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals and traditional American instruments mountain dulcimer, limberjack and banjo. We will also explain the importance of folk music throughout history.

Toe Tappin' Tunes An interactive program of exciting folk music to get you up and moving. Upbeat toe tapping tunes and songs on fiddle, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, limberjack, banjo, guitar and vocals. Originally designed for the 2005 Summer Reading Program, this program will fit into any theme.

Music - A Hidden Treasure Discover the treasure of music with a musical scavenger hunt. Listen for names of animals, places and more in these fun and interactive songs, and color a treasure map filled with pictures of these clues. This program has been specially designed for the 2006 Summer Reading Program. The program can be adapted for older or younger children and will include a song written for this year’s theme.

Other available workshops include:

Civil War
This residency was designed for Greenville Elementary School's 5th grade classes and included a 45 min. performance and two 45 min. songwriting workshops per classroom, presented over the course of three days. The performance can be held in an auditorium and is designed to be presented to more than one class at a time. The workshops are held over consecutive days.

Riddles and Rhymes
Interactive songs, stories, jokes and riddles, and just plain fun for all ages.

Creepy Crawlers
Songs about insects, crawdads and other creepy critters, with or without supplemental educational materials.

Westward Ho
A study of westward expansion through music.

Song Writing
A simple study of rhyme and rhythm, and an acknowledgement of the student’s innate abilities and creativity. Each student or group of students will write their own set of lyrics. Depending on time constraints, these lyrics may be set to music. This program can be, and often is, combined with other programs.

Move Into Music
A simple study of rhyme and rhythm, and an acknowledgement of the student’s innate abilities and creativity. Each student or group of students will write their own set of lyrics. Depending on time constraints, these lyrics may be set to music. This program can be, and often is, combined with other programs.

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Arts in Education Programs can include a songwriting component.

Available for performances for children's birthday parties and other events.

The workshops listed are only a sample. New programs may be written on demand. You may choose an existing program or ask for something specific to fit your curriculum. Performances and workshops are designed to fit your needs. Fees are set accordingly.

Deb Cavanaugh

Music lessons in beginning piano, guitar, mandolin and dulcimer. Learn to read music and to play an instrument by ear. Lessons focus on learning to read notes and learning scales and chords, so that you or your child can play right away. These are low pressure lessons, with no recitals. Music should be fun! Individual lessons only.

Voice lessons for those who have never sung; for those who don't believe they can sing; for those who want to find their true voice.

Everyone who can talk can sing. Some of us are told, as young people, that we can't or shouldn't sing. Unfortunately, we listen to those negative voices and lose our own voice. These lessons will build confidence, teach skills, and help you develop your own style. Individual or group lessons available.

Songwriting is a matter of inspiration, confidence and skill. Everyone can write songs. You have to believe in yourself and take the chance. There are also simple guidelines and exercises that can help stimulate and hone your skills. Taught as a workshop, series of workshops or private lessons.

Fun with Music! These group classes are for young people ages 4 - 6. We will learn songs, sometimes in different languages, make simple percussion instruments, learn folk dances, explore sound and just have fun! Each lesson will include a hands-on project.

Music Together - music and movement classes for young children and the adults that love them. Deb teaches Music Together classes in Delmar, Albany and Guilderland. For more information on these and other classes in the Mohawk Valley, visit Music Box Arts.

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