What Inspired Grandma Mikie?

Grandma Mikie draws on her childhood memories from her summers spent on her Grandparent's dairy farm to the lullabies sung to her from the from the Gulf of Mexico where she lived the rest of the year. She had a very active childhood, where she sang, wrote songs, studied dance, swam, went horseback riding, was a cheerleader, learned how to milk cows, hiked and even drove tractors. She had the benefit of being well acquainted with the peace and tranquility of the land and the whimsical and passionate nature of the sea --- traits that have stayed with her to this day.

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Since composing her first song, 8 years old, Grandma Mikie has known that she would be involved with the music industry. With the encouragement of her family she chased after her dream, catching it at the age of 21, when she came to New York City and became part of the 60's era music scene as a "20 feet from stardom" studio back-up singer on recording sessions and 'jingles'. 

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After attaining her Bachelor's Degree in Music at the age of 39; her Master's of Communication Arts degree at the age of 56, she became certified to teach children from grades K-5 and students with disabilities at the age of 60. It was through her experience with these children, and those of her own, that she became inspired to use music not only as a way to teach, but to reach children as well! She realized that all the children she has interacted with --- 'specially those with disabilities, respond well to her music --- and so she used music, not only as a teaching tool to help them learn, but as an entertaining tool, as well. 

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Grandma Mikie hopes to show children a simpler way of life, one that ecompasses the joy and beauty of nature, friendship, creativity, imagination, sharing, and receiving. She creates stories in her music using conversation rhyme with 'sing-along' melodies. This creative concept separates Grandma Mikie from other music artists, because her lyrics actually speak to the child instead of just being sung 'at' them.

 

From taking pride in being a Grandma who bakes cookies and cakes, to playing with her 'diva dog, ' Sisi, this Grandma is not looking to stop singing anytime soon! Her music continues to bring lots of joy to both children and their family and friends!