Grammy-winning songwriter and veteran educator Monte Selby is now teaching music part-time to elementary schoolers at Mabel I. Wilson School in Cumberland, where he has promised third graders they will write a song together this year. The Portland Press Herald reported that Selby, 64, stepped down in February as principal of Greely Middle School to find more time for creativity and family.
Selby won a 2012 Grammy for best children’s album after writing a song for English language learners that emphasized consonants and gradually sped up. He estimates he has written up to 1,000 songs, many collaboratively with students, blending classroom subjects such as animal habitats with songwriting skills. He told the paper his education awards mean more to him than the Grammy.
As Greely principal, Selby created spaces where students could write songs and practice outside the music program and started Friday morning open mics in the school lobby. Middle school music teacher Barry Saunders said Selby helped music teachers access professional development and elevated administrative perception of music education’s value. Saunders called Selby’s work helping children become better learners through songwriting magical and said eighth-grade volunteers are keeping the open mics going this year.
Selby told the paper he feels like a kid in a playground now, with inspiration and time to write more songs drawn from the funny things Cumberland and North Yarmouth students say.
For more information, visit pressherald.com.