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Noa Daniel (@iamnoadaniel) appreciates the power of music. So much so, she uses music as part of her teaching repertoire by asking each of her students which songs make them feel nostalgic, reflective, and inspired. The categories are: A Throwback, Identity, and Pick You Up/Pump You Up/Inspirational.
And it works like a charm. Watch the Ted Talk for yourself. I was completely floored when I saw it because I never looked at music in this way.
For the record, here are my three songs:
Aside from inspiring her students up the wazoo with the love of music, such as this musical one, Noa is the author of the children’s book called Strum and The Wild Turkeys. Once you hold this beautiful picture book in your hands, you will see why it’s bursting with meaningful “A-ha” moment lessons and why it has been in so many classrooms.
The book is that powerful. Music is that powerful. Put them together and yup, you’ve got the Magic sauce.
Noa’s wise words were an honour to publish in my book Get Up. And this should come as no surprise, as it seems that Noa encourages others and herself to embrace our true authentic selves. And helping others to do the same.
Noa, not only do I get you – but I think you get me! Let’s dive into the interview.
I’m a “meacher.” I’m a mom and a teacher at the same time. My daughters coined the term. They would always say please don’t “meacher me” or, “ My friend needs some “meachering”, can you help?”
In my work outside of the classroom as a consultant, speaker, and children’s book author, I make sure I incorporate my teaching skills. It’s been 27 years and I am a sit-on-the-desk-and-still-excited educator! I love to have the space and autonomy to create things that I believe in and also be fully present with my family.
I’m one of those where teaching is as much a calling as a profession. I had been teaching since I was little. First, it was for make-believe, and then I started tutoring at a young age. From camp counselor to BBYO advisor. I always loved to empower kids. Leading learning was and is my jam. I realized that I could really become what I was born to be by choosing teaching as a profession.
I have always written poems and stories. The children’s book author experience began as a result of an evening out with someone who “thought I was interesting”.
My first book, Crazy for Canada was originally based on another title. When the author asked for my input, a new concept and title were born.
My second book Old Timers: The One That Got Away was based on the story of my grandfather who had Alzheimer’s.
I enjoyed the experience of writing and publishing to some degree but I never intended to do it again. I kept writing for myself, my daughters, and my students and did some ghostwriting on the side.
And then this happened.
I was originally commissioned to develop a story based on a real-world event at a ranch. I created the story of a peacock with an imperfect plume who found his voice. Right away, I knew that this impactful story had to be in classrooms.
The themes of inclusion, belonging, and the transformational power of music. These all led me to ask the brothers who hired me if I could send it to a publisher. Strum and The Wild Turkey’s was finally published by EDUMATCH in April of 2021. I am delighted to say that the story has been so well-received.
My goal is for this story to be the first of a 7-book series. I loved building a website to help make this book something teachers, families, kids, and communities could use. The chance to read it to children around the world is a huge thrill.
I think that self-publishing is a democratic and wonderful thing. The publishing industry is still very traditional and, even though there are many types of publishers, they remain gatekeepers for their houses.
This has benefits and drawbacks when it comes to writers and writing. While my publisher is a grassroots education-based publisher, I was excited that the book would be accessible anywhere in the world as I am driven by impact and wanted it to reach as many people as possible. Edumatch declared it is no longer publishing new books, so we are hoping to find something with qualities from both worlds as we look for the right publisher for book 2.
I think my greatest lesson in life has been the essence of Maya Angelou’s quote used by one of my mentors, Ricki Wortzman. “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” It took years of butt-kicking and a lot of dusting myself off to really get this, but I’m there now, and it helps me often.
Vacation is my best form of relaxation. I strive for a routine where I can work relaxation into my every day, but I have too much on the go, and my mind never really quiets enough to relax. It, like me, is a work in progress.
What did you mean by:
” Music is a way in and a way out.”
I’ll use the main character in my book to illustrate the point. Strum has this challenging scenario, and he composes a song to work through it. He sings “Different is Good”, which is now on Sonshine and Broccoli’s new album Born to Be Brave, to put words and melody to his issues.
Not only does he discover music as an outlet, but being true to himself through his music attracts the attention of The Wild Turkeys who become like a family to him and Strum becomes their lead singer. Music helps Strum and so many of us turn selfward to give language to thought and emotion. To find relief through release. The love of music connects us to each other and to ourselves. It can also help us get out of our heads and change our state of mind.
Noa, you are born to be a top teacher. Thank you for sharing your vision of the power of music and how to be authentically you, while surrounding yourself with those who make sure that happens.
It’s all about the peeps and the music.