Meet an Educator: Alison Trotter

Yes, she's always smiling like this. And you should see how she smiles when she sings ...

Alison was recently named one of Kindermusik's Most Inspirational Educators of the year for her work with music and children, and she was also the first educator to train and license a Kindermusik teacher with special needs.

We asked her a few questions about how she got started, and here's what she had to say:

Name: Ally Trotter
Age: 27
City: Columbia, SC
Program Web site: www.Kindermusikbyally.com
Number of students: 1-100
Number of years teaching Kindermusik: 9

Why did you become a Kindermusik educator? 
Funny story. My mother, Julee Salisbury became a Kindermusik educator over 25 years ago, so I was raised in the thick of Kindermusik's concepts. I was a Kindermusik baby, but I never thought I'd ever become a teacher, like her. Never say never!

When did you first start playing music?
I was always tinkering around on the piano at home, because Mama was a piano teacher. My parents said I used to sing in my crib as an infant.  I love to sing. As for instruments, as I a grew older, I realized that guitar was more my gig. I started guitar lessons in middle school. I'll never forget my first few chords, and feeling like I wanted to quit. But, pressing through the callouses paid off.

When did you first fall in love with music? 
I can remember my sweet Mama's voice as she sang in a trio called the Jasmine's in Sumter, SC. She would take me to her practices, and they sang much like the Andrews sisters. Bugle Boy is my absolute favorite, even still!

I've always loved music. Thanks to God for instilling a desire in me to teach and sing, but also a huge tribute to my musical Mama who also had a hand in paving a way for me. 

Why did you choose to teach Kindermusik over other programs?

From the looks of this article, you may think I didn't really have a choice, but that's not true. I never thought I'd teach, but I had the best role model as a Mom, and later to find out, the people at Kindermusik have the BIGGEST hearts. From the CEO all the way down to the wait staff that packages our materials in the warehouse.

This company is one to cherish, and one that truly stands out not only in principle, but in global outreach to those all around the world. Their perspective includes a wide range of educators who are all so different, but who are working towards one goal and one purpose: To serve ALL children and their families, no matter the special need, reaching into their homes and hearts with the love and gift of music. 

Now that's a goal that charges me up, and a community that feels more like a family than anything else!