Meg Russell ( Megs Melodies)

“Singer-guitarist Meg Russell, accompanied at times by appealing child vocalists, makes gentle, tuneful music out of the way young children play and discover their world, family life and a parent's awareness of time passing. Woven throughout-with a light touch-are good-for-you messages about nutrition, exercise, ways to be creative, the importance of having "Something Nice to Say" and how little ones absorb information ("I'm a Sponge").” Lynne Heffley ©2011 Parents' Choice http://www.parents-choice.org - Lynn Heffley 2011 Parents' Choice

ONE TRACK MIND (Veteran’s Day Edition): Meg Russell “March and Salute”
OWTK Kid's Music News — By Jeff on November 8, 2010 at 7:23 am

MEG RUSSELL “MARCH AND SALUTE”

Meg Russell is based just north of my childhood hometown, but that’s not why her track “March and Salute” is today’s ONE TRACK MIND.

The song’s Little Drummer Boy cadence is perfect for marching around your living room and the lyrics (“Now raise your right hand / fingers together and straight”) instruct your preschooler on the proper way to salute a soldier. Russell’s “March and Salute” is in the toddler realm musically (ages 2-4 will appreciate it the most), and is a great patriotic-without-being-political song for Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day or any day your child wants to show mad love for those who have and continue to lay it all on the line.

“March and Salute” appears on Meg Russell’s debut full length children’s CD “Hat Parade”.

*A copy of “Hat Parade” was provided to OWTK for review. The opinions expressed above are honest and unbiased. No arm-twisting took place in the review process.
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Tags: meg russell, one track mind, veteran's day - Out With the Kids by Jeff

Meg Russell’s new CD, Hat Parade, is a little gem. The songs are simple, sweet, and full of love.

Meg’s voice is beautiful and I love all the kids she includes on the CD—Ivan always loves hearing kids singing, too.

One of my favorite songs is the first track, I’m a Sponge, about how kids learn and experience the world in such an amazing way. Like they say: “Don’t say that in front of the kids—you never know what they’ll pick up!”

I also have an affinity for the second song on the album, Smile and Say Hello. Meg teaches kids that even if someone looks different or talks different that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be friends. Friendship comes in many different forms, but it always starts with a smile and saying hi: “I have feelings just like you, so just smile and say hello. ‘Cause friendship feels the same inside.”

Ivan’s favorite song on the CD is Quiet Train. I’m sure you can imagine the song already. The train is quiet so everyone moves slow and quietly… but as the train speeds up it gets faster and louder… and next thing you know it’s all very exciting for a little boy! This song would be great in a music class with a bunch of kids!

Meg’s CD was just released this month. It’s available to order on her website where you can also listen to some of the songs for free. - Boston Children's Music by Amber

A songwriting workshop brought together children with an interest in music. They added their voices to a professional recording.



Ten children made their professional singing debuts in Doylestown last week as part of a songwriting workshop organized by a local children's musician.

Meg Primola Russell, a Newtown Township mother of two who is taking a break from her career as a special education teacher, hosted the three-day workshop to give area youngsters a chance to learn about different musical concepts, brainstorm song lyrics and stretch their vocal cords.

"I don't have a music curriculum. I see this as a way to teach, entertain and have fun, rather than an ongoing music class," said Russell.

The experience culminated in a recorded performance at Busy Bee Toys in Doylestown of the title song from Russell's forthcoming album, "Hat Parade," with the children providing vocal support during the chorus sections.

" 'Hat Parade' is about the different hats people wear," explained Russell. The song alludes to the common idiom that describes a person with diverse interests as ''wearing many hats.''

"The different hats represent the things about themselves that they're proud of. I asked the kids to tell me something special about themselves," said Russell. The kids chimed in about their personal traits, accomplishments and things they like at various points during the song.

"I have a good imagination," sang 4-year-old Ellie Burke of Doylestown.

Russell encouraged the children to wear their silliest costume hats to Thursday's performance. She also gave them simple rhythm instruments, such as tambourines and maracas, to help keep the beat, and asked them to use their most energetic singing voices.

She welcomed other musical contributions from her young collaborators - one child's beatboxing skills may be featured on the album.

"Whatever they have to offer, we'll put it in there," Russell said. "I'm always looking for ways to help the kids be part of the music, because they inspire it."
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Russell prerecorded her own guitar, lead vocal and harmony sections for the album at Cambridge Sound Studios in Newtown. She received help from her 4-year-old son, Conor, and her father, Anthony Primola, a retired professional musician who provided much of the backup instrumentation on the album.

Many of the other songs on "Hat Parade," like "Smile and Say Hello," "March and Salute," and "Muscles," relate simple, positive messages in a kid friendly way.

" 'Smile and Say Hello' is geared toward being nice to kids with special needs," explained Russell. " 'Muscles' is about eating healthy and exercising."

Songs like "Air Band" - think multi-instrumental "air guitar" - and "Quiet Train" are just for fun.

"I love being able to teach kids valuable life lessons through my music," said Russell. "But these also have to be upbeat songs they can have fun with."

Russell began writing music and performing at small events like children's birthday parties about a year ago; she has performed three First Friday concerts at Busy Bee Toys since then.

"Part of the concept when I opened the store was to have it be a very experiential place," said store owner, Nerice Kendter. "That's why having Meg (Russell) do this class was such a good idea. I'm hoping we can do something like this again."

After putting the finishing touches on her album, Russell will travel to Boston this week to perform at Boston GreenFest 2010.

Russell released a five-song CD in February titled "Juggling," which she described as more personal and parent-oriented than "Hat Parade."

"I feel like this one is going to be so much better. I've definitely gotten more experience," she said.

"Hat Parade" will be released in early September. Pre-sales are available now on her website, www.megsmelodies.com.

Kirk Greenwood can be reached at 215-345-3060 or kgreenwood@p - The Intelligencer

Busy Bee Toys is excited to host kids’ performer, Meg Russell for an evening of family-friendly music on First Friday! Meg will be performing this Friday, May 7th at the following times: 6:30 - 7:15pm, 7:30 - 8:15pm and 8:30 - 9:00pm.



Meg grew up in Yardley with music, singing, and dancing at the core of her upbringing. She is a Special Education teacher, vocally trained singer and a guitar player who strives to combine her two passions of music and teaching by creating music to help children feel empowered. Please join us for a free performance---you and your children will love Meg! We look forward to seeing you!! - info@busybeetoys.net

Singer, songwriter and guitar player extraordinaire Meg Russell will be back by popular demand on

Tuesday, June 22nd

11:00am-12:00pm



This fun, exciting and free music class is perfect for preschool-age children and kindergarteners!

Meg grew up in Yardley with music, singing, and dancing at the core of her upbringing. She is a Special Education teacher, vocally trained singer and a guitar player who strives to combine her two passions of music and teaching by creating music to help children feel empowered. You and your children will love Meg!



Class size is limited, so please RSVP quickly to reserve your space!! - info@busybeetoys.net