Testimonials
Thoughts from those who have worked with Jim … and have experienced his training events and concerts.
“In the time that I’ve known and worked with Jim, I have been impressed and pleased by the extent to which his training in early childhood development informs his practice as an author and musician. Play is the business of children. And Jim’s work demonstrates that music is a very natural medium for playful exploration, leading to engaged learning and even creative thinking.”
– Jon Weber, Manager of Learning Programs, The Institute for Learning, Access and Training // Chicago Symphony Orchestra
“Over the past 20+ years I have known Jim, I have found him to be an inspiring and true advocate in the field of early childhood education. In both his professional training workshops and his family concerts, he intertwines child development concepts with an uplifting and enthusiastic presentation that you cannot help but walk away feeling motivated to be the BEST teacher or the BEST parent for young children. In my role as director of a Child Development Center and, now, as part of a non-profit for the early childhood field, I, along with my colleagues, have invited Jim to southern California a number of times to present both concerts and training sessions. I thank Jim for making a difference in the lives of children and for all the joy he has brought to this field.”
– Linda Haar, Board President, Creating Change for Children // Encinitas, CA
“For over a decade, Jim Gill has delighted the citizens of St. Joseph County, Indiana with play, music, and fun. Our families have cherished memories of time spent singing and dancing together during his concerts and our librarians have benefited from his play-based learning workshops. Whether it’s through a live reenactment of his book A Soup Opera or an interactive performance with the Unstoppable String Quartet, Jim never fails to get the whole family moving while incorporating key early literacy skills that prepare children for a lifetime of learning and discovery.”
– Melody Lutz, Education & Programming Manager, St. Joseph County Public Library // South Bend, IN
“A Jim Gill concert gives us permission to smile, laugh, dance and be our silly selves with our children, students, grandchildren and each other! Jim’s rhythmic rhymes are so much fun to repeat, and his songs are so engaging you find yourself singing them long after the concert is over. As someone who books Jim, I can say that he is so easy to work with and the East Lansing Public Library loves to have him visit whenever he is able. His video book projects are a great way to get the community involved and they live on long after the project is done. To quote a favorite book … “May There Always be….Jim Gill!”
– Phyllis Thode, Community Development and Volunteer Coordinator East Lansing Public Library // East Lansing, MI
“Jim Gill is a treat to work with. We booked him in spring of 2022 to perform for our early childhood program. Our teachers have used his books and music for many years in our circle time activities so it was special for us to see him perform favorites like “Silly Dance Contest” in person! Jim’s songs are educational, developmentally appropriate, interactive, and really captivate the children in a way that is both joyful and engaging. His knowledge of child development is artfully woven into the pacing of his performance making classroom management during his sets a breeze. We look forward to bringing him to our program again soon!”
– Erin Soto, Executive Director, Family Development Center, Governor’s State University // University Park, IL
“Jim Gill’s family concerts are fantastic and fun, inclusive and filled with joyful play and learning. His professional workshops for librarians and early childhood educators are insightful, interactive, and wonderfully energizing. Jim Gill really “gets” kids and families of all kinds and abilities. I wish we could have him visit every year!”
– Jill Hutchison, Youth Services Coordinator, St. Mary’s County Library // Leonardtown, MD
“Jim Gill was great—lots of first-hand knowledge, great at getting his point across. The musical activities were wonderful, and I really felt like I learned a lot. He has such great energy, and he was really excited about the topic, which made it easy for us to be excited too.”
– Preschool teacher, Workshop Participant // Indiana