Randy Beard: About Me

“I believe that music incorporated with student writings can be a wonderful resource for engaging interest in reading and writing,” says singer/songwriter Randy Beard.

Beard puts this philosophy into practice using his creative writing activity developed while student teaching at Indiana University as a reading exercise using his music and students’ words. With guitar in hand, this former sixth grade teacher is able to encourage children to read and write while motivating the reluctant reader/writer.

Beard is an educational consultant presenting programs for more than a million students, teachers, and parents. Putting writings to original music on the spot, presentations are very spontaneous with active participation from all. “When I put music to a child’s words; eyes light up. This is a wonderful way to encourage writing and reading while building a child’s confidence,” says Beard. Learning through Lyrical Literacy is a program Beard developed to reach students and adults of all ages with resounding results. His freestyling, family style programs are educational and entertaining...edutainment for all.

Be a Friend to the Planet, just one of Beard’s environmental songs, is being used in many school systems as part of their curriculum. His songs motivate students and teachers to bring writings to convocations and concerts where Beard spontaneously creates songs. This engages, inspires and entertains those in attendance to make this world a better place!

Because of his involvement with military children in schools, Beard has written and recorded You’re Never Alone to honor and say “thank you” to our military families. In his concerts, he puts original music to writings created by children who share feelings about their loved ones who are serving.

Beard wrote A Second Chance to Run after being introduced to the rescue and adoption programs for greyhounds.

Having visited military schools, Beard was presented with an American flag flown in his honor overseas by the United States Air Force when visiting the Minot Air Force base in North Dakota.

Beard was instrumental in writing and producing a CD/DVD commemorating the rebuilding and reopening of Ellis Park Raceway, which was owned by Churchill Downs in the summer of 2006.

Recognized for his dedication to promoting reading and writing, Beard was presented with the 2007 Celebrate Literacy Award, 2002 Excellence in Reading Award from the Indiana State Reading Association, and the Wabash Valley IRA 2001 Excellence in Reading Award.

Beard created FAMILY, a program for Fathers and Mothers involved in Learning for Youth.

Randy Beard, educator, musician, writer, grew up in southern Indiana. He received his B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University.

“The love of learning is a gift to be shared.”

-Randy Beard

To Build enthusiasm for reading and writing for all ages

To Create reachable, teachable moments

To Encourage life-long learning

Lyrical Literacy motivates the learner to take academic risks, respects their efforts and celebrates the learning process and product. I am confident when you have an opportunity to work with Randy Beard in your programs, you will witness how his insightful, intuitive and interactive program builds up the learning of learners of all ages, backgrounds, and past experiences.

-Dr. Jerilyn Smith, Lafayette School Corporation

What an awesome experience it is to see a child beam with pride when what they have written is turned into a song by Randy!

Janet Brosmer
Reading First Coach and Former 1st Grade Teacher
West Vigo Elementary
Vigo County School Corporation
West Terre Haute, IN

In all facets of his presentation, Randy fosters a love and enjoyment of the writing and reading creative process. In my opinion, Randy Beard is one of the most effective and enjoyed guests that I’ve ever encountered in our schools.

Diane Ness, Title I Instructor
Little Flower, St. Leo and Bishop Ryan Schools
Minot, ND

By rapidly engaging all students with his dynamic, original music, Randy Beard was a primary source for my students to view how ideas, word choices, voice and fluency in their writings could be altered to enhance their writings – they saw first-hand how stories develop unique personalities, connecting what they had learned in their classrooms and motivating them to expand their writing talents.

Lori Silbert, Media Specialist
Lantern Road Elementary School
Fishers, IN

Motivation is a key factor in how students perform on standardized tests and providing students the means to be excited about taking a test is a challenge at times. Randy Beard provided that excitement at Southridge Middle School when he came to work with our special needs students prior to the ISTEP test. Through his music he was able to engage the students in remembering key ISTEP terms as well as motivating them to do well on the ISTEP test. The results are in the performance of our students.

Last year as 6th graders, we had 38% pass the language arts portion of the test. This year as 7th graders, we had 68% pass the language arts portion of the test. A gain of 30%.
Last year as 7th graders, we had 18% pass the language arts portion of the test. This year as 8th graders, we had 53% pass the language arts portion of the test. A gain of 35%.
We now have clear evidence that Randy's energy and enthusiasm for student learning can translate into positive results.

Al Mihajlovits, 2008 Middle School Principal of the Year
Southridge Middle School
Huntingburg, IN

The students and teachers are all still recounting the activities over and over. Quite honestly, everywhere I’ve been since Friday...grocery, ballgames, church, etc....I’ve had dozens of parents stop to tell me how much their children enjoyed (Randy) the whole day. It was a total success!

Nancy Witty, Librarian
Rockville Elementary
Rockville, IN

Please click here to download and view my Curriculum Vitae.

Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader.

Nationally recognized singer-songwriter visits Valley for some musical education

By Brian M. Boyce, The Tribune-Star Published: October 27, 2009

TERRE HAUTE — “You’re not tired, are you?” Randy Beard asked a room full of fifth graders at 1:35 p.m.

“Noooooooo!” they howled back in unison.

A nationally recognized singer-songwriter, Beard returned to Terre Haute for a double-header Tuesday, conducting lessons on literacy through lyrics at Deming Elementary School in the afternoon and again in the evening as part of the school’s Title 1 Parent Night.

Beard noted during the afternoon program that he was venturing into his second decade of working with school children, and fifth-grade teacher Becky Wiesneth, as she sat with her class, recalled the artist playing at her school when she attended Rio Grande Elementary.

Click here for the full article in PDF format.

Click here to view the article in html format.

Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader.

Singer strikes chord with military kids

Tree lighting turns emotional with military-themed song

By ANN WALLACE • The Leaf-Chronicle • December 14, 2008

The weather outside was chilly, but the students and families of Ringgold Elementary school didn't seem to care as they gathered for an old-fashioned tree lighting and schoolwide sing-along Friday night.

"Our goal was to have a fun family night where memories are made and parents can bring their kids and enjoy without any expense," said Principal Clara Patterson.

More than 400 people showed up to be part of what Patterson hopes to become an annual tradition for the school.
Families looked for their special ornaments scattered across the boughs.

A chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" filled the air as the faces of boys and girls beamed.

Click here for the full article.

Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader.

Learning language with music

By Meranda Watling • mwatling@journalandcourier.com • December 22, 2008

Former teacher uses songs to connect with kids

The kids in the Lafayette School Corp. Title I preschool learned a little about song writing and a lot about each other during a program with an educational songwriter last week.

Randy Beard is a former classroom teacher who now works with teachers and students around Indiana in what he calls "learning through lyrical literacy."

Basically, Beard interacts with students to help them pen on-the-spot lyrics and then puts their words to music. Especially for younger kids, it helps them use creativity and build vocabulary. The hope is to inspire an interest in reading and writing as well.

Click here for the full article.

Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader.




	Biography Mission Endorsements CV Press Clippings “I believe that music incorporated with student writings can be a wonderful resource for engaging interest in reading and writing,” says singer/songwriter Randy Beard. Beard puts this philosophy into practice using his creative writing activity developed while student teaching at Indiana University as a reading exercise using his music and students’ words. With guitar in hand, this former sixth grade teacher is able to encourage children to read and write while motivating the reluctant reader/writer. Beard is an educational consultant presenting programs for more than a million students, teachers, and parents. Putting writings to original music on the spot, presentations are very spontaneous with active participation from all. “When I put music to a child’s words; eyes light up. This is a wonderful way to encourage writing and reading while building a child’s confidence,” says Beard. Learning through Lyrical Literacy is a program Beard developed to reach students and adults of all ages with resounding results. His freestyling, family style programs are educational and entertaining...edutainment for all. Be a Friend to the Planet, just one of Beard’s environmental songs, is being used in many school systems as part of their curriculum. His songs motivate students and teachers to bring writings to convocations and concerts where Beard spontaneously creates songs. This engages, inspires and entertains those in attendance to make this world a better place! Because of his involvement with military children in schools, Beard has written and recorded You’re Never Alone to honor and say “thank you” to our military families. In his concerts, he puts original music to writings created by children who share feelings about their loved ones who are serving. Beard wrote A Second Chance to Run after being introduced to the rescue and adoption programs for greyhounds. Having visited military schools, Beard was presented with an American flag flown in his honor overseas by the United States Air Force when visiting the Minot Air Force base in North Dakota. Beard was instrumental in writing and producing a CD/DVD commemorating the rebuilding and reopening of Ellis Park Raceway, which was owned by Churchill Downs in the summer of 2006. Recognized for his dedication to promoting reading and writing, Beard was presented with the 2007 Celebrate Literacy Award, 2002 Excellence in Reading Award from the Indiana State Reading Association, and the Wabash Valley IRA 2001 Excellence in Reading Award. Beard created FAMILY, a program for Fathers and Mothers involved in Learning for Youth. Randy Beard, educator, musician, writer, grew up in southern Indiana. He received his B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. “The love of learning is a gift to be shared.” -Randy Beard To Build enthusiasm for reading and writing for all ages To Create reachable, teachable moments To Encourage life-long learning Lyrical Literacy motivates the learner to take academic risks, respects their efforts and celebrates the learning process and product. I am confident when you have an opportunity to work with Randy Beard in your programs, you will witness how his insightful, intuitive and interactive program builds up the learning of learners of all ages, backgrounds, and past experiences. -Dr. Jerilyn Smith, Lafayette School Corporation What an awesome experience it is to see a child beam with pride when what they have written is turned into a song by Randy! Janet Brosmer Reading First Coach and Former 1st Grade Teacher West Vigo Elementary Vigo County School Corporation West Terre Haute, IN In all facets of his presentation, Randy fosters a love and enjoyment of the writing and reading creative process. In my opinion, Randy Beard is one of the most effective and enjoyed guests that I’ve ever encountered in our schools. Diane Ness, Title I Instructor Little Flower, St. Leo and Bishop Ryan Schools Minot, ND By rapidly engaging all students with his dynamic, original music, Randy Beard was a primary source for my students to view how ideas, word choices, voice and fluency in their writings could be altered to enhance their writings – they saw first-hand how stories develop unique personalities, connecting what they had learned in their classrooms and motivating them to expand their writing talents. Lori Silbert, Media Specialist Lantern Road Elementary School Fishers, IN Motivation is a key factor in how students perform on standardized tests and providing students the means to be excited about taking a test is a challenge at times. Randy Beard provided that excitement at Southridge Middle School when he came to work with our special needs students prior to the ISTEP test. Through his music he was able to engage the students in remembering key ISTEP terms as well as motivating them to do well on the ISTEP test. The results are in the performance of our students. Last year as 6th graders, we had 38% pass the language arts portion of the test. This year as 7th graders, we had 68% pass the language arts portion of the test. A gain of 30%. Last year as 7th graders, we had 18% pass the language arts portion of the test. This year as 8th graders, we had 53% pass the language arts portion of the test. A gain of 35%. We now have clear evidence that Randy's energy and enthusiasm for student learning can translate into positive results. Al Mihajlovits, 2008 Middle School Principal of the Year Southridge Middle School Huntingburg, IN The students and teachers are all still recounting the activities over and over. Quite honestly, everywhere I’ve been since Friday...grocery, ballgames, church, etc....I’ve had dozens of parents stop to tell me how much their children enjoyed (Randy) the whole day. It was a total success! Nancy Witty, Librarian Rockville Elementary Rockville, IN Please click here to download and view my Curriculum Vitae. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader. Nationally recognized singer-songwriter visits Valley for some musical education By Brian M. Boyce, The Tribune-Star Published: October 27, 2009 TERRE HAUTE — “You’re not tired, are you?” Randy Beard asked a room full of fifth graders at 1:35 p.m. “Noooooooo!” they howled back in unison. A nationally recognized singer-songwriter, Beard returned to Terre Haute for a double-header Tuesday, conducting lessons on literacy through lyrics at Deming Elementary School in the afternoon and again in the evening as part of the school’s Title 1 Parent Night. Beard noted during the afternoon program that he was venturing into his second decade of working with school children, and fifth-grade teacher Becky Wiesneth, as she sat with her class, recalled the artist playing at her school when she attended Rio Grande Elementary. Click here for the full article in PDF format. Click here to view the article in html format. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader. Singer strikes chord with military kids Tree lighting turns emotional with military-themed song By ANN WALLACE • The Leaf-Chronicle • December 14, 2008 The weather outside was chilly, but the students and families of Ringgold Elementary school didn't seem to care as they gathered for an old-fashioned tree lighting and schoolwide sing-along Friday night. "Our goal was to have a fun family night where memories are made and parents can bring their kids and enjoy without any expense," said Principal Clara Patterson. More than 400 people showed up to be part of what Patterson hopes to become an annual tradition for the school. Families looked for their special ornaments scattered across the boughs. A chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" filled the air as the faces of boys and girls beamed. Click here for the full article. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader. Learning language with music By Meranda Watling • mwatling@journalandcourier.com • December 22, 2008 Former teacher uses songs to connect with kids The kids in the Lafayette School Corp. Title I preschool learned a little about song writing and a lot about each other during a program with an educational songwriter last week. Randy Beard is a former classroom teacher who now works with teachers and students around Indiana in what he calls "learning through lyrical literacy." Basically, Beard interacts with students to help them pen on-the-spot lyrics and then puts their words to music. Especially for younger kids, it helps them use creativity and build vocabulary. The hope is to inspire an interest in reading and writing as well. Click here for the full article. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat loaded on your computer. Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat reader.

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Nationally recognized singer-songwriter visits Valley for some musical education

Singer strikes chord with military kids

Learning language with music