Mary McAdams


Listen to some songs that Mary Has written in the schools

"This sounds amazing!  I actually had a few tears rolling down my cheeks as I was listening to it!  It means so much to me and everyone involved and I can never thank you enough!  This entire experience has been something my students and I will never forget!

-Terra Webb, 3rd Grade Teacher, Perry, IA "The Last Butterfly in Perry"


Mrs. McClain’s 3rd Grade Class, 2008
“Living on the Ice Edge”


Mrs. Ortiz’s 3rd Grade Class, 2009      Mrs. Gebharts' 5th Grade class, 2008
“Wind is the Way”                                 "Kiss This Toad Goodbye"


Mrs. Lamphere’s 3rd Grade Class, 2009
“New Best Friend”

“Mary was so enthusiastic when she came to our classroom, and that enthusiasm carried over to my students. They took a very serious topic and created beautiful music together!!! I hope to recreate this same experience with all of my future students!”
Tammi McClain, 3rd Grade Teacher,  Ankeny, IA  “Different Beliefs”


“Words do not say enough about this experience! She took all types of learners, allowed them to express their ideas and experiences and let them soar. The final product was something that let each child feel empowered! Thanks for such a great opportunity!”
-Amy Anderson, 3rd Grade Teacher, Ankeny, IA  “I’m Powerful When I Try”

“Mary worked in my 5th grade classroom during the 2007-2008 school year. Together, Mary and the students in my classroom developed a Crocker Theme song titled “Crocker Yearbook”. I was so impressed with Mary’s musical talents, song writing skills, and the way that she interacted with the students. She displayed tremendous motivation and patience while working with the students. Mary taught the students so many life skills and integrated our Character Counts philosophy while making our song. As a culminating activity, students sang the song to their parents at their year end band and vocal concert!”
-Jen Gebhart, 5th Grade Teacher, Crocker Elementary, Ankeny, IA"Crocker Yearbook"

Kudos from Teachers


"The song writing experience and working with Mary was positively addicting!"


-Kristie Lamphere, 3rd grade teacher, Greenwood Elementary, Des Moines, IA

Mary has three different programs available for grades K-12. Partial funding to bring Mary into your school may be obtained through Metro Arts Alliance.  Contact Kim at kim@metroarts.org


Songwriting to Save the Planet: Grades 3-12 Mary will be at the school for one hour per week on four consecutive weeks with the same class. Mary will address the following issues: Global Warming, Habitat Loss, Conservation, Recycling, Water Quality and Environmental Thoughtfulness. Students will be asked to consider the impact of these areas on our world. Mary will teach the mechanics of writing songs. In the first meeting Mary will create a safe writing environment, introduce basic songwriting tools, suggest possible topics, and begin the brainstorming process. The verses and chorus will be written in the next two meetings using a majority rule democratic approach. The song will be recorded on a mobile laptop recording devise during the fourth and final meeting. The result is a fun surprise with meaningful impact for all involved!


General Songwriting Workshop: Grades 3-12 Mary will be at the school for one hour per week on four consecutive weeks with the same class. In the first meeting Mary will create a safe writing enviornment, introduce basic songwriting tools, suggest possible topics, and begin the brainstorming process. The verses and chorus will be written in the next two meetings using a majority rule democratic approach. The song will be recorded on a mobile laptop recording devise during the fourth and final meeting. The result is a fun and meaningful song.


Special Workshops:
“The History of Protest Music”.  State Historical Society of Iowa.  Grades 6-12. 60 min workshop. 2010
“The Role of Music in World War II”.  State Historical Society of Iowa.  Grade 6-12.  60 min workshop. 2011


Adult Workshops:

Mary is available for adult songwriting workshops.  Contact Mary for more info  mary@marymcadams.com