Boston Public Quartet, Music Education, Chamber Music, Betsy Hinkle

The mission of Messy Music is to provide a free and open environment in which to joyfully explore the sounds of live chamber music through various art materials.

It is designed for participants aged 3-7, any students/adults with special needs, and adults 65 and over.

Messy Music is:

Live chamber music performed by the Boston Public Quartet
Art materials carefully chosen to be combined with music
No rules on what to create, or how to create it

If you are interested in bringing Messy Music to your school or community center, please contact Betsy Hinkle at 617-513-5325 or betsyhinkle@gmail.com

If you are interested in donating a Messy Music presentation to the Chittick School or any other Boston Public School, or volunteering at an upcoming Messy Music, please see our "Get Involved" page.

Sample Music List (in this order):

Mozart String Quartet K. 157 movement 1
Ravel String Quartet Movement 2 (First section repeated 4 times)
Beethoven Opus 130 “Cavatina”
Shostakovich String Quartet movement or selection (one that the quartet can play well with minimal rehearsal that provides contrasting and “fun” sounds)
Mozart String Quartet K. 159 Rondo
Faure’ “Pavane” arranged for String Quartet
Micheal Jackson “Don’t Stop” arranged for String Quartet

Sample Art Stations, written by Rosie Sweeney:
Some stations that we have created in the past include

A giant plastic pocket filled with shaving cream and paint to be poked and prodded by curious, inquisitive children as they listen to the music.
A table covered in aluminum foil with an inch of dry rice on top, when bashed the rice would 'jump' or when a dry paintbrush was trailed in it patterns could be made.
A huge basket of colorful pompoms to be thrown into the air with squeals of delight in response to the music. One child remarked "The music makes me think of fireworks" as he threw a hand full of pom poms into the air.
A wall of black paper to be drawn on using bright chalks while wearing mini flashlight rings on our fingers. The effects were magical, like dancing light.

Messy Music was created by Betsy Hinkle and Rosie Sweeney, and is affiliated with the Boston Public Quartet. All rights are reserved.