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OVERVIEW
Jeff Moyer is a 21st century renaissance man who works as songwriter, author,
producer, public speaker, historian and advocate for human rights. His products
and services represent over 35 years of work on the forefront of social change.
He has created a range of music and interactive products that entertain, educate
and inspire, and innovative productions on general and disability history. Enjoy
the free downloads in the Products
section, read reviews and descriptions of Jeff’s varied offerings and
please leave a note in the Guestbook
where you can also read about what people of all ages have had to say about
the creative efforts of Jeff Moyer.
IMPACT
Jeff Moyer has served as a National Public Radio Morning Edition commentator
(click here to download the segments), has been featured on The CBS Evening
News and 20/20, in National Geographic, and in a BBC documentary on the U. S.
Disability Rights Movement. Jeff has twice been invited to the White House and
has presented his unique blend of engaging original music, eloquent public speaking
and humor to audiences in 47 states and internationally. Moyer is sought as
a keynote presenter for national and international conferences. The Highlights
section provides a snapshot of public speaking history. Jeff Moyer’s products
span a broad array of theme styles and genres and are at work in settings from
nursery schools through graduate schools and in homes and communities worldwide.
PRODUCTS
AND PUBLICATIONS
Jeff Moyer began writing and performing his original music in 1965. In 1988
he established Music From The Heart, a publishing company through which he has
brought a broad spectrum of music, books and innovative historical productions
to the public.
| Music
For Young Children Maxwell The Dancing Dog: Twenty-five years of Jeff Moyer’s delightful songwriting for young children are combined in this award-winning song collection. Maxwell is music that you and your grandchildren will never tire of. Included among the 17 songs are four Jeff sings with an inclusive kindergarten class. This album demonstrates the accessibility of Jeff’s music to the very young and “young at heart.” |
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Music
For Schools How Big Is Your Circle?: Jeff recognized that the problems of exclusion, ridicule and violence against children and young people devalued because of their differences required innovative and comprehensive materials. Circle, developed with the input of many young people, is a musical play and counseling guide that can be used by schools with sophisticated music programs or by groups seeking a simple yet powerful reading exercise. Performed by a youth chorus and string orchestra with professional backing tracks, Circle offers a flexible tool applauded by music educators and critics. |
| Music
Animation Assistive Technology Boogie: Jeff Moyer and friends broke new ground with this innovative production—the world’s first fully accessible music animation. Partnering with Jim Tobias of Inclusive.com and animator Haik Hoisington, Moyer’s “A T Boogie” becomes a celebration of the empowering and life-enhancing diversity of assistive technology for people with disabilities. Used as a training tool, this light-hearted production quickly engages its audience with music, imaginative animation and the accessible channels of open captioning and audio description. |
| Jeff
Moyer In Concert Jeff Moyer has performed at venues from The Cleveland Orchestra’s Severance Hall to stages in New York City for the World Congress on Arts and Medicine and Washington, D. C. for the United States Department of Education. Special Ed Ranger captures the musicality, power and passion of this talented musician before a live audience. The range of both musical style and emotional palette of Moyer’s performances are captured in this uplifting concert and affirmed through the audience’s enthusiasm and response. Often Jeff provides concerts for conferences when he is engaged as keynote presenter. As a solo artist, Jeff brings skill as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist combined with a warm and charismatic style which draws people together and opens hearts and minds. Jeff’s concerts often include choirs of children drawn from the schools in which his assemblies and residencies take place, and bring the entire community together for an inspirational, heart-warming and entertaining evening of original music. |
| Jeff
Moyer and Justin Dart, Jr. Solidarity Forever: In 1999, Jeff captured the stirring oratory of the late Justin Dart, Jr., the internationally renowned advocate for social justice and father of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This collection of Jeff Moyer’s songs that advocate and short segments of Mr. Dart’s elevated oratory combine in a stirring and memorable timeless call-to-action. In 1988, Justin Dart, Jr. agreed to this album concept. When approached by Moyer, who was moved by the late leader’s powerful public speaking, Justin Dart, Jr. arranged to have Jeff perform his original “The ADA Anthem,” following the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. |
PRODUCER,
HISTORIAN AND DOCUMENTARIAN
Jeff Moyer’s creative talents reach beyond productions focused on music.
His work as an oral historian, sound archivist and student of disability history
and American history are presented in two entirely different productions that
have been heralded for their innovation and effectiveness.
Lest We Forget is a landmark documentary drawn from 35 hours of oral histories
Moyer conducted with individuals locked away within Ohio’s state institutions
for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families and those who
worked within the institutions and those who worked to establish community alternatives.
This gripping two-CD audio documentary combines Moyer’s artful and poignant
music and poetry with elements drawn from these firsthand accounts of a truly
dark and unknown chapter in American history. Proclaimed a unique and vital
contribution to disability history by advocates, disability historians and national
leaders, Lest We Forget tells the transcendent story people with retardation
in the United States.
Jeff Moyer’s brother, Mark, was institutionalized in 1964 and lived for
30 years locked away from community and family. Jeff’s deep understanding
of the epic struggle required to move individuals from institutional to community
settings is told through the voices of those who lived that history.
Sounds of the Western Reserve Historical Society: Jeff Moyer has worked as a
consultant to numerous museums and cultural institutions concerning the accessible
presentation of collections and programs. This experience led Jeff to the creation
of this educational, innovative and delightful album of period soundscapes and
stories drawing on field recordings of historic artifacts. Jeff combined a diverse
array of field-collected sound recordings into four soundscapes that transport
the listener across time and make history come alive through sound and imagination.
Historians and educators have cheered Moyer’s production and employ it
regularly in their educational programs. Read The Plain Dealer feature of March
8, 2005, written by Tom Feran, on Sounds of the Western Reserve Historical Society.
WORK IN SCHOOLS
Jeff Moyer’s work in education addresses social inclusion. Through his
assemblies and residencies, Jeff helps school communities to develop an understanding
that disability and diversity are healthy and needed aspects of all communities.
Jeff’s artist-in-residence work has resulted in many schools developing
cherished school songs, mottos and pledges. Often residencies conclude with
a concert for the community, during which Jeff is joined on stage by an inclusive
chorus of the community’s children singing songs of unity and good will.
NEW HORIZONS
For several years Jeff has regularly provided a concert of original music for
patients and families receiving hospice care. His music addressing the end of
life has brought comfort, healing of the spirit and peace to countless individuals.
Jeff is currently finishing work on Grit: A Family Memoir on Disability a collection
of his essays. The work addresses his personal journey and the way disability
has challenged and impacted the lives of many others in his family.
Thank you for visiting this website and considering the work of this uniquely
creative man.
Jeff Moyer has been sought as a keynote presenter by numerous regional, national
and international organizations due to his ability to understand the needs of
diverse audiences and unite them in common cause for fresh commitment toward
the greater good. Moyer speaks with the authority of one who has experienced
profound personal loss through his progressive blindness and hearing loss and
has morphed that suffering into a compassionate and open-handed acceptance of
human difference. Moyer’s music is community-involving and he has spurred
administrators, executives and all other audiences to join him in songs that
inspire and unite. His humor and gentle satire often involve partners from his
audience who join him on stage to hilarious effect.
Jeff addresses topics of specific concern to every audience and touches unifying
themes that create an energy that focuses and dissolves differences. Jeff is
often asked to conduct workshops and concerts at conferences where he is providing
opening or closing keynote addresses. Carl Augusto, President of the American
Foundation for the Blind, has said, “ . . . Jeff Moyer’s personal
appearances top the list of inspiration and entertainment . . .”
"Jeff Moyer's personal appearances top the list of inspiration and entertainment
in the disability movement. His musical talent is superb. He sings to you, he
talks to you, he fills your eyes with tears - but most of all he makes you glad
you have experienced him." Carl Augusto, President, American Foundation
for the Blind
Jeff Moyer has worked with children and young people from preschools to university settings. His work has ranged from assemblies and concerts to week-long artist in residence for school districts throughout the United States. His high energy, value-rich, and effective music assemblies have been called "The best ever!" "Right on target for these trying times," and "Electric! Spellbinding."
