About this Artist

Pronouns: she/her

Musician and singer Deborah “Spice” Kleinmann has been a teaching artist with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts since 2006 and has worked for over 16 years conducting arts integration residencies in Maryland and Virginia public schools as well as Head Start and Judy Centers. During these residencies, Spice mentors teachers to help them feel more comfortable utilizing the arts to teach their lessons in the classroom. Spice also teaches music and drama at the Downtown Baltimore Childcare Center, where she has worked for more than 18 years.

For the past 3 years, she has sung at more than 15 libraries in Baltimore County and Baltimore City during their story times. Spice receives annual grants from the Maryland State Arts Council to perform auditorium shows in schools in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area, including musical performances around themes on the natural environment, African American history, and peace & justice. As a teaching artist, Spice has been trained by Arts for Learning’s Teaching Artist Institute (TAI) in Baltimore, MD as well as by the Wolf Trap Institute. Spice also holds a degree in Biology Education and Natural Resource Management from the University of Maryland. One of her favorite residencies focuses on environmental themes and the earth while teaching literacy through the arts, and she has many songs that enhance this program. She has been involved with Farm and Wilderness Camps in Vermont since 1987, leading singing activities for six camps. She was also involved with the Environmental Education Boat called the Clearwater that was Pete Seeger’s brainchild, and spent 10 years sailing and singing on the Hudson River. Spice also served in the Peace Corps, writing and teaching environmental education curriculum through the arts. Spice credits her mother and father for her musical abilities and gives thanks every day for her gifts.

As a Teaching Artist and musical performer, I have seen so much joy and felt so much love in the children I interact with. I can tell by the way the children want to come up to me after the lessons and hug me or touch my instruments that they are engaged and excited about learning through the arts!!! Their lives are so precious and when times are tough, knowing that they can create visual, musical, dance and imaginary play will help alleviate these challenging experiences. Educational information as well as Social Emotional learning are enhanced as well. Experience this joy with me!!!!