WISENEDER, Caroline

Caroline Schneider Wiseneder (1807-1868) was a German composer and music educator who developed a musical notation system for the blind, as well as a kindergarten music curriculum.

She founded several singing societies, in addition to the Wiseneder Music School for the Blind in 1860, which became the model for several schools throughout Germany. Her method for teaching instrumental music to young children was adopted by the national kindergarten movement established in Germany about 1873. Among other teaching tools, Caroline used toy orchestra instruments which were carefully tuned to harmonise together. She believed that children should always be accompanied by an instrument when they sang. After her death, a marble bust of Caroline was placed in the Braunschweig town library in honour of her achievements.

A few of her vocal works include 'Abschied', 'Four Lieder, opus 13 (for baritone)' and 'Lebewohl an Maria (Farewell to Maria), opus 10'.