Featured Artists: Megan and Ben Schraer
Megan and Ben Schraer are the husband-and-wife team behind Dynamic Doodle Co., a music education company dedicated to helping teachers bring music history to life through engaging, hands-on resources. Megan is a piano teacher of 13 years with a background in orchestral performance, having performed at multiple renowned venues. Her experience as both a performer and educator shapes the creative vision behind Dynamic Doodle Co.’s curriculum and videos. Ben is a fourth-grade teacher who brings his classroom experience and passion for education into the heart of the business. Together, they design materials that are both educational and meaningful for today’s students.
Check out their Featured Artist Page!
Can you share the story behind the creation of Dynamic Doodle Co?
Dynamic Doodle Co was started back in 2017 and began as a composer button company. Overtime, new products such as our Rhythm Builders and Staff Puzzlers were created! In 2022, the Composer Chronicles launched. And in 2024, me and my husband Ben became the new owners! We have loved keeping the journey going and have big plans for the future!
How did your musical background influence your journey?
I have been a piano teacher since 2013 and have had the honor of being in an orchestra called West Coast Classical. During my 10 years as an orchestra member, we had the great privilege to travel all over the world to perform on incredible stages such as Carnegie Hall in NY, to Disney Hall in LA, and even Dvorak Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. We had the opportunity to visit the homes and burial sites of some famous composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and so many more!
How do you balance multiple creative outlets?
Most of my creative endeavors happen during nap time and when my kids are sleeping at night. Finding a balance between being a mama and a business owner can be quite a challenge. But it's an honor to get to model hard work for my kids and instill entrepreneurial skills in them from such a young age.
Has your creative style evolved over time?
Just like with learning any kind of skill, there's a learning curve. After countless hours of working on the Composer Chronicles, my creative process has grown and changed.
Can you highlight a favorite project of Dynamic Doodle?
My most recent passion project has been the Stephen Foster Composer Chronicles. I'm dedicating it to the students of Mariposa Computer Science Magnet school that my husband Ben works at. They are learning about the California Gold Rush and Stephen Foster's music became the real life soundtrack of the lives of the 49ers and those seeking to strike gold in California! It brings me so much joy to help teachers bring music history into the classroom!
Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't be afraid to be seen trying. You never know what God will do with the skills you try out and work on!
What do you think is most important about music education?
Inspiring the next generation of growing musicians!
Do you have any upcoming projects or goals you are excited about and want to share?
I've been working on some "piano houses" to help young piano students identify the groups of 2 and 3 black keys! Students will be able to write on these little houses with a dry erase marker for a greater hands on learning experience. Teachers will also have the option to have their studio logo engraved on each piano house. Each set will be made from super durable, kid-proof acrylic and will have 3 beautiful pastel color tones! (A tiny house for the lonley back key at the lowest end of the piano, medium sized house for the groups of 2 black keys, and large houses for the groups of 3).
What is your favorite song/composer/play/show?
Me and Ben are really enjoying the Apple TV series called The Silo.
