Kindermusik International, a publisher of music and movement programs, has named Lori Richards a Maestro Producer for 2011-12.

Richards is an early childhood specialist at The Music Village and teaches Kindermusik in Cullowhee and Waynesville. The Maestro Producer award recognizes excellence for a fast-growing program.

“The Kindermusik Maestro has a mission: helping children become better learners and helping parents understand how to help them reach their highest potential,” said Michael Dougherty, CEO at Kindermusik International.

She will offer classes in Cashiers beginning the week of Feb.7 for newborns to age 7, and enrollment is now open.

Richards joins the company of Maestros identified as the top 5 percent of the 5,000 licensed educators in the world who teach Kindermusik’s music and movement program.

“It is such a blessing to share the gift of music with children and to see the joy it brings them,” Richards said.

828.293.5600 or www.themusicvillage-nc.com.