David Thaxton
David Thaxton is from Sparks, Nevada, where he is currently in his 31st year of teaching Elementary music to pre-K through 6th grade. He holds a B.M.E. Degree from the University of Northern Colorado and an M.M. from Eastern Washington University.
As an AOSA-certified teacher trainer for Orff Level I, II, and III pedagogy and Levels I and II recorder, David teaches Summer Courses in Reno, San Diego, Birmingham, Chicago, and Portland. He has presented workshops and clinics at local, state, and national levels, and he also presents to Orff chapters throughout the country.
David is also a Past President and current Treasurer for the Sierra Nevada Chapter of AOSA, where he was co-founder of the Sierra Nevada Orff Festival. At the national level, he has served on the Editorial Board of The Echo Journal of the American Orff Schulwerk Association and the monthly online publication, Reverberations. He is currently the Treasurer for the American Center for Elemental Music and Movement and was also awarded the ACEMM Spotlight Educator Award. His book “Making Tracks: Recorder Explorations, Creations and Improvisations,” published through Sweet Pipes, is used in elementary music classrooms across the country as an improvisatory approach to recorder instruction. His most recent publication, “Rounds all Around” through F-Flat books, features a collection of original rounds in addition to “Sasquatch,” an eBook for elementary students due for release in 2026.
eBooks by David Thaxton
Posts by David Thaxton
Research to Practice: Standards-Based Instruction
Consider what we are intentionally or unintentionally saying we value based on what we cover with our students throughout their time in our classrooms. And, just like that, a conversation about standards-based instruction has entered the chat.
Affirmation and Celebration: the F-flat Grammy Nominees
The Grammys have long been associated with all the [...]
Research to Practice: Self-Care is More Than Finding Your “Why”
I was speaking with a student teacher about experiencing burnout symptoms and why finding their preferred self-care practices is important. In our discussion, I had mentioned that the most commonly stated piece of advice (whether given as real advice or delivered with an eye roll) is to remember your “why.” Our discussion was helpful, but I realized that the field of teaching can be just as rewarding as it is prickly.
Let’s Play! Supporting the Creative Process in Music Class
Change and Growth I'm back. It has been a while. [...]
Three Ways to Build Connection with Students During the First Month of School
What do you do during the first month of [...]
Setting the Stage: Using Technology to Give Every Student a Voice
The start of a new school year is the perfect [...]