Abstract This article explores the importance of cultivating creative readiness by engaging in craft for the sheer love and joy of it, independent of external validation or compensation. It emphasizes the need for creative entrepreneurs to prioritize authenticity, self-discovery, and continuous growth while balancing personal fulfillment with external [...]
The Power of Thanks: Gratitude in Music, Business, and Beyond As we gather for Thanksgiving, reflecting on gratitude feels more essential than ever—especially for those of us navigating the creative and entrepreneurial world of music. While the music industry is often characterized by ambition, deadlines, and competition, cultivating [...]
Abstract This article advocates for a hands-on, experiential approach to teaching music entrepreneurship, highlighting the value of embracing a "messy" curriculum. The author suggests that engaging students in real-world projects, encouraging risk-taking, and normalizing failure builds the adaptability and creativity crucial for thriving in the unpredictable music industry. [...]
Making Music Education Inclusive—Without Falling into the Tokenism Trap! Let’s talk about why it’s so important to move beyond tokenism in music education—and how you can actually make that shift. It’s a common story in music classrooms: each year, educators launch special projects tied to cultural heritage months, [...]
Redefining the Role of Arranger and Producer Quincy Jones, a trailblazer in the music industry, transformed the art of arrangement and production, setting standards that continue to inspire and inform today’s music professionals. More than just a gifted musician, Jones viewed his work as an arranger and producer [...]
The late Tom Petty would have turned 74 last week – a week that will see milestones like the theatrical release of Cameron Crowe’s 1983 film “Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party” and the reissue of the 1982 “Long After Dark” album. The Florida singer-songwriter’s impact, seven years after his death, is [...]
As I type this blog post, I'm currently nestled under a blanket and sipping hot tea. In Southern Pennsylvania (where I call home), we get the full spectrum of seasonal changes. Two weeks ago, my kids were swimming in 80 degree weather. Today, there's a chill in [...]
Assessment as Data One of the core memories from my undergraduate experience was in my assessment course taught by Dr. Darrel Walters at Temple University. On one mind-blowing morning circa 2006, he proposed that, as teachers, assessment was a tool to measure how well we taught our students. [...]
Introduction: The New Paradigm of Music Education The educational world has become a complete whirlwind where music educators are breaking free from the confines of traditional classrooms. Gone are the days when teaching was all about chalkboards, sheet music, and the occasional out-of-tune piano. Now, with digital platforms [...]
How can you lead with equity in your classroom while navigating the various barriers of working in an urban environment? Hello. I am Jammie Phillips, a passionate music teacher with 17 years of experience, 10 of which were spent as a band director. Having taught in Atlanta, Georgia's [...]