Using Lyrics as a Springboard for Songwriting with Students Recently, I've been spending time with my five-year-old niece, who is just learning how to read, and I was struck by a comment she made the other night when she was reading one of her books to me: [...]
Established in 1993, the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music is Palestine’s first music conservatory. Since then, it has sought to spread a lively and creative musical culture in every Palestinian home by teaching, producing and promoting music in various ways despite the hardships of operating under [...]
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.
The Grammys have long been associated with all the glitz and glamour that comes with the music industry. But, a few years ago, it became more than that as the Grammy Foundation started including music educators in their awards show. And, while the award has had its [...]
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.
Change and Growth I'm back. It has been a while. Last year, I switched schools after teaching at Westwood Primary for ten years. Change is necessary for growth, but it was not an easy year. Less time was available for blogging and sharing, but I am hopeful to [...]
What do you do during the first month of school to build connection with your music students? I remember starting as a teacher and feeling like rules were first, and relationship was second. I was so wrong about that. Not only did I struggle with classroom expectations, [...]
The start of a new school year is the perfect time to create a foundation where students have a voice in the music classroom. Students are excited to start fresh and learn new things, and they are also eager to share their ideas and opinions. By giving students [...]
What makes you #morethanamusicteacher? In this blog series inspired by Franklin Willis’ Book, More Than A Music Teacher, we invited teachers around the world to share their stories. Today, we’ll hear from Susana Rodríguez-Snyder and Amanda Aragon. Read on as we celebrate the incredible changemakers in our profession of [...]