When I was a new teacher, I approached lesson planning this way: 1- Identify concepts to teach 2 - Select song material to teach concepts 3 - Consider what materials and instruments were needed My lessons had a strong sequence of steps and students participated in the activities. [...]
Connecting Kids Through Songwriting I am writing this on the eve of our Metro Nashville Public School EP release, I Believe, I Belong, featuring our incredible educators and talented students. I feel so blessed to lead the MNPS Songwriting Summit—an experience that unites music teachers, students, families, and [...]
Traveling from a Young Age I love to travel. I am so grateful that my husband is an incredible trip planner. His itineraries are so amazing that my friends and I have come to refer to them as the iTIMerary (his name is Tim). I grew up in [...]
As music teachers, we spend countless hours helping students grow as musicians, collaborators, and performers. The process of getting ready for concerts is no easy task. There’s so much going into it, and for many of us, our concerts are the perfect opportunity for audience members to see [...]
Out There In The Wild: Movement Songs as Tools for Early Childhood Music Education How purposeful movement supports musical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth in preschoolers By Jes Cleland If you've ever witnessed a preschool music class in full swing, you know it's not a quiet, sit-still kind of [...]
by José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Abstract This editorial explores the entrepreneurial spirit of classical composers, illustrating how figures like Beethoven, Mozart, and Liszt were not only musical innovators but also business strategists who shaped the industry through financial independence, audience engagement, and adaptability. By tracing the etymology of [...]
By José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D., and Andrew Wang Abstract This article examines how hip-hop pedagogy serves as an effective and inclusive alternative to traditional music education for neurodivergent students, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia. By integrating rhythmic engagement, therapeutic songwriting, and [...]
By José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Abstract This article explores innovative music education strategies for neurodivergent students, emphasizing Ruiz's POSSIBLE framework—a model that fosters leadership and entrepreneurial thinking through personalized, technology-driven, and community-supported music instruction. Drawing from research and firsthand experiences, it demonstrates how hip-hop, beat-making, and songwriting empower [...]
As I write this post, I am reflecting on the latest turn of events over the last couple of weeks. While some decisions have been made that will directly impact the work that we do as teachers, other decisions are threatening the very identity of who our students [...]
by Danielle Rothschild & José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Abstract This editorial examines the evolution, impact, and practical applications of orchestral fusion—the integration of live orchestras, digital orchestration tools, and classical instrumentation within mainstream music. Tracing its historical development from classical traditions to jazz, film scores, and contemporary popular [...]