The F-flat Books Blog is a community-run blog exploring a variety of topics in music teaching and learning.
Browse posts by category or check out the most recent posts below.
#WhatImTeachingWednesday
This year I stepped out of my comfort zone. I started an Instagram account dedicated to teaching middle school music (@musicalmiddles). Admittedly, I considered deleting it almost every day for the first week. I had seen countless teacher Instagram accounts, many with tons of followers and stellar pictures, but I had no clue what this realm would hold for me in terms of my own teaching. It was a risk I was willing to take to network, share, and learn from other music educators who [...]
Dear 16-Year-Old Self, This Song Will be on Broadway.
The other day, I was talking to my students about creativity. I find it interesting that many of them think that musical creativity is synonymous with the ability to play an instrument. "No!" I said. "If you asked me to create on the trumpet, I might struggle because I don't play the trumpet well. I won't be able to execute the ideas in my head." But, I explained, that doesn't mean I'm not a creative musician. It means I need another vehicle or I need others to execute my [...]
What the Flip is Flipping the Classroom?
The idea of flipping the classroom for me came out of necessity. For the past 14 years I had been teaching beginning band. And, every year I would search for the “best” way to teach it. As we know, all music programs are not created equal, and each beginning band program has its own unique scheduling requirements. Once I came across the idea of classroom flipping, my classroom began to evolve. In fact, my entire approach to teaching began to evolve. About 3 years ago, I was [...]
I don’t know anything about music. Why am I here?
It is I, David AllenPhoto by Johan Famel If you've been following F-flat Books on social media, I have no doubt you know my sister, Sarah. You may have noted her oft added title "Co-Founder of F-flat Books." And, those of you who are of a curious sort may have wondered "Wait... 'co-' means there's another founder. Who is this F-flatter in the shadows?! Intrigue!" Well, that's me, David Allen (nice to finally meet you all, by the way). I thought it time I stepped out [...]
Creativity in the Band Classroom: Start here!
Creating music is one of the four artistic processes that guide the national core standards for music education, yet many teachers report they spend very little time teaching improvisation and composition in their classes and rehearsals. Most of the best-selling band methods emphasize notation and theory over improvisation and few resources are dedicated to this important musical skill. As a result, musicians of all ages are often anxious about exploring, improvising, and composing music of their own. Therefore, the goal of Creative Activities for Young Bands is to supplement [...]
Reflections on a Teaching Sabbatical
"I'm on sabbatical." I said these words over and over again this past year, explaining to folks why I was suddenly home with my kids and not in the classroom. Since graduating from college in 2007, I have spent every year teaching. Teaching, conducting, writing, studying, planning. Repeat. I earned my Masters and PhD while teaching. I had three babies in four years while teaching, with very little maternity leave. My pace of life has been fast and furious. And then, this past year, I was granted [...]
Sparking Joy with Choir Binders
My background Theresa Thomasulo I am the type of teacher who will go to great lengths to minimize transitions. Because I love to keep things moving, I try to equip students with helpful resources ahead of time. In my choir classes, one way I do this is by providing each student with a choir binder pre-filled with helpful information about the structure of our class, my expectations, music theory reminders, and general tips for success. However, as I spent the last few weeks preparing for [...]
Creating and Nurturing a Student-Centered Learning Environment
Some of Steve's student's performing Change can be difficult. But oftentimes, challenging the status quo yields remarkable results. As our traditional definition of teaching and learning continues to transform, what are a few ways we, as music educators, might be able to facilitate these modifications in our classrooms and rehearsals? How do you go about altering the learning environment of the classroom in an effort to place the students at the center of, well, everything? Creating and nurturing a student-centered, democratic learning environment can be [...]
Dear First Year Music Education Student
Welcome to your first year as a music education major, which I promise will be a whirlwind of learning and performing that is both exciting and stressful. In this blog post, I offer four big tips for not only surviving but THRIVING in your first year. Understand How Learning Works Make It Stick, The Science of Successful Learning Two winters ago, I read an amazing book that changed how I viewed learning, “Make It Stick” by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger III, and Mark McDaniel. Here [...]
A Regular Teacher in a Not-So-Regular Place
Travel: An Interactive Museum Follow Naarah's adventures on Instagram @callender_abroad Imagine visiting a country with a culture completely different from yours: the food, mannerisms, and societal expectations. In this moment, this life seems exciting, like walking through an interactive museum. You’re encouraged by friends and fellow tourists to take a picture of everything (and don’t forget to use your travel agency’s company hashtag). All things around you are instagram worthy and in just a few days or weeks time, you will go back to the [...]
7 Suggestions for Better Time Management for Music Educator–Entrepreneurs
How To Confront Father Time as Educators What an exciting time it is for all educators! Another fresh year with eager and gifted students who are slightly nervous and shy. Yet, they're excitedly looking to you, the educator, to help them realize their dreams and potential through your creative tutelage and mentorship. It is indeed a glorious task we have as educators — to bring out the best in our students on a daily basis, on a weekly basis, and on a yearly basis. We all know the [...]
The Key to a Successful First Year
“The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” - William James Being a first year teacher is hard. There’s a lot to think about and often too little time to prepare. You’ll meet more people and learn more names than you can possibly remember. And, most likely, get lost in your school at least once. If you’re moving to a new area or state, that’s a whole new layer to consider and figure out. The first year is exhausting—the [...]