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.
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 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 limitations (underrepresentation of women in education, for example), it still provides a much needed platform to amplify the work of not only the winner but the nominees. We have had F-flat representation for the past three years, and we are [...]
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. 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 get back into it now that I am in year 2. Today, I am thinking aloud about using "Let's Play" by Herve Tullet to support my students in making creative choices. The Creative Process as a Pedagogy approach fits well [...]
Three Ways to Build Connection with Students During the First Month of School
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, I struggled to build authentic relationships with students that garnered mutual respect. But now, 17 years in, I've learned a few lessons about connecting with students that have served to build positive relationships for the entire year. In this blog [...]
Setting the Stage: Using Technology to Give Every Student a Voice
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 a voice in the music classroom, you can create a more engaging and supportive environment for making music. Sometimes it’s difficult to make sure all students' voices are heard in the classroom. Often it’s the same students who will volunteer [...]
More Than A Music Teacher: Susana Rodriguez-Synder and Amanda Aragon
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 music education. Meet Susana Rodríguez-Snyder, #morethanamusicteacher Tell us your story. How did you become a music teacher? I grew up in a family of musicians (mother’s side). We were always singing and my uncles were always playing the guitar. I [...]
More Than A Music Teacher: David Getz and Anna Mounts
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 David Russell Getz and Anna Mounts. Read on as we celebrate the incredible changemakers in our profession of music education. Meet David Russell Getz, #morethanamusicteacher Tell us your story. How did you become a music teacher? I decided early in high school that I wanted to be a musician, but even up until my senior year I [...]
More Than A Music Teacher: Elizabeth Shier and Crystal Briley
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 Elizabeth Shier and Crystal Briley. Read on as we celebrate the incredible changemakers in our profession of music education. Meet Elizabeth Shier, #morethanamusicteacher Tell us your story. How did you become a music teacher? I grew up with a special-needs brother and wanted to be a music therapist and double majored in music therapy/music education, but [...]
The Value of a Values Statement for your Music Department
Like many music educators, I experienced a major shock during my first few months of teaching: Even though I knew how to play all the instruments, sing all the songs, and teach all the music… Very few of my students cared like I did about learning music. After four years of music school and being surrounded by high-caliber musicianship, I had forgotten that fifth graders don’t live in that world; they have a whole other reality that I needed to get to know if I was going to [...]
Reflections on Cultivating a Daily Creative Practice: #asongadayinjan
Intro I’ve always been inspired by my dear friend, Sarah Gulish, to take on the “Song A Day Challenges” over the last couple of years. I only just began my songwriting journey three years ago and prior to 2023 starting, I had only written a total of forty-six songs. This January, I decided that I was going to actually complete the challenge and here I am in February of 2023 able to tell you that in one month, I wrote thirty-one songs! They’re not all my favorite, a [...]