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.
The Asterisk: Ableist Language
Welcome to The Asterisk*, a new regular column where we’ll chat about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in music education. The function of an asterisk is to quickly give readers a baseline of knowledge so the reader can dive into content. This column aims to introduce or refresh deia concepts in a judgment-free space and provide ideas for incorporating deia principles into your teaching practice. Happy Music in Our Schools Month, Women’s History Month, AND Brain Injury Awareness Month! Today I’d like to talk about ableism and ableist [...]
Musicast Episode 22: Kevin Coyne – An Innovator’s Mindset
Kevin Coyne is an amazing middle general music teacher pushing the limits of what is possible and exciting students at the same time. With a focus on informal learning and working towards a music education for all, Kevin talks to the Musicast team about his classroom and all the amazing work he is doing! [...]
Musicast “Episode” 20: News and Updates!
Franklin Willis is taking the Music Education world by storm! From his new book, Edward's Rhythm Sticks, to the amazing work he does with children and teachers everyday, he is an inspiration to listen to and learn from. You don't want to miss this episode! [...]
A Composer’s Perspective: Composing Vocal Music for Young Singers
I am Donna Rhodenizer. I am a composer. It took me a long time to grow into the label and embrace it as part of my musical skills. When I was a young music student, I wrote little “ditties” that I would play on the piano. In high school there was a serious song about my “one true, forever love” (which ended when I went to university) and a three-part choral arrangement I wrote for my high school choir as part of a grade 12 music class assignment. [...]
Musicast Episode 19: Franklin Willis – The Power of Living Your Teacher Truth
Franklin Willis is taking the Music Education world by storm! From his new book, Edward's Rhythm Sticks, to the amazing work he does with children and teachers everyday, he is an inspiration to listen to and learn from. You don't want to miss this episode! [...]
Research to Practice: Inclusion Means Everyone
For the past few years, the field of music education has talked about an increased need for diversity and equity in classrooms. However, as I’ve listened to these calls for change, I frequently see that for many people, diversity and inclusion encompasses only race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, orientation, and socioeconomic status. And while these are all aspects of music education that certainly need to change, I hold firm to the belief that we cannot have truly diverse or inclusive classrooms until we also include people with disabilities. [...]
Musicast Episode 18: Kat Reinhert – Popular Music on Stage and in Class
F-flat author, teacher, professor, and singer-songwriter Kat Reinhart sits down to discuss her journey as a musician. She discusses what it took to get where she is now, where she's headed, and lends a ton of advice to those looking to forge their own path in education or the music industry. Take a listen! [...]
The Asterisk: Representation and Diversifying Visual Aids
Welcome to The Asterisk*, a new regular column where we’ll chat about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in music education. An asterisk's function is to quickly give readers a baseline of knowledge so the reader can dive into content. This column aims to introduce or refresh deia concepts in a judgment-free space and provide ideas for incorporating deia principles into your teaching practice. Today’s Topic: Representation (Part 1) Representation in schools means that students can see themselves in their teachers, administrators, and curriculum. Although usually centered on racial [...]
Musicast Episode 16: Margaret Harrigan- The Importance of Music Play
Elementary music teacher and research Maggie Harrigan sits down with Marissa and Kevin to discuss this importance of music play in the elementary music classroom. She gives advice for where to start, resources to to turn to, and how to incorporate it into your classroom! [...]
Research to Practice: Informal Music Teaching
Action research is a great way to break into thinking about ways to improve what you teach, how you teach, and how students learn. I would even go as far as to suggest that most teachers are already doing this in their classrooms. Action research doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. It just starts with a spark of wonder or an idea. [...]
Musicast Episode 15: F-flat Family Chat- Engagement and Motivation of ALL Students
This week, Marissa and Kevin welcome F-flat family members Sarah Gulish and Chelsea Dehner to the chat to discuss a tricky topic: motivation. In this context, the group refers to a guitar class that attracts students of all ability levels. [...]
Musicast Episode 14: Musicast Meetup Year in Review- Reflect Behind to Look Ahead
Marissa and Kevin chat together and reflect on the school year so far and set goals for the remainder of their teaching year. Read more here! [...]