The Magic of Puppets
Puppets can interactively teach songs, allowing students to learn melodies through playful engagement rather than mere repetition.
Proactive Advocacy
Proactive advocacy No matter your situation, building a foundation of support that underscores the value of your program is an important priority. We know music programs often face scrutiny during budget cuts, shifts in curricular philosophy, leadership, or a...
Exploration in the Early Years
Exploration in the Early Years I've received a handful of questions about how I structure the early years music classes I teach. Each school's expectations have been different, but the one thing I have come to learn is that students thrive on exploration and...
Framework for PreK Lessons
Frameworks for Pre-K Lessons Are you teaching Pre-K and looking for a bit of inspiration? Maybe you’re looking for a B-12 shot of inspiration for this unique age group! How might you frame your lesson with Preschoolers? This age group needs a lot of variety in...
Project: Preschool
Pre-K students, ages 3-5, represent a unique part in a music teacher's curriculum. Let's say you have the pleasure of teaching this age group. In that case, you likely know that your lessons thrive on a variety of short singing and movement activities that incorporate...
Drum Circle Ideas for the Elementary Classroom
Drum Circle Ideas for the Elementary Classroom Nothing quite spells excitement like a DRUM is placed before a student! Whether you’re using bucket drums, hand drums, or tubanos, the physical act of hitting a drum offers immediate engagement for students. And...
Teacher Talk: Confernece
Teacher Talk: Conference! “Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.” ~Carl Orff I hope you are gearing up for an exciting American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) conference, November 13-16, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa! Filled with rich...
List of Grants for Music Educators
I’m certain there are more grant possibilities out there, but here is a start! And hey, just try. Be your authentic self and try. What’s the worst that can happen? They say no and you move on to the next application. You got this, good luck! Found on the American...
Tips for Grant Writing
Tips for Grant Writing There are institutions, organizations, and companies that really want to support music teachers through grants. It could be yours for the taking, but most often, to ask means writing a grant. Begin by creating a sentence or two (but keep it...
Writing Grants
Writing Grants I had a little side-chapter in my career that included starting a nonprofit concert series called, Underground Classical. Its focus was to highlight classically trained musicians who performed completely out-of-the-box repertoire. Beat-boxing flutists,...