How To Have a Successful First Day of Music Class
The lesson for the first day of music class is such an important lesson. It sets the tone for your whole year. Will your students leave your class excited for a year of music making? Will you set up the routines and procedures needed to keep your classroom orderly? So much rides on this one […]
How to Teach Elementary Music Class Through Purposeful Play
Planning the perfect lesson for elementary music class can be a challenge. Trying to strike the balance between fun and content-filled music lessons is a never ending battle for all music teachers! You want your students to learn musical standards, but you don’t want lessons so dry that they resemble the droning teacher from Ferris […]
Elementary Music Sub Plans: 5 Fabulous No Prep Sub Plans for Elementary Music
Creating elementary music sub plans can seem like your worst nightmare. I used to remember spending HOURS prepping music sub plans my first year. But my years of working through pounding, feverish headaches to cobble together sub plans are long past. In this blog post, I will share with you some no prep sub plans […]
10 First Year Music Teacher Tips I Wish I Would Have Known
If you are a first year music teacher, it can feel a little daunting. Stepping from the role of college student into the role of first year music teacher is such a mental shift. And no matter how great your college courses were, nothing really prepares you for teaching like that trial by fire that […]
Music Lessons for Kindergarten: What to Teach the First Day of School
Creating great music lessons for kindergarten can be a challenge. Finding just the right blend of silly and serious, stillness and movement, simple but purposeful takes practice. So finding the right music lesson for the first day of kindergarten is really challenging! How do you teach the routines and procedures they desperately need to learn, […]
Music Classroom Decor: What You Need For a Great Classroom Environment
Are you overwhelmed with the thought of choosing your music classroom decor? What should you include? What should you leave out? How will you fit everything on your limited bulletin boards? And most importantly, how can you afford it on your teacher salary? Today, I’ll be sharing the key elements I’ve discovered, through trial and […]
National Standards in Music: A State By State Breakdown
The National Standards in Music provide a framework for what should be taught in music classrooms across the country. You may notice that your state benchmarks closely mirror many of the concepts outlined in the National Music Standards. The National Music Standards serve as a starting point, but then each state must create their own […]
What to Teach in Music: Create Your Own Music Curriculum for Elementary
Trying to figure out a music curriculum for elementary music is a challenge. What should you teach your students? When should you teach it? How should you teach it? You might just throw in the towel and purchase a pre-made music curriculum. But even then, how do you know which one is good? A good […]
Note Reading In Music In Three Easy Steps
If you are getting ready to introduce note reading in music, this blog post is for you. Whether you are using note reading games, flashcards or any number of other activities, the way that you structure your lesson can make a big difference on how quickly your students are successful at note reading. Reading music […]
Music For Special Education: The How to Guide to Success in Music Class
Do you teach music for special education classes? Have you ever been stumped on how to make your self-contained special ed music class fun, engaging and successful for your students? If so, you are in good company. It can be challenging finding what works for your special education music classes. Music education for special needs […]