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Friends, this is a crazy time. The COVID-19 crisis has forced teachers of all kinds to think differently about how we engage in instruction. Namely: online.  Very few of us music teachers have a lot of experience in this area, but it’s been inspiring to see everyone...

Have you ever wanted to teach yourself to play the guitar but you felt overwhelmed and crunched for time? I think this is the way every person in the world feels at one time or another. But luckily for you, it’s never been easier to pick up this popular instrument. ...

Engaging students with technology can sometimes be like driving without a GPS. With so many different roads to take, it’s easy for students to get distracted or lose sight of the destination. Beginning as a new teacher in 2017, I was jazzed about using new technology...

Are you lost when looking for an easy ukulele song to learn? Ukulele is one of the most accessible and fun instruments to learn! As a music teacher and ukulele practitioner myself, I know exactly how rewarding it can be. But if you don’t believe me, you can also check...

The effects of music on child development have been well documented in family, medical, and educational research. But how do these effects look in real life, with our own children, and in our own music rooms?   As a classroom music teacher, private lesson...

Do you want to impress people on piano but you only have basic skills?  It sounds like some beginner piano songs and pop songs on piano would be a great thing for you; you just need to make sure they can be learned.  This is why I keep this list of 25 easy piano songs...

In the era of budget cuts and low arts priority, it’s important to be able to find funding for your music programs outside what your administration can offer. So I did the research for you and hunting down 10 music education grants you can apply for.  American Country...

  There has never been a better time to harness technology for your classroom. The internet is brimming with amazing games and activities. Many of these are perfect for schools. Online music games for the classroom are a brilliant way to connect with students....

  Teaching music to elementary students can be great fun. Children of this age are usually very responsive to learning music. They are young enough to learn through play, but compared to toddlers, they are already old enough for more complex group activities....

  Children begin middle school at age 11 as pre-teens, with the curiosity of a child. By the time they finish middle school at age 13 they are full-blown teenagers. In some cases they are already on the educational path that will lead to their future career. For...

  There’s more to music teaching than teaching music. Think back to your first music lessons and your first teachers. How did they inspire you to continue with music? A good music teacher goes beyond basic classroom teaching. Make music lessons fun and maybe you...

Are you a technophobe? Or perhaps you use gadgets at home but find it hard to use technology when teaching. Many teachers went to school at a time when technology was nowhere near as advanced as it is now. We watched as our teachers wrote on blackboards, and then...

  Music students often see theory as the boring part of music class. They think it’s pointless or too difficult to bother with. If you feel stuck with students who don’t care about learning music theory, then read on. Teaching music theory can be a fun and...

  Music appreciation classes are a great opportunity to instill a love of music in your students. Topics covered in music appreciation include historical and cultural background to music. Students learn how to listen to music and analyze it.   A challenge...

  It comes around so quickly every year. It's time to choose the musical production that you will spend hundreds of hours teaching and rehearsing over the coming months. So how should you choose this year’s high school musical? You need to be passionate about the...

  Teaching resources are an important part of every class. These aids help teachers to communicate information and knowledge to students. They usually engage and appeal to the students directly. Resources make learning more fun and engaging. There are many great...

  School band can be great fun to teach, but maybe the most exhausting hour of your week as a music teacher. The amount of energy involved in keeping your band engaged is draining for even the most energetic music teacher. You are also working towards a high...

  As a music teacher, you will undoubtedly have students who view a more creative and arts-type classroom as a location to misbehave. Students look at a music classroom as an unstructured and relaxed setting, making it easy for them to become unruly and...

  The lights go down, the audience is quiet. Meanwhile you are backstage are trying to keep control of hundreds of children! It’s time for the end of year concert and the pressure is on.   But there’s no need to panic. With careful preparation in the weeks...