Music Education

Innovation and Inspiration

Latest Blog Posts from Off the Beaten Path

  • Taming the Digital Clutter: A Summer Guide for Music Teachers
    This article about taming digital clutter was originally published in The Woman Conductor Journal, June 2024 issue. Summer is often the time when busy music teachers rest and recharge, maybe finally tackling the tasks we have been neglecting throughout the school year. While this can be a good time to organize our…
  • Eight Creative Ideas to Try After a Concert
    May 2024 – It was time for another update! There have been a lot of posts on social media from music teachers asking for suggestions on what to do with the time after a concert, of what to do when class is disrupted because of testing. So, if either of…
  • The Qualities of an Empowered Music Student
    Wow, it’s been 6 years since Kathryn Finch and I originally wrote this! It’s amazing to think about how far this work has come in that time…a book…and podcast…what’s next?  For a long time, our focus was on engaging the learners and making sure students were “actively engaged” in music…
  • Harmonizing Technology with Tradition: Electronics in Concert Band Music 
    This article about electronics in concert band music was originally published in The Woman Conductor Journal, February 2024 issue. In the ever-evolving landscape of music, the integration of technology and electronics into the concert band setting marks a significant shift from traditional performances. This not only expands the sonic possibilities but also…
  • Seven Google Add-ons and Extensions for Music Teachers
    January 2024 – This post has gotten another much-deserved update! Seven add-ons and extensions isn’t enough anymore – we’re up to ten! This post continues a back-to-school series about tech tools for the music classroom. One useful feature of Google Chrome is the ability to customize your browsing and creating…
  • Three Tips to Organize Your Google Drive
    This post got a much-needed update January 2024! This is the time of year when many of us notice holes in our digital organizational methods. What started with good intentions has turned into nothing short of a mess! While feels like no small task to tackle the problem, the longer…

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