Music Education
Innovation and Inspiration
Latest Blog Posts from Off the Beaten Path
- From Theory To Practice: Inspiring Books for Music Educators
Reading is something I have enjoyed since the time I was young and would sneak a flashlight under the covers to read after bedtime. Although I read a lot of research articles these days, there are several books I read over the last few months that I really enjoyed! As… - An Overview of AI in Music Education
Artificial intelligence has become a hot topic recently and many people, educators included, are wondering, is this something we could and should be using? While that’s a loaded question, in this blog post I’ll share some popular AI tools along with a couple of suggestions for how music educators might… - Showcasing the Musical Journey through Digital Portfolios
Digital portfolios have revolutionized various industries, and the world of music education is no exception. Traditionally, music classes have focused on performance-based assessments, leaving minimal room for comprehensive evaluation and holistic growth. However, digital portfolios offer a transformative medium for students to showcase their progress, creativity, and musical journeys. Why… - The Beginning Instrumental Informance
June 2023: This blog post was updated! The first performance for beginning instrumentalists is a topic frequently debated. Some believe it should take place as soon as possible, in as little as eight weeks, while others think beginners should not perform until the end of the school year when the… - Canva for Band Directors
This article was originally published in The Woman Conductor Journal, June 2023 issue. Graphic design skills may not be something band directors expect to need in their careers. But between concert programs, promotional posters, and award certificates, graphic design is likely something most of us have had to do. Luckily, there are… - Creativity: Where to Start?
Now we know the study of creativity began with some behavioral psychologists in the early 1900s (What Does It Mean To Be Creative?) and there are some different ideas about what makes up the creative process which can include elements of convergent and divergent thinking. But you might ask, what…
Meaningful Professional Learning
Theresa Hoover brings her passion and enthusiasm to presentations, workshops, and professional development programs in both in-person and virtual settings. Her sessions are inspiring and practical. Teachers will leave excited to try new things in their classrooms and have a clear picture of how to do so.