Putting Students at the Center of MIOSM
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Putting Students at the Center of MIOSM

This post got a much-needed update in March, 2025! Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM®) is a great time for educators to showcase the fantastic things happening within their music programs. Throughout March, music departments all over the country put extra effort into making music noticeable and celebrating its contributions within their districts. This year,…

8 Ideas to Try After a Concert
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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 these scenarios resonate with you,…

The qualities of an empowered music student

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 making in my classroom. But…

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Thanksgiving Concert: A Fun Project for Instrumentalists

November 2021 – this post has been updated! Check out some new ideas on how to complete this project. I started doing the Thanksgiving Concert project a few years ago with my band and orchestra students. While I don’t believe in giving “homework” over long breaks, it is great when students can still play their…

Using Technology to Boost Student Engagement

This article was originally published in The Woman Conductor Journal, March 2021 issue. While the focus is on band rehearsals, the strategies described will work in nearly any music class or rehearsal. Technology integration is something that many band directors are aware of but are still unsure how to achieve. Especially since the goal in…

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Student-Centered Performances

In a performance-based class it may seem challenging to empower students and create a learner-centered environment. Musical ensembles are director-let by nature. Shifting focus to the students is not impossible, but it requires an open mind and careful planning to make it happen! Here are four ways you can create student-centered ensembles and performances. Student Choice in…

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Connected Music Students: Skype With a Composer

I’ve written before about how I believe empowered music students should be connected. The word connect, as opposed to collaborate, is intentional. I agree that it’s important for students to collaborate; it is a skill necessary for the 21st-century. But too often people hear the word collaborate and assume that means just with peers. Students…