Keeping one's self inspired in the music classroom is all about connections. Sometimes educators need to look at what they're doing from a different perspective. Luckily, there's no shortage of ways to revitalize one's classroom approach, and to help the author explores a few, he made use of some connections of his own, turning to five educators…

The saxophone section of a wind ensemble can easily be one of the most frustrating to work with when it comes to producing a clear, characteristic tone. Sometimes, the road to an improved sound can be a long path of daily diligence and practice; however, there are many quicker solutions that will drastically improve a student's tone. This article…

Teachers might ask students to hum the tuning pitch, chant rhythms and scat articulations, or sing melodies from the repertoire to better understand musical inflection and nuance. In addition, singing can develop skills in music reading and audiation. If students sing out loud before playing a line of music, they are able to prehear the pitches…

Usually band, orchestra, and choir directors work independently. However, the authors--one a choral director, the other a band director--have learned that making music together makes friends. Not only can ensemble directors get along, but joint concerts may be just the way to help students see how music can reach the heart. Combined instrumental…

Because people today are accustomed to listening to electronic instruments, school music ensembles need to rise to the challenge of reflecting present-day culture by doing a "contemporary makeover". This is all-important if ensembles are to command student respect and attract new members. With a creative mindset and openness to innovation, one can…

In this article, five highly experienced music educators tell what they love about teaching music. They are: (1) Rob Amchin, professor of music education at the University of Louisville, Kentucky (elementary general music specialist and percussionist--over 30 years of experience); (2) Susan Bechler, retired orchestra teacher for the Victor Central…

They have worked as professional musicians, taught in several school districts, and even created a children's educational music video series, all while raising five kids of their own. But as they move into yet another chapter of their careers as music educators, Chuck and Mary Lynn McMichael are still crazy after all these years. Crazy about…

Orff-Schulwerk, or simply Orff, is an approach for teaching music to children that was developed in the early 1920s by the German composer Carl Orff (1895 1982) and his fellow composer Gunild Keetman. The Orff approach encompasses music and movement and is based on activities that come naturally to children: singing, clapping, and dancing. Orff…

Repertoire selection is a balancing act on many levels, but the essential balance is that between education and emotion. If a given piece doesn't provide some element that can be used for the purpose of instruction, it's probably not worth considering. And yet it's also necessary to consider the emotional impact of a piece to judge it fully. This…

It is certainly no secret that people are living in a difficult economic climate. In these times of belt-tightening, both institutional and personal, budgets for arts education are being slashed and individual donations are plummeting. Music teachers in particular know well the impact of these developments on their programs, and they know that…

Before rehearsals begin, conductors need to thoroughly study the score. What elements go into a comprehensive score preparation? To learn music scores efficiently, having a detailed and systematic study method helps. The author has developed a score preparation guide that works for directors of bands, choruses, and orchestras, even when there's…

No matter how dedicated they may be, some teachers are daunted by extreme challenges. Carol Agler, music director at the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB), is not one of those teachers. Since joining the OSSB staff 11 years ago, Agler has revived the school's long-dormant band program and created its first marching band. Next January, she…

After spending nearly a decade performing in musical theater, David Ladd found the role of a lifetime teaching choir and chairing the music department at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. And there's no doubt his enthusiasm and life experience have made a dramatic impact on the school's program, which received Grammy National Signature…

The flute is one of the more accessible instruments for beginners and is a popular choice for many elementary and middle school students. It is relatively easy to create a decent, usable sound with a flute, and it is more portable than most instruments. While starting a flute choir has a lot of benefits, arranging a band has a lot of challenges.…

A good accompanist is a choir director's dream come true! At one time, student pianists were quite plentiful, but they have become rarer today. While many student pianists may be capable of reading music, not all can be good accompanists. Accompanying is an art of its own that requires some unique capabilities. In this article, the author presents…