Middle school band is often where students begin their musical journey. It is a time when the three basic elements of music — rhythm, melody and harmony — begin to take shape and make sense to students.
Most music educators, choir directors, composers or music students have likely used a music notation program for a variety of reasons including:
“The quest to explore different traditions from around the world outside of classical music has really felt like a quest to discover more about myself,” says Mike Block.
Tradeshows can be powerful ways for music educators to hone new skills, network and find inspiration. But as attendees go to sessions and roam exhibit halls, the experience can be overwhelming.
Music educators are no strangers to evaluation. Often, these evaluations happen when a culminating activity — like a festival, concert or recital — presents a finished product for consideration.
Chamber ensembles allow students to practice and perform with like-minded musicians while providing camaraderie.
Every year I attend the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Advocacy Fly-In in Washington, D.C.
Cellist Mike Block, an associate professor at Berklee College of Music, remembers a huge moment from when he was in college at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Marcia Neel is senior director of education for Yamaha Corporation of America and a Yamaha Master Educator.
Updated 5/10/2022 at 9:20 a.m. PDT
We want to do our part to help music educators as you explore options and search for resources to facilitate online teaching.
As a veteran teacher, I'm often asked about my concept of classroom management by prospective and new teachers.
Once upon a time, mallet choices were limited. The hardness of a mallet was the most dramatic way to change the sound of an instrument.
Cheryl Floyd has been the director of bands at Hill Country Middle School in Austin, Texas, for over 25 years.
Daniel Berard is the assistant director of bands at Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas. Prior to this, he served as the director of bands at Grain Valley High School in Missouri and Fossil Ridge High School in Colorado.
Marcia Neel is senior director of education for Yamaha Corporation of America. She is president of Music Education Consultants Inc., and serves as the education advisor to the Music Achievement Council.
As part of her True North approach to instructing, Dr. Emily Threinen sees opportunities to abandon the stick.
December is hectic for Jason Robb, director of bands at Rouse High School in Leander, Texas. He runs two high school holiday concerts, six middle school concerts and a pancake dinner fundraiser for his booster organization.
When working with Paige's Music in Indianapolis, Indiana, local band directors give the game "red light, green light" a new twist.
