Motivating Students
Why Professional Development Matters for Music Educators
As music educators, we shape the next generation of musicians, creative thinkers, and appreciative listeners. Yet to truly excel in this vital role, we must first acknowledge a...
Double Your Music Program By Adding Mariachi
Adding Mariachi classes to your school music program can be a game-changer in various ways. Aside from increasing your enrollment numbers, it is a great way to open pathways for...
Preventing Disruptive Behaviors in Our Rehearsals
As most of us understand, we have few behavior problems in our classes with bands. The students are, by in large, among the best students in our schools. They are involved in a...
How To Help Our Students Develop The Habit of Practicing
INTRODUCTION Steve Martin once said, “I’d do anything to get into shape - except to exercise and eat right.” He hit the nail on the head. The gap between what we “should do” and...
Fast Forward: Student Reflections on School Band | Movement 4: Band Director Appreciation
Five years ago, Jupiter filmed a commercial with an enthusiastic group of middle school band students. As they neared completion of their senior year in high school, we visited...
How To Motivate Struggling Players
Motivating students to greatness—or even “goodness” on their instruments—has always been a challenge for band directors everywhere. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, that challenge...
Music Educator Back to School “Toolbox”
Welcome to a new school year; another year to share the gift of music. If this is your first year teaching, congratulations, and thank you for committing yourself to a...
A Summer Practice Plan To Launch Your Students Into The Fall
A note to my favorite people in the world (MUSIC TEACHERS!!!):The guide below is aimed at middle or high school musicians. It is an effort to help them learn to...
From Marching Band to Concert Band: The Secrets to Success in Transition
From the unsolicited blaring trumpet and the near reckless abandon of low brass splats, the seemingly limitless “nature” of the great outdoors invites instrumental sounds on the...
