/r/MusicEd

Photograph via snooOG

Designed to give music educators an online tool for easy access to forums, discussion boards, advice, teaching strategies, teaching stories, advocacy tips, pertinent articles, rehearsal advice, and anything else that has to do with the field of Music Education!

Designed to give music educators an online tool for easy access to forums, discussion boards, advice, teaching strategies, teaching stories, advocacy tips, pertinent articles, rehearsal advice, and anything else that has to do with the field of Music Education!


Posting and Commenting Guidelines

  • Be civil - Disagreements and occasional heated discussion are to be expected; however, personal attacks, rudeness, and put-downs will not be tolerated.
  • Avoid self-promotion. Sharing resources is OK, but the majority of your posts should not be sharing of resources, blog posts, interviews, articles, etc. that YOU have created.
  • Keep posts and contributions relevant to the topic of music education.

Our Reddit Friends

/r/ChoralMusic

/r/Clarinet

/r/ClassicalMusic

/r/ConcertBand

/r/DoubleBass

/r/EarlyMusicalNotation

/r/Ethnomusicology

/r/Flute

/r/Jazz

/r/LearnMusic

/r/MusicCognition

/r/Musicology

/r/MusicTheory

/r/Percussion

/r/Percussionists

/r/Piano

/r/Saxophonics

/r/Violinist

Some important links:


TEACHING RESOURCES

This is a list compiled by another teacher of MANY websites that other teachers from around the country have found useful!

Online Tutorials & Lessons

Teaching Resources / Forums / Lesson Plans:

Teaching Music Theory/Ear Training:

Free Sheet Music:

Notation Software:

Cool Tools, miscellaneous

Job-finding web sites

/r/MusicEd

19,342 Subscribers

5

First-Year Teacher Interview

I am a 27 year old currently enrolled in an ATC program through my alma mater. I graduated with a BM in performance and and have completed most of my coursework for my MM (though currently not enrolled). Since October of 2022, I have been consistently substituting at a local elementary school and was my main reason for deciding to join an alternative certification program. I found a love for teaching little ones and I really regret not getting my education degree, but I understand that that's the past and I am currently moving forward.

I've started applying to some elementary music positions and have an interview for a school that is being opened this upcoming academic year. The district is close to a metropolitan area which is ideal for me since I plan to finish my masters and start performing more.

The reason for this post, I guess, is to ask for interview advice for someone who didn't follow the traditional route of teaching, but currently loves substituting and would like to grow in the field of Music Education.

3 Comments
2024/03/26
16:16 UTC

5

Advice on classroom management pls

So I'm a first year teacher at a charterschool, and this charter school is pushing for Kodaly training and certifications. So I'll hopefully be getting my level 1s during the summer.

However, the current school I'm at right now, previous teacher taught songs only by rote, and music theory separately from start to finish. No games, no movement based activities, nothing. So coming in, getting training, and being told that Kodaly is the new method I've been doing my best to implement my limited kodaly knowledge.

Except these kids go WILD for music games. Horseplay all the time, and take advantage of my inexperience and difference I classroom management.

I was wondering if I could get advice for basically starting a kodaly based music program from the ground up going into next year

6 Comments
2024/03/25
15:51 UTC

12

Conducting 101 needed!

I was recently appointed the role of student conductor in my highschool, but i have no idea how to conduct, i was appointed as few people in my highschool has the musicial experience or knowhow about a wind band , however i have only performed my entire life , i do understand the basic duple, triple and quadruple baton movements but i dont know much further than that, further added on pressure we have an important concert coming up in 3 months and its my job to whip the band into shape for a concert which we are completely unprepared for( for reference my band can barely play a belwin grade 2 piece), Could a kind soul please explain the various unsaid rules of conducting an amateur should understand and how to raise a terrible band to mediocre or better standards.

15 Comments
2024/03/25
15:04 UTC

5

Middle School 6/8 Music

What are some great band peices for Middle School to be their first piece played in 6/8? (For context: I teach in a small rural district, my sixth through eighth graders are in one band, and there's 38 of them). Thanks!

10 Comments
2024/03/25
12:25 UTC

3

For those of you that are completing or have completed a doctoral program, do you have any financial advice?

I’ve been accepted and given a full time GA position ($14,000 stipend) for a doctoral program. I am worried about finances and was hoping to have some advice on those who have or are making it work.

For context, my partner is immigrating to the U.S. with the K1 visa. However, there was a delay in the process, and now it looks like my partner will arrive the same time I would begin classes. If you’re not familiar with the visa, my partner wouldn’t be able to get a job until we get married and our EAD document is approved. This normally takes 2-3 months for approval, but can be longer (because, you know, the government). So this means that the same time I start classes, we would be getting married, filing an EAD, and then waiting 2-3 months before my partner can work and start helping with income. Plus each of those steps have costs and government fees as well. It’s just really unfortunate timing with the delay.

Obviously, I’m worried. Cost of living is high in the state I would move to (Colorado). I don’t really want to take on a ton of student loan debt either. Part of me believes that I need to wait and try again next year when situations would be better, but the other part of me is afraid to squander this opportunity as it’s a program I really like. Any words of wisdom?

4 Comments
2024/03/25
10:25 UTC

1

Choosing between Sac State and UOP

Hey y'all! I'm in a little dilemma here and I'd like some advice if y'all would be so kind. I'm a transfer student who will be attending either Sacramento State or University of the Pacific this Fall for a bachelor's in music ed, and I'm really torn. I would be focusing on instrumental music education, but I would also try to pursue composition on the side.

Here are my main considerations so far: Pro sac state:

  • about $16,000 cheaper per year than UOP
  • Slightly larger music scene in terms of ensembles, student base, and all that from what I can tell? Having a marching band is appealing but not a deal breaker at all.
  • I already have a few connections with music educators in the Sacramento area, so I would be building on even more

Pro UOP:

  • from what I hear, much better ensembles and more prestigious program in general?
  • a big one: I would graduate with teaching credentials a year earlier than at sac state, and I will get hands on experience earlier
  • I've already had the chance to meet Dr Brittin and Dr. Nguyen, and I have a good feeling about them
  • other than sac state's recital hall, I wasn't too impressed with their music facilities. UOP seems a little nicer as a whole.
  • UOP has campus cats :)

For those who have any insight at all into these two programs, I'm all ears! I would appreciate anything that might help make this decision easier..

6 Comments
2024/03/25
05:16 UTC

4

Disney Musicals in Schools

My school just got accepted into this program for the '24-'25 school year. Any advice, anecdotes, or what to expect from anybody whose school has gone through the program? My school has really high turnover, did you find any strategies that helped to mitigate this issue and put on a production without too many kids moving or dropping out?

0 Comments
2024/03/25
00:23 UTC

7

Middle School Choir Sight Reading Method Books

I have a 3 part mix (SAB) group at work that has been sounding great this year. When it comes to sight reading I believe they are doing a decent job with step wise and skips of a 3rd. I have been using a white board this whole year showing exercises to teach concepts and for kids to practice. I have been using the Singing Musician by Dewitt and I think it may be fine for now but I was wondering what other method books people use here that I may try.

I'm looking for books in SA, SSA, and SAB.

8 Comments
2024/03/24
16:39 UTC

11

Starting a band program from the ground up

I’m starting a band program from scratch starting in the fall. I’m an elementary music teacher halfway through my first year. I currently run the choir program and teach gen music for TK-5. I love it! The choir program was established far before me but we’ve been successful as I’ve taken it over.

The school has never had a band program. The previous teacher just never started one. I have already had meetings with the principal and we have ordered supplies & instruments for students to rent.

What advice do you have for starting this program?? Any and all advice appreciated!!

ETA: I have my degree in music education & I’m a trumpet player. Clarinet is my secondary. I was a band kid through & through so teaching band is more of my interest than choir has been!

12 Comments
2024/03/23
19:53 UTC

6

Method Books Question

Middle school instrumental teacher here. I have beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes.

How much do you use method books if at all in your classes?

Beginners tolerate it, and it seems very necessary at that point.

Intermediate and Advanced classes, method book feels like pulling teeth, so I rarely use it. But then it feels like throwing my students in the deep end if I’m teaching technique through repertoire instead.

6 Comments
2024/03/23
04:41 UTC

2

Praxis 5114 study materials

Hi, I was wondering what study materials worked for everyone while doing the Praxis 5114. I took the test already but didn’t pass, the section that I struggled with was the listening analysis and the study materials I used didn’t really have that

3 Comments
2024/03/23
01:14 UTC

8

Student buy out from Music Studio

Hello,

I have worked and taught at a studio for almost ten years this fall. I now have my own private studio in an office space which I have a small handful of private students and will be negotiating a buy out this upcoming month. I already have a S-Corp, operate my own pay roll and have liability insurance etc.

I have a few questions:

  1. What's a reasonable ask for a music studio as far as price?

  2. What would be an unreasonable ask from the studio as far as price?

  3. What things should I take into consideration?

  4. What are some hidden things I might not be aware of?

  5. What would be some red flags I should watch for?

Thanks in advance for all your help!!!

11 Comments
2024/03/22
21:16 UTC

11

Toddler Music Ed

I’m creating a music curriculum for a two-year-old child. My goal is to help him love and gradually understand music. If he plays an instrument someday, that’s great. What we’re doing today is more about understanding that music is interesting—and joyful.

The catch is that I’m not a musician, so I’m making this up as I go. I’d very much appreciate hearing what ideas and resources folks here would recommend!

This is what we are doing so far.

  • Instruments. Every few days, I introduce a short YouTube video with a new instrument. We watch YoYo Ma play cello, Stephen Seifert play the dulcimer, etc. We also watch the same video once or twice a day, several days in a row, so we can soak it in.
  • Genres. When we watch YouTube videos, we also work through different music genres from around our country and world.
  • Musical elements. I’m trying to systematically introduce the musical elements that a young toddler can experience. I teach each element more as an experience than as a technical concept. So far, this means rhythm (clapping to music, singing nursery rhymes, etc.), volume (this is piano, this is forte, let’s whisper like piano, etc.), and tempo (she’s playing faster, now she’s playing slowly). At some point, I’ll also teach duration (simply as lengths of sounds and silences).
  • Playing. We are enjoying simple instruments, starting with a homemade mallet and drum. Right now, instrument playing is child-driven. I may teach two-note and three-note songs at some point, but we aren’t there yet.
  • Singing. We do simple call and response. I’ll sing most of the song. The child will fill in a word or two—or sing “da da da” at just the right time.
  • Movement. We dance—freestyle, head bobbing, salsa, whatever is fun. At some point, I’ll introduce moving with music and stopping when it stops.
  • Live music. When possible, we try to connect the music we hear at home with real instruments and musicians.
  • Other things. We can explore books about musicians. We can talk about emotions in music. We can sing as we go about daily life.

What are the holes in what I’m doing? What are things you most enjoy doing with toddlers?

24 Comments
2024/03/22
20:42 UTC

1

Looking for sound system recommendations

So out PTO is offering the music program $2500 for a new sound system. I know nothing about them can anyone point me in the right direction so we can get the best bang for our buck? We will also need some sort of microphones too.

7 Comments
2024/03/22
16:05 UTC

2

Video Game Music Survey

Hi all! A colleague of mine is working on his dissertation and has asked for people to share this survey to collect data for his research! If you want, go ahead and fill it out. If you know someone who would enjoy this survey, go ahead and share it!

“Hello all! My name is Joshua Cohen and I am working on a musicology/ethnomusicology graduate research project studying symbolic semiotic associations that people may have with musical motives and how that intersects with video game music. I have put together both a short survey and a longer survey to collect anonymous data pertaining to these musical associations.

If you would take a few minutes to fill out the shorter survey, I would be greatly appreciative. If you want to go above and beyond in assisting my research, please consider filling out the longer survey as well.

Furthermore, please feel free to copy/paste this message and share the surveys around on other platforms and with other groups so they are available to a much wider group of potential participants.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and contribution to my research project!

Short survey: https://forms.gle/NqoHaCR6n5Pbm9tr7 Long survey: https://forms.gle/vUZxoRyX3HR7EYUUA

1 Comment
2024/03/21
18:44 UTC

4

Youtube Playlists for Elementary Band/Orchestra?

Hi-

I am looking for a public youtube playlist of some awesome instrumental (and potentially with vocal) performances of lots of different genres (classical, jazz, latin, rock, pop, etc.) to play on my Promethean Board at the start of classes/lessons as students are walking in and setting up.

Of course, fourth or fifth grade friendly :)

My school google account will not let me create playlists and I can't log into my personal account.

Thanks!

2 Comments
2024/03/21
16:01 UTC

1

What are good choir or vocal camps for college age students?

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows of any good vocal-oriented summer camps/experiences for undergraduate students. When I look for choir opportunities over the summer, most that come up are either for high school students, or older adults. I am 19 and would consider myself to be at an intermediate level if that helps. :)

1 Comment
2024/03/20
23:15 UTC

5

Need Edtpa help

Hey guys- I need some help to get myself out of this shit situation i put myself in. I’m student teaching right now and I’ve been focusing so hard on trying to lesson plan well for all my classes that I haven’t spent any time on my edtpa. Add in the fact that i teach 4 different grade levels and they ALL just had concerts and competitions the last few weeks, and my cooperating teacher has to spend our only 40 minutes of planning on his own stuff. I’ve been so busy and alone in this and i’m lost and confused.

I can’t figure out what central focus I should do. I have a beginner strings class of 6th graders and we just learned how to do slurs, play F and C natural and we’re giving out their pieces for the may concert this week.

For my 7th grade, they just learned 6/8 and i’m doing a piece with them in 6/8. I would have liked to do this for my edtpa but i already taught it to them so now i can’t do it because theres no way to do a preassessment :/

I have two high school orchestras- one is mostly freshmen and is class B. The other is our higher level class A group. I thought about doing some sort of history assignment with them but none of their pieces are particularly interesting as far as their composers or history.

Please, if anybody has suggestions on what a good central focus would be, or even if you guys could just tell me about yours and what you did so i could get ideas, that would be super helpful. Its due april 18 and i am so stressed :/

5 Comments
2024/03/20
19:21 UTC

24

Kids won’t stop playing Runaway

On everything. They hijack the piano. They play it on the percussion melodics, on their phone piano app, on their instruments. Always the same kids who think it’s the best song ever written and it’s driving me insane. And they keep playing it OVER AND OVER AND OVER. I can’t stand it. I’m a student teacher and this is contributing to me not wanting to teach anymore. I swear some of these kids are braindead because that’s ALL THEY PLAY. (And they keep asking others to play it as well, who rarely oblige.)

Sorry I just need to vent. Does anyone else have this issue with their students? This is the modern equivalent of Heart and Soul and it’s making me go insane.

ETA: Runaway by Kanye West. Not the Bonnie Raitt or Bon Jovi songs unfortunately

42 Comments
2024/03/20
13:41 UTC

3

Is a minor in music useful?

Hi! I would love to work in the theatre and music world for example: directing, performing and composing. Now i know that music is hard to major in because of job prospects and my parents don't really want me to take music as my major which is why I would like to minor in it. Does it provide enough for me to do what I want to any level? And do you guys have any advice?

14 Comments
2024/03/20
01:45 UTC

11

Out of the Box Classroom management ideas?

Hello! Current orchestra student teacher here. I’m interested in hearing about creative classroom management ideas for middle school (and even high school.) My philosophy tends to be that the students and I are a team reaching goals together. I also emphasize (particularly to the “trouble” class) that they are all beings with free will and with that free will brings positive and negative consequences . This approach goes well with the current classes I lead as they feel that they are human beings that’s ideas and troubleshooting are acknowledged. I was wondering if anyone had policies and procedures that someone may not think much about or should be emphasized in classrooms, especially since repetition is key when it comes to establishing classroom management routines. Any tips/ideas help!

1 Comment
2024/03/19
18:56 UTC

2

Headphone storage

How do y’all store your headphones so they don’t wind up a tangled mess, etc.?

Middle school, I have some general music classes that use tech. I don’t want to buy any more headphones this year. I have them numbered and students sign them out. Rn, I have them hanging on a rod with the cable dangling.

4 Comments
2024/03/19
13:15 UTC

7

Switching from band to chorus

I recently accepted a job to teach MS chorus for the 24-25 year. I'm super excited for it! However, I grew up a band student and had an instrumental focus for my degree. I'm currently wrapping up my first year out of college as a long term band sub before switching to chorus next year.

I enjoy singing more than band these days, and do some choral work outside of work (I am assistant director for two barbershop choruses and sing in a handful of quartets), but I lack knowledge of choral pedagogy and class structure. I am doing a lot of research and asking questions to the choral friends that I have, but I wanted to ask here and see if anyone has suggestions, ideas, recommendations, or any other random things that I could find beneficial.

Has anyone else made the switch from band to chorus? What was that like? What worked and what didn't? Any tips?

7 Comments
2024/03/19
12:13 UTC

10

Burnt Out - How to Talk to Principal?

Hi, just wanted to ask for advice.

I’m the only music teacher teaching in a school that’s growing fast. I teach Nursery to Year 10, co curricular activities and after school music tutor programs (this is held in school).

I’m feeling extremely overwhelmed. Being the only music teacher (no assistant either), I have too many things to juggle, lesson plans, assessment markings, assignment marking, classroom management (inventory, prepping classes, tuning each instrument), writing the music sheets for many different student groups, preparing the music for every single school event, we have many, (ex; the last month I was unable to eat lunch as I had rehearsals every day and couldn’t take any academic time). And also taking care of the sound system as we don’t have a sound guy.

On top of that, the school asked me to manage and teach the after school program (from finding the tutors for each instrument, interviewing them, designing the marketing for it, making all the schedules for each tutor and liaising with parents. I also teach the program myself, every day for a couple hours after school hours. This one is paid directly from parents so I don’t mind it so much. But the school doesn’t pay me for extra the management and admin work, although I remembered the principal saying they would give me a raise for it when I first joined. Unfortunately I don’t have it in black and white.

Today we had a meeting that almost each year group will be opening a new class (some years have 2, some will have 3 classes each) and I legit had a panic attack. I almost fainted. I didn’t even think I was that stressed until I realized I’ve just been having chronic stress bubbling in me. The thought of having even more teaching hours on top of my workload is something I can’t even imagine. I just think it’s simply impossible.

I’ve set up a meeting with the principle tomorrow but am unsure how to navigate this without sounding whiny. I do love my job, and I love my students and have gone above and beyond for them. I just can’t sustain this effort anymore. I’m at the brink of quitting.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

4 Comments
2024/03/19
10:25 UTC

19

Music education path for my 10 year old aspiring teacher

My 10 year old has decided she wants to be an elementary music teacher when she grows up. She absolutely loves her amazing general music teacher. I know this might sound crazy to think about now, but I knew I wanted to be a regular elementary teacher when I was that age and followed through and became one! So I want to make sure she is headed down to right path to achieve that one day if she chooses.

Anyway, she has been playing violin since age 5 and is in Suzuki book 5. She is doing very well, but I am wondering if she needs to focus more on piano and voice instead. If she only continues with violin until college, will she not be in a position to get that type of position? I am not a musician and don't really know how any of that works.

Thanks for any advice!

52 Comments
2024/03/19
09:18 UTC

6

Short videos to show to middle school music classes?

I'm a middle school instrumental music teacher, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, our periods are 90 minutes long. Since returning from the COVID shutdown, I've been giving a brain/body/movement break about halfway through these class periods. This year, I've been adding funny, thought-provoking, interesting, etc. short YouTube videos during this little "intermission" and my students have been loving it!

As the year has gone on, I've been having trouble finding new ones, and I'm weary of scrolling for YouTube videos that might work for this purpose. I'm hoping some of the wonderful Redditors of r/MusicEd would be willing to share some YouTube links to help me add to my collection. The criteria for the videos:
- 5 minutes or shorter (exception to this criterion are links to DCI/BOA marching show videos)
- Funny, interesting, thought-provoking, etc. for 11 - 14 year olds
- Must be related to instrumental music in some way, shape, or form
- Must be on YouTube (we're a Google district, and they work very nicely in my Google Slides)

In the spirit of reciprocity, here is my Google Slides of the fun music videos I've used throughout this year for all of you to see (or "make a copy" for you Google users out there): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Aro-QjeOus8QuCT5A-8rTv-ty2Y-i1Ig7syr8XWvga4/edit?usp=sharing

3 Comments
2024/03/19
05:54 UTC

8

Struggling with getting my degree

Hey everyone. I’m currently a Junior Dual Music Ed and Vocal Performance major and I am just simply struggling. Music has always been something that comes easy to me. I do really well in music theory, playing piano I’m alright at as long as I practice, and I understand concepts well, and when I do get to teach in front of peers I get positive feedback. But for whatever reason I am unsuccessful in the organization portion.

For my entire school life, I have struggled to complete assignments and hand them in on time. I procrastinate and if i’m even slightly anxious about an assignment I will put it off till the very last minute and turn it in late or unfinished without notice to my teachers or professors. and now it’s really becoming a problem as I’m about to start my PDS internship.

So I guess what I’m asking is if anyone has had the same struggles as I do and what they did to combat it. I’ve tried asking professors but they just don’t really understand, or they think that I’m just making up excuses when I say I physically cannot do the work sometimes. And now it’s come to a point where I really need to get my shit together or else i’ll be dropped from the program.

To note: I have been diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) and my biggest struggle with ADHD is my executive dysfunction.

TLDR: I’m a junior music ed major who struggles with handing in assignments and i’m asking for advice on ways to combat it or fix this habit. I’ve tried talking to professors, but they don’t understand. I might be dropped from the program if I don’t fix this habit.

20 Comments
2024/03/19
02:13 UTC

6

Sub Plan Ideas

Hey y'all, I was hoping for a bit of input here. I've got some time off planned starting this Friday through the following Thursday. Some big stuff happening in my life that I want to be present for.

Now, to preface, I work in a tough district that really doesn't have a great band culture. I'm new this year at one of the middle schools (6-8) and have a wildly different idea of what I want my students to be compared to the last guy. I've essentially been trying to build a new band program at the school I'm in to help feed the High School. As you can imagine, that's a tall order and I know I won't work miracles my first year, but I am trying to do all the good I can.

I had a taste of what it's going to be like when I'm absent for a few consecutive days. I'm just getting over some rando virus that totally wrecked my throat from last Thursday until today. So, I came up with a couple things for my students to do. Thursday and Friday last week, I had them listen to Appalachian Spring and Pictures at an Exhibition, then had them write responses to five of my own questions. Less than a third of my students actually attempted the assignment. Based on that, I threw a Blooket at them today. Same engagement numbers.

So all that has me reasonably worried for my upcoming chunk of time off. On the one hand, if I make assignments with clear expectations and they don't do them, they've made their bed. On the other hand, I absolutely do not want to make the sub's job a miserable one. So I might do some combination of the following:

  1. Playlists - have them come up with a playlist based on a scenario/activity and ask them to give their reasoning.
  2. Theme Matching - provide character themes from video games (love 'em) and have them match the music to the character and tell me why they think it goes with their chosen character. Do a reveal upon my return
  3. Music Theory Crash Course - have them go through some videos from a YouTube playlist and respond to them (what did you find interesting? what things did you already know? etc.)

Of course, my concern is just engagement. We're approaching spring break and everyone is getting restless. If these things don't work out, I'd like to hear some of your go-to plans for band class. Bear in mind, while these kids are grades 6-8, functionally they all look much more like a 4-5 grade band.

4 Comments
2024/03/18
21:40 UTC

2

Beginning Guitar Program

Hi, all!

I am a private teacher who has been contracting in and working in classrooms for the last 5 years, teaching an ukulele program and a few different arts/SEL programs.

I have been invited to start a beginning guitar program at a (public) elementary school I contract at. I have great relationships with student and staff already, and am really excited!

I just don't really have a sense of how much to charge for this. I usually contract part-time through an arts org, where they use grant funding to support my programs, and then pay me around 30/hr for the 6-10 hours a week I am leading programs.

This program would meet twice a week, likely at lunchtimes (1 hr total, half hour classes)
I know that, as a performer, I'm worth a lot more, but I don't really know what a fair and accessible hourly rate might be for something like this. Any ideas?

Any tips on how to politely ask about what the school's budget is are also appreciated (:

0 Comments
2024/03/18
21:07 UTC

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