Tips & How-To's

The Year of Beethoven: How to Help Students Understand Musical Genius

Mary Rogelstad

There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthday in December 2020. Numerous special events are planned...

Tips & How-To's

5 Tips on Student Retention in Music Ensembles

Joe Snyder

Have you been in this situation before? It’s the start of the school year. You have returned from a summer of planning...

Choral

20+ Surefire Ways to Warm Up Your Choir

Jennifer Moorhatch

What types of warm-up exercises do you use for your choir rehearsals? The answer to this question can take on myriad forms...

Tips & How-To's

Preparing for Black History Month: Lesson Ideas for Music Teachers

Tom Dean

If you are looking for some fresh and interesting ways to explore the achievements of African Americans with your band, choir, or orchestra during...

Tips & How-To's

Promoting and Selling Your Compositions Through My Score

Isaac Brooks

Directors and music teachers are always coming up with new and creative ways to keep their programs engaging. Sometimes writing a song...

Tips & How-To's

Overcoming Challenges as a New Music Teacher

Mary Rogelstad

The first year of teaching didn’t go entirely well for award-winning music educator Victor de los Santos. He was assistant band director...

Pepper Cares

How Editors’ Choice Helps Music Teachers and Directors

Mary Rogelstad

Every spring, piles of new sheet music are stacked in nooks and crannies around J.W. Pepper’s corporate office. The works come from...

Tips & How-To's

Back to School: Setting Up and Decorating Your Music Room

Mary Rogelstad

Music teacher David Fernandes says he faced unexpected challenges when he had to set up his music room during his first year...

From the Editors

Summer Reading Ideas for Music Teachers and Directors

Mary Rogelstad

Now that summer is in full swing, there’s time to kick back and enjoy some light reading. There are innumerable books that can...

Tips & How-To's

Belting 101: How to Help Your Students Use Their Full Voice

Erin Guinup

When I was an undergrad, I was told that belting would ruin my voice. I shunned the music I loved and focused...

Tips & How-To's

8 Tips for Teaching Orchestra for the Non-String Player

Kathryn Griesinger

Perhaps you're a long-time band director asked to start a string program at your school. Or you're a first-year teacher looking at limited job...

Tips & How-To's

Summer Resources for Young Pianists

Brendan Lyons

Believe it or not, summer vacation is not far off. Students are undoubtedly excited about that, and for piano teachers and the parents of...