by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 31, 2026 | All, The Music Classroom
Last weekend I presented for PSKOR and I mentioned my little “emergency” bag. Not for personal emergencies but my teaching tools pouch. This little bag is full of LITTLE things I may need to play games or do an activity in a pinch. Whenever I present, I...
by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 24, 2026 | All, Folk Songs, Grades: 3-5, Grades: PreK-2, Rhythm, Season: Spring, Solfege
Spring is attempting to make its way in, and everyone is excited for a little bit warmer weather, more outside time, and the newness of spring. Here are three great songs to engage students in the spring time. Lemonade Tone Set: Sol/MiRhythm Set: Ta, TiTiRhythmic...
by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 17, 2026 | All, Concerts, SEL
Musicals, student shows, and other performance endeavors often bring out students with starry eyes. But auditioning can be a stressful situation for you and the students. Here’s 9 tips for auditioning elementary music students for solos, musicals, and other...
by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 10, 2026 | All, Archipelago
I have taught in some really alone type situations. My previous jobs have not even had a district of other ‘island’ music teachers. Just me. So I was truly an island. Like many of you. Alone in a district or the only K-12 teacher. Huge districts where...
by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 3, 2026 | All, Music History, Special Topics
What up doe? I don’t live in the D, but I consider myself a Detroiter. (And I do know there are levels to being a Detroiter). My parents moved from an upstairs apartment in Detroit to a more traditional apartment when my mom was pregnant with me. I was raised to...
by Melissa Stouffer | Feb 24, 2026 | All, Concerts
There are a lot of times a performance seems too heavy. Lots of snow days, young students who are a nervous bunch, limited contact time, and a variety of other reasons. One other large reason is that performances take up a TON of time. Conceptual learning CAN happen...
