This 3-part post was drawn from my presentation for the Michigan Kodaly Educators in September of 2019.    Solfege…even the most quiet whisper of the word is enough to awaken our PTSD from undergrad and sight singing and ear training. All kinds of music teachers use it, but what’s so fetch about solfege?  In this ...

You often see a lot of manipulatives out there for the music room, but it can be tricky to know how to use them in your classroom.  And a lot of people end up giving up on them because they go about it the wrong way. In this post, we’re going to look at how to ...

If you’re like me, you’ve spent the whole year structuring your teaching so that your students are maximizing their fun and learning potential. But as the year draws to a close, the energy dips and our eyes start to turn toward glorious summer. You start to wonder about how to end the year in the ...

Upper elementary students can be some of the toughest audiences. They’re too cool for you, don’t like sticking out, and are definitely NOT singing at an audible volume for you (*cue intense side-eye*). Maybe you’re like me and abide by the rule that they have to be singing in order to play the game. “And ...

,   Going back in January is always jolting for me. We run around like crazy in December, hit Christmas break, and try desperately to get everything done before the holiday is over. By the time I get through family Christmases, my birthday, New Years, and trying to relax, I get to the last day ...

Brace yourselves… Every teacher knows that December is one long stretch of craziness before a long break. Classroom teachers are trying to finish units before breaks, cram in parties, events, concerts, and whatever else under the sun they possibly can before that last day in December before break. So what is a music teacher to ...

Every great craftsman and artist have tools they use all of the time. It’s the same for music teachers. In this post, I found some of the best and most effective everyday tools for all music teachers. These aren’t just for elementary teachers but work really well for those of you with older kids too. ...

Using instruments with preschool and kindergarten music class is one of the most exciting things for kids, but looking for stuff to do with your youngest kids can be difficult because those instruments are expensive. You need to instruct them on how to hold, use, and treat them properly because replacing them can be a ...

Last year, I found out I was getting a new room. (!!!!AHHHH!!!!!). I’ve never had my own classroom before. I even got to preview it during construction! (I may have died lol.) I’ve been so insanely excited, and I’ve only been decorating in my brain for over a year. I couldn’t wait to have a ...

One of the kids’ favorite events (and teachers too!) is the book fair! I always pick up a few books when it’s here, but this time I was super excited to see a bunch of different books for my younger students! Check out my favorite book fair finds for the music classroom! Here’s what I ...

Sometimes I think teaching composition is really easy, and then I try to teach my kids to compose melodically.  The first time I did it, I didn’t give strong enough parameters, and the kids came up with everything under the sun, which was GREAT, except they couldn’t write it. And that’s a big No-No in ...

A few years ago, I was feeling SUPER frustrated with my recorder curriculum. I didn’t see the retention I wanted, left hands were everywhere but on top even with reminders, students memorizing and forgetting, and memorizing those songs for belt tests… WHY? “Belt” Resource issues: Kids focused on the prize but didn’t retain note names.  Music was ...

That time is almost upon us (I know..!) This year is going to be a Here are my 5 top tips for Back to School!  Start off on the right foot and get ready!  Click here to check out a quick video of this post on my Facebook page. As you ran out in June, ...

5 Great Tips to combat students who just stare at you. ...

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I’ve taught with a Kodály influence for a couple of years.  I think my style was Kodály meets Feierabend meets Stouffer. My student teaching experiences were 5th grade and older. So my first year out of school, when I was thrown into a classroom as a maternity sub for a full year, in an Orff ...

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Today I’m linking up with Jen from Noteworthy By Jen to bring you my Five Favorite Freebies!  1. First up, are these super cool rhythm practice cards from Ginny at Ginny’s Music Space.   These are adorable and just plain old fun.  My kids really enjoyed them, and they are bright and colorful. 🙂 2. Next, ...

I meant to write this post in March for Music In Our Schools Month, but couldn’t bring myself to finish it, as it’s an emotional topic, and I cried a couple of times writing this post.  The teacher who was most influential in my life passed away before I knew I was going to be ...

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First, let me say if you haven’t used YouTube for things besides watching videos of cats, and old television clips, you are sorely missing out! (Although I do love bloopers…!)  YouTube has become a place for educational sharing.  For me, this is one of the places I reach out when I need an idea. I ...

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Today I’m linking up with fellow CMU alum Aileen Miracle over at Mrs. Miracle’s Room.  I will be sharing my 5 favorite pins. 1. Folk Dancing – This website has a large list (about 100!) of different folk dances, including some multicultural dances!  2. Speed Limit Game – This is a really fun way to talk ...

In February, the winter blues start to hit.  We’re stuck inside more often, and the kids get really a bit more rowdy. We all suffer from the lack of fresh air. 1. Play Parties. I had never heard of them until last weekend at MMC with Jill Trinka, even though I’ve done several of the ...

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I’m so excited for the TpT sale tomorrow! I have SO much in my cart! I wanted to tell you about a few of the items I’m excited for! First, I’m going to tell you about my big release.  I wrote an entire recorder method book.   I teach band and choir as well as ...

Today I am linking up with Aileen Miracle from Mrs. Miracle’s Music Room.  Check out the original post here, with all the other teacher-blogger links. 1. KnowYourCopyrights.org This one I pinned a few days ago, but as a Teacher-Seller, I thought it useful. As a classroom educator, and music educator, I found it AMAZING. It ...

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