With all the book posts I have, I thought I'd start a new series. Musical Books will take one awesome book and look at it, break it down to use in the classroom, and give you some teaching ideas. The first book in my Musical Books Series is Pan de Sal Saves the Day. This…...

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 grab it knowing that I'll have all the…...

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 Form: ABCMelodic Form: AAB Grades: K-1 Perfect for working on…...

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 performing opportunities to make it go smoothly for everyone. 1. Bring a buddy Having someone else…...

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 music teachers only see each other 1 or…...

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 be a Detroiter. I…...