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About Frank DiMaria

Frank DiMaria is a freelance writer and computer teacher living in Fort Mill, South Carolina. On weekends he plays guitar in a progressive funk band.

Adapting to Change

Change is constant. Dealing with it in the classroom means to evolve as an educator and a person.

Pick the Right Drumsticks and Mallets

Percussionists have important factors to consider when choosing which sticks and mallets to include in their arsenal.

Create A Chamber Program

Chamber ensembles build performance and technical skills, boost confidence and connect musicians.

Ignite a Passion for Practice

Directors guide, inspire and equip students to be in charge of their own instrumental improvements rather than forcing compliance.

Case Study: Peers Support Peers at a United Sound Chapter in Missouri

Parkway Central hosts a chapter of United Sound, a national not-for-profit program that provides musical performance experiences for students with special needs through peer mentorship.

Using Food to Teach Rhythm to Special Needs Students

United Sound partnered with Finale, a music notation software company, to create notes using images of food to help special-needs students understand rhythm.

How to Start a United Sound Chapter

With a few simple steps, you can start down the road of becoming a United Sound Chapter.

Case Study: Summer Percussion Camp in Fort Worth

An army of volunteers and community partnerships transform Bass Performance Hall, an opulent opera house, into a tuition-free classroom for a summer percussion camp.

Transporting the Drumline for the Bass Performance Hall Percussion Camp

A volunteer percussion instructor works tirelessly to move drumline equipment for a summer percussion camp.

Case Study: Music Program Teamwork in Tennessee

In the Ravenwood High School music department, partnership is a three-way street as the orchestra, choral and band programs work together to give students opportunities for success.

Use Lunchtime to Work Together

Maximize students’ free time for rehearsals and planning — even if that means meeting during lunch period.

Instruments at an Inner-City Music Program

At Rancho High School in Las Vegas, the band director employs a strategy of instrument inventory that works.

Case Study: A Music Program Succeeds in the Inner City

A band director took risks and overcame the odds at Rancho High School in Las Vegas, turning a declining program into one of the most successful in Nevada.

Jazz Immersion

Are you new to teaching jazz? Here are ways to learn about jazz quickly.

Crafting a Jazz Studies Program

After a rocky start, Janis Stockhouse embraced jazz and built a successful program at Bloomington High School North in Indiana.

Build Your Jazz Music Library and Knowledge

Get these essential books and attend key conferences to learn about teaching jazz.