About Marcia Neel

Marcia Neel is senior director of education for Yamaha Corporation of America Band and Orchestral Division. She is president of Music Education Consultants Inc., and serves as the education advisor to the Music Achievement Council. In this capacity, she presents sessions with practical success strategies for music educators at state music conferences, district in-service days and dealer workshops.

Q&A with Congressman Mark Amodei

Congressman Mark Amodei shares his music-making memories as a public school student in northern Nevada.

5 Positive Lessons from 2020

Here is a collection of lessons that music educators experienced in 2020, proving that even in chaos, the power of music prevails!

Q&A with Sportscaster Al Bernstein

Known as the “voice of boxing” and as an inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Al Bernstein is also a singer! Find out how this sportscaster started this side gig.

Q&A with Principal Jim Kuzma

The principal of Rancho High School in Las Vegas credits the performing arts for many of the school’s achievements, including a 40% increase in the graduation rate.

Q&A with Actor Erich Bergen

“Jersey Boys” and “Madam Secretary” actor Erich Bergen has a compelling passion and energy for music education.

Master Educator Collective

Letter to Myself: Marcia Neel

In a letter to her younger self, Marcia Neel, senior director of education for Yamaha, shares wisdom, humor and inspiration.

6 Steps to Get Funds that Support ESSA’s “Well-Rounded Education”

Do your homework to stay on top of funding available for music education.

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Marcia Neel

Yamaha Master Educator Marcia Neel is full of zeal and enthusiasm for music education.

Q&A with Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli

The superintendent of Dayton Public Schools shares her musical memories and why she fights for music education.

Q&A with Rapper J. Dash

Rapper, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist J. Dash has a genuine passion and commitment to help young people realize success through the arts.

Q&A with Composer Eric Whitacre

GRAMMY®-winning composer, Eric Whitacre, shares his unique and profound views about music education and more.

Student Leadership

High School Student Leaders Can Help Recruit Younger Music Students

Use current high school student leaders to recruit and retain music students from elementary and middle schools.

Get Ready for the First Performance National Day of Celebration

During the First Performance National Day of Celebration, beginners can showcase their musical skills and get a much-deserved boost of confidence.

Streamline Rehearsals by Establishing a Routine

Establish a routine and follow a set of rules to create more valuable rehearsal time.

Bring a Sense of Joy into Elementary Music Classes

Focus on play and movement with elementary school students.

How to Get Funds from ESSA’s Title IV-A Grant Program

Funds are allocated annually for the Every Student Succeeds Act’s Title IV-A grant program — so ask and keep asking for money for your program.

Festival Etiquette

Proper appearance and demeanor on stage and in the audience make a powerful statement about your ensemble during formal performances.

Resources for Student Recruitment and Retention

To keep students involved in music education all the way through high school, music teachers must plan early and act. A great start is to gain access to invaluable materials online.

Lessons Learned from Past, Present and Future Festivals

Look to the past and the future to help with your students’ performance assessments during your current festival performance.

Explore Nontraditional Music Programs

Be more inclusive and engage more students with nontraditional programs like mariachi, taiko, ukulele and more.

Student Leadership

Leadership Opportunities with First Concerts

Give older students a chance to lead during the first performance of the school year.

Creative Assessment: Project-Based Learning in the Instrumental Music Classroom

Provide inspiration to creative music students and open up a whole new world of teaching options with project-based learning.

Craft a Music Proposal for New Instruments

Create a multi-year replacement plan to manage your inventory of instruments.

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