Music Educators

NCKP

NCKP 2023: The Piano Conference Welcome music educators! Our team is looking forward to meeting you at this year’s NCKP Conference in Chicago, and serving your professional needs in any way we can. The National Conference of Keyboard Pedagogy gives us an opportunity to connect with all of you and to remind you that Yamaha is […]

5 Recruitment Tips You Must Try!

Recruitment is a big part of ensemble directors’ jobs. Don’t look at it as a burden, but rather as a way of turning potential students into “our kids.”

RAMP: A Summer Camp for Music Teachers

Learning through action is a core philosophy for a new professional development conference for music educators that takes place alongside a music camp for students.

How DEI Initiatives Influenced UK’s Music Education Program

An associate professor at the University of Kentucky fully integrated DEI elements into the music education program after looking at ways that her students could better relate to each other as well as to their future students.

Side Hustles for Music Teachers

Do you need to supplement your income or an outlet for your creativity? Consider trying one of these side gigs!

Be an Effective Teacher-Leader

Be an agent of change, advocate for the true purpose of education, take initiative to solve problems and share your experiences with other educators.

What Marimba Should I Purchase for My School?

There are many things to consider when selecting a marimba for your program. Read on for our tips!

6 Websites that Help Me Arrange

Explore these sites to learn all the possible information you need about a track, which will make your life as a music educator much easier.

Dissecting Boise State’s Mission Statement Led to Innovation

One music educator found ways to define “comprehensive” music education to help his students achieve personal goals.

How a Classical Musician Directed a Jazz Band

You don’t have to choose between classical and jazz. If you are a trained classical instrumentalist, leap into the world of jazz!

Before You Quit

Are you thinking of throwing in the towel? Before you make any drastic changes, examine how you got here.

Incorporate Popular Music into Traditional Ensembles

Involve your students to infuse current and popular music into performances.

Financial Tips for Music Educators

When it comes to funding your program, never get discouraged because there is always money somewhere. You just have to work hard to find it.

A DEI Seed Takes Root at a University’s Music Library

When confronted with issues of equitable programming disparities, students at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania became agents of change and focused on leveraging a solution.

5 Ways to Conquer Procrastination

Wait! Don’t Put Off Reading this Article!

My Introduction to Orff

Exploring the social aspect of music as proposed by Carl Orff in the 1920s, opened a music educator’s eyes.

Teach Composition to Older Beginners Using Kodály Philosophies

The Kodály Concept, which focuses on singing and physical movement, is a great way to help high schoolers connect to music.

A New Recording Studio Reinforces Auburn’s Interdisciplinary Approach to Music

Realizing that the music industry is about more than artistry, Auburn University has added business and technological components to its music department.

Proactive, Reactive and Restorative Disciplinary Measures

Understanding why kids misbehave is complex and challenging. Here are some tips on the best ways to handle disciplinary matters.

Set Up Your First-Year Flutes for Success

Help your beginning flute players with their embouchures, posture, note-bending, intentional listening and more.

Advice for First-Year Music Educators

The 2023 “40 Under 40” educators offer useful tips to new music teachers to help them through their stressful first year.

Celebrate Failure: Teach Through Music

Accepting failure is crucial to helping students become lifelong learners who are self-motivated to succeed.

A Black Piano Professor Finds Her Voice and Mission

Music was always an integral part of Dr. Leah Claiborne’s life, but as she got older, she began to question what a Black girl like her was doing studying the music of dead white male composers.

Sepulvado James

Back to 40 Under 40 James Sepulvado Performing Arts Department Chair,Associate Professor of MusicCuyamaca CollegeRancho San Diego, California Providing opportunities for music students and music teachers to learn to be better players and educators has been a driving motivator for James Sepulvado, the Performing Arts Department Chair and Associate Professor of Music at Cuyamaca College […]

Sims Dylan

Back to 40 Under 40 Dylan Sims Director of BandsYork Middle SchoolYork, South Carolina The band program at York Middle School in South Carolina is above all, a nurturing environment, thanks to Director of Bands Dylan Sims. “I have a very diverse band program,” he says. “We have students of varying cultures, economic standings, and […]

Smith Marcus D.

Back to 40 Under 40 Marcus D. Smith Choral Director, Music EducatorBaltimore City CollegeBaltimore, Maryland Baltimore City College, the third oldest high school in the United States, has always been a school of music excellence with wonderful performance opportunities. However, in 2021, the school’s choir received an unbelievable opportunity to perform with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra […]

Willis Franklin J.

Back to 40 Under 40 Franklin J. Willis Adjunct Professor of Music EducationVanderbilt University, Blair School of Music,Community Impact DirectorCMA FoundationNashville, Tennessee Think bigger in order to serve students! That’s the message you’ll hear from Franklin J. Willis, a trailblazer and catalyst for change in the music education space. As a former elementary music instructional […]

Williams Jeremy

Back to 40 Under 40 Jeremy Williams Band DirectorL.H. Marrero Middle SchoolMarrero, Louisiana People living in and around New Orleans have a deep affinity for the area’s music and culture. They also have incredible resilience to deal with natural disasters like hurricanes. Jeremy Williams, the Band Director at L.H. Marrero Middle School, definitely has both. […]

White Greg

Back to 40 Under 40 Greg White Director of BandsRonald Reagan High SchoolSan Antonio, Texas Focus is the key to the success of the Ronald Reagan High School band program. Director of Bands Greg White says that keeping students focused comes primarily from the preparation he and his team put into rehearsals. “We hold that […]

Wigglesworth Tyler

Back to 40 Under 40 Tyler Wigglesworth Choir Director, Performing Arts Academy Coordinator, Vocal Music DirectorWest Covina High SchoolWest Covina, California When charged with starting the West Covina High School Performing Arts Academy, Choir Director Tyler Wigglesworth jumped right in. Together with the theater, band and dance teachers, Wigglesworth’s goal was to provide high-quality performing […]

Tovar Jabari

Back to 40 Under 40 Jabari Tovar Instrumental Music Teacher,Percussion SpecialistSalem Public SchoolsSalem, Massachusetts Developing a culturally responsive curriculum is one of the tenets of Jabari Tovar’s teaching philosophy. The instrumental music teacher and percussion specialist at Salem Public Schools in Massachusetts says, “I’m fortunate to work in a community as diverse as Salem. Our […]

Thorpe Theodore III

Back to 40 Under 40 Theodore Thorpe III Director of Choral ActivitiesAlexandria City High SchoolAlexandria, Virginia Described as “inspiring students to soar” by the Alexandria Times, Theodore Thorpe III, the Director of Choral Activities at Alexandria City High School (formerly TC Williams). in Virginia, is known to empower students by instilling discipline and work ethic. […]

Sexton Timothy S. Dr.

Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Timothy S. Sexton Associate Director of BandsTarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the ArtsTarpon Springs, Florida Potential and progress are critical, not perfection. That’s the message that Dr. Timothy S. Sexton, the Associate Director of Bands at the Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts in Florida, wants his students […]

Oliver William Dr.

Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. William Oliver Director of University Bands, Assistant Professor of Music EducationHuston-Tillotson UniversityAustin, Texas Dr. William Oliver proved that he was “all in” when he arrived at Huston-Tillotson University (HT) in Austin as Assistant Professor of Music Education. “I wanted to learn about the community, so I sought resources and […]

Manela Nerissa

Back to 40 Under 40 Nerissa Manela PhD Student, Teaching AssistantUniversity of MiamiCoral Gables, Florida Nerissa Manela is at a unique crossroads between teaching in K-12 classrooms and community outreach programs and pursuing her doctorate degree. For six years, Manela taught in Title I public schools, where she often utilized innovative technology into her curriculum. […]

Lowry Paul

Back to 40 Under 40 Paul Lowry Director of Bands, Percussion and Jazz StudiesDepartment Chair, Performing ArtsDel Sol Academy of the Performing ArtsLas Vegas, Nevada “When you are student- and ensemble-focused, great things can happen,” says Paul Lowry, the Director of Bands, Percussion and Jazz Studies at Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts in […]

Jenkins Larry Professor

Back to 40 Under 40 Professor Larry Jenkins Professor, Assistant Director of BandsTennessee State UniversityNashville, Tennessee The band program at Tennessee State University in Nashville is often referred to as “A Band of Firsts.” Assistant Director of Bands Larry Jenkins explains that the band is the first HBCU band to perform during a presidential inauguration […]

Jefferson Joseph L. Dr.

Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson Director of Jazz Studies,Associate Professor of Trombone and EuphoniumSoutheast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, Missouri Helping students find their passion and accomplish their goals are the best parts of being an educator, according Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson, Associate Professor of Trombone and Euphonium and Director of Jazz […]

Gullickson Matt

Back to 40 Under 40 Matt Gullickson Band DirectorEastview High SchoolApple Valley, Minnesota Connection is the key to Band Director Matt Gullickson’s program at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota. “Music is an incredible catalyst,” he says. “For me, the greatest expression of teaching is having true connectedness with students.” Although Gullickson implements some […]

Graves Corey L.

Back to 40 Under 40 Corey L. Graves Director of BandsTony A. Jackson Middle SchoolForney, Texas At Tony A. Jackson Middle School in Forney, Texas, the band hall is a fun place! That’s because Director of Bands Corey L. Graves has invested heavily in relationship building. “When you walk into our band hall, you see […]

Duras Brandon J.

Back to 40 Under 40 Brandon J. Duras Director of Instrumental MusicBrunswick High SchoolBrunswick, Maine The first year of teaching is always exciting and nerve-wracking, but for Brandon J. Duras, the Director of Instrumental Music a Brunswick High School in Maine, it was much more than that because the pandemic hit and schools were closed. […]

Davis David

Back to 40 Under 40 David Davis Music TeacherPark Spanish Immersion Elementary SchoolSt. Louis Park, Minnesota David Davis, the music teacher at Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, sees his students as co-learners and co-teachers, and he happily shares the teaching podium with them. “Most of the unique aspects of my […]

Claiborne Leah N. Dr.

Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Leah N. Claiborne Associate Professor of PianoUniversity of the District of ColumbiaWashington, D.C. Teaching at an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) comes with a lot of responsibilities — something Dr. Leah N. Claiborne, Associate Professor at the University of the District of Columbia, understands and embraces. “It’s an […]

Rader Noelle

Back to 40 Under 40 Noelle Rader Orchestra TeacherMendive Middle SchoolSparks, Nevada Noelle Rader was an aspiring professional violist, but after a performance-related injury became so severe that she could no longer play, she underwent surgery to save the long-term use of her hand. As she worked with doctors and surgeons, she became a substitute […]

Vazquez Miriam L.

Back to 40 Under 40 Miriam L. Vazquez Music TeacherDuane D. Keller Middle SchoolLas Vegas, Nevada Mariachi is so much more than a musical genre to Miriam L. Vazquez, a music teacher at Duane D. Keller Middle School in Las Vegas. It’s an inclusive movement! “Everyone can be a part of it regardless of language, […]

Hatfield Lisa

Back to 40 Under 40 Lisa Hatfield 5th-grade band and orchestra teacherBatavia Elementary SchoolsBatavia, Illinois Teaching a concept like syncopation and rhythm to elementary school students can be challenging, but Lisa Hatfield, the 5th-grade band and orchestra teacher at Batavia Elementary Schools in Illinois, uses creative elements in her teaching approach. “I love to teach […]

Meyerson Emily

Back to 40 Under 40 Emily Meyerson K-12 Music and Drama EducatorNorth Baltimore Local SchoolsNorth Baltimore, Ohio Emily Meyerson, the K-12 Music and Drama Educator for North Baltimore Local Schools, isn’t afraid to try anything to improve her program. “I came into an established program in 2010, where things had been done a certain way […]

Kitchell Johanna M.

Back to 40 Under 40 Johanna M. Kitchell Orchestra DirectorRiverside Junior High School,Riverside Intermediate SchoolFishers, Indiana Johanna M. Kitchell, the Orchestra Director at Riverside Junior High School and Riverside Intermediate School in Fishers, Indiana, is not only a problem-solver in her own right, but she is instilling this skill in her students. Her classroom is […]

Tran Trevor

Back to 40 Under 40 Trevor Tran Head of Performing Arts,Director of Vocal ArtsFort Myers High SchoolFort Myers, Florida A growth mindset isn’t a trendy buzzword. It means to push students to thrive on challenge and to look at setbacks as opportunities for growth and developing skills. Trevor Tran, Director of Vocal Arts and Head […]

Wakabayashi Nicole

Back to 40 Under 40 Nicole Wakabayashi Director of Music and DramaNotre Dame School of ManhattanNew York, New York Notre Dame School of Manhattan is a small Catholic, all-girls, college preparatory high school with a mission to provide education to any student regardless of demographic or socioeconomic standing. The program that Nicole Wakabayashi, the school’s […]

Burch Emily Williams Dr.

Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Emily Williams Burch Coordinator of Music Education,Professor of MusicUniversity of South Carolina, AikenAiken, South Carolina Dr. Emily Williams Burch has been described as a choral entrepreneur. “To me being a choral entrepreneur is embracing new technology as a way to deliver services, develop new content, create new formats and […]

González Andrés

Back to 40 Under 40 Andrés González Music DirectorPlay on PhillyPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania Play On Philly (POP) provides underserved children in Philadelphia a transformative music education experience that develops and inspires the behaviors needed for a successful life. It was modeled after Venezuela’s hugely successful El Sistema program founded by Maestro José Antonio Abreu. It seems […]

Ganong Derek Dr.

Back to 40 Under 40 Dr. Derek Ganong Assistant Professor of Trumpet,Director of JazzBoise State UniversityBoise, Idaho Rethinking music degrees in higher education and bringing them into the 21st century is a pretty tall order, but Dr. Derek Ganong is up for the challenge. As the Director of Jazz and Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Boise […]

Weir Sara

Back to 40 Under 40 Sara Weir Music TeacherPark View Middle SchoolCranston, Rhode Island Sara Weir’s influence on the Cranston community in Rhode Island is far-reaching. In addition to her position as a music teacher at Park View Middle School where she incorporates technology and innovative manipulatives to help her students learn, she has developed […]

Schepart Caleb

Back to 40 Under 40 Caleb Schepart Music TeacherDr. Kenneth B. Clark AcademyDobbs Ferry, New York The Dr. Kenneth B. Clark Academy (KCA) in Dobbs Ferry, New York is part of the Greenburgh-Northcastle School District, a special act district that teaches students with significant learning and developmental diagnoses that require specially designed instructional approaches to […]

Burdette Gabriella

Back to 40 Under 40 Gabriella Burdette Orchestra DirectorGrace M. James Academy of ExcellenceLouisville, Kentucky Inclusivity and empowerment are the focal points at Grace M. James Academy of Excellence, a magnet middle school in Louisville, Kentucky, with an Afrocentric STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) perspective for Girls Excelling in Math and Science […]

Burnside Logan

Back to 40 Under 40 Logan Burnside Band DirectorJordan High SchoolJordan, Minnesota As a young music educator in Minnesota, Logan Burnside found a unique way to glean wisdom and knowledge from seasoned directors who have developed great instrumental music programs. He created a podcast called The Band Director’s Lounge and interviews band directors from around […]

Wines Susan

Back to 40 Under 40 Susan Wines Orchestra DirectorWade Hampton High SchoolGreenville, South Carolina Imagine taking your district’s strings program from an exploratory course to a seven-year investment (from 6th through 12th grade)? That’s exactly what Susan Wines did at Greenville County School District. “For the first half of my career, I taught band and […]

Fripp Jasmine M.T.

Back to 40 Under 40 Jasmine M.T. Fripp Director of Choral Activities and General MusicKIPP Nashville Collegiate High SchoolNashville, Tennessee “Passion and excellence are contagious, transparency breeds trust, and structure brings stability,” says Jasmine M.T. Fripp, the Director of Choral Activities and General Music at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School. Fripp walks into every rehearsal […]

Griffin Kylie

Back to 40 Under 40 Kylie Griffin Elementary Music TeacherDozier ElementaryErath, Louisiana Kylie Griffin brings her love of southern Louisiana music, culture and language into her classroom at Dozier Elementary School in Erath, Louisiana. She wants her students to appreciate the cultural identity of their community at a time when Cajun and Créole French culture […]

Chilton Rob

Back to 40 Under 40 Rob Chilton CreatorRC TheoryFrisco, Texas The pandemic provided an unforeseen opportunity for Rob Chilton. “When school shut down in March 2020, I decided to make videos lessons to continue teaching my beginning band students,” he explains. “I decided that the option that provided the most value would be investing my […]

Spakes Taylor

Back to 40 Under 40 Taylor Spakes Director of Performing ArtsWest Rowan Middle SchoolSalisbury, North Carolina When the band program at West Rowan Middle School was in danger of being cut, Taylor Spakes, the choir director, stepped in. “Knowing that both band and chorus is so important to the community, I could not allow for […]

Aguilar John

Back to 40 Under 40 John Aguilar Director of BandsRobert Eagle Staff Middle SchoolSeattle, Washington Which of these is plausible for a middle school band? a) Traveling across the country to perform at two battle of the bands. b) Performing at a Seattle Storm halftime show, which has garnered more than 2 million views across […]

The Performance Mind Game

Try these student-centered approaches to maximize the moment — before, during and after every performance.

Subbing Success

Being a substitute teacher requires flexibility, organization and compassion. Try these tips to succeed.

40 Under 40 – 2023

2023 Yamaha “40 Under 40” — Excellence in Music Education Yamaha launched the “40 Under 40” music education advocacy program in 2021 to celebrate and recognize outstanding music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs. Now, we celebrate the 2023 group of remarkable educators who triumphed before, during and […]

Turning Your “Won’ts” into “Cans”

Don’t let students who will not participate in the learning process fall through the cracks. Turn them into participating, contributing class members by asking them questions and not accepting non-responses.

Shine the Spotlight on Community Engagement

College music programs act as liaisons and bring numerous stakeholders together to make a positive impact in the communities they serve.

Develop Atomic Habits for Your Program

A key to success is to have a consistent system of routines that you and your students follow.

Work With Your Strengths

What is the VIA Survey, and can it help reveal your super teaching powers?

Help Students Learn from Failure

Teach students to learn from their mistakes and turn failure into opportunities for growth.

Holiday Lessons and Activities for Elementary School

Elementary students will enjoy these holiday- and winter-themed activities.

“Lean into Change” is the Driving Force Behind the SEMO Jazz Program

The jazz program at Southeast Missouri State University has experienced tremendous growth and expansion thanks to the innovative vision of Dr. Joseph Jefferson.

How to Deal with Common Stressors

Being a music educator is a stressful job. Here are tips to deal with some common stress-inducing situations.

Funding Your Music Program: Crowdfunding, Grants and Partnerships

With tightening fiscal constraints, music educators must look to other funding opportunities, including crowdfunding, grants and partnerships.

Neurodivergence and Music: My Experience

People whose brain works differently often experience sounds, including music, in unique ways.

The Power of Words: The Enduring Effects of Arrows and Songs

A Longfellow poem and its moving message helped to reinforce the underlying foundation of the Forney High School band program.

Zen, Qi Gong and Music

During the pandemic, an initiation into the Zen Buddhist community changed a music educator’s perspective of music-making and teaching.

Modern Music and Tech in Beginning Strings

With off-the-beaten-path lesson plans and performance opportunities, an orchestra director has higher student engagement, retention and overall program growth.

Case Study: A Festival that Celebrates Soloists and Small Ensembles

The Solo and Ensemble Festival at San Elijo Middle School showcases the individual work ethic and skill that goes into a performance.

Mentoring in Action — From the Mentee’s Perspective

A veteran music educator’s practical advice and honesty help a new music educator as he embarks on his first year of teaching.

Mentoring in Action — From the Mentor’s Perspective

Veteran music educators can — and must — help guide and mentor new music teachers.

Case Study: The Value of Voice-Based Choirs

A choir director doubled the size of his program by restructuring it based on his students’ voices, not by their grades.

Elementary Music Crafts: Handmade Instruments

With a bit more planning, you can teach your elementary students how to make musical instruments out of straws, popsicle sticks, cardboard and paper plates.

Status of Music Education in Public Schools

A study of 2019 data that looked at access to and participation in music and arts education in K-12 public schools showed that while 92% of students have access to music education, more than 3.5 million students do not.

5 Takeaways from NAMM’s “Hill Day” 2022

A trip to D.C. to push for more awareness of and funding for music education motivated me to do more at the local level to discuss the importance of arts education.

Ouch! Easy Fixes for 5 Common Teacher Pains

Repetitive motions and all-day schedules put music educators at risk of physical pain. Here are a few ways to stay healthy

The Benefits of Branding Your Band

Your band’s brand should transcend the walls of your music classroom and let the greater community in on the magic you and your students create on a daily basis.

Delayed Gratification: When Students Get Tired, Teach Them to Rest, Not Quit

Look at the big picture and help your students get through tough times because they will learn that delayed gratification isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

Start a Beginning Percussion Class

The benefits of a beginning percussion class outweigh any concerns about enrollment, instrumentation or instruments. You will be able to spend more time with your wind players and percussion students.

Bucket Drumming: An Inexpensive, Durable and Portable Option

Enliven your elementary music classroom with cheap and mobile bucket drums — your students will have fun and learn about percussion, marching and more!

40 Under 40 — Nominate a Deserving Music Educator Today!

Yamaha wants to recognize and celebrate the top 40 music educators under 40 years old. Nominate an exceptional music teacher today!

Q&A with Congressman Mark Amodei

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

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Douglas Droste

The Ball State University director of orchestras explains why he is a dedicated advocate of music education.

Case Study: Launching a Mariachi Program in Las Vegas

In its first few years, the Las Vegas High School Mariachi Program released a CD and performed for many dignitaries including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Case Study: The Power of Pop Music

Student initiative is pervasive throughout the Huntington Beach High School’s pop music program, which emphasizes students’ ability to forge their own musical path.

Collaborative Concerts Grow Musicianship and Community

Work with your colleagues and local community to create special concert events for your students.

5 Lesser-Known Composers and Why You Should Teach About Them

Go beyond Mozart and Beethoven and introduce your students to these five composers.

4 Ways to Elevate Your Jazz Program

The jazz program has been the biggest catalyst for growth at The King’s Academy, a K-12 private school in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Stop Negative Self-Talk and Apply Strategic Arrogance

Don’t talk down about your abilities. Instead, hype yourself up to get through stressful situations — you’ll be surprised that you may actually perform better.

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