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Learn From Your Peers

USC Thornton’s New Initiative: Young Artist Project

Classical music majors must showcase how they drew connections between musical performance and another area of study in a unique, individualized senior year presentation.

An Afro-Centric Curriculum Promotes Excellence

At Grace M. James Academy, a middle school for girls in Louisville, Kentucky, the orchestra director explores a unique strings education methodology.

Interdisciplinary Development Between the Arts

West Covina High School’s Performing Arts Academy allows students in music, dance and theater to hone their skills across disciplines and work together.

Incorporate Jazz in Your Classroom Daily

To keep a band program moving forward, you must capture the attention of young people. One way to do this and to increase retention is to integrate jazz into the curricula.

Play on Philly: A Model of Excellence

Underserved pre-K-12 students in Philadelphia can receive classical, tuition-free music education that balances fun and high expectations — and the results are phenomenal.

Becoming the Passionate Black Educator

A Tennessee educator decided to tackle systemic racism in music programs and is now a sought-after advocate to help schools and organizations around the country implement anti-racist, healing-centered music curriculum.

6 Steps to Incorporate a Growth Mindset in your Classroom

A Florida music educator embraces the concept that students, when faced with challenges, can improve their abilities not only in music but in everything they do.

Putting Power into Students’ Hands

Through a method called Gradual Release of Responsibility, a South Carolina music teacher helps students develop critical thinking and leadership skills.

Cultural Crusader

By digging into her roots, a Louisiana music educator is nurturing future generations to keep the local culture of Cajun and French Creole music alive.

Teach Holistic Music Literacy, Not “Button-Pushing”

Focus on teaching music as a language and give students the skills to develop fluency in improvising, reading notation, composing and audiation.

How to Design a Marching Band Show

Good show design is an asset to any band program. Don’t get lost in the pursuit of excellence. Focus on delivering a positive and life-changing marching arts experience to your 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!

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Case Study: 4 Keys to Drafting a New High School Music Program

Incorporate these tips when starting a program from the ground up. It’s a lot of work, but the rewards are worth it!.

Case Study: Implementing A Successful Group Piano Program

Connect with more students and determine a faster pacing with group lessons.

Case Study: Intentional Music Programming Allows Students to Enjoy the Journey of Music-Making

Finding “mini-opportunities” for students to perform is the main element of this Yamaha “40 Under 40” music educator’s teaching philosophy.

Case Study: The Growth of the We Are Nashville Festival

An idea between local music teachers turned into music festival that brings together students, performing artists and arts organizations.

Case Study: Develop a Guitar and Ukulele Elective for High School

Guitar and ukulele engage a wider range of students in the joys and benefits of making music.

Case Study: See Beyond Disabilities and Find Opportunities to Excel

Two disabled students presented unique opportunities to excel for the entire marching band at Forney High School in Texas.

Case Study: In this Rural Town, Band is Family

In Pierz, Minnesota, the high school band director promotes a family atmosphere to grow and sustain his music program.

Case Study: Tips to Home Grow a High-Quality Music Program

Most students at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School being learning their instruments in high school, which makes the music program’s growth and success amazing!

Case Study: “Grow Your Own” Program Increases Access and Eliminates Barriers

Tennessee State University revitalized and accelerated its educator-preparation program thanks to a $2 million grant from the state department of education.

Case Study: Providing Space for Practice

By opening the band room after school, a music educator has grown her program and instilled confidence in her students.

Case Study: Grassroots Funding Through Social Media and Contests

An instrumental elementary music teacher in New York finds outside funding to buy instruments, equipment and accessories for her program.

Case Study: 8 Keys to Successfully Build Culture through Strategic Planning

Incorporate these key elements in your plan to make your music program bigger, better and thriving.

Case Study: Strategic Storage and Scheduling Solutions

At Nutley Public Schools in New Jersey, the band program finds creative solutions to space constraints.

Case Study: Use Personal Values to Juggle a Heavy Workload

See how one music educator has mastered the art of juggling a heavy workload — what he calls “high-stakes teaching and high-payoff teaching.”

Case Study: A Rocky Road to PASIC

Due to the pandemic, V.R. Eaton High School’s PASIC performance was first canceled, then was going to be virtual, then was postponed. But the percussion team finally performed at PASIC in 2021!

Case Study: A Competitive Show Choir Boosts Choral Participation

Students at Highland High School in Illinois wanted a show choir, so their director went to work to create one.

Case Study: Giving Voice to Middle School Choir Students

A middle school choir teacher builds a classroom community as she promotes self-esteem and self-discovery.

Case Study: Shifting a Program’s Culture

A new band director found that making gradual changes to her program was the best strategy to get buy-in from her students.

Case Study: The Depth and Breadth of Music-Making at Orange Grove Elementary

After almost 20 years of no music classes, Orange Grove Elementary is coming back strong with a thriving program.

Case Study: Starting the Youth Chorus of Central Texas

Local music educators joined forces to create the Youth Chorus of Central Texas to bring musical opportunities to students.

Case Study: Using YouTube as a Teaching Tool

An elementary teacher created YouTube music lessons while he was out on paternity leave. They were not only a powerful teaching tool, but a big hit with his students!

Case Study: Implementing Student-Led Backward Planning

A Texas percussion director takes a bold and unique teaching approach — starting at the end and working backward — which has helped his students practice efficiently and set realistic timelines for themselves.

Case Study: The Power of a Transformative Teacher

At a Florida high school, Dr. Tiffany Cox finds ways to provide access to music for young musicians, no matter the challenge.

Case Study: Rural Realities

Teaching in a rural setting has its own set of challenges. Follow these tips from a 2021 Yamaha “40 Under 40” educator to succeed!

Case Study: A 10-Year Growth Plan for Enrollment, Facilities, Instruments and Staffing

Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson High in San Antonio opened in 2008 and added an additional band hall in 2018 thanks to its district’s focus on planning.

Case Study: From a $67 Budget to Success — A Four-Year Journey

A middle school band director overcomes challenges — including a paltry budget — to grow her music program.

Case Study: A Performing Arts Academy Offers Individual Learning and Career Exploration

At Orange Lutheran High School in California, instrumental music students can pursue individual learning and career exploration.

Case Study: Use Intellectual Discomfort to Expand Music Offerings

At a Wisconsin high school, the music instructor grows the quality of his music program by embracing what he doesn’t know.

Case Study: A 3-Week Fine Arts Exploratory Course More than Doubled Band Enrollment

Requiring all 6th-grade students to try band for a few weeks increased enrollment and created a positive ripple effect for future retention.

Case Study: Summer Composition Program Addresses Gender Gap

After seeing the gender disparity in the composers she studied, Erin Busch did something — she started a music composition camp designed for and taught by women.

Case Study: Expanding the Footprint of a Storied Music Program

A new band director revitalized the successful music program at Shelby County High School with creative fundraising initiatives and buy-in from students and parents.

Case Study: Practice Not Required

An unorthodox philosophy of no practicing outside of school works at Joliet Central High School.

Case Study: How Popular Music Education Transformed a Texas Program and School

At St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, a forward-thinking curriculum reshaped the music program.

Flutist Mimi Stillman’s Sweet Sounds

As founder, artistic director and executive director of a chamber group, Mimi Stillman dives into everything.

Mimi Stillman: Accomplished and Approachable

Flute prodigy Mimi Stillman showcases the physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of music making — and she shares these skills with students around the world.

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.

Case Study: Extracurricular Ensembles in Michigan

Students at Caledonia Community Schools can join some unique ensembles — a pipe and drum band in high school (in honor of the school’s mascot, the Fighting Scots) and a percussion ensemble that students from elementary to high school can join.

Larry Williams’ Juggling Act

See how hornist Larry Williams balances his many roles — performer, instructor, collaborator and administrator.

Case Study: Music Thrives at a STEAM Magnet School in Florida

At Sanders Memorial Elementary School in Florida, music thrives at the intersection of art, math and science for K-5 students.

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.

Cellist Mike Block’s Musical Quest

Cellist Mike Block’s output is staggeringly diverse, and he applies a high level of skill, commitment and efficiency into every style.

Case Study: Cle Elum-Roslyn is a Small District with a Big Sound

School size doesn’t restrict the musical accomplishments at the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District.

Q&A with Actor Erich Bergen

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

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Cheryl Floyd

According to Yamaha Master Educator Cheryl Floyd, everyone is inherently musical. Find out why she has devoted her life to music education.

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Daniel Berard

Learn how Daniel Berard “found his place” in music and how he envisions a world where all students are artistically and creatively literate.

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Marcia Neel

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

Emily Threinen: Music’s North Star

Acclaimed conductor Emily Threinen returns to Minnesota, the North Star State, as a professor and guiding light for students looking for support and excellence.

Case Study: Private School Outreach

The Music Academy hosted by Mater Dei High School brings music, camaraderie and performance opportunities to Southern California private school students.

Q&A with Yamaha Master Education Gary Lewis

Gary Lewis explains how great art and music can make you a better person. He uses his voice to emphasize the importance of 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 Yamaha Master Educator Richard Floyd

Richard Floyd says that music is essential — find out why in this illuminating Q&A.

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Marguerite Wilder

Seeing students’ “aha moments” when they connect with music is what drives Yamaha Master Educator Marguerite Wilder to fight for music education.

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Larry Gookin

Yamaha Master Educator Larry Gookin shares his passion and inspiration for music.

Q&A with Yamaha Master Educator Anthony Maiello

Yamaha Master Educator Anthony Maiello’s love of music started with the accordion and watching “The Lawrence Welk Show.”

Denis DiBlasio: Jazz Saxophonist, Music Educator and Storyteller

Denis DiBlasio’s life in jazz and teaching has been full of improvisation, invention and reinvention.

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.

Reflections on Being Colleagues and Friends — Eric Shin and Jauvon Gilliam

Percussionists Jauvon Gilliam and Eric Shin work together at the University of Maryland and as principals in the National Symphony Orchestra. These colleagues and friends share thoughts about each other.

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.

Jauvon Gilliam and Eric Shin: Performers, Teachers and Entrepreneurs

Percussionists Jauvon Gilliam and Eric Shin juggle teaching, performing, family and their own businesses with a special blend of talent, passion, positivity and determination.

Q&A with Composer Eric Whitacre

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

The Drive of Top Tubist Aaron Tindall

After working his way to the top of the tuba profession through relentless effort and focused planning, Aaron Tindall expects the same from his students.

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.

Case Study: A Las Vegas Middle School Orchestra’s Remarkable Success

Despite having no prior strings experience, an orchestra director has taken a program at a Las Vegas middle school to major achievements.

How Trumpeter Sean Jones Gets Respect

No matter the venue — classroom, concert hall, recording studio or small club — people notice and pay attention to trumpeter Sean Jones, who exudes a quiet, but powerful, strength.

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.

Pablo Rieppi’s Passion for Percussion

A single-minded focus drove Pablo Rieppi to become an inspirational performer and dedicated educator.

Christian Howes: Versatile Violin Virtuoso

Classically trained violinist Christian Howes breaks free of genre conventions to practice and teach creativity.

Case Study: A Successful Band Program in a Texas Border Town

A band program in a border town in Texas performs — and excels — in the same league as larger competitive ensembles.

Clarinetist Julie DeRoche Molds Music into Art

Julie DeRoche finds success on stage and in the classroom with a never-give-up attitude and an inclusive, collaborative approach.

Case Study: Celebrating Mariachi in Iowa

Band directors for Denison High School and Middle School in Iowa noted the growing Hispanic population in the area and brought its culture and music into the classroom.

Case Study: Building a High School Band Program from Scratch

Yamaha Master Educator Daniel Berard started the music program at a brand-new high school. His tips can help new and established programs.

Boston Brass’ Quest to Educate Young Musicians

The Boston Brass entertains audiences worldwide with its range of repertoire and boisterous fun, but its primary mission is to advocate for education for all musicians.

Jeff Coffin: Professor Rock Star

Despite his busy schedule as saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band, Jeff Coffin finds time to educate student musicians as a professor at Vanderbilt University and as a guest clinician throughout the world.

Music Education in Japan

What lessons can we learn from Japan’s emphasis on an early appreciation of music? A high school in Kashiwa is a prime example of this teaching practice and it consistently wins competitions.

The Many Faces of Trumpeter Allen Vizzutti

Classical, jazz, soundtracks and more — Allen Vizzutti’s career has crossed genres and his clinic teachings appeal to all generations.