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Program Health

Teaching Music in High Need Schools: Defining Success

In Part 3 of this series, we share how to build curricula and create experiences that give our students the best chance to succeed.

Teaching Music in High Need Schools: Building Rapport

In Part 2 of this series, we explore ways to build rapport with students, parents, administrators and community partners.

How Mariachi Changed 3 Las Vegas Families

Music transformed these Nevada students’ and their families’ lives and have set the course for their futures.

Teaching Music in High-Need Schools: Recruitment

In Part 1 of this series, we look at three essential and data-driven practices to excel at recruiting for your music program.

5 Ways to be a Team Player

True teamwork requires active participation at your school and within your district. Help your fellow music educators as often as you can and seek their input when you need it.

What’s Your Sales Pitch?

You are the best-equipped person to promote the amazing qualities of your program — so go sell the fact that music education teaches students dependability, responsibility, teamwork, dedication and so much more.

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 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.

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.

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.

5 Student-Led Recruitment Strategies That Work!

Make students the face of your program and empower them to lead the charge in your recruitment efforts.

Teach Student Leaders to Teach

Empower your student leaders to be instructors and peer tutors, and they will take more ownership of your program.

10 Tips for Teaching Students with Autism

Teaching students who are on the spectrum is a fulfilling challenge as long as you are prepared and flexible.

Key Takeaways from FAQs on ESSER and GEER Funds

COVID-19 relief funds are available for music programs and purchasing instruments. We pulled out highlights from a new FAQ released by the Department of Education.

Finding (and Funding) a Way for Music

Create a win-win situation by learning how your district distributes and uses Title IV-A funds.

How School Service Music Stores Can Help Music Teachers Access ESSER Funds

In addition to school and district resources, reach out to your school service music store with questions about getting funding for your music program.

Come Back Strong for Fall 2021: Your Post-Pandemic Planning Guide

With our Post-Pandemic Planning Guide, start your recruitment and retention efforts now.

Students Become Teachers as They Level Up

In a specialized six-level program, percussion students can gain skills in performing and teaching.

Build Diversity in Your Repertoire

Try these five ways to build more diversity in your repertoire.

The Creative Repertoire Initiative

A group of 11 composers and a conductor joined forces to create and promote adaptable music to meet the challenges facing music educators today.

Larry Williams Encourages Representation

Educator and French horn player Larry Williams looks to be a positive change agent for future generations of musicians of color.

The United Sound Method for Private Lesson Teachers

Private lessons teachers can apply United Sound techniques to promote inclusion in their programs by having student leaders act as peer mentors to special needs music students.

Bring Administrators Plans, Not Problems

Keep open lines of communication with administrators and the school board to ensure they are aware of your program’s plans, goals and needs.

Yamaha and 50+ Organizations Unite to Support Arts Education

Yamaha unites with a group of organizations to advocate for the arts.

Funding Resource Roundup

Check out this collection of resources to help music educators navigate the various grant and funding opportunities available.

Updated: How to Get ESSER (CARES, CRRSA, ARP) Funding for Your Music Program

ESSER funding for education is available through the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan (ARP). Learn more about these special grant funds.

Finding Funding

Try this band director’s three tips to take advantage of funding opportunities.

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.

Grant Writing: A 3-Step Game Plan

Applying for grants is something that all music educators should do. But how do you get started? Try these tactics that worked for an Iowa school district.

Women in Music Education

Dr. Emily Threinen, an associate professor of music at the University of Minnesota, talks about gender equality in music education.

Inclusive Repertoire

Repertoire should include and celebrate multiple voices of representation.

Access Title IV-A Funds and Build a Stronger Music Program

Follow this guide to navigate the funding opportunities that are guaranteed through the Every Student Succeeds Act.

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.

Budget for Success

Many variables – including unknown elements – must be balanced in order to create a sound financial plan.

2019 Music Education Advocacy

Music education advocates travel to Washington, D.C., each year to meet with members of Congress to deliver a cohesive message: Music education is vitally important and requires sustained funding.

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.

Collaboration is Key for K-12 Alignment

When you develop cohesion across disciplines, buildings and age groups in K-12 music programs, keep these considerations in mind.

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.

Chamber Ensembles Help Develop Student Leaders

Performing in small groups can pack a big punch in musical growth and leadership capabilities.

DonorsChoose Helps Provide Quality Music Education

Yamaha has set up a matching offer through DonorsChoose.org to help music teachers get vital classroom supplies.

Develop Student Leaders

A leadership curriculum will create a culture of excellence in your music program, make a difference in your students’ lives and enrich your own.

Leadership Opportunities with First Concerts

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

Build Bridges: Work with Administration, Parents and Other Teachers

Music educators must forge partnerships to ensure that their music programs prosper.

Students Help Teach Music to Students with Disabilities

United Sound promotes social involvement for students with and without disabilities to perform in band or orchestra together.