“My program is fueled on community and joy,” says Laura Del Rosso, Modern Band Teacher at Lower Manhattan Community Middle School in New York. “I believe that music-making should be FUN, from process to product, and I strive to make each and every day in music class fun and engaging,” she says. “For me, that has been the key to creating a vibrant program where my students feel safe, joyful and loved every day.”
The two components of popular music pedagogy that Del Rosso emphasizes are student choice and equity. “In a popular music classroom, students choose the music they play, the instruments they use and the method through which they learn music,” she explains.
These choices can be through technology, various types of iconic notation or standard (Western) notation. “Making all these choices allows students to be successful in their musical endeavors quickly, and does not restrain them to one type of music-making.” Del Rosso says. “This makes the classroom highly equitable because everyone is able to access success using the tools and methods that work best for them.”
To foster creativity, Del Rosso sprinkles songwriting activities into her curriculum throughout the school year. “I get mixed reactions to the process,” she says with a smile. “Some students have a lot to say and like to get their thoughts out through lyrics. Others can conceptualize an arrangement with more ease. We’ve performed one of my student’s original tunes at a concert, and I hope to have many more of those in the future!”
Del Rosso is always seeking ways to expand access for her modern band students, which often means advocating for the addition of a modern band ensemble to existing programming. “That was the genesis for the Salute to Music Modern Band program,” Del Rosso explains.
The program, which is in its third year, provides popular music education to students across all five boroughs on Saturday mornings. “In many cases, these students do not have modern band programs at their middle schools, and this is their only chance to play in a rock band with their peers,” she says. “I love seeing students from all over the city make music together and develop friendships. I’m thankful to the DOE Arts Office and to my co-director, Dawn Sotello, for making it happen with me every Saturday!”
Somehow, Del Rosso finds time to help other music educators as an Arts Office Lead Music Teacher and NYC Music Will Ambassador. She hosts professional development opportunities and meet-ups for music teachers to be in community with one another and connect with resources. “One of the best ways to improve your personal practice is to ‘talk shop’ with other educators,” Del Rosso explains. “At every meet-up, PD and event, I learn something from one of my colleagues that I bring back to my classroom and use to make myself a better educator. I feel so lucky to be a part of the vibrant music education community in NYC!”
