Learn, Grow and Connect at Your MEA

Welcome, educators! We’re thrilled to join you at your state music educators’ convention. Among the 50 million students in U.S. public and private schools, countless young musicians are lucky to have access to music programs led by passionate and dedicated band, choral and orchestra directors like you. Designed as a resource for music educators, this page features curated materials from the Yamaha educator community to help you enhance your professional development, strengthen and expand your program, and achieve success in the classroom.

Before you go, be sure to join our biweekly educator newsletter, so you never miss a beat! You’ll be the first to know about our latest guides and programs.

THE YAMAHA EDUCATOR NEWSLETTER: Join to receive a round-up of our latest articles and programs!

Professional Development

music teacher helping student with guitar

Celebrating Excellence in Music Education — “40 Under 40”

Each year, Yamaha recognizes 40 young music educators who run innovative programs by implementing out-of-the-box thinking.

5 Teacher Tools that Will Maximize Your Efficiency

Check out these ways to manage and streamline your workload.

closeup of someone holding hands with like, comments, rewatch icon bubbles floating above the phone

Going Viral: Propelling Music Education to New Heights on Social Media

What began as a reluctant step into TikTok quickly became a transformative journey that elevated a school’s music program.

Five More Steps to a Productive First Five Years

To be successful, young music educators should focus on recruitment, repertoire, networking and joining professional organizations.

Expert Tips for Navigating Your First Festival

Follow our real-world guide that includes detailed planning mixed with the need for adaptability.

Tips to Get the Most Out of a Conference

Learn, network and thrive at local, state and national music education conventions.

Program Expansion

6 Real Ways to Reach the 80%

Music educators must explore different ways to see the musical potential in students who don’t fit the traditional mold. Take it from one music rule-breaker who forged an unforeseen path to success in the music industry.

5 Benefits to Creating a Keyboard Orchestra

In your group piano class, use the various “voices” of a keyboard to create an orchestra of different effects and instruments.

STEAM-Powered Music Technology

Expanding music horizons and empowering students are keys to an Arizona arts academy and its music technology program.

Pop Guitar as an Entry Point

Try these five steps to introduce guitar in a process-focused, structured way.

student wearing headphones and sitting at desk with a laptop and tablet

Reach Nontraditional Students

Through music technology, guitar and modern music theory courses, a Chicago music educator has bridged the gap to “the other 80%.”

someone holding guitar and playing keyboard with laptop

Use Fusion to Engage Students

Combine two or more genres of music to bridge the gap between music your students know and the realms of classical, jazz and world music.

Program Health

AI in the Music Classroom

Music educators must consider the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, which can lead to a more engaging and empowering music learning experience for all students.

Develop Atomic Habits for Your Program

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

Financial Tips for Music Educators

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

Start a Guitar Program

A guitar program will provide a musical opportunity to students who would not usually join traditional band, orchestra or choir.

Yamaha Master Educator Emily Threinen conducting

The Yamaha Master Educator Collective

Schedule time with one of these distinguished educators who will inspire and motivate music teachers to meet and exceed their professional goals.

5 Music Apps and Software that You Should Check Out

Music educators and musicians should look into these five music apps and software programs to enhance their music-making.

Teaching Tips

Music Tech: Getting Started Teaching the DAW

Transform music education by using new technologies and low-cost gear for recording and composing.

Forney High School band performing on field

6 Strokes for Front Ensemble Warm-Ups

Develop an effective warm-up exercise sequence for marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, timpani, drum set, glockenspiel and more.

Fix It: Trumpet Teaching Tips

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors that trumpet students make.

Music educator Tanner Otto showing students how to hold a bow

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.