As music educators, we all want to support our students and curriculum with the best music possible. We also want to respect copyright and support music creators.
The New SmartMusic Is Here!
The new SmartMusic is here. Because it lives in the cloud, we are able to refine it constantly. Because teachers never have to download a new version, it can be easy to lose track of how much has been improved over the last few months, let alone years.
From Methods to Madness: Ideas for a Sane Teaching Experience
We currently live in a crazy time for teachers. If you’re just starting out, your undergraduate methods classes and student teaching experience can’t begin to prepare you for all that is about to happen.
Music Ed Mentor Podcast #039: Empowering Your Students
While I understand that “Empowerment” can mean many different things to many different people, let me assure you this is a really great episode; so great I saved it for last – it was the final podcast we recorded in 2018.
January Repertoire Update Feat. Gordon Goodwin Videos
This month we continue to add to the SmartMusic repertoire library with large ensemble titles for concert band, string orchestra, and choir.
New: Three Levels of Assessment Tolerance in SmartMusic
Almost everyone remembers one teacher from their childhood who was especially strict. The memory isn’t always bad; sometimes with hindsight, we see that we learned much more from this teacher.
Diversity in Music Education
I was recently in a conversation with a group of music educators where this question was posed, “What can we do to improve music education in the next 5 years?” Some felt that using more technology in the classroom was going to be the game changer.
Good Enough Vs. Never Good Enough
Two opposing forces infect in our music ensembles. Known as the “Good Enough Syndrome” and the “Never Good Enough Syndrome,” their influence can cause students to either become lethargic (and just put in their time) or to set the bar for perfection so high that they are never satisfied with their results.
Music Ed Mentor Podcast #038: The Important Role of Music Technology In Education
To bring value to your program, technology needs to provide practical benefits. It has to inspire your students, aid your instruction, or make you more efficient.
Featured Content: Gauntlet by Doug Spata
This week we’re featuring Doug Spata’s Gauntlet, a grade 2 piece with a bold, contemporary sound not often found in music at this level.