Music Teachers Chatboard

Melody I guess the link does actually work - it just looked REALLY long!

Sep 17

HELP!: New Classroom Music Teacher

by Patrick

Jul 23

Hello all! In a couple of weeks, I will begin my first classroom music teaching position. I have tried to cover all of my bases, but just wanted to reach out to ensure that I have everything I need to help my year run as smoothly as possible. Does anyone have any helpful hints regarding preparation of items/procedures needed for a music classroom? ...See More

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bec Have your rules and procedures posted, have a plan if disciplinary action is required, and a plan to reward good behavior. (my kids loved to earn 5 minutes of free choice at the end of class). I just found a really good book my Michael Linsin - about classroom management for specials teachers. It is really helpful in many areas. My two cents is to ...See More

Aug 18

Lis Ditto all the above. Also, go over the rules/consequences at the beginning of each class for the first two or three lessons so that they have no excuse for not knowing the rules. Then if ANYbody does break a rule, quickly give the consequence you have set up but without any show of emotion. Do not spend any time on the consequence with the child, j...See More

Aug 30

I just wanted to share a story with you guys, I've posted my availability to teach piano lessons for beginners on Kijiji and had details such as how much my rates were and where to contact me if parents were interested in my teaching them. So I received a text from this person which said (i'm not going to include his full email):

I'm cont...See More

Music Lesson Scam?

by musiclover

Jul 21

bec Obviously, it is someone from a different culture. I would just reply that you only teach 1 hour a week, or whatever your procedures normally are. It is pretty weird and a little spooky though. you could just reply that you won't be able to do this.

Aug 18

Lis It's probably too late for my response, but I would not respond AT ALL to the email. It is very fishy to me. They probably saw your post and now they are trying to get more info from you. The money is a way to entice you to respond. I hope you have not! You cannot be too careful these days.

Aug 30

i'm pretty self conscious about my size and wish I didn't have to stand with my back to the audience to conduct my elementary choir. Men are lucky, they can just wear a suit. My kids usually perform in jeans and their choir shirts (black), I think I should be a little more dressed up than that epecially for choir competition. Just wondering if any ...See More

What do you wear?

by ANON

May 11

Garland/GA Kimonos are in right now, or a shirt with an overlay of some sort.

May 16

Delwyn I like to wear a dress at knee length - no shorter, especially on a stage. I think it is important to wear black and something not too showy because after all it is about the children not the conductor. A dress is better for a bigger size than trousers. A jacket over is good too.

May 24

QUAVER MUSIC

by JJ

May 22

Does any one teach with Quaver Music? If so do you like it. Do you use it all the time or just as a resource?

LillyLu The Music teacher at my school uses it and LOVES it. The students love it as well. She teaches K -1 but I believe we use it up through 5th grade.

May 22

Lis I love it, too! I have not bought the curriculum although it looks wonderful. I use the DVD's and other resources often in my class. The website is fun to use, too!

May 24

Portfolio?

by Job Hunter

May 20

I'm interviewing for a great music job i really want on Monday. Has anyone ever left a portfolio with the principal after their interview? What did you include? Thanks.

Thick and thin texture

by E. Avery

May 9

Just wondering; does anyone know what thick and thin texture is in music?

Layers of sound Thin texture - just one thing going on. A single melody line.

Thick texture - many different layers of sound going on at the same time.

On 5/09/17, E. Avery wrote: > Just wondering; does anyone know what thick and thin texture is in music?

May 9

Next time, do your own homework. On 5/09/17, Layers of sound wrote: > Thin texture - just one thing going on. A single melody > line. > > Thick texture - many different layers of sound going on at > the same time. > > > On 5/09/17, E. Avery wrote: >> Just wondering; does anyone know what thick and thin > texture is in music?

May 11

Mickey Mouse rhythm stick routine

by Charlotte

Apr 21

I remember someone posting years ago about a rhythm stick routine that went with the Mickey Mouse march. Anybody know who that was? If it was you, will you share again? Sounds like a fun end-of-the-year plan!

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Garland/GA Thanks for sharing that Donna! It looks really fun!

On 4/22/17, DonnaR/CA wrote: > On 4/21/17, Charlotte wrote: >> I remember someone posting years ago about a rhythm stick > routine that went with the Mickey Mouse march. > > Mine wasn't the Mickey Mouse March, but was the music from > the Main Street Electrical Parade...See More

Apr 24

Charlotte That's the one, Donna! Thanks so much for sharing again.

Apr 25

Is B mat a music?

by downtothecour

Apr 23

Is B mat a music?

Difficult private music students

by Ryan F.

Apr 22

I'm a private instructor who inherited some students from another teacher - a few of them are difficult and I worry they may have preferred their former teacher's style better. These are mainly 8-12 yr. old kids.

I'm well aware that most younger students don't practice as much as they should, and many don't practice at all—perhaps they'...See MoreI'm a private instructor who inherited some students from another teacher - a few of them are difficult and I worry they may have preferred their former teacher's style better. These are mainly 8-12 yr. old kids.

I'm well aware that most younger students don't practice as much as they should, and many don't practice at all—perhaps they're not interested, lack work ethic, are tired, overbooked/overscheduled by their parents, are distracted by social media or their online worlds, or some combination of these factors. But as long as they show up, are reasonably pleasant during lessons and make some effort to pay attention, I'm happy to teach them the best I can in the hopes they'll get something out of it - musical or nonmusical - that will one day yield benefits for them, even if we're usually at square one every lesson.

My difficult ones are the ones who seem unhappy. Every indication from their body language tells me they don't want to be there, they're resentful, and they're not interested in improvement or feedback of any kind on their playing. Are there really music teachers who can reach these kids, who have an "it" factor that I lack? I'm 43 and spent a lot of time growing up before the Internet, instant gratification and when all media became free, which I'm grateful for, but is the fact that I'm not a millenial a weakness in this case?

I'm fortunate to have a few students who do practice regularly, want to do well, and/or demonstrate a genuine interest in music. Those are the ones that keep me at it, and because I can make connections with many of them and I've gotten compliments from their parents, it tells me that I do have music teaching in my blood. I crave those "A-ha" moments. At the same time, students like my difficult ones or ones that are transferred to other teachers make me doubt myself. I also know a full teaching roster is important to the bottom line of my employer, and drop-outs equal lost business, so I feel pressure to make the most with the students I have while limiting my complaints about them.

Any advice from fellow private teachers in similar positions?

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A thought I am not a private teacher but have taught in private schools where a full roster is important.

At the end of the lesson, take a few min. to make a connection with each student (those who are interested and those who don't seem to be). For the less interested students I would tell them what you have noticed and ask if there is something t...See MoreI am not a private teacher but have taught in private schools where a full roster is important.

At the end of the lesson, take a few min. to make a connection with each student (those who are interested and those who don't seem to be). For the less interested students I would tell them what you have noticed and ask if there is something that you could do differently to make this more enjoyable/interesting/rewarding to them. Listen to their words but watch their body language as well.

On 4/22/17, Ryan F. wrote: > I'm a private instructor who inherited some students from another teacher - a few of them are difficult and I worry they may have preferred their former teacher's style better. These are mainly 8-12 yr. old kids. > > I'm well aware that most younger students don't practice as much as they should, and many don't practice at allâ€"perhaps they're not interested, lack work ethic, are tired, overbooked/overscheduled by their parents, are distracted by social media or their online worlds, or some combination of these factors. But as long as they show up, are reasonably pleasant during lessons and make some effort to pay attention, I'm happy to teach them the best I can in the hopes they'll get something out of it - musical or nonmusical - that will one day yield benefits for them, even if we're usually at square one every lesson. > > My difficult ones are the ones who seem unhappy. Every indication from their body language tells me they don't want to be there, they're resentful, and they're not interested in improvement or feedback of any kind on their playing. Are there really music teachers who can reach these kids, who have an "it" factor that I lack? I'm 43 and spent a lot of time growing up before the Internet, instant gratification and when all media became free, which I'm grateful for, but is the fact that I'm not a millenial a weakness in this case? > > I'm fortunate to have a few students who do practice regularly, want to do well, and/or demonstrate a genuine interest in music. Those are the ones that keep me at it, and because I can make connections with many of them and I've gotten compliments from their parents, it tells me that I do have music teaching in my blood. I crave those "A-ha" moments. At the same time, students like my difficult ones or ones that are transferred to other teachers make me doubt myself. I also know a full teaching roster is important to the bottom line of my employer, and drop-outs equal lost business, so I feel pressure to make the most with the students I have while limiting my complaints about them. > Any advice from fellow private teachers in similar positions?

Apr 23