Tag: elementary general music
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Let’s Stir Up Some Controversy: Should AI Have a Place in the Music Classroom, or Does It Risk Overshadowing Human Connection?
Music education has long been a realm where human interaction and personal mentorship play a crucial role. The teacher’s guidance, the student’s personal growth, and the shared experiences within the classroom create a rich tapestry that has defined music education for generations. But as technology advances, a new player is entering this space: Artificial Intelligence.…
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INSPIRATIONAL Cross-Curricular Learning In The Music Classroom
Imagine if music existed in a bubble. Just sound. What would we miss? The history of who created it? The inspiration behind it? The connections to things with similar and opposite themes and ideas. CONTEXT is key here. To fully understand something, everything that surrounds it must be considered. As music teachers, we must encourage…
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RELIABLE Activities For The First Day Of Music Class!
The first days of school can be SCARY. Both teachers and students get the back-to-school jitters. Here are 5 sure-fire ways to set yourself up for success on the the first day of music class! 1. “Stick-It” Music Class Game This game is the PERFECT way to get to know you students. First, write a…
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Outside Activities for Music Class!
Hooray! It’s May! In every single class last week, my students asked me their favorite spring question; “Can we please go outside?” I also adore going outside, but I like to keep our outdoor activities musical when possible. Here are some of my “go-tos” for when I take my music students outside! 1. Rhythm Dictation;…
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Unpopular opinion, but POP MUSIC is worth learning about in music class.
“Pop music isn’t worth learning about! Focus on the greats!” “It just isn’t real music.” “It all sounds the same!” As a music teacher, you are bound to hear some version of these comments at some point from well-meaning people who don’t believe that pop music has merit. While these comments about the inferiority of…
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Summer Themed Projects for the Music Classroom!
Have your music students mentally checked out for the school year? Have YOU mentally checked out for the school year? Let’s face it, this time of year EVERYBODY is ready for summer. It’s time for warm days, beach trips, sleeping in, etc. Here are some fun music education projects to celebrate the impending summer months!…
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Quick tricks to get your music students SINGING!
Some students walk in the door singing and dancing. If only that were the case for everyone. Some students, believe it or not, hate singing at first. As music teachers, it is our job to try and turn this around. Here are some ways that I have found to help get these students out of…
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The most common thing I hear from other music teachers is….
“I have no idea how to plan for so many grade levels.” This is the plight of the specials teacher. Currently, I teach 9 grade levels (k-8), run two choirs, and vocal music direct my school’s musical. My first year of teaching, it felt nearly impossible to plan for so many grade levels. But it…
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POV: You’re the music teacher on CAREER DAY!
Recently my school celebrated career day, and it got me thinking about how I can make careers relevant in music class. The truth is, many of my students won’t become professional musicians, BUT I want to make sure they have a chance to at least explore the idea of a career in music. Check out…
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Games for Middle School Music Class!
My middle schoolers LOVE games. When I started teaching, I thought that middle schoolers might be too advanced for games, but I was wrong! My oldest students beg me for game days all the time. Here are some games that are great for older students! Music Trivia My students LOVE playing music trivia. I often…