Challenging Early Finishers
In every subject, in every class, there will always be students who finish very quickly and others who need extra time. But, how do you keep the early finishers engaged and allow enough time for the...
View ArticleClassroom Mascots
I recently saw a post on Facebook that Target had a doll with a musical shirt with solfege. I had to run to Target to check it out. While I was there, I also saw a doll with paintbrushes on her shirt....
View ArticleInstrument Repair: Recorder Block
In my 14 years teaching, I’ve always used Yamaha 3-piece recorder and I’ve never had a recorder sound block fall out... until now! This student tried to fix it himself and got the block misaligned and...
View ArticleBubble Wrap Incentives
Since spring break, I've discovered a cheap and effective behavior incentive--BUBBLE WRAP! It happened by accident. I had opened a box of supplies but didn't have time to put them all away before my...
View ArticleUkulele Cabinet Update
I have 40 Kala Waterman Ukuleles which I store in a plastic double-door cabinet. If you would like to learn more about how I created this custom storage, click on this link to a previous blog post....
View ArticleAnother Use For Binder Clips
A teacher's plight-getting things to stick to the cinder block walls. Most of the time, I can use masking tape hot glue, sticky tack, Stikki Clips, or any combination of those. However, I have 4 large...
View ArticleFriday Reflection: Isolating Your Senses
I hope to share ideas and tips on a more regular basis, so I am starting a series called Friday Reflections. Each Friday, I will reflect on my week and try to share a highlight which may be helpful to...
View ArticleFriday Reflection: Creating
Today's reflection focuses on "Creating" in the music room. Watch below to learn more about how I introduce composition to my students. Here are some links to learn more about things referenced in...
View ArticleFriday Reflection: Orff Bar Storage
I am very fortunate to have a large collection of Orff instruments. I am also very fortunate to have a large space to allow most of the instruments to remain out at all times and still have open space...
View ArticleFriday Reflection: Never Stop Learning
Three years ago, my student teacher sparked my interest in the ukulele and I began teaching myself how to play. During these years, I have fallen in love with this tiny instrument. Since then, I...
View ArticleFriday Reflection: Lost and Found
September set records for the hottest and driest month in over 80 years. But, fall has finally arrived and we are experiencing a cool down. With changing temps comes layers, and children love to shed...
View ArticleOrff Arranging With An App
I love to use the Acapella app to help create Orff arrangements. You can record videos and hear multiple parts simultaneously. There is a free version and paid version available in the Apple Store and...
View ArticleOrff Visual Update
My second year teaching, I created an Orff visual aid with removable Velcro bars. More details about that instrument can be found on this post. After 14 years of teaching, the foam board is severely...
View ArticleMallet Wrapping Update
Four years ago, I searched YouTube for tutorials on mallet wrapping. Here is my first post on that journey. Below is a picture of mallets that I rewrapped four years, They are starting to fray. I...
View ArticleNontraditional Music Instruction: Environmental Percussion
My district is starting Nontraditional Instruction starting Monday due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Teachers will be asked to report to school everyday, but students will remain home. I will be...
View ArticleRecorder Play-Along Video Tutorial
This year, I started creating recorder play-along videos so my students could practice more efficiently at home. They have also been great for centers when I am assessing. Students who need some extra...
View ArticleNontraditional Instruction: Family Music Interview
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools nationwide are forced to close and implement instruction from home. My district is calling this NTI (Nontraditional Instruction). The lessons I create must be...
View ArticleUsing Google Forms To Submit Photo/Video
I would like to share how I use Google Forms for my students to submit photos and videos of their work. It has been a wonderful feature to manage responses and media from such a large amount of...
View ArticleMusic Educators Coding With Scratch
Coding. Did I ever think I would be teaching myself how to code? Nope. But, here I am jumping down the rabbit hole. Who knew it would be something that would expand my skills as a music educator?I...
View ArticleScratch: The Mitten & The Cold Lady
The challenges of distance learning have led me down a deep rabbit hole to learn how to code. I have been using Scratch to create interactive music experiences where students can play virtual...
View ArticleScratch Melodic Games
The challenges of distance learning have led me down a deep rabbit hole to learn how to code. I have been using Scratch to create interactive music experiences for my students learning at home. If you...
View ArticleScratch: Triplet Games
The challenges of distance learning have led me down a deep rabbit hole to learn how to code. I have been using Scratch to create interactive music experiences for my students learning at home. If you...
View ArticleScratch: Size and Pitch
The challenges of distance learning have led me down a deep rabbit hole to learn how to code. I have been using Scratch to create interactive music experiences for my students learning at home. If you...
View ArticleScratch For Music Educators Video Tutorials
The challenges of distance learning have led me down a deep rabbit hole to learn how to code. I have been using Scratch to create interactive music experiences for my students learning at home. If you...
View ArticleRainy Day Rhythms
It is spring! I've got some rainy day resources for your music lessons.This video is a read aloud of "Listen To the Rain" by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault. It is paired with Chopin's "Raindrop...
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