NEW! Conducting Conduct eBook
Doug Sorensen, the author of Conducting Conduct, has just created an eBook version of the original. He is selling the book on our site, so please check out the purchase page to find out more information and to get your copy! If you’re a teacher and you want an effective discipline system that allows you to teach more efficiently, you’ll love this book.
Effective Music Teaching
Effective Music Teaching (EMT) is a music education website created for music teachers, students, and parents. The site contains articles and videos made specifically for each group to help educate and share ideas among the music community. The goal is for music programs to become more effective through the help of those who have experience and successful ideas to share with others. Please visit the Articles page for a list of all categories by date, or check out the Directors, Students, or Parents page for specific articles written for those groups.
Directors
This entire site was created for YOU. No good director is an island unto him/her self. Please read through the Directors articles, go back to your band and employ a few of the ideas from the articles and watch how the sound of your band or the management of your band changes for the better.
Keep in mind that it’s not just reading materials – it’s DOING materials. I have employed these techniques for my bands as well as many honor bands where I only have two days to make music and it happens every time! Directors continually tell me, “You say it in such an easy and understandable manner where kids just ‘get it.’”
When you begin to incorporate these ideas, do the Practical Applications exercises with your bands every day (not all of them of course – choose one or two). Once they get the CONCEPT, add a new one and you will hear incredible results.
What does it take to be an effective music teacher?
I do not claim to have all of the answers – but I do have some. By logging in and taking part in this learning community, we will all learn and grow together.
Some of the videos incorporated into this site are from my two-year middle school (7th and 8th grade) in an average middle/lower class community. There are about 600 students at the school but many are in band. There are only a couple students in the program currently taking private lessons; however, we do have a mentoring program with the high school during the first semester to help get kids started.
When I make my way around the state of Florida, I see a wide variety of programs in many different communities. What I have noticed is that no matter where you are, and no matter what your situation is like, YOU have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your students. YOU and YOUR attitude toward teaching students will determine whether or not you produce positive and lasting results. Some programs are outstanding, but far too many are not. Some have lots of money, supportive administration and wonderful parents, yet the music is not great. On the other hand, I have heard beautiful music come from programs with basically nothing! What’s the difference? The incredible teaching of fundamentals and the heart of the director.
Your kids will only go as high as you believe they can go! If you don’t think they can do something because they are only “middle school kids”, or “they are poor” etc. etc. YOU are actually in their way! Raise the ceiling (the upper limit) you have put on them. Take a risk and believe in the potential of young people.
Incorporate Concepts Into Your Classroom
Please read through some of the topics, take a look at the videos, and then sit in a quiet place and think of how you can incorporate them into your program. After reading and listening and allowing the concept to stew in your head/heart for a while, present that concept to your class. Don’t allow the kids to make a choice of how things are going to go – they don’t know what they really need yet. You must be stubborn on what you are going to allow or not allow in your room and out of their instruments.
I can guarantee you that if you are searching for fresh new ideas, starting here is the beginning of that process. Becoming involved in this learning community will generate ideas from others as well as foster ideas from within you which you can share with us.
If nothing else, just tell us how these methods have helped you by signing up or logging on, and encourage others to do so as well.
Students
You are the future of the music community, and music should be an enjoyable experience for you. Effective Music Teaching will provide Students articles and videos to help you progress as a musician. Please make the time to read through some of the content because it can really help you become more efficient in how you practice, and answer many questions you might come across while learning to play your instrument. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to answer or write about, click here or leave a comment.
Parents
Parents are one of the greatest influences on the music student, and you have the ability to help your child succeed. By reading some of the Parents articles, you will learn the best ways to help your child practice and what your kids need from you to improve on his/her instrument. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to answer or write about, click here or leave a comment.