NAfME Civic Action Field Guide

Representing music educators, students, and advocates, NAfME is dedicated to ensuring the accessibility, presence, and perseverance of quality music programs taught by certified music educators, for all students across the nation, regardless of circumstance. Through active advocacy and collaboration, we are changing the national conversation about music’s role in delivering a well-rounded education to all students. This field guide was created by NAfME to help music educators and education stakeholders better understand the processes behind how public education is governed and funded, with an eye toward supporting high-quality music education in districts and at the state level across the nation. Learn More

FEATURES AND NEWS

Friendship as Mentorship

Friendship as Mentorship Colleagues Can Be Your Best Resource Professionally and Personally By NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl A similar version of this article was originally published in the December 2018 teacher edition of In Tune Magazine. “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” ~ John C. Crosby The statement “I have a best friend at work” has been included as part of my school system’s Gallup survey, which measures employee engagement by using a series of statements that…

The Beginner’s Guide to Improvising

The Beginner’s Guide to Improvising A Three-Step Process for your Beginner Jazz Students By NAfME Member Richard Grennor This article originally appeared on “Dr. Grennor’s Music Academy” blog. There are two misconceptions about jazz that prevent many teachers from incorporating improvisation into their curriculum. One widely held belief is that students need to have all of your scales and chords memorized before they can try to improvise. A second misconception involves thinking of improvisation with the end in mind, rather than as a skill developed over time. As a result…

“I Have to Write in Music?”

“I Have to Write in Music?” Showing School-Wide Support While Maintaining Your Own Program By NAfME Member Michelle Ewer Time and Relevance Have you ever been asked to provide a writing sample in your music class? Do you fight it claiming it takes time away from your rehearsal? I do believe that the trend toward making music classes take 15 to 30 minutes a week to write in class is slowly fading away. However, there is still a mindset that all classes will include writing and show samples…