Developing Student Leaders in Music Class

Developing Student Leaders in Music Class

A Guide for Junior and Senior High Levels 

By Tina Bennett, NAfME Music Honor Society Advisory Council Eastern Division Representative

Music education offers a unique opportunity to foster leadership skills in students. From ensemble management to peer mentorship, student leadership in music class benefits both the individual and the group. By cultivating leaders, educators not only strengthen their programs but also equip students with essential skills for life beyond the classroom.

Why Student Leadership in Music Matters

Student leadership enhances a music program by fostering ownership, accountability, and community among students. When students take on leadership roles, they develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to inspire others. Moreover, student leaders serve as role models, creating a positive culture that encourages collaboration and excellence.

For junior and senior high school students, leadership in music also builds critical thinking, time management, and the ability to navigate diverse personalities—valuable skills that apply to any future career or personal endeavor.

Strategies for Developing Student Leaders

1. Provide Defined Leadership Roles

Create clear opportunities for leadership within the ensemble. These can include:

• • Section Leaders: Responsible for helping their sections with practice, intonation, and dynamics.
  • Student Conductors: Occasionally lead warm-ups or rehearsal sections under the director’s guidance.
  • Librarians and Equipment Managers: Organize sheet music, instruments, and other resources.
  • Event Coordinators: Assist in planning concerts, competitions, and trips.

2. Model Leadership Skills

Educators should demonstrate the qualities they wish to see in student leaders. Show consistency, respect, and a collaborative approach during rehearsals. By modeling empathy, active listening, and clear communication, teachers set the standard for student leaders to emulate.

3. Encourage Peer Mentorship

Pair experienced students with younger or less experienced peers to build confidence and camaraderie. This mentorship fosters mutual respect and ensures the continuity of the program’s standards.

4. Offer Leadership Training

Provide formal training to teach students the basics of leadership. Topics might include effective communication, conflict resolution, and setting goals for their section or ensemble. Consider workshops or inviting guest speakers to inspire and equip student leaders.

5. Foster Collaboration, Not Competition

Leadership is about elevating the group, not dominating it. Encourage students to collaborate by emphasizing team goals over individual accomplishments. This could involve group brainstorming sessions for creative interpretations or collective problem-solving during challenges.

6. Empower Students to Make Decisions

Give student leaders opportunities to contribute to the program’s direction. For instance, they might help select repertoire, organize social events, or plan community outreach performances. Empowering students to make meaningful decisions enhances their commitment and investment in the ensemble.

7. Provide Constructive Feedback

Regularly check in with student leaders to discuss their performance and offer guidance. Feedback should focus on strengths while gently addressing areas for improvement. Encourage self-reflection to help students recognize their progress and areas for growth.

Overcoming Challenges

Some students may struggle with balancing leadership duties and their personal commitments. To address this, keep responsibilities manageable and offer support. Additionally, ensure leadership opportunities are accessible to all students by rotating roles or creating multiple positions to suit diverse skill sets.

The Impact of Student Leadership

Incorporating leadership opportunities into music education produces well-rounded musicians who excel both in and out of the classroom. As student leaders grow in confidence and skill, they set the tone for a thriving and inclusive music program. These students not only become better musicians but also emerge as capable leaders ready to contribute to any community.

By intentionally fostering leadership, music educators ensure that their programs are not just about notes and rhythms but about building the next generation of thinkers, collaborators, and changemakers.

About the author:

Tina Bennett has 37 years of experience in all aspects of instrumental and vocal music education with a diverse student population (elementary general music, junior high literary classical theater choir production, and variety of senior high school ensembles). In addition to the spectrum of teaching responsibilities, Bennett established and created an award-winning show choir, developed new classes such as Intro to Theater, Keyboard, Guitar, and a modern Band which performed live music for the student body every Friday.

Although Bennett has instructed approximately 300 students each year for the past 37 years, her expertise is in performance coaching, in both small group and individualized instructional settings. Her passion and commitment have inspired and impacted the career choices of several of her senior high school students in which they continued their professional pursuit in the field of music (radio producer/promoter, music educators, military band, and entertainment law). Bennett graduated with a Music Education Degree from Clarion University with additional graduate credits at Wilkes-Barre and Duquesne.

Clarion-Limestone Jr/Sr High School/Retired 2021

Educator, PMEA State President 2018-2020, District #3 President 2014-2016, State Board, Tri-M® State Chair, Eastern Division Tri-M Chair 2024-present, District #3 Professional Development Chair, Site Host for the State PMEA Conference, Vocal Coach, Pageant coach, and director, collaborator on the Music Will Go-Drum project

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