Shifting Roles: Letting Students Decide

As teachers, we may find it difficult to hand over classroom decisions to our students. The idea of shifting from leader to facilitator can feel uncomfortable, especially in the music classroom. But student-led music learning isn’t about losing control—it’s about creating dynamic, engaging opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll experience hands-on lesson examples that empower students to participate in meaningful decision-making. Sample techniques will address typical general music settings, group instrument instruction, elementary, middle, or high school. Regardless of the focus of your general music setting, walk away with strategies and a draft plan for encouraging student voice while maintaining a structured and musically rich classroom.

This 3-hour workshop with Dr. Kateri Miller is part of the Dr. Michele Holt Workshop Series, co-sponsored with the Collegiate NAfME Chapters of the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College.