Student and Parent Complaints
Your first year as a teacher, you might hear comments like, “My kid doesn’t have time to practice as much as you’re asking,” “I don’t want to wear that uniform!”…
Archives: Teaching Tips
Encourage Good Student Behavior
Students are less likely to have behavior problems if they feel welcome in your classroom and if they’re learning music that’s engaging and challenging. The following techniques can help you…
Concert Checklist
As you prepare your students for a concert, a checklist can help you keep all the details straight. Here’s a suggested list from NafME member Christine Nowmos. 1 Month Before…
Survival Tips for Student Teaching
Here are some survival tips from NAfME member Christine Nowmos. Be Prepared. Define your objectives for each class. Know your lesson plan and what you want to accomplish, specifically. It’s…
Organizing Tips
Here are a few tips from NAfME members to help keep teaching your primary focus: Organize to save time Music and handouts should be ready to pass out before each…
Student Assessment
Here are two ways to assess students’ progress: Formal evaluation. Regular quizzes and written tests. “It’s easier for students to follow along with someone else’s sight-singing or rhythm reading than…
Go to the Media
A violin teacher in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in the 1970s had difficulty getting information out to the community about her violin school, which accepted all students, and the concerts they…
Using Technology in the Classroom
NAfME member David WK Johnson recommends the following tech toys as well as some useful ways to use technology in the classroom. Laptop Computer. Compose, edit concert videos, create DVDs…
Low Budget Years
How to be frugal with your budget Borrow—Research what you have in your music library before requesting funds from your administrators. Consider borrowing music from your neighboring school’s music library.…
Planning for Field Trips
When taking students on a field trip, avoid situations before they arise by doing the following: Setting Policies Establishing specific policies, rules, and consequences for any off-campus field trip are…
