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A Dream for Equity, Creativity, and Belonging in Music Education
I have a dream for a broader and more inclusive music education —a dream where students of all colors, cultures, and abilities make music to
mfsmith62
Apr 23 min read
76 views
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Music Education Manifesto for 2025 - Engage More Students in Music-Making
Too many students are left behind by traditional methods, traditional teaching, and traditional ensembles. It’s time to broaden our approach
mfsmith62
Dec 30, 20241 min read
214 views
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No Band Is an Island
It’s time to rethink... Bands should no longer be isolated islands but bridges connecting students, schools, and communities.
mfsmith62
Dec 28, 20242 min read
13 views
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Breaking the Mold: Transforming Music Education for the Next Generation
To meet the needs of today’s students, we must adopt a broader, more creative and inclusive vision of music education.
mfsmith62
Dec 26, 20242 min read
54 views
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Happy Holidays 2024! (How Students Learn Music for the New Year)
I’ve been reflecting on how students learn music, especially when It's Time to Play an Instrument.
mfsmith62
Dec 21, 20242 min read
51 views
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Singing, Playing, & Creating with Joyful Expression
It’s essential to nurture music-making in our students, allowing their musicality to blossom as literacy develops.
mfsmith62
Sep 19, 20245 min read
43 views
1 comment


Beginning Band and Another School Year!
You can explore all of this music at JWPepper and on my website, mfsmithmusic.com. Enjoy the days leading up to Labor Day.
mfsmith62
Aug 21, 20242 min read
76 views
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Recording, Editing, & Presenting Instructional Videos
Making, editing, and presenting instructional videos can be a rewarding process, enhancing the educational experience.
mfsmith62
Jul 30, 20245 min read
28 views
0 comments


BREAKING BARRIERS: Engagement and Retention in Beginning Band & Strings
The major barriers to Beginning Band/Strings & Onward are a primary focus on notation and a limited and narrow collection of songs.
mfsmith62
Jul 15, 20244 min read
114 views
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Adapting in Music Education (PreK-12): Introducing the Harmoniously Upward Model (HUM)
As music educators, it's essential for us to reflect and adapt in order to ensure we inspire creativity and expression regardless of the cha
mfsmith62
May 17, 20243 min read
138 views
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Eleven Leaps to Literacy: From Music to Notation
The research that has revolutionized elementary music education has not weaved its way into instrumental music education… yet.
mfsmith62
Apr 9, 20245 min read
426 views
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The Great Disconnect in Secondary Music Education
Over the past few decades, a great disconnect has grown between the inclusive nature of the elementary music classroom and the...
mfsmith62
Mar 7, 20244 min read
874 views
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Five Essentials for an Elementary Music Foundation
Elementary music teachers are only allotted so much time, so the choices we make must build a strong musical foundation for the future....
mfsmith62
Feb 29, 20244 min read
153 views
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It's Time to Connect Singing, Playing, and Literacy in Music Education
Embracing Singing: The Foundation of Music Education At the heart of music education is singing, a foundational skill that can be...
mfsmith62
Feb 13, 20243 min read
120 views
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Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Enhancing Retention in Instrumental Music Education
Introduction Currently, most schools offer music to all students from kindergarten through elementary school, and even middle school....
mfsmith62
Jan 31, 20245 min read
186 views
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Crafting a Song List to Engage the School and Community
Crafting a song list for a school community is often neglected as teachers grapple with limited time for planning and coordination,...
mfsmith62
Jan 23, 20243 min read
649 views
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Establishing a Common Song List for Unity and Connection
Music is a powerful force that unites us and keeps our heritage alive. It's more than just pleasant sounds—it ties us together and...
mfsmith62
Jan 9, 20242 min read
267 views
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Imagining a Better Future for Music Education
Introduction: Welcome to an enlightening journey into the evolution of music education! Join me as we explore the groundbreaking strides...
mfsmith62
Nov 12, 20233 min read
119 views
0 comments


Community Band: Embracing Musical Connection and Lifelong Learning
Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, finding time for hobbies and personal pursuits can be challenging. With busy schedules filled...
mfsmith62
May 21, 20232 min read
63 views
0 comments


It's Time to Reimagine Your First Year Band Method
It’s Time to Play is a new first year Band method book written to help music teachers connect the first year of Band lessons to the...
mfsmith62
Feb 25, 20232 min read
67 views
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