top of page
Search

mfsmith62
Dec 30, 20241 min read
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
208 views
0 comments

mfsmith62
Dec 28, 20242 min read
No Band Is an Island
It’s time to rethink... Bands should no longer be isolated islands but bridges connecting students, schools, and communities.
10 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Dec 26, 20242 min read
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.
50 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Dec 21, 20242 min read
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.
48 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Sep 19, 20245 min read
Singing, Playing, & Creating with Joyful Expression
It’s essential to nurture music-making in our students, allowing their musicality to blossom as literacy develops.
41 views
1 comment


mfsmith62
Aug 21, 20242 min read
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.
73 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Jul 30, 20245 min read
Recording, Editing, & Presenting Instructional Videos
Making, editing, and presenting instructional videos can be a rewarding process, enhancing the educational experience.
27 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Jul 15, 20244 min read
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.
107 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
May 17, 20243 min read
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
136 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Apr 9, 20245 min read
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.
421 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Mar 7, 20244 min read
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...
874 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Feb 29, 20244 min read
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....
150 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Feb 13, 20243 min read
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...
120 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Jan 31, 20245 min read
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....
182 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Jan 23, 20243 min read
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,...
647 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Jan 9, 20242 min read
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...
266 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Nov 12, 20233 min read
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...
118 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
May 21, 20232 min read
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...
62 views
0 comments


mfsmith62
Feb 25, 20232 min read
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...
67 views
0 comments
bottom of page