Category: Educator Interviews

Brian Hunter Band Director

Band Director Profile: Brian Hunter

The New Jersey-based educator on helping kids fall in love with band and teaching them how to practice. For Brian Hunter, DMA, the music and movement teacher at Constable Elementary School in Kendall Park, N.J., helping young students discover a passion for band is more than a job—it’s a mission. With a deep-rooted love for […]

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Paul Carr

Paul Carr’s All-State Jazz Audition Essentials

Conquer All-County and All-State with these strategies from the eminent educator and saxophonist. Maryland-based saxophonist Paul Carr is one of those rare jazz educators who doesn’t need to bring in outside help when he wants his students to work with a respected professional jazz performer. He is that performer, with a steady schedule of festival […]

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Steve Bello

Steve Bello: Rock Beginner Basics

Photo credit: Michael Perry The revered shredder and dedicated Music & Arts instructor shares his favorite tips and techniques for aspiring rockers. A decade ago, Music & Arts guitar instructor Steve Bello toured Germany in a power trio led by the late T.M. Stevens. Stevens, a slap-bass god whose original music picks up where Funkadelic […]

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Lawrence Clemens

Lawrence Clemens: Trumpet Fundamentals First

The former principal trumpeter for the New Jersey Symphony and current Music & Arts instructor talks foundational techniques, embouchure problems, practice routines and that time Leonard Bernstein thanked him personally. Equally warm and wise, the veteran trumpeter Lawrence Clemens — Larry, to his friends and students — is the kind of educator who always has […]

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Celebrating the Rhythms of Life with Terry Koger

In the spirit of Black History Month, Music & Arts is honored to shine a spotlight on Terry Koger’s story, a tale not merely of notes and rhythms but of passion and the transformative power of education. Our conversation with Terry not only peels back the layers of his personal music education journey but also […]

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Jason Ferrell Music

Harmonizing Passion and Education: A Conversation with Jazz Maestro Jason Ferrell 

Delve into the world of jazz with Jason Ferrell, a distinguished educational representative based in Columbus, Ohio. With a life steeped in music and an unwavering passion for jazz, Jason shares his journey, influences, and insights into the art of jazz education.  Jason’s Musical Beginnings Born and raised in Columbus, Jason’s musical journey began with […]

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Leading with Care

Leading with C.A.R.E.

By Dr. David W. Vandewalker The ever-increasing demands on students and teachers seems to be at an all-time high. While we are thankful that the most extreme difficulties of the pandemic are behind us, it is becoming evident that the impact of the recent challenges are large and will continue to have a significant effect […]

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How to Incorporate Music in Your Homeschool Lessons

As a parent of a homeschooled child, making sure your child receives a well-rounded education is key. While math, science, and history are undoubtedly important, many parents of homeschooled children often overlook the fine arts and music–not because they aren’t important, but because they feel ill-equipped to teach such a daunting subject. If you’re the […]

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Interview with Karen Seamans, Our Music Educator of the Year 2019

Every year, Music & Arts highlights the work of an outstanding music educator with the Music & Arts Music Educator of the Year Award. We’re proud to announce that Karen Seamans, Band Director of Gillette Rd. Middle School and Cicero-North Syracuse High School in Cicero, New York, is the 2019 recipient. Karen’s remarkable enthusiasm and commitment to enriching her […]

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Supercharge Your Music and Media Education with Modern Hardware Devices

Today’s high-tech hardware devices are filled with beneficial technologies for music and media education. Designed with purpose-built controls and functions, they enable educators and students to get things done in a direct way, easily and without frustration. The very best devices are rugged and reliable, and can seamlessly extend their functionality through integration with smartphones […]

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