Category: Educator Resources

Carli Kennedy

Carli Kennedy’s Singer-Songwriter Secrets

The Nashville-based Music & Arts instructor, who performs with her sister in the acclaimed classical-country duo Twin Kennedy, reveals her tricks of the songwriting trade. Carli Kennedy started crafting songs before many children have picked out an instrument. “I wrote my first song at 7,” she recalls, “and I’m sure it rhymed, but I’m also […]

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music classroom

Building a Musical Classroom Culture, One Day at a Time

From celebrating diversity to encouraging active music listening, these ideas will help band and orchestra directors create a vibrant, immersive learning environment. Think back to your school days. Chances are you can recall a teacher who made learning not just educational but genuinely enjoyable. Whether they found ways to make the subject relatable, approached teaching […]

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Child Pianist

Five Ways Music Education Can Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential

While the obvious goal of music education is to teach your child to play and appreciate music, there are many other benefits along the way. Learning to read, play and understand music builds several important skills at once, from physical and mental dexterity to emotional maturity and social skills. Here are five important ways music […]

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Parent daughter guitar practice

Learn to Thrive: A Parent’s Guide to the First Year of Music Lessons

Essential tips and strategies for navigating the challenges of early music education. Learning a musical instrument can be immensely rewarding for any child. Through school band or private music lessons (or both), your child can discover their unique talent and passion, build self-confidence through performance and forge lifelong friendships. While the first year of your […]

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band and orchestra education

How to Maximize Your Band & Orchestra Budget

Running a successful band and orchestra program takes more than musical talent and dedication—it also requires financial savvy and resourcefulness. While some schools are flush with cash, most have limited funds and need to make every dollar in the budget count. In order to get the money you need to have a successful band and […]

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Young musicians

How Music & Arts Rentals Work for You

To meet the needs of young student musicians and their families, our rentals program offers outstanding flexibility. Here’s how we can help your child through their early music education. When we talk about your child joining their school band or orchestra as the start of a musical journey, we mean it! They’re embarking on a […]

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Music Band Director

The Parent’s Guide to Band & Orchestra: Everything You Need to Know

Band and orchestra (B&O) programs offer a myriad of benefits, from fostering a love of music to nurturing essential life skills like teamwork, self-discipline and time management—all while providing a ton of fun. As a parent, B&O programs offer you a unique chance to connect with your child in a whole new way. By sharing […]

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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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High School Drummers

How to Recruit Top Talent for Your Band & Orchestra Program

Imagine that a gifted drummer, guitarist or pianist just started their freshman year at your school. The student’s middle-school teacher even passed along a note praising their abilities. As the band director, you’d love to get them involved in the music program. But so far, they haven’t shown any interest in joining. Most band and […]

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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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