Tips for Success | The NAMM Foundation

Focusing on the Classroom: A Checklist for Teachers

What does a music teacher do? They teach classes, share their love of music with students, prepare lesson plans, develop curriculum, assess and evaluate students’ progress, and share this information with parents, fellow teachers and school administrators. The following are some ideas to help you become the best professional music educator you can, as well as realize the full potential...

Focusing on the Classroom: Music Content Standards

The National Standards for Arts Education constitute one of the biggest educational reform efforts ever undertaken in American education. The standards focus on where the action is—at the local level, the grassroots level. The National Standards aren’t prescriptive because community control of local schools is a...

Focusing on the Classroom: Know the Territory

What You Should Know about the Music Programs in Your Area
Survey the directors in surrounding and/or similar school districts to obtain the information below. The information will be helpful as you work to build your program’s resources. Print this page so you have a record of each district’s response.

Focusing on the Classroom: Recruiting and Retaining Students

Quality in a music program is dependent on a high rate of returning students and a reliable feeder network. With many courses competing for the same students, recruiting enough students to keep instrumental and vocal programs healthy is essential. It is the educator’s responsibility to sell students and their parents on the value of signing up for an elective course in music.

The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Working with Administrators

Instrumental teachers have a keen interest in professional development—studying conducting, instructional techniques, ensemble development and literature. Despite this commitment to professional growth, the thrill of having an outstanding ensemble eludes many directors.

The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Choosing a Music Dealer

Instrumental music directors and parents should know that one of the strongest supporters of school music programs has been and continues to be the local full-service, school-oriented music dealer. Direct-mail and Internet retailers usually trade on price and do not offer service or indepth concern for the local school programs or community...

The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Fiscal Procedures

Each school district has specific procedures that directors follow in order to conduct business. The best time to check on these procedures is during your job interview. Review these procedures with your administration once you have started your new job.

Know what your administrators expect and follow their directions to minimize errors that can cost...

The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Preparing an Instrument Replacement Plan

Consider yourself lucky if you walk into a new job as a director and find adequate equipment in good shape. You were chosen to direct the music education program in this school. Most superintendents and school boards do not know the importance of balanced instrumentation. It is up to you to draw up a clear, simple picture of the organization...

The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Maximizing Fiscal Opportunities

Whether you are a supervisor or a one-person music program, money is the fuel that keeps the program going. Try incorporating these strategies and procedures to maximize your fiscal resources.

Tips for Community Find-Raising

Telling the Story: Great Ways to Get Your Message Out

Regularly scheduled arts events open doors to community education. Concert audiences appreciate informative printed program notes or a presentation offering information about the particular compositions to be performed. Ask your music dealer for assistance with preparation and printing. How about sponsoring a lecture/demonstration on certain pieces or styles of music prior to, or during, a...