More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) is a monthly open-source newsletter offering practical recruiting, retention, and success strategies for music educators. In this edition, Dr. Charles T. Menghini shares practical strategies to strengthen recruitment efforts, retain current students and maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. Drawing on decades of experience as an educator, author and music education leader, Dr. Menghini offers timely insights to help music educators build momentum for a successful new school year.
Recruitment Tip
If you recruit students in the fall, take some time over the summer to begin reviewing, updating and organizing all your materials you will need to be successful in your recruiting activities. Chat with colleagues from other school districts and your music dealer for new ideas you may want to include. Confirm dates with your administration to be sure you have the necessary rooms/areas reserved and that those dates appear on the school calendar. Also share these dates with your music dealer so they can be prepared to assist you with instrument fittings and the overall recruitment process.
Retention Tip
Send a letter home to the family of each student you had this past year. Highlight the various accomplishments of each class/ensemble, no matter how small. List the names of every student, their instrument and compliment them on the important role they played in making the year a success. Give them some tips on summer practice and share any information you have on any activities that are planned for the summer. If there is a community ensemble that performs, encourage them to attend. If you know some students are involved in summer sporting activities, show up at their games and root them on. It is important to let the students know that even though school is out, you are still thinking of them.
Success Tip
Exhale! You made it through the year and now it is time to recharge your batteries. Consider attending a summer clinic or enrolling in an online class to refresh your skills or learn some new ones. Play in a community band or orchestra and take some time for yourself. Engage in some fun activities like travel, reading, sports, fitness, exercise and hobbies. School will start before you know it, so enjoy every minute to the fullest.
Dr. Charles T. Menghini
President Emeritus of VanderCook College of Music, Chicago