Enhancing the Professional Practice of Music Teachers 101 Tips that Principals Want Music Teachers to Know and Do

by Young, Paul G.

• ISBN13: 9781607093053
• ISBN10: 1607093057
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-12-16
• Publisher: R&L Education

Summary

If you want to improve your professional performance and set yourself apart from your colleagues-in any discipline-this book is for you. Rather than addressing research and theory about music education or the "how-tos" of teaching, these time-honored tips focus on commonsense qualities and standards of performance that are essential for success-everywhere. Whether you're considering a career in music education, entering your first year of teaching, or nearing the end of a distinguished tenure, this advice applies to musicians in any setting.

Author Biography

Paul G. Young, a graduate of the Ohio University School of Music, is a former music teacher and elementary school principal. He is currently the executive director of the West After School Center in Lancaster, Ohio, and an adjunct professor of music at Ohio University-Lancaster.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. xi
Preface	p. xiii
About This Book	p. xv
Acknowledgments	p. xix
National Standards for Music Education	p. xxi
Tips That Establish Effective Practice with Students	p. 1
Focus on Children	p. 3
Maintain Perspective	p. 4
Expose Students to All Genres of Music	p. 5
Not Everyone Wants to Be a Music Major	p. 7
Teach Students How to Listen	p. 8
Create Independent Sight-readers	p. 9
Encourage Solo and Ensemble Participation	p. 10
Teach Students to Conduct	p. 12
Teach Theory and History	p. 14
Teach Showmanship	p. 16
Teach Career Opportunities	p. 18
Self-Assessment Guide, Part I	p. 20
Tips That Support Recruitment	p. 21
Set Realistic Recruitment Goals and Collect Data	p. 23
Work Closely with Classroom Teachers	p. 24
Partner with the Local Music Dealers; Establish Expectations	p. 26
Create a Standing-Room-Only Recruitment Meeting	p. 28
Recruitment Must Be Ongoing	p. 30
Kids Don't Learn at the Same Rate	p. 32
Self-Assessment Guide, Part II	p. 34
Tips That Enhance Instruction	p. 35
Refine Your Philosophy	p. 37
Know What You Want and How You Are Going to Get There	p. 39
Teach for a Standing Ovation	p. 41
Be the First at Each Rehearsal and the Last to Leave	p. 43
Start Class on Time	p. 44
Stay within Established Times for After-School Rehearsals	p. 46
Plan Ahead (It's Not the Kids' Fault That It Rained All Week)	p. 48
Speed Kills	p. 49
You Want Students to Respect You More Than Like You	p. 51
Be a Master Motivator	p. 53
Teach Students to Be Competitive and Accountable	p. 55
Remove Stereotypes	p. 57
Take Charge of Your Schedule	p. 59
Learn Everyone's Name	p. 61
Learn How to Treat Students Fairly	p. 63
Be on the Lookout for Bullies	p. 65
Limit Your "Okays"	p. 67
Teach the Standards	p. 69
Utilize Technology	p. 71
Assess Student Progress	p. 72
Never Give More Than Three Directions at a Time	p. 73
Don't Rehearse the Violins While the Trombones Wait	p. 75
Don't Stand in the Same Place	p. 76
Continuously Improve Classroom Management	p. 78
Take a Course in Counseling	p. 81
Encourage Private Lessons	p. 83
Record Private Lessons	p. 85
Summary: Another Perspective on Instruction and Professional Performance	p. 87
Self-Assessment Guide, Part III	p. 89
Tips That Enhance the Profession	p. 93
Be an Advocate for the Arts	p. 95
Understand the Child of Poverty	p. 97
Promote the "Mozart Effect"	p. 99
Learn the Value of Public Relations	p. 101
Invite the Mayor to Conduct	p. 102
Befriend and Respect the Custodians	p. 104
Be Active in Your Community	p. 105
Write Grants	p. 106
Never Underestimate a Booster Club	p. 107
Create a Program for Performances	p. 109
Train Volunteers and Chaperones	p. 111
Sing, Dance, Create, and Perform	p. 113
Teach Audience Etiquette	p. 115
Pay Your Accompanists	p. 118
Understand the Needs of the Middle School Adolescent	p. 119
Get Along with the Coaches	p. 121
Engage the Community	p. 123
Make Ethical Decisions	p. 125
Organize Productive Fundraisers	p. 128
Learn How to Ask Questions	p. 129
Show Your Pride and Passion	p. 131
Create High-Quality Music with Preschoolers	p. 133
Emphasize the Multiple Intelligences	p. 134
Self-Assessment Guide, Part IV	p. 136
Tips for Personal Growth	p. 139
Have a Life Outside School and Spend Quality Time with Your Family	p. 141
Don't Smoke	p. 143
Keep Fit	p. 144
Eat a Balanced Diet	p. 145
Don't Miss School Unless You Are Really Sick	p. 147
Maintain a Positive Attitude	p. 148
Don't Overlook the Little Details	p. 150
Don't Write Memos While Angry	p. 152
Commiserate, But Be Careful Where	p. 153
Know When to Leave	p. 156
Avoid the Dumb Mistakes That Can Get You Fired	p. 157
Self-Assessment Guide, Part V	p. 159
Tips for Professional Growth	p. 161
Organize the Music Room and Office	p. 163
Write Notes, Return Phone Calls, and Reply to E-Mail	p. 164
Learn How to Deal With Conflict and Show Restraint	p. 166
Prepare Your Students and Yourself for the Future	p. 170
Know Your Audience	p. 172
Don't Procrastinate	p. 175
Avoid the "Geek" Stereotype	p. 176
Build a Team within the Music Department	p. 178
Always Make Your Principal Look Good	p. 180
Observe Each Other	p. 182
Guard against Burnout	p. 183
Read	p. 185
Give Professional Presentations	p. 186
Find a Mentor	p. 187
Perform	p. 189
Continually Improve Stage Presence	p. 190
Collaborate and Network	p. 192
Avoid the Status-Quo Syndrome	p. 193
Improve Your Leadership Skills	p. 195
Invest in Professional Attire	p. 198
Take Piano Lessons	p. 199
Take Classes and Attend Workshops	p. 200
Be Active in State and National Associations	p. 201
Self-Assessment Guide, Part VI	p. 202
Thanking My Music Teachers	p. 205
Coda	p. 213
References and Recommended Readings	p. 215
About the Author	p. 219
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