the music educator blog

Have you ever debated changing careers? I’m a prime example of someone who loved teaching, would happily go back to teaching, but took a great leap of faith to refocus my career on what I’ve viewed as a more impactful personal mission.

We are excited to share that we have added 80 titles to the SmartMusic library since our last update, including 4 new method books, 52 ensemble pieces (including 15 Flex arrangements), and 24 instrumental and vocal solos. 

As music educators, so much of what we tend to focus on stems from ensemble performances, sometimes neglecting what music education can and should be for our students in the process.

The year was 1880. Thomas Edison and his engineers had just invented the light bulb, and planned to put them in every home with power from Edison’s direct current power plants.

In the past month, the SmartMusic repertoire library grew to include 32 additional titles including 6 new instrumental and vocal solos and 26 new ensemble pieces for jazz ensemble, marching band, string and full orchestra, and concert band.

Music composition can be difficult to understand for students that are just starting out. However, there are things you can do to make this a bit easier.

If you’ve been feeling a little emotionally challenged lately—and I can’t say I blame you, it’s a challenging time—you need this podcast episode.

“Leadership is inspiring and encouraging others to achieve their full potential.”

This was the definition for leadership that music educator and leadership coach Matthew Arau composed in collaboration with students who participated in his Leadership Symposium, a leadership training retreat he initially established in Spring 2006 for music students while band director at Loveland High School, Loveland, CO.