Professional Development

Music educators are no strangers to evaluation. Often, these evaluations happen when a cul­minating activity — like a festival, concert or recital — presents a finished product for consideration.

Chamber ensembles allow students to practice and perform with like-minded musicians while providing camaraderie. Being in smaller groups builds perform­ance and technical skills, boosts confidence and con­nects musicians, says Dr. Matthew Geiger, director of percussion studies at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.

Every year I attend the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Advocacy Fly-In in Washington, D.C. For the last two years, I have had the pleasure of spending time with Erich Bergen, an actor and singer best known for playing Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys.” He recently ended his role as Blake Moran, policy advisor and executive assistant to the president on CBS’ “Madam Secretary.”

Cellist Mike Block, an associate professor at Berklee College of Music, remembers a huge moment from when he was in college at the Cleveland Institute of Music. It didn’t go as planned, but in retrospect Block sees that as a blessing.

Marcia Neel is senior director of education for Yamaha Corporation of America and a Yamaha Master Educator. She is president of Music Education Consultants Inc., and serves as the education advisor to the Music Achievement Council.Below, she writes a letter to her younger self about the joys of music education. 

Updated 8/4/2020 at 12:09 p.m. PDT We want to do our part to help music educators as you explore options and search for resources to facilitate online teaching.

As a veteran teacher, I'm often asked about my concept of classroom management by prospective and new teachers. My short answer is this: Managing your classroom isn't about any one thing but rather about your philosophy of how you deal with everything. 

Once upon a time, mallet choices were limited. The hardness of a mallet was the most dramatic way to change the sound of an instrument. Today, a variety of percussion implements are available, which has complicated the selection process.

Cheryl Floyd has been the director of bands at Hill Country Middle School in Austin, Texas, for over 25 years. She was one of the first females and the first middle school band director to be elected to the American Bandmasters Association. Floyd has served as co-principal flute with the Austin Symphonic Band since 1985. She is a Yamaha Master Educator.    

When a saxophone section "clicks," it's an awesome musical moment. These musicians are technically proficient, well-balanced, in tune and great communicators across the ensemble. In any band, an outstanding saxophone section can bring an irreplaceable timbre and depth to the entire group.