Music educators are faced with a true crisis. Something unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes and decisions we wouldn’t wish on anyone. Many of us hoped that by the time we were heading back to school that we’d also be heading back to normal—back in our classrooms with our students and reconnecting with them.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. What we’re looking at now is the potential for semi-permanent closures. Or maybe teaching in person two days a week, with tiny class sizes. Or maybe six feet apart—and that’s just in the classroom! How do we keep them apart in the hallways? Or from their friends at home? And if there isn’t a way to ensure everyone’s safety, should we even be trying to go back? What if it’s our own health that’s at risk? How can we choose between our own wellness or the career we love? Is there any right choice?
I maintain that we as music educators are absolutely capable, adaptable, and just… able to handle whatever is thrown at us. So today I bring on Bob Morrison—one of the most influential people in music education—to join me for this conversation about the future. We’ll discuss the data being collected now that will help us make smart decisions for us and our students. If you want to know what the future of music education should be and will be, this is the episode for you.
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Topics Covered:
- How involved teachers are in making decisions about the fall semester
- What teachers can do to be prepared for back to school
- Personal and professional development considerations
- Will teachers be compensated extra for the work they’re having to do?
- What do you think the future will hold? What should it look like?
Additional Resources:
- Limitless, by Jim Kwik
- Music for All – Providing positively life-changing experiences for students
- Quadrant Research
- Risk Management Plan for Face-to-Face Music & Theatre Instruction for Fall 2020
Liked this podcast? Check out more Music Ed Mentor Podcasts.
An experienced K8 music educator, Elisa Janson Jones specializes in helping music educators build, manage, and grow thriving school music programs and have long and happy careers. She holds a Bachelor of Music, a Master of Business Administration, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Design.
Elisa uses her vast and diverse skill set to help nonprofits, businesses, and music educators around the world. She serves as conductor of her local community band, a columnist for SBO Magazine, and maintains a private lesson studio. Elisa is an internationally-recognized speaker, and has presented at national, state, and local conferences as well. She is the host and producer of the Music Ed Mentor Podcast, founder of the Society for Online Music Education, and author of The Music Educator’s Guide to Thrive and The Music Booster Manual.