You already know the job description doesn’t capture half of it.
Yes, you’re a music educator, but you’re also a counselor, mediator, mentor, coach, cheerleader, schedule-juggler, and, on some days, a miracle worker.
How to Adapt Large Ensembles for Today’s Students
Traditional large ensemble programs face unprecedented challenges in 2026. Here’s how forward-thinking educators are adapting to keep students engaged.
In a recent TED Talk, music educator Kevin Droe highlights a growing challenge: traditional music programs are struggling to stay relevant for many students.
May 2025 Repertoire Update
Another month brings another wave of exciting additions to the MakeMusic Cloud library! Perfect for fun summer practicing.
10 Ways to Show Your Appreciation For Music Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week
Let’s be honest– music teachers deserve a standing ovation every week of the year. But Teacher Appreciation Week gives us the perfect excuse to turn it up a notch and really show our gratitude.
Boost Summer Practice with MakeMusic Cloud: A Band Director’s Guide to Keeping Students Engaged
Spring break has come and gone, and while the respite from the day-to-day happenings of middle school is much appreciated, it is tough to quiet the band director’s brain and not look to the final weeks of school ahead.
April 2025 Repertoire Update
We’re back with another round of exciting updates to the MakeMusic Cloud library! Whether you’re planning your next performance or just looking for something new to practice, there’s plenty to discover in this month’s additions.
Majors, Minors, & Modes, Oh My!
Scales are a musician’s vocabulary. Scales allow instrumentalists to connect with their instruments, just like learning to read connects the child to the world around them.
Music for the Holidays
As the season approaches, now is the perfect time to prepare for your December concerts! Browse holiday music for concert band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, and choir that is available in MakeMusic Cloud with these playlists full of holiday cheer.
Classroom Management Part 2: Large Ensemble Classrooms
The two words we hear in education more than anything else: Classroom Management. One of my former colleagues and close friends has a plaque in her office that says, “I teach music, what’s your superpower?” No group of words has ever been more true.
Festival Music in MakeMusic Cloud
What an exciting (and busy) time of year! No doubt you are deep into rehearsals for your December performances and then a well-deserved holiday break.