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Send us Fan Mail As music educators, it is easy to keep doing things simply because that is how they have always been done. But every rehearsal activity, performance, tradition, and expectation should have a clear purpose. In Episode 38, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss the importance of asking, “What’s the point?” They explore how defining the purpose behind what we teach can help music educators make better decisions, use rehearsal time more effectively, and focus on the experiences and skills that matter most for students. In This Episode Asking why we do the things we do in music educationDefining clear goals for rehearsals and performancesAvoiding routines and traditions that no longer serve a purposeMaking instructional decisions based on student outcomesFocusing rehearsal time on what matters mostHelping students understand the purpose behind what they are learningBalancing performance goals with long-term musicianshipBeing willing to change when there is a better wayChapters 00:00 What’s the point? 02:30 Why music educators should ask “why” 05:30 Defining the purpose behind what we teach 08:30 Reconsidering routines and traditions 11:30 Using rehearsal time with intention 14:30 Performance goals versus student learning 17:30 Helping students understand the purpose 20:30 Making decisions based on student outcomes 23:30 Being willing to change your approach 26:30 Final thoughts Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Music education has changed, but many rehearsal techniques still rely on the same teacher-directed approach that has been used for decades. In Episode 37, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss modern teaching strategies that can make rehearsals more effective and help students become more independent musicians. They explore modeling, gradual release, chunking difficult material, checking for understanding, and giving students opportunities to think instead of simply waiting for the teacher to provide the answer. In This Episode Moving beyond traditional teacher-directed rehearsalsUsing gradual release to build student independenceModeling new skills before asking students to perform themBreaking difficult music into manageable sectionsTeaching passages by rote before adding notationChecking for understanding throughout rehearsalGiving students more responsibility for their own learningMoving beyond playing the right notes toward deeper musicianshipChapters 00:00 What do we mean by modern teaching methods? 02:30 Rethinking the traditional rehearsal model 05:00 Building independence through gradual release 08:00 Modeling and teaching by rote 11:00 Breaking difficult music into smaller pieces 17:00 Checking for understanding 20:00 Giving students more responsibility 23:00 Moving beyond notes and rhythms 26:00 Applying modern teaching strategies in rehearsal Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail More music does not always mean a better concert. When music educators program too much or choose repertoire that requires every rehearsal just to survive the notes, there is less time to actually teach musicianship. In Episode 36, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss why music educators should stop overprogramming concerts and focus instead on choosing an appropriate amount of music at the right difficulty level. They share how leaving room in the rehearsal process allows students to move beyond notes and rhythms and spend more time developing tone, balance, dynamics, articulation, and musical expression. In This Episode Why music educators tend to overprogramChoosing quality over quantity when selecting repertoireProgramming music at an appropriate difficulty levelLeaving enough rehearsal time to actually teach the musicMoving beyond simply learning notes and rhythmsGiving students time to develop musicalityRecognizing when you have programmed too muchAdjusting your concert expectations to fit your ensembleCreating performances where students can feel successfulChapters 02:30 How much music do you really need? 05:30 Choosing music your ensemble can be successful with 08:30 Difficulty level versus amount of repertoire 11:30 Getting beyond notes and rhythms 14:30 Making time to teach musicality 17:30 What happens when you program too much 20:30 Adjusting expectations for your ensemble 23:30 Quality over quantity 26:30 Final thoughts on concert programming Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail What if you could spend less time planning every individual lesson and more time actually teaching? In Episode 35, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how music educators can create a more predictable, low-prep school year by planning the big picture first, building repeatable routines, organizing resources ahead of time, and using systems that keep instruction moving without constantly reinventing the next class period. In This Episode Planning the school year before planning individual lessonsCreating a clear scope and sequenceBuilding repeatable daily and weekly routinesUsing consistent warm-ups and skill-building activitiesOrganizing curriculum and resources ahead of timeLetting long-term goals guide daily instructionReducing unnecessary day-to-day lesson planningCreating systems that make teaching more manageableAdjusting the plan when students need more or less timeChapters 00:00 What does a no-prep school year look like? 02:00 Planning the big picture first 04:30 Creating a scope and sequence 07:00 Building repeatable classroom routines 09:30 Organizing your teaching resources 12:00 Using consistent warm-ups and skill work 15:00 Planning around long-term goals 18:00 Reducing day-to-day prep 21:00 Adjusting when students move at a different pace 24:00 Building a system you can reuse every year Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Running a successful music program takes more than good teaching. Music educators also have to understand where school money comes from, what funds are available, and how to advocate for the resources their students need. In Episode 34, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss school funding, budgeting, fundraising, purchasing, and practical ways music educators can make the most of the money available to their programs. In This Episode Understanding the different sources of money available to a music programWorking with school and district budgetsAdvocating for the equipment and resources your students needPrioritizing purchases when money is limitedUsing fundraising to supplement school fundingNavigating purchasing procedures and purchase ordersFinding additional funding opportunitiesMaking long-term financial decisions for your music programChapters 02:00 Understanding your school budget 05:00 Where music program funding comes from 08:00 Advocating for what your program needs 11:00 Deciding what to purchase first 14:00 Fundraising and additional sources of money 17:00 Purchasing procedures and purchase orders 20:00 Making limited funds go further 23:00 Planning for future program needs Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Not every music educator gets the ideal schedule, class size, instrumentation, or teaching setup. Sometimes success means adjusting your expectations and finding a system that works for the students and circumstances you actually have. In Episode 33, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss their experiences teaching in unusual situations and how they have adapted instruction, pacing, routines, and priorities when the traditional model does not fit. In This Episode Adapting when your teaching situation is not idealWorking with unusual schedules and limited instructional timeAdjusting pacing based on how often students meetTeaching students with different experience levelsMaking the most of the students and instrumentation you havePrioritizing what matters most when time is limitedBuilding routines that maximize instructional timeAvoiding comparisons to programs with completely different circumstancesFinding success by adapting instead of forcing the ideal modelChapters 00:00 Not every teaching situation is ideal 02:00 Adapting to unusual circumstances 05:00 Working with challenging schedules 08:00 Making limited instructional time count 11:00 Different experience levels in the same class 14:00 Adjusting expectations and pacing 17:00 Prioritizing the most important skills 20:00 Building routines that save time 23:00 Working with the program you actually have 26:00 Defining success in your circumstances Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Good classroom management is not about having the perfect consequence system. It starts with creating clear expectations, predictable routines, and an environment where students know exactly what is expected of them. In this episode, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss practical classroom management strategies for music educators, including establishing routines, responding consistently to behavior, handling problems privately, and avoiding power struggles with students. In This Episode Creating clear expectations and routinesEstablishing procedures for the entire class periodBeing consistent with rules and consequencesCorrecting behavior calmly and privatelyAvoiding arguments and power struggles with studentsCreating a safe and predictable rehearsal environmentRecognizing that the behaviors you allow can quickly become the normChapters 00:00 What good classroom management looks like 02:00 Setting clear expectations 04:30 Building predictable classroom routines 07:30 Procedures throughout the class period 10:30 Consistency with rules and consequences 13:30 Correcting behavior without stopping rehearsal 16:00 Handling problems privately 18:30 Avoiding arguments and power struggles 21:00 Creating a safe and predictable environment 24:00 Final classroom management takeaways Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Once students can assemble their instruments and produce a full instrument sound, it is finally time to start learning notes and making music. In Part 5, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they introduce the first notes, connect fingerings with music notation, build note changes, incorporate percussion, and decide when students are ready to move into method book exercises and simple songs. In This Episode Teaching the first notes on each instrumentConnecting note names, fingerings, and notationDeciding how quickly to add new notesPracticing clean transitions between notesIncorporating articulation from the beginningKeeping percussion involved with the windsMoving from isolated notes into short exercises and songsKnowing when students are ready to move forwardChapters 00:00 Recapping the first 30 days 01:00 Moving from first sounds to first notes 03:00 Introducing the first fingerings 05:30 Connecting fingerings to written notation 08:00 Adding additional notes 10:30 Practicing note changes 13:00 Incorporating rhythm and articulation 15:30 Keeping percussion involved 18:00 Moving into exercises and simple music 21:00 How quickly should beginners progress? 23:30 Wrapping up the first 30 days Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail After students produce their first mouthpiece sounds, the next step is assembling instruments correctly, establishing faster setup routines, and creating the first full-instrument sounds. In Part 4, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they keep percussionists engaged, teach safe instrument assembly, correct posture and hand position, and address common problems before they become habits. In This Episode Keeping percussionists engaged from the beginningBuilding stick control and rhythm skillsTeaching safe instrument assemblyUsing timers to improve setup routinesChecking instruments section by sectionTeaching posture, hand position, and instrument placementProducing the first full-instrument soundsPreparing students to learn their first notesChapters 00:00 Recapping the first 30 days 01:00 Keeping percussionists engaged 02:00 Starting the percussion section together 04:00 Stick control and rhythm exercises 06:30 Balancing percussion and wind instruction 08:00 Moving to full-instrument assembly 09:30 Demonstrating instrument assembly 10:00 Building a faster setup routine 10:30 Checking instruments section by section 12:00 Teaching safe instrument handling 13:00 Helping individuals without stopping the class 15:00 Hand position and holding instruments 17:00 Posture and breathing 19:00 Instrument-specific playing positions 21:00 Producing full-instrument sounds 23:00 Correcting common tone problems 24:00 Moving into the first notes Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Once students receive their instruments, it can be tempting to start playing immediately. However, taking time to teach instrument care, assembly, posture, breathing, and first sounds can prevent problems later. In Part 3, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they distribute instruments, establish safe setup routines, teach mouthpiece and headjoint assembly, and help students produce their first sounds. In This Episode Checking out and labeling instrumentsTeaching safe case and assembly proceduresEstablishing posture and breathing routinesPreparing mouthpieces, reeds, and headjointsAssessing students’ first soundsUsing mouthpiece work to troubleshoot problemsIntroducing articulation and pitch before reading musicChapters 00:40 Checking out and renting instruments 02:00 Teaching instrument responsibility 02:30 Distributing and labeling instruments 06:00 Posture and breathing exercises 08:00 Opening instrument cases correctly 10:30 Identifying instrument parts 12:00 Building efficient setup routines 13:30 Attaching reeds correctly 16:00 Preparing mouthpieces and headjoints 17:30 Producing the first sounds 19:00 Assessing students individually 21:00 Starting class with mouthpiece work 22:00 Troubleshooting sound-production problems 23:00 Introducing articulation and pitch Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Choosing instruments is one of the most exciting parts of beginning band, but student preference is only one part of the process. In Part 2, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss how they introduce the concert band instruments, test students on mouthpieces and headjoints, evaluate percussion coordination, and balance student interest with physical fit, available equipment, and ensemble needs. In This Episode Introducing students to every instrumentUsing short videos, guided notes, and demonstrationsTesting woodwind and brass sound productionEvaluating percussion coordinationManaging instrument testing with a large classBalancing student preference with ensemble instrumentationHelping students succeed on their assigned instrumentChapters 00:00 Welcome and Part 1 recap 02:00 Introducing the instruments 04:00 Videos, guided notes, and demonstrations 07:30 Building balanced instrumentation 09:00 Handling high-demand instruments 11:00 Setting expectations for percussion 12:45 Preparing for instrument testing 15:30 Flute and woodwind testing 18:00 Brass testing and physical considerations 20:00 Selecting percussionists 21:30 Percussion coordination exercises 25:30 Assigning instruments Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail The first month of beginning band can shape the rest of the school year. Before students focus on making music, they need clear expectations for entering the room, handling equipment, following directions, and participating in an ensemble. In Part 1, Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank discuss the rules, routines, and behavior systems that help create a calm and productive beginning band classroom. In This Episode Creating clear classroom rules and proceduresTeaching an effective entry routineSetting expectations for instruments, music, and phonesHandling consequences calmly and privatelyAvoiding vague policies and classroom argumentsChapters 00:00 Why the first 30 days matter 01:15 Handbooks and written expectations 03:15 Revising unclear policies 06:00 Creating an entry routine 08:00 Rules versus procedures 10:00 Teaching students how an ensemble works 13:15 Instrument and equipment procedures 18:00 Consequences and accountability 23:45 Why procedures should not be rushed Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Join our email community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail After nearly three years away, The First Six Notes Podcast is back! Kevin Hoff and Jessica Frank catch listeners up on their career changes, what they learned during the break, and why now feels like the right time to relaunch the show. Kevin discusses his move from middle school to high school and his upcoming return to middle school, while Jessica reflects on working in administration. In This Episode: Why the podcast went on pauseKevin and Jessica’s career changesKevin’s transition into high school and marching bandJessica’s experience in administrationBuilding stronger elementary, middle, and high school music pathwaysWhy they decided to bring the podcast backWhat listeners can expect nextChapters 00:00 - The podcast is back 00:45 - Where we left off 01:25 - Teaching together in Oceanside 10:30 - Jessica’s experience in administration 14:30 - Kevin’s move to high school 18:00 - Returning to middle school 23:30 - Why now is the right time to return 24:45 - What’s next Connect with Classroom Composers Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers Website https://classroomcomposers.com Email Community https://classroomcomposers.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Classroom-Composers/61590769772268/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/classroomcomposers/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@classroomcomposers Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with another music educator.

Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling overwhelmed thinking of all you have to do to get ready for the start of another school year? No need to stress! We've got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to start off your music classes on the right note! We are sharing everything you need to know about what to do during teacher prep week and in the first few weeks of the school year. From recruitment strategies to setting up classrooms and instrument distribution, we’re covering it all. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you navigate back to school season with confidence. Be sure to join us inside our Facebook Group and share what your favorite back to school tips are! Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/first-weeks-of-school/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers

Send us Fan Mail How can you successfully teach beginning strings when your background is in band? Teaching beginning strings requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. If you’re a band teacher teaching beginning strings, tune in as we dive into the world of teaching beginning strings. In this episode, we are breaking down the pros of teaching beginning strings, the 7 prerequisite skills you should have before teaching beginning strings, tips we’ve learned along the way, and what a typical rehearsal for middle school strings looks like. If you have questions about teaching beginning strings, be sure to join us inside our Facebook Group! We’ll be happy to help! Show notes: www.classroomcomposers.com/teaching-strings/ Website: www.classroomcomposers.com TpT Store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Classroom-Composers