1. Spend time this month empowering your students — you might be amazed at how much your students can and want to do for your program. Consider adding leadership positions to your student board(s), and perhaps organize some kind of leadership training event. The more we empower our students, the more power they bring to the program!
2. I recommend that every music teacher read the book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. This book will validate why you teach music. Once you finish the book, share it with your colleagues, tell parents about it, and buy a copy for your administrators. Wishing you and your students a wonderful summer break!
3. We all know that the fastest way to learn something is to teach it. This year, inform your beginning students that their job is to teach their instrument to a parent, older sibling, grandparent, or some older adult of their choosing. The plan is for that adult to be ready to play in the final concert of the year with their novice “teacher” standing right beside them. Simply choose 2-3 easy tunes from the first part of your method book for them to play. Not only does this engage the parents in learning and help students to better understand the workings of their own instrument, but it also provides a fun activity that is enjoyed by EVERYONE! For an example of how “The Parent Band” might perform in your school, check out this short video. Have fun!
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These retention tips are written by various authors and are compiled from "More to Start, Fewer to Quit" a recruitment, retention, and success newsletter brought to you by The Music Achievement Council and Instrumental Music Center.
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