Quality in a music program is dependent on a high rate of returning students and a reliable feeder network. With many courses competing for the same students, recruiting enough students to keep instrumental and vocal programs healthy is essential. It is the educator’s responsibility to sell students and their parents on the value of signing up for an elective course in music.
See this tip sheet, Focusing on the Classroom: Recruiting and Retaining Students for some good reminders about what to keep in mind as you prepare performances and create relationships with students and parents.
Republished with permission of the Music Achievement Council. For more tips on keeping music strong in your schools, visit the site devoted to all things music advocacy: www.supportmusic.com.
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
