Telling the Story: Advocating for Music
A majority of those outside the fields of music and the arts do not understand the whys or the hows concerning the process of arts education. Provided with a clear understanding of those methods and justifications, and supported by quality arts education in practice,...
A New Day for Music Education that Ensures ‘Every Child Achieves’
Author: Catherina Hurlburt RESTON, VA. (April 7, 2015) – For the first time in education history, music has been recognized as a core subject in draft federal education policy. This is an unprecedented enumeration in proposed federal legislation. Early this year,...
Telling the Story: Communicating with Your Community
To better inform the community about the purpose, structure and achievements of the school's music program, provide an annual written report to the appropriate supervisor and, with permission, to parents and the community. See a solid set of steps to success in...
Planning for Success!
Planning for Success! by Susan Brumfield One of the most challenging aspects of Kodály-inspired teaching involves instructional planning. Teachers new to the approach often overlook the layers of complexity involved in this multi-dimensional, developmental, spiral way...
Telling the Story: Great Ways to Get Your Message Out
Regularly scheduled arts events open doors to community education. Concert audiences appreciate informative printed program notes or a presentation offering information about the particular compositions to be performed. The Music Achievement Council offer some...
The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Maximizing Fiscal Opportunities
Whether you are a supervisor or a one-person music program, money is the fuel that keeps the program going.See some good ideas for maximizing your fiscal resources through community fund-raising, grants, important program practices and more in this tip sheet, The...
West Music Celebrates Iowa Music Therapy Awareness Week February 23-27, 2015
West Music, provider of music therapy services to the Central and Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois region since 1994, is proud to announce its participation in Music Therapy Awareness Week, February 23 to February 27, 2015. Music Therapy Awareness Week is intended...
The Business Side of Teaching Music: Preparing an Instrument Replacement Plan
Consider yourself lucky if you walk into a new job as a director and find adequate equipment in good shape. You were chosen to direct the music education program in this school. Most superintendents and school boards do not know the importance of balanced...
Jim Brickman Live at The Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines on Feb. 12
West Music loves Jim! Not just any ordinary love…a long burning, passionate, musical love! Which Jim? You ask. Jim Brickman of course! It’s mutual for certain. That’s why you can catch Jim, right here in Iowa, on the second stop of his “Love Around The Piano Platinum...
The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Fiscal Procedures
Each school district has specific procedures that directors follow in order to conduct business. The best time to check on these procedures is during your job interview. Review these procedures with your administration once you have started your new job. Know what...
West Music Welcomes Sam Marchuk as Music Education Consultant
Coralville, IA – January 20, 2015 – West Music Company is pleased to welcome Sam Marchuk as their newest Music Education Consultant. Mr. Marchuk will be responsible for customer service relations, assisting general music teachers in the Ohio Valley and beyond with...
The Business Side of Teaching School Music: Choosing a Music Dealer
Instrumental music directors and parents should know that one of the strongest supporters of school music programs has been and continues to be the local full-service, school-oriented music dealer. Direct-mail and Internet retailers usually trade on price and do not...