THE FLIPSIDE
The Flipside is a space for rethinking music education. Through honest reflection, bold ideas, and real-world experiences, this blog challenges traditional assumptions and explores what music learning can become. From modern band and inclusive practices to creativity, community, and lifelong musicianship, The Flipside looks beyond “the way it’s always been” and asks what truly serves students.
The Sharing Phase: Designing for Contribution
Designing Musical Growth – Essay 4
What is music ultimately for? Technical fluency and embodied participation are essential, but they are not the final destination. In this concluding essay of the Designing Musical Growth series, I explore how music becomes an act of generosity, something we offer rather than demonstrate, and why helping students contribute through music may be one of the highest purposes of music education.
The Technical Phase: Designing for Fluency
Designing Musical Growth – Essay 2
Technical fluency is essential, but it isn't the destination of music learning. In this essay, I explore how Cognitive Load Theory helps explain why students often look like "statues" when learning new music and why that's a normal part of the process. More importantly, I argue that the Technical phase should be intentionally designed to prepare students for ownership, expression, and meaningful musical connection.
Built for the Big: How Music Education Leaves Small Schools Behind
Small schools deserve music programs built for their realities, not scaled-down versions of big-school models. This article challenges the “one-size-fits-all” approach to music education and calls for programs that celebrate community, creativity, and belonging. By preparing teachers for rural contexts and redefining success beyond size and competition, we can create sustainable, joyful music experiences for every student, everywhere