Learner-Centered Teaching in High School Orchestra: Pennsylvania and Iowa
In a learner-centered orchestra, students take on the roles of decision-makers, creators, and leaders. From selecting repertoire to directing performances and producing original work, they actively shape their musical experience. When students do the work, they do the learning, transforming the ensemble into a space for creativity, collaboration, and meaningful engagement.
Songwriting in a Modern Band Class
Modern band often begins with students learning and performing existing songs, but its true potential lies in creation. When students write their own music, they work within their own abilities, create meaning that matters to them, and engage more deeply in the process. Songwriting shifts the classroom from reproduction to expression, inviting students to take risks, embrace imperfection, and discover what it means to be a musician.