Building Strong Music Programs: A Handbook for Preservice and Novice Music Teachers

Building Strong Music Programs uniquely focuses on music programs in the public school community, providing strategies and tools for developing a vibrant music program and building community support. Covering relationships with colleagues, parents, staff, administrators, and the community at large, Charlene Ryan also provides tactics for developing courses, performances, and publicity to enhance your program. Build a repertoire of tried-and-true strategies covering curriculum, classroom management, special needs, concerts, assessment, budget, and more that are based on years of teaching at all levels. While program building is an essential, time-consuming part of every music teacher's job, students are rarely prepared for it. The questions for discussion and student assignments make this an excellent choice for preservice teacher training courses. Ryan covers issues important to student teachers, new teachers, teachers changing schools, and teachers looking to rejuvenate their existing programs. From student trips to music software to district ensembles to advocacy to entry-level instrumental courses, Ryan covers it all in this comprehensive handbook.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Your First Job Chapter 2 Friends and Allies Chapter 3 Students Chapter 4 Performances Chapter 5 Courses Chapter 6 Publicize Chapter 7 Final Thoughts

About the Author :
Charlene Ryan is associate professor of music education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is the former chair of music education at McGill University in Montreal. She has taught at all school levels from pre-kindergarten through secondary school, and specializes in elementary music education. Professor Ryan founded the successful Very Little Musicians and Little Musicians early childhood program in Montreal, and she is past-president of the Quebec Music Educators Association.

Review :
Building Strong Music Programs comforts the emerging teacher by assuring him or her that a smooth transition into the profession is possible.This handbook covers a wide variety of practical topics which are either not mentioned or which get short shrift in the typical music education college curriculum. . The real world previews provided will help new teachers weather storms and avoid mistakes which can cause loss of enthusiasm, embarrassment, and premature burn out. It is practical, easily accessible, organized, and a valuable aid, full of sound advice for emerging music teachers who will enter their first jobs mentally and emotionally prepared for the steep learning curve of the first year. Even if this book is used as a text in college student teaching seminars, after graduation it will continue to be a source of comfort and guidance. This handbook is a valuable contribution to the music education literature for neophytes. For music education majors and new music teachers of all levels, Ryan details how to create and develop a music program. She focuses on the many roles music teachers play and ways to build a community of support within and outside the school. The depth and breadth of guidance provided is such that the work is of value to veteran as well as new teachers. An important, useful text that has few rivals for quality, content and usability. Highly recommended. Ryan has captured the true essence of what it takes to create and/or maintain a vibrant music program in our schools. So many new teachers lack the practical skills to survive this demanding profession and end up dropping out?not a satisfactory outcome after spending so much time and money training for a career they thought was going to be their life's passion.In the opening chapter, Ryan states: 'This book is all about strategies you can use in creating, maintaining, promoting, and supporting a strong, vibrant program in your school.' I believe she has succeeded in covering this topics very succinctly. I highly recommend that this book be included in every music teacher's professional library. There is a wealth of information in an easy-to-read formatwith enough breadth of content even for those of us who have been in the profession for many years. Never underestimate the value of creating a well-constructed and logical management plan for your music program?this is what will keep you vibrant and your students actively engaged in the joy of learning throughout your career. Ryan has captured the true essence of what it takes to create and/or maintain a vibrant music program in our schools. So many new teachers lack the practical skills to survive this demanding profession and end up dropping out—not a satisfactory outcome after spending so much time and money training for a career they thought was going to be their life's passion.In the opening chapter, Ryan states: 'This book is all about strategies you can use in creating, maintaining, promoting, and supporting a strong, vibrant program in your school.' I believe she has succeeded in covering this topics very succinctly. I highly recommend that this book be included in every music teacher's professional library. There is a wealth of information in an easy-to-read format with enough breadth of content even for those of us who have been in the profession for many years. Never underestimate the value of creating a well-constructed and logical management plan for your music program—this is what will keep you vibrant and your students actively engaged in the joy of learning throughout your career.