On episode 281 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I chat with Chandler Owen about the bridging the gap between students with and without music lessons. It’s a topic that often slips under the radar, but it’s so important to address to ensure a well-rounded learning experience for all. So, let’s dive into the wisdom Chandler shared with us, and explore how we can apply his insights to our own music classrooms.
Utilize Peer Education
One way to encourage bridging the gap between students with and without private music lessons is to encourage a peer education system among your students. The musically advanced kids can lend a helping hand to classmates who might be finding things a bit tough. It’s a win-win situation! This student-to-student interaction could fill in the blanks left by the standard teaching approach and cater to different ways of learning. In return, it paves the way for a richer understanding of musical concepts for everyone.
Offer Group Lessons
One of the main obstacles to bridging the gap between students with and without private music lessons is the associated cost, which can be impossible for many families. To address this, a potential solution could be in the form of group lessons. Unlike one-on-one private lessons, group lessons involve a single teacher instructing multiple students at once, making it a more economical option.
Through group lessons, students can still receive detailed instruction and practice on their chosen instrument. They’ll also have the opportunity to learn from their peers, observe different techniques, and gain experience in playing music collaboratively. It’s a balanced approach that can help bridge the gap between general music education and private instruction.
Involve the Community
Community involvement can provide students with additional resources and avenues for learning. Local musicians, community choirs, or music bands can offer unique insights and experiences that supplement school-based music education. They might provide masterclasses, workshops, or even mentorship opportunities, all of which can help students explore diverse music genres and techniques.
Integrating community into music education can foster a greater appreciation for music within the community itself. When local community members actively participate in the music education process, they are more likely to value and support music initiatives. This can lead to increased resources for music programs, more attendance at student concerts, and a stronger cultural emphasis on music.
Encourage a Collaborative Classroom Environment
By encouraging a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among students, we can create an environment where knowledge and skills are shared. This dynamic is beneficial for all students involved. Those who are more advanced have an opportunity to reinforce their understanding and gain confidence by teaching others. Meanwhile, students who might be struggling or do not have access to private music education can receive additional support and different perspectives on the material.
However, to make this effective, it is crucial for you to create a safe and supportive classroom environment. This necessitates ensuring that students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and exploring new concepts. Additionally, it involves promoting respect among students, with an emphasis on the idea that everyone can learn from each other. This approach empowers students by giving them a more active role in their own learning process. It shifts the dynamic from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered approach.
Introduce More In-depth Musical Concepts in Your Music Class
Try to incorporate more intricate musical concepts into your everyday music classes. This approach helps with bridging the gap between students with and without private music lessons. By welcoming these concepts into the classroom, we can help all our students enjoy a rich, well-rounded music education. It opens the doors for students who might not have the means for private lessons to gain an understanding just as deep as their classmates who do. This method is all about inclusivity and fairness in music education.
Create Opportunities for All Students to Shine
It’s super important to make sure every student, no matter their musical skill level, has a stage to shine on. This is super important because it helps create a space where every students input is appreciated.
This welcoming approach helps to foster a love for music. Plus, it helps students feel like they’re part of a community. This makes the learning environment even better, where students feel valued, recognized, and excited to learn.
What other tips do you have for bridging the gap between students with and without private music lessons? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
