Marsha Said:

How can I successfully teach music to elementary school chilren?

We Answered:

Yea, don't teach guitar if you don't have to. Guitar is really a 6 grade in up sort of thing. But if you must, remember that actually playing the guitar is an advanced lesson. There should be a lot of lessons before playing it in how to handle an instrument, and how to hold and instrument without making a sound. If you jump too fast, you really won't get to teach anything so it won't matter whether you call it guitar class or tuba class.

If I was in your shoes and I had to teach guitar to children this young, most of my class would be about good behavior with instruments, and the performance part of my class would happen primarly on the 1 string (the high E), and I'd just teach tunes on that high E. If they were older I'd teach chords, but getting an entire class of 2nd graders to play hot cross buns on the E string together is still impressive.

Remember the number one rule is if behavior around the guitar isn't good, there is no guitar.

Eva Said:

What do I do when I want to quit my job? I'm no longer happy teaching music to elementary students.?

We Answered:

First of all, hang in there. You are going to get through it. I have, several times in my career. ;o) So you have a job that sux? Here is what you need to do.


1. Get your resume updated - try to tailor it to the perspective position that you are looking to obtain.
2. Put out your resume/cover-letter to several positions that you consider worthwhile. Perhaps you would consider relocating or changing what you are doing... This opens up all kinds of opportunities.
3. Once the interviews start coming in and you decide to take an offer, you have the ability to gracefully and professionally withdraw from your current position.

The most important thing is to never burn bridges because it is a very small world that we live in.

Christina Said:

Are there video clips online for elementary music instruction?

We Answered:

really good site for students, teachers, proffessors, etc. http://teachertube.com/

Walter Said:

What songs would you put on a CD for elementary music?

We Answered:

The Electric Slide
YMCA
Grease Lightnin'
Last Dance (by Donna Summer)


Go to a music store - or even a dollar store - and pick up a "party mix" CD. The cheap ones do not have songs done by the original artist, but it will give you an idea of some upbeat songs, then you can get versions of the original artists' renditions.

Jeffrey Said:

Resources for elementary music teachers?

We Answered:

Sometimes the short 5 minute review games are helpful for getting students into the right mood for your lesson. You may find some useful ideas on these pages:

Marc Said:

what are the pros and cons of teaching music in elementary schools?

We Answered:

My personal opinion is there are no negative reasons and I think music is one of the best things that could be taught to our children at the early ages. It helps kids greatly in all other subjects of learning as well as their personal status in life.

Dwayne Said:

What disadvantages do music specialists face in teaching music to elementary school students?

We Answered:

Low pay..?