The Evolving Educator

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

I was seventeen and looking at colleges. I didn’t know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to major in. So I went to my band teacher who was also a bit of mentor to me. “I have a problem.” I told him. “I have a college application and I don’t know what [...]

What would you like to see on the Evolving Educator? Any suggestions for content, product review, etc? Let me know! Thanks!

Looking for a way to make labels (and more) on a Mac other than Microsoft Word? Try Labels and Address from BeLight Software. (Educational discount is available.) I purchased it this week and love it. I made cute labels with music notes and instruments for all my student’s folders and books. The program imported all [...]

The things us teachers get excited about!

Mariner Software, makers of some of my favorite software including MacJournal, StoryMill, and Paperless is having a 40% of sale. Visit http://www.marinersoftware.com/store/cart.php and use Coupon Code: 20YEARS

The time is approaching for schools to start back up again. My district in suburban Chicago is starting on August 16 this year. What are you doing different this year? I’ve been reading The Practice Revolution by Philip Johnston and I’ve revising my practice records to focus on goals and results rather than just minutes [...]

I just finished the book, Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. This is a must read for aspiring musicians, artists, and athletes and their parents. It dispels the myth of innate talent and uses research to show that drive and environmental factors are the real path to greatness.

http://petertambroni.com/edu/fundraising/

Have an idea for an article? Need to vent your educational issues? Want to contribute to The Evolving Educator? It’d be great to have some guest writers and contributors for this blog. Email me at tambroni AT gmail DOT com

If emotions are at the core of learning, why do music educators and ensemble directors consistently ignore the student’s emotions? Nearsightedness and for their own emotions and egos.  Or perhaps we should be thinking about future emotions. It is easier to look a month or two down the road. It is easier to view own [...]

Another school year has come to a close. This year was a busy one. It was my first year as vice president of our teacher’s association and I was also on the negotiation team for our new contract. Oh and I taught too Each year I reflect on how I can improve what I did [...]

I’m looking to use my skills in the field of personal coaching. As a music teacher, much of my job is basically personally coaching. During a rehearsal, I organize, analyze and review data. Then I decide what to do with that data, if anything. In rehearsals, lessons, meetings, and throughout the day knowing what to [...]

I’m expanding my career experience into the realm of life coaching. More information is available here.

Hi readers, sorry for the lack of posts but I’ve been on spring break. Although I didnt visit anywhere I did spend plenty of time with my fiance and enjoyed the great weather that Chicago had. Remember to enjoy life too!

What are we really training our students for? My brother is a mathematician and educator and it’s refreshing to get his perspective. We should be creating life long learners and appreciators with a foundation that allows them to pursue the field if they so choose. Too often we approach students as though every one is [...]

How do you pronounce Bach? Debussy? Schoenberg or Lutoslawski? Unless you met the composer, it is probably slightly different than I or someone else says it. We americans tend to be very pretentious about our pronunciations. I’m all for accuracy and being correct but if you’re more worried about the aspirated ‘ch’ in Bach than [...]

Have multiple sources of revenue Fortify your home base Sometimes your enemies are really friends Continually upgrade and learn It’s ok to change strategies Put yourself in the other person’s shoes or perspective Maybe you’re not seeing details behind the scenes The big picture isn’t always revealed immediately Anyone, at any age, can win There’s [...]

Does your school have terrible coffe in the lounge? Put half of a cinnamon stick in the bottom of your cup before pouring. Yum!! And good for you.

Hi readers! I’m curious who’s reading the blog. Post your name (just first is fine!), what level you teach, and what major city you are near. Thanks!

No year will be perfect. There will always be students you don’t like. There will always be students you do like. There will always be students that like you. There will always be students that don’t like you. There will always be students that practice. There will always be students that don’t practice. You will [...]

Why should and do we have orchestra (or anything for that matter?) in schools? We’ve all heard and given many reasons – to have a musical experience, to cultivate the arts, to allow to kids to ‘express’ themselves (yeah, right), because it’s good for them (it is, but WHY?), etc…
But these are all superficial reasons [...]

Hello Readers! Do you have any PowerPoint / Keynote lessons you’d like to share? I’m looking to do something theory related on my SmartBoard and wanted to get some ideas. Thanks!Here’s a simple presentation KeyNote presentation for teaching key signatures.

100 reasons to be a teacher from OnlineCollegeGuru

Google offers a lot more than just search and email. Their online office software has become quite robust over the years. I used to have my school database and documents on my laptop which I brought back and forth to school but now I do most of that with Google Docs. Of course I still [...]