-
The Artists My Students Should Know
A few weeks before school starts, I find myself thinking about music class. Not the usual things—repertoire, instrumentation, performances, projects, or what I want students to accomplish by the end of the year. Those things are always somewhere in the back of my mind. Lately, I have been thinking about something a little different: Which…
-
The Invisible Act of Belonging: Creating a Classroom Where Students Can Take Risks
Four weeks before the school year begins, I am already thinking about classroom culture. I’m thinking about the music, of course. I’m thinking about repertoire, instrumentation, projects, performances, and the skills I want students to develop. But underneath all of those decisions is another set of questions: What kind of room do I want students…
-
The Invisible Act of Belonging: Making Room for Students Long Before We Make Music
It’s early August, about four weeks before the school year begins, and I’m looking at my class rosters. I’m trying to learn names. Some of the names are familiar. Others are completely new to me. I’m looking at the list and beginning to imagine the students who will eventually walk through the door. I’m thinking…
-
Sports, Identity, and Complicated Feelings
Every once in a while, sports become about much more than the game itself. This summer, two very different moments left me thinking about identity in ways I hadn’t expected. On one hand, I found myself smiling as a lifelong New Yorker watching the Knicks win the NBA Finals. The celebration wasn’t just about basketball—it…
-
Feeling Safe Enough to Learn
This summer I accepted a part-time position supervising a music camp. It’s different from my work during the school year teaching middle and high school band and orchestra, but after only a few days, I found myself thinking about a place I hadn’t reflected on in quite some time. Almost ten years ago, I wrote…
-
Documenting the Journey of a Music Educator
Among my goals as an educator is helping those around me feel a sense of safety and belonging. Opportunities to build community happen in various settings, where music education happens. A key opportunity arises during concerts and assemblies. Here, students share their efforts with fellow students, faculty, staff, and parents. Additionally, my work in Equity…
-
The Power of Community in Music Education
One of the most powerful aspects of music is its deep connection to community. Performing ensembles have a core sense of service. This allows musicians to engage, uplift, and connect with those around them. Music educators play a unique role as storytellers, historians, and collaborators. They do this through performances that entertain. They offer programs…
-
Imposter Syndrome Article
I came across an article that aligns with me and my students. I can’t help but share this one. 15 Ways to Navigate Imposter Syndrome
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Ed Castro's Blog 