Conference Sessions, Workshops and Professional Development
Conference Sessions, Workshops and Professional Development
Are you a neuro-diverse music educator? Discover the hidden strengths within neuro-diverse educators and join in the conversation around transforming challenges into opportunities in this 75-minute session. Join Sarah Batchelor a self-proclaimed Neuro-Spicey music educator and together delve into why being neuro-diverse is a gift to both students and the teaching profession. Explore strategies to enhance executive functioning, organization, and sensory issues, while gaining valuable tools for planning and teaching. This session not only empowers educators to excel but provides insights that can benefit their students as well. Participants will depart with fresh ideas, suggested apps, and resources to bolster their teaching, and the invaluable chance to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. Embrace the chaos and thrive as a neuro-diverse music educator!
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“Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New!”, This session will provide a collaborative space to discuss and explore innovative approaches to supporting and encouraging young musicians in their musical journey. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and walk away with fresh ideas to implement in their classrooms. They will gain insights into fostering a growth mindset and developing resilience in beginning band students, along with practical strategies, resources, and activities. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with new perspectives and actionable ideas to enhance their teaching and empower their students to embrace challenges and grow from failure. Practice makes Progress!
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Nothing tests a band director’s patience like 30 beginners armed with shiny new instruments and zero idea how to play them — but it doesn’t have to be chaos! In this 70-minute session, we’ll dive into tried-and-true strategies for getting beginners started strong: from running a smooth and effective instrument petting zoo (where no one ends up playing flute because "it’s the smallest"), to organizing a "Squeak and Squawk" day with clinicians to jumpstart their playing. You'll walk away with practical tips, sample schedules, and creative problem-solving ideas — plus the chance to swap your best (and worst!) beginner stories and tricks with colleagues. Let’s turn those first squeaks into music — and maybe even have a little fun along the way.
Fix the Barriers, Fix the Behaviors: Adaptive Band Hacks That Actually Work
Sometimes it’s not the kid, it’s the system. In this two-hour hands-on session, a battle-tested music teacher shares adaptive strategies that make band and music class work for students with learning disabilities — and save your sanity in the process. We’ll explore how AI tools, music notation software, and simple adaptive gear can turn "I can’t" into "I crushed it." The secret? When you remove the barriers, the behaviors often disappear too.
In the first hour, we’ll dive into practical tools, tech tricks, and real-life hacks you can use Monday morning. In the second hour, participants will have the chance to explore some of these strategies on their own devices with support and guidance. Bring your questions, your tech, and your sense of humor — let’s make music class work for everyone.