In the States, the buzz around the solar eclipse has hit the school scene big time! At my school, the eclipse is set to show up just as classes end. So, all students are getting their hands on some super stylish eclipse glasses. Teachers from all sorts of subjects are weaving eclipse excitement into their lessons this week. As for music class, the grapevine has been buzzing with stellar ideas from music education forums. I'm jumping into the mix with a Solar Eclipse Rhythm Play-Along to the classic tune, "Total Eclipse of the Heart," by the legendary duo Jim Steinman and Bonnie Tyler. If you're up for a musical adventure in your classroom and are allowed to play this song, here's a rhythm-packed play-along to jam out to during the eclipse! Like my resources? Please consider buying me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech

Wrapping up March with a bang, I present a Rhythm and Boomwhacker Play-Along Video featuring the one and only Frederica von Stade, a Far Hills Country Day School alum! Frederica, a seasoned opera star with a voice that wows, is here to jazz up your day. Dive in to discover the play-along video, fun classroom manipulatives, and insider tips on teaching the song. Ready to jam out? Spread the love by tossing a virtual coffee my way at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/ 🎵☕

Check out our latest March Rhythm Play-Along Video starring none other than the fabulous Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, a.k.a. Lady Gaga, who's turning 38 this week on March 28! There is also a bonus of Ariana Grande as this rhythm stick play-along is to the song, “Rain on Me”! Ready to groove to some tunes? Show some love by treating me to a virtual coffee boost at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/

Note: This play-along is meant for upper elementary. It is also geared toward those who can utilize Lady Gaga’s music in their classrooms. If you cannot use her music, please feel free to skip this play-along video.

Tune in every Tuesday for my quick tech tips on making the most of MusicFirst Elementary (MFE)! This week features how MFE does not require students to have email addresses to use the lessons and the creative tools. Watch below to see more!

The music education community has experienced a great loss with MusicPlay’s announcement of the sudden passing of their founder and legendary music educator, Denise Gagne. If you knew her or if you saw her in sessions, she was energetic and inspirational. She was a role model to music educators from around the world. She was extremely generous and would share her ideas, resources, content, knowledge, and so much more, so that music educators would feel successful in their classrooms.  

Want the Respect play-along video from the TMEA 2025 Conference? Here it is with the free manipulatives from https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at TMEA this year. I presented four sessions: three technology-focused and one focused on Preschool and kindergarten activities. I attended sessions that varied from podcasting to movement to curriculum. I also showcased MusicFirst Elementary at the MusicFirst booth. The attendees at the sessions were amazing and I loved meeting music educators from Texas!

The TMEA/TI:ME Conference kicked off yesterday and there were many great sessions. I was thrilled to present three sessions. Here are the titles, descriptions, and links to the Wakelet for my sessions.

It is the height of conference season where music educators gather to learn from each other and to rejuvenate themselves. I have been very fortunate to have been able to represent my school, Far Hills Country Day School, by presenting at the Georgia Music Educators Conference (GMEA) showcasing MusicFirst Elementary, New Jersey Association for Independent Schools (NJAIS) “What the Tech?” three-minute session demonstrating Canva’s AI Magic Tools, and most recently, California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) highlighting creative tools for elementary general music classes.

This week, I will be heading to San Antonio, Texas, for the annual Technology in Music Education (TI-ME) National Music Technology Conference/Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) State Conference and will be presenting four sessions.

Recently, a member of the Midnight Music Community brought up an interesting topic: "10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Teaching." Several members, myself included, provided their insights. Following that, Midnight Music posed a similar question on their Facebook Group, asking for advice that we would give to new teachers. That question and this topic change for me annually as what I felt I needed to know when I first started teaching is not what I would advise 25+ years later. Here are 10 items I wish I knew and would give advice to a new teacher today.

Like my resources? Please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech