As the school year draws to a close, music educators face a unique set of tasks that go beyond final exams, playing or singing evaluations, and packing up the classroom. The end is a time to reflect, wrap up, and prepare for the summer months ahead. Here’s a guide to help you end the school year on a high note and set the stage for a smooth transition into the summer.
- Reflect and Celebrate Your Achievements
Take a moment to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year. Celebrate your students’ growth, performances, and milestones—whether it was a successful concert, a student’s newfound love for an instrument, or your ability to adapt to new teaching methods. A positive reflection not only boosts morale but also provides valuable insights into next year’s plans. Consider creating a memory board or a digital slideshow to highlight key moments you can share with your students. This can be a rewarding way to say goodbye to the school year and leave your students with a sense of accomplishment.
- Clean and Maintain Your Instruments
The summer break is the time to give your classroom instruments a little TLC. Begin by inspecting each instrument for damage or wear and tear. This is the perfect time to schedule repairs or order parts before the next school year begins. For instruments that need regular cleaning, be sure to wipe them down and properly store them. You can create a cleaning checklist for your students to follow in future years, encouraging them to maintain their instruments year-round. Check larger equipment like pianos, larger percussion instruments, and electronic devices (such as microphones, amplifiers, or speakers). Clean, recalibrate, and organize these tools so they’re ready to go in the fall.
- Organize Your Sheet Music Library
Music educators accumulate a large amount of sheet music, extra scores, copies and originals over the year. Some of it you may never use again so now is the time to sift through your library and make it leaner and more efficient. Take inventory, discarding any music that is damaged, or no longer relevant to your current teaching goals. Are there missing parts or missing scores? This might be the time to order replacements. It also may be helpful to organize a database of your library by genre, grade level, instrument or voice type.
- Tidy Up the Classroom
A clean and organized classroom helps you start the next school year with a sense of calm and control. Remove unnecessary clutter, such as broken supplies or unused props. Tighten up music stands so they do not wobble, dust, sweep, and vacuum the floors, and sanitize commonly touched surfaces. Clean out storage areas, such as closets, cabinets, and storage lockers, which tend to accumulate forgotten odds and ends. And yes, clean up your desk, inside and out. Label storage bins for easy access to essential materials and use color-coding to make finding items a breeze. Take inventory of items needing replenishing, such as music stands, mallets, or other accessories.
- Take Inventory and Order Supplies
Summer is a good time to review your classroom inventory. Take stock of all your materials, sheet music, method books, textbooks, cleaning supplies, instruments, etc. Make a list of what needs to be replaced or restocked. Some schools have a summer budget for classroom supplies so it’s important to get your order in early. If your school doesn’t provide a budget for equipment or materials, this might be an opportunity to begin fundraising or seeking donations for any big-ticket items to enhance your program.
- Prepare for Summer Professional Development
The summer months can be a time for growth and learning. Many music educators use this time to engage in professional development activities such as attending workshops, taking online courses, or joining music educator networks. You could also attend conferences or music events to network with other educators and learn from industry professionals. Consider learning a new instrument, take lessons, explore different musical genres, or stay updated on the latest music education technologies.
- Set Goals for the Upcoming Year
While summer is a time for relaxation, it’s also a great opportunity to set long-term goals for the next academic year. Whether it’s refining your curriculum, introducing new technology in your teaching, or focusing on a particular area like improvisation or music theory, having a clear vision will set you up for success. Consider discussing your goals with colleagues or mentors to get feedback and guidance. And don’t forget to consider your students’ needs and interests. Summer is a good time to plan activities, concerts, or collaborations that will engage and inspire them when school resumes.
- Self-Care and Reflection
Teaching music can be emotionally and physically taxing, so summer is also an opportunity to focus on self-care. Take time to relax, recharge, and pursue personal interests outside of teaching. Enjoying hobbies unrelated to music or simply spending time with family and friends can help prevent burnout and keep your passion for teaching alive. Reflection is also an important part of self-care. Journal about what went well during the year, what could be improved, and how you can better serve your students in the future.
By taking the necessary steps to clean, organize, and prepare for the summer months, you’ll ensure you return to a well-maintained classroom and a fresh mindset in the fall. Remember to celebrate your progress, take care of yourself, and get ready to inspire the next generation of musicians when school resumes. Enjoy your well-deserved summer break and come back ready to make even more beautiful music in the new school year!
BillHumbertLeadership.com
