From July 10 to 13, Carnegie Hall hosts the 5th annual Summer Music Educators Workshop, giving music teachers from across the country the opportunity to re-energize their teaching practice, learn from leaders in the field, and exchange best practices with peers.
Over the course of four intensive days, participating educators engage with expert guest faculty around the theme of Illuminating Great Teaching. Activities will explore ways teachers can foster community through music, expand possibilities for their students, and embody artistry, intention, expression, agency, equity, compassion, and inspiration in the classroom. The workshop kicks off with an opening keynote by David Kirkland, Executive Director of the NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools.
“At the heart of Carnegie Hall’s mission lies our dedication to supporting and exploring great music teaching and learning,” said Sarah Johnson, chief education officer and director of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI). “The Music Educators Workshop gives teachers the opportunity to rethink their practice, take inspiration from peers across the country, and learn from leaders in the field. We hope that participants will return home reinvigorated and ready to implement what they have learned in their classrooms, enriching countless students.”
During the summer workshop, faculty members will highlight different aspects of the Great Music Teaching Framework, a set of values and principles developed by WMI to support artistry, community, and equity in music making. Teaching artist Richard Mannoia will explore how to craft meaningful questions to stimulate student curiosity, and composer Thomas Cabaniss will use vocal improvisation to deepen connections to repertoire. Karin Hendricks, assistant professor of Music Education at Boston University, will focus on building supportive classroom environments through compassion, while jazz tubist Bob Stewart explores courage and vulnerability in music. Lastly, Songs of Solomon Choir Director Chantel Wright demonstrates how to build inspiring musical communities, and Julie Desbordes, artistic director of the Turtle Bay Youth Orchestra, identifies effective and engaging rehearsal strategies. Participants will also be invited to lead peer presentations based on their own classroom practices.
