During my more than 50 years as a music educator and almost 40 years ascending to the top of the military music profession, I’ve given countless talks to new members of the profession who always ask, “What’s the number one lesson you learned?” They are often surprised when I told them there was no master plan, just seize on opportunities when they presented themselves and if a door was slammed in my face, go another direction!
In my early 20’s, I was playing jazz bass six nights a week and thought that’s where I would make my mark. Reality, in the form of a 14 year old kid sitting in with our group, slammed that door in my face. I knew he was better than I could ever be! I was then teaching tuba at a university and thought I could win one of the big jobs. At one audition, I played great! Everything was working…. and I finished second. Slam!
Those “failures” led me to apply myself to learning how to help others make great music as a leader. Decades later, I was privileged to lead two of the finest bands in the world, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, and The United States Army Field Band.
After my Army retirement, it was time to find a new path. Editor of SBO+ magazine, community band conductor, jazz workshop director, and ballet school manager had open doors for me. However, recently I found another challenge, one that I want to invite others to share.
The Music Teacher Guild is a non-profit that exists to strengthen the music education community by supporting educators across the many settings in which music teaching happens. From private studios and traditional classrooms to community programs, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and beyond, MTG recognizes there is no single pathway to becoming—or succeeding as—a music educator.
Through accessible professional development, mentorship, meaningful credentials, resources, and opportunities for connection and collaboration, MTG works to equip teachers with the tools and community they need to thrive throughout every stage of their careers.
For those interested in making a difference in our profession, MTG offers opportunities to serve through committees and board leadership. These influential roles help shape programs, strengthen organizational initiatives, develop resources, support events, and guide the future of the Guild. Previous board experience is not necessary nor is it what makes one a strong leader. Initiative, reliability, collaboration, and a genuine desire to strengthen the music education community are all traits of extreme value.
MTG is looking for thoughtful, dependable, and collaborative professionals who are ready to share their strengths, ideas, and experience. There is opportunity to contribute in various facets of the organization, whether it be in finance, marketing, technology, etc. All knowledge and skills are welcome to our Board of Directors. Interested? Email us at hello@MusicTeacherGuild.org.
Together, we can build a stronger professional network where music educators are no longer on an island alone, but where they feel supported, connected, and equipped to succeed—and where the future of music education is strengthened by the people who know the work best.
This month we welcome Sarah Romero to the SBO+ team. Read more about her on page 10.
Starting this month, we will be hearing regularly from Mike Lawson, former SBO editor and owner of artistpromedia, our parent company. He will tell us how SBO+ is morphing into a gateway to the larger music universe and about an exciting new tool to help every music educator, for free. Check it out on page 33.
Finally, don’t miss out on your chance to influence the music industry. Last year’s Teachers’ Choice Awards was a great success and now is your chance to nominate the products you love. Deadline is September 30th. Click here to make your voice heard.
ThomasPalmatier.com
