October 2026 Newsletter
Practical ideas and encouragement for elementary music teachers
A Note from Cheryl
October already? Where did September go?
By now, the school year is well underway. We're learning our students' names, settling into routines, and beginning to discover what our young musicians can do.
And if your students are anything like mine, you're probably discovering a few surprises along the way!
One thing I've been thinking about lately is singing. Not just teaching songs, but helping children discover their own singing voices.
Some students jump right in. Others are hesitant. Some sing beautifully in tune, while others are still figuring out how to make their voices do what their ears are hearing.
And that's OK.
Because our job isn't to find the children who can already sing. It's to help every child become a singer.
That's the idea behind my upcoming presentation, Everyone in Tune, at the DCMEA conference on October 13. And it's what I'd like to share with you in this month's newsletter.
So let's talk about singing, confidence, and a few playful ways to help our students find their voices.
— Cheryl
Cheryl's Corner
Everyone Can Sing...Eventually!
After 40 years of teaching elementary music, one thing still amazes me: how differently children discover and develop their singing voices.
Some children seem to match pitch almost immediately. Others need time to explore what their voices can do, learn to listen, and gain the confidence to sing independently.
And sometimes, just when we think a child has figured it out, something changes. Their voice develops. They become self-conscious. Or they decide they "can't sing."
That's why I keep coming back to one important idea:
Not matching pitch YET is not the same thing as not being able to sing.
Our job isn't simply to correct wrong notes. It's to create musical experiences that help children discover their voices, listen carefully, and experience success.
And yes, sometimes that involves a puppet, a silly voice, or a game that doesn't look much like a traditional singing lesson!
Having fun IS learning. It's just not always obvious to the student—or the administrator!
This Month's Teaching Tip
Assessing Singing Voices Without the Stress!
By October, we've had several weeks to listen to our students sing. It's a great time to begin assessing their singing skills.
Here's a simple four-point rubric:
Grade | What I'm Listening For |
4 | Sings on pitch and knows the song. |
3 | Sings mostly on pitch and knows the song. |
2 | Attempts to sing, but is still developing pitch-matching skills or learning the song. |
1 | Does not sing, so the skill cannot yet be assessed. |
Keep It Simple!
While students sing a familiar song, walk around the room with your seating chart on a clipboard. Listen to individual voices and write a quick grade directly on the chart.
You don't have to assess everyone in one class. Keep listening over several lessons until you've heard everyone.
This becomes an authentic assessment of the skill of singing because students are demonstrating their skills while actually making music!
Take the Worry Out of Grades
I always reassure my students about their grades.
A 4 means you're practically perfect! A 3 means you're right on grade level. A 2 means you're trying hard and still learning. And a 1 means you didn't sing, so I couldn't hear what you can do.
Most importantly, I explain that this grade is just a snapshot of their learning and mastery right now. It's not a final judgment of their singing ability.
It's a beginning assessment that helps me understand their skills and decide what to teach next.
After all, not matching pitch YET is not the same thing as not being able to sing!
Try This Monday!
Have a Singing Conversation!
Want an easy way to encourage children to use their singing voices without making them feel like they're being tested?
Try a singing conversation!
Using just sol and mi (or sol, la, and mi), sing a simple question to a student. Invite the student to sing an answer using those same pitches.
For example, sing, "What's your name?" and let the student sing their name back to you.
Here's where the fun begins. Bring out a puppet and let the puppet ask the questions! Children who might be shy about singing to their teacher are often perfectly happy to sing to a puppet.
No puppets? No problem! Use whatever you have! Beanie Babies, a pair of claves as a pretend microphone, a stuffed animal, or any other classroom prop that sparks your students' imaginations.
As students respond, listen for their use of singing voices, pitch matching, and melodic exploration. Resist the temptation to correct every note. Give them opportunities to experiment and succeed.
And remember, the goal isn't a perfect performance. It's helping children become comfortable using their singing voices.
Sometimes the best teaching tools are the ones already sitting in your classroom!
Resource of the Month
Everyone in Tune: Helping Every Child Find Their Singing Voice
How do we help children discover their singing voices? And how do we help them develop the confidence and skills to sing in tune?
Those are the questions at the heart of my presentation, Everyone in Tune, at the DCMEA Fall Conference on October 13 in Washington, DC.
We'll explore practical teaching ideas for developing young singers through vocal exploration, singing games, puppets, rounds, and other activities that help children become confident, independent singers.
And yes, we'll be doing plenty of singing and playing ourselves!
I'm also hoping to record parts of the session so I can share video highlights and teaching ideas with music educators who can't attend.
If you're attending DCMEA, I'd love to see you there! Come ready to sing, play, and take home ideas you can use in your own music room.
And if you can't attend, stay tuned. I'm hoping to bring Everyone in Tune to more music educators around the country!
Cherylism of the Month
“Not matching pitch YET is not the same thing as not being able to sing.”
Coming Up in November!
AOSA — Let's Connect!
I'll be attending the AOSA conference in November! If you're going, please come say hello. I'll have a few signed copies of Lessons from the Music Room with me, too.
VMEA — Come Visit My Booth!
I'll have a Lessons from the Music Room booth at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference! Stop by, browse my books, and let's talk about teaching elementary music.
I'll have signed copies available, and if you purchase a book at the conference, I'll be happy to personalize it just for you!
All Virginia Orff Ensemble — Rainforest Journey
I'm also looking forward to coordinating the All Virginia Orff Ensemble at VMEA!
This year's program, Rainforest Journey, features Jeff Henson and Aimee Faulkner and brings together 47 students from nine schools across Virginia!
Students will rehearse November 18–19, culminating in a concert on Thursday, November 19, at 11:30 a.m.
The grand finale will be Street Song from the Carl Orff volumes—a wonderful way to bring these young musicians together for their final performance!
If you're attending VMEA, I hope you'll come hear these talented students make music together!
Before You Go…
As we move further into the school year, remember that every child develops musical skills at a different pace. Some will surprise us with what they can do today. Others will surprise us with what they can do tomorrow!
Keep giving them opportunities to explore, experiment, and succeed. Those little moments of musical growth add up.
I hope our paths cross at one of the conferences this fall. Until then, keep making music, keep having fun, and remember—you make a difference every day.
Cheering for you,
Cheryl
Lessons from the Music Room
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