“Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Survival Guide to a Strong Start in Music Teaching”

You walk into your new music room, see the empty bulletin boards and stacks of instruments, and the reality hits: This is real. Whether it's your first year teaching music or just your first year in a new building, the pressure can feel enormous. “What did I get myself into?” you wonder as the to-do list grows longer by the minute.

Take a deep breath. I’ve been exactly where you are—and after 35+ years of teaching, I’m here to tell you that you’ve got this. With a bit of planning and a clear path, your year can begin with confidence and excitement. Let’s walk through it together.

To be successful, you’re going to need to get organized.  I am a list maker, and a planner.  The bigger the project, the more planning is necessary.  To get your year off to a great start so that you begin with a BANG instead of a whimper, just follow these steps to a perfect year.

Final steps with a BONUS!!

Step 9:  Assess your technology available and learn how to use it.

Will the students bring their laptops to music?  Do you have a 1 to 1 laptop program at your school?  Is there a Smart Board or some other kind of interactive white board?  Where is the projector?  Will you get a TV?  Are there iPads available?  What kind of sound system is at your school?  Does anyone know how to use it? Is there a microphone system in your classroom to help protect YOUR voice?

The biggest question: do you know how to use everything? Make friends with your computer tech person. They will save your bacon when you really need help.

Step 10:  Talk with your administrators about performances and programs.

This is a tricky conversation. Before you go into the admin's office, you need to have a good idea about what you are willing to do. How many performances are required at your school? How many more are you willing to add? How many is too many? Some schools want a grade level performance for every grade every year! Some want a special performance for Veterans' Day or Lunar New Year or some other holiday. Some don't want very many performances, some want EVERYTHING. Be clear about your work load and what you are willing to do. Ask for help. Create a team of teachers or support staff to help you make this happen. Train some of your most responsible students to do some of the tech for you (record the performances, help set up, hand out programs., etc.).

BONUS Step 11:  Take care of yourself.

Get enough sleep so that you are rested and ready for your teaching day. Work to create a good balance of what you do at school and what you need to do at home. If you get sick, take the day off. Call for a substitute as soon as you know. DON'T wreck your voice because they can't find a sub. Drink water. Plan when you will need a bio break and request the teacher to stay with the class if you need a break. Take some time to decompress and destress. Teaching is stressful. You will be ON most of the day when the students are with you. Your brain needs a rest. So does your body.

Thanks for reading all the way to the last steps. If this was helpful, and you want more, please go to my website, https://www.lessonsfromthemusicroom.com/ and download my FREE ebook resource Survival Guide for Elementary Music Teachers. I have much to share with you, so stay tuned for exciting opportunities to come.

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