Join in on this conversation with my friend, Dr. Amanda Hoke! We talk about starting music at a new campus, where to begin instruction, her favorite games for older beginners, and the interwoven tie between curricular sequences and student relationships.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hoke maintains that building connection with students is a higher priority than any musical achievement we could reach. Specifically at the beginning of the year, Dr. Hoke encourages us to get to know students - their interests, their strengths, and their backgrounds. Her parting advice of “breathe and feel your feet” is a mindful invitation that will serve us all well, regardless of where we teach this Fall.
In this Conversation:
(01:25) - Amanda’s Current and Previous Teaching Situations
(09:20) - Feeling “Behind” with Older Students
(14:27) - Starting Instruction with Upper Elementary
(17:32) - Activities for Upper Elementary
(24:55) - Listening with Your Eyes, Ears, and Body
(27:13) - Where to Begin Musically
(33:09) - “Middle” Elementary, 2nd and 3rd Grades
(36:14) - Changing Sequence Directions
(39:40) - Macro Concepts as the Actual Goal
(41:33) - Doing things Differently From the Previous Teacher
(46:46) - Advice from Dr. Hoke on Starting a New Campus