ETM Academy 2024: Preparing Music Teachers for a Successful Year

As the new academic year begins, Education Through Music is proud to reflect on the success of our recent ETM Academy, a comprehensive training program designed to equip our music teachers with the skills and resources they need to thrive. This year’s academy was a dynamic blend of practical instruction and community building, all aimed at setting the stage for a productive and joyful school year.

Over the course of several days, ETM Academy offered a well-rounded mix of instructional sessions, hands-on practicums, and community-building activities. From classroom management strategies to integrating technology in the music room, the Academy covered all the essential bases. Recognizing the unique challenges of teaching different age groups, ETM Academy provided tailored sessions for both elementary and secondary school teachers that offered targeted strategies to keep students engaged and learning effectively, whether they are five or fifteen years old.

Community-building was a central theme throughout the academy. Sessions focused on helping teachers develop strong, caring relationships with their students, as well as creating a supportive network among colleagues. The opening and closing meetings bookended each day, providing moments for reflection and mission-setting that reinforced the importance of community in education.

Teachers also had the opportunity to deepen their musical expertise through specialized instrument sessions. “Getting Started on the Ukulele” and “Bucket Drumming in the Classroom” were particularly popular, offering teachers new tools and techniques to bring into their classrooms. These sessions were led by both current and alumni ETM teachers, ensuring that the content was both relevant and practical.

Overall this year’s academy was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers left feeling energized and well-prepared for the new school year ahead. 

As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting our teachers through ongoing professional development, with our next meeting scheduled for September 27th. The ETM Academy is just the beginning of a year filled with growth, learning, and musical joy.

We’ve included some photos from our sessions, capturing the energy and enthusiasm that filled each day of the academy. From hands-on drumming workshops to engaging discussions on diversity, these images offer a glimpse into the vibrant learning environment we strive to create.