To begin the 2023-2024 school year, new and returning teachers gathered at ETM Academy, our premier two-week professional development series to deliver excellence and inclusivity in the music classroom!

This year, we focused on the theme of “Building the Dynamic Classroom.” From workshops on classroom management and curriculum development to social-emotional learning, music technology and more, it was an inspiring, action-packed week of professional development and team-building with new and returning ETM teachers!

To kick off the first week of training, Playground Opera shared with us their incredible program and resources for integrating opera in the music classroom. We had a great time moving our bodies and learning about the Dalcroze method with music educator, Anthony Molinaro. Educator and musician Elena Moon Park also joined to share her perspective and work about authentic songs from east and southeast Asia.

During the second week of the Academy, guest facilitator and music therapy director, Toby Williams, from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music led a session about using music to help students self-regulate and manage anxiety. Berklee College of Music professor David Alexis joined as well to lead an engaging workshop about popular music pedagogy and how to bring culture and diversity into the classroom. Academy concluded on a high note with a day of celebration at The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx!

We’re so excited by the enthusiasm and talent of this year’s cohort of teachers, and look forward to supporting their success as educators as they deliver ETM’s model of high-quality music education at schools across New York City!