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3 Challenges Music Teachers Face & How to Solve Them

Oct 9, 2024 | Behavior Management, Motivation for Music Teachers, Student Engagement, Tips and Tricks for Music Teachers

Overcoming Challenges as an Elementary Music Teacher

Man in front of blue computer looking overwhelmed.

Elementary music teachers face unique challenges that can sometimes leave us feeling unsupported and overwhelmed. In this post, we’ll discuss three common issues educators encounter and provide actionable strategies to tackle them effectively. Remember, you are not alone in your journey, and I believe, with the right mindset and tools, you can create a thriving music classroom that brings to joy both you and your students.

1. Gaining Respect and Validating Your Subject

One challenge music teachers face is feeling disrespected by administration, students, and colleagues. So often we’re seen as just entertainment instead of a serious educational experience. But I find that one of the best ways to combat this perception is to actively invite your colleagues and administrators into your classroom.

You can organize events like sharing concerts or invite parents to participate in your lessons. By showcasing the educational depth of your program, you can demonstrate how music education contributes to not only students’ cognitive development but also their ability to think critically. It’s also important to discuss with your students how music engages both sides of their brains, enhancing their ability to think critically and creatively. Sharing resources, such as videos that highlight the brain’s growth through music, can further emphasize the importance of your subject.

Following are some examples of these types of videos:

pink brain with turquoise glasses lifting weights over bright blue background

How Music Makes Kids Smarter

Learning Music Makes Kids Smarter

Could Playing Music DRASTICALLy Change Your Brain

5 Benefits of Music

How Music Affects the Brain

2. Managing Time Effectively in a Chaotic Schedule

Time is a significant challenge for music educators. I mean most times you don’t even have time to use the bathroom let alone plan effective and engaging lessons. We face packed schedules and large class sizes that leave little room for prep. While you may not be able to change your school’s schedule, you can create systems to maximize the time you do have.

At The Happy Music Teacher Academy, we focus on challenges music teachers face through collaborative curriculum planning and efficient classroom management strategies. By developing a structured curriculum, you can streamline your lessons and ensure you cover essential topics without feeling overwhelmed. Implementing systems, such as training students on classroom routines—like instrument handling and setting up chairs—can save valuable time and enhance classroom flow.

3. Building Confidence in Classroom Management

Feeling overwhelmed by student behavior is another common issue among music teachers. It’s easy to equate challenging behavior with poor classroom management and even easier to feel like a bad teacher. However, I find that most times it’s student engagement and not classroom management that’s the real problem. If students are not actively involved, they will absolutely become disruptive.

To address this, you’ll want to invest time in learning effective transitions and engaging teaching methods. Incorporating props, manipulatives, and creative lesson plans can reignite your students’ excitement about music. The training available in The Happy Music Teacher Academy can help you build the confidence needed to manage your classroom effectively. By developing your skills, you can foster an environment where students feel inspired and motivated to learn.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

As an elementary music teacher, you may face challenges that can sometimes feel isolating. However, it’s essential to recognize that you’re not alone. We music teachers all share feelings of being alone and unsupported.

In The Happy Music Teacher Academy, we provide a wealth of training and community support to help you build confidence, improve classroom management, and ultimately foster a love for music among your students. If you’re ready to transform your music classroom into a place where students are excited to learn and create, join us today!

You can find out more about the academy by following this link.

Would you rather learn by listening? Check out the podcast that goes with this blog post.