LET'S START AT THE VERY BEGINNING INTRODUCTION BY MATT

TALBERT

As music educators across the country head back to school, I wanted to devote a section of this issue to beginning instruction. To that end, I enlisted the help of master teachers, currently teaching public school, to share how each of them starts a specific instrument. Although there is not one correct way to instruct beginners, the pages in the next few articles will provide strategies that continue to produce incredible results year after year. If you are new teacher, absorb as much of this information as possible, understanding you may have to alter the strategies to fit your ensemble. If you are a veteran teacher, I encourage you to reflect on your practices and see what, if any, changes you can implement.

I was fortunate to have sound pedagogical instruction as I was enrolled in my undergraduate teachertraining program. When I was hired for my first job, I was privileged to have mentors that were willing to share their knowledge with me and help me as I navigated my first few years in the profession. I am forever grateful to those mentors for sharing their wisdom, years of experience, and passion for teaching with me. They were honest with me and patient with me. I am also fully aware that not every teacher had this same experience.

The following articles are designed to help you start your students with a solid foundation, one that will ultimately maximize student success.

None of the authors collaborated, yet you will find some of the same themes emerging. It is not an accident – master teachers have an arsenal of teaching techniques to reach all students in their classrooms. Beginning flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone will be discussed, and this section will conclude with general thoughts that tie everything together.

Remember, teaching beginners is noble. No advanced band program would exist without quality instruction at the beginning band level. Take your time, always remain student-centered, and strive to provide a high-quality music education experience to every student.