10 Min Tips to Teach Music

EP 30: Paperless Processes

All teachers struggle with the dreaded “paper processes”. We have so many processes in our day to day life that trying to streamline can be quite scary. What if you miss something in the change over? That could prove to be catastrophic. So where does one start to become “paperless”. Well first of all, I truly don’t think you will ever be paperless but you can definitely reduce your reliance on some things to make life a little more streamlined. I am, and will always be, that teacher who has lists, but I don’t have to have heaps of post it notes around the place. So where did I start?  Find out more in this episode. 

For the podcast support information, go to http://www.klerrisacustommusic.com.au

EP 29: How to plan for an ensemble

Let’s face it, extra curricular ensembles are part and parcel of the Music Department in most schools. More often than not, teachers take on these ensembles out of the goodness of their hearts, with very little support. Some of us are fortunate and may receive a couple of periods a week to help with planning and preparation but most of us don’t get that much help. This week I would like to talk about the challenges of creating an ensemble, be it vocal or instrumental, and some of the strategies to ensure you are providing a development plan which also incorporates growth. 

For the Podcast support, go to: http://www.klerrisacustommusic.com.au

EP 28: How to Build Numbers in a Comprehensive High School Music Classroom

The high school music classroom can be quite challenging. Each type of school structure comes with their challenges. There are some structures where music is only taught for 3 or 6 months in the year. There are other structures where music is taught all year but only once a week. Both have their success and their challenges. This week I would like to talk about the challenges of the mandatory structure and how to engage the stage 4 (years 7 and 8) to continue through to stage 5 (elective years 9 and 10) and then onto stage 6 (years 11 and 12). 

For podcast notes, go to: www.klerrisacustommusic.com.au

EP 27: Starters for Music Classes

This video explains a couple of different ways that you could start your music classes. It covers the countdown screen, time trials, The PB and what do you remember. To find the support materials, go to: www.klerrisacustommusic.com.au

Ep 26: How to organise musical material

In today's podcast, I talk about how to organise Once you have your ideas, whether that be a set of core material, some chords, a structural plan, you still need to organise the ideas. In today's podcast I talk about different strategies and ideas on how to organise the material you have created. If you would like to obtain your copy of the concepts talked about in this podcast, head on over to the Access Area. 

EP 25: How to develop a musical idea

In today’s podcast, I am going to expand on last weeks podcast where I offered some ideas on how to get started with the Core Composition. This week I will look further at the different focus areas and offer some tips for getting started.  To get your copy of the list of starters, head on over to the Access Area. 

EP 24: How to start the core composition

In today's podcast I start a 3 part series about the Core Composition - a component of the NSW HSC Music 2 Course. Whilst there is a specific focus for this podcast, it will help anyone wanting to offer students a way to start composing.   The Core Composition for Music 2 is not difficult...not really. What makes it appear difficult is that students are not really sure how to start.   The thing is, they don't realise, but they have already started when they start looking at scores written by Australian Composers in the last 25 years. If you frame it right, it becomes a much easier and much more enjoyable task.

To read my tips and tricks, head on over to the Access Area.

EP 23: Composing Music of the last 25 years.

In today's podcast, I take a look at the Core Composition Project for Music 2 students in the NSW HSC Course. I discuss different musical concepts you might like to consider before starting this project and I offer some free samples from my Music 1 Composition Portfolio. This is more suited for student and teachers. 

To access the samples, go to: For more tips, check out www.klerrisacustommusic.com.au