Welcome to May with Music Workshop. Our social media theme this month – Why I Teach Music – has sparked something real. Through a series of posts exploring the science and soul behind music education, we’ll be asking the question that so many music teachers carry with them every day: why does this work matter? The answers, as it turns out, are as profound as the music itself.
Music reduces stress and shifts our moods. It creates emotional contagion, collective effervescence, and even a sense of dissolving into something bigger than ourselves. Sharing music is an act of generosity that lights up the brain’s reward system as much for the giver as the receiver. These aren’t just poetic ideas – they’re science. And they’re exactly what music teachers put into practice every single day.
Last month, our theme was Teacher Takeover. It was an ongoing celebration of the educators who make Music Workshop come alive in classrooms across the country. We heard from teachers about authentic representation, inclusive design, and the moments that remind them why they chose this path. And we saved one of our favorites for last: Coty Raven Morris, two-time Grammy Music Educator of the Year nominee, host of our Professional Development courses, and the heart behind Coty’s Classroom, shared her story in a video you won’t want to miss.
There’s even more to explore in May. We celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and recommend resources from our Culture series, a mini lesson on Asian pop, and an ICAN Listen featuring Mongolian folk-rock band The HU. We launched Ida’s Adventures, a brand new audio series following Ida Artis and her musician father Ron Artis II as they travel the world discovering music and culture. And our Professional Development courses – focused on classroom management and teacher well-being – are completely free through the end of June, thanks to a generous sponsorship.
Get a glimpse of what is going on at Music Workshop in this rich, inspiring month. It’s all waiting for you in the May newsletter.