Teaching Music in a New Age: Our Time Is Now!

by Milton Allen

A post-pandemic teaching environment, a new generation of students, stress, depression, anxiety and fear, and a world of pressures and still we’re supposed to teach and make beautiful music. But in all the discussion, programs, and plans, what happened to those who stand in front of the students: US? And does music even matter? It does. Most importantly, so do YOU. Through a combination of stories, parables, and research, Dr. Milt Allen weaves a Zen-like tapestry that covers a broad range of subjects, yet all coming back to those who stand in front. Whether you need to rethink, renew, recover, or rediscover, there’s sure to be something for you in this incredible journey into what really matters.

206 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Garrett Lefkowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I certainly recognize I'm approaching this book with a bit of bias (Milt was one of my college band directors), I can't help but praise what he's put together here. Speaking from an administrator's perspective who works in higher education / works adjacent to many new and experience music educators, the thoughts Milt's compiled here truthfully (for better and worse) summarize so much of what we're seeing. Societal pressures, out-dated classroom expectations, and the ramifications of COVID-era teaching have done an absolute number not just on students, but teachers as well. We're questioning our path, wondering if moving forward as music educators is all the worth it as we deal with all the factors we never dreamed of.

All that said, there's room for hope. There's ways to move forward that get to the heart of why we do this: we love and value music, we know why it's important to learn, and there's a way to still do this while holding on to our values and health, mental and physical. That's what Milt is encouraging us to do. We've got to take care of ourselves first. It's O.K. to be selfish. And by doing that, we'll come out feeling as inspired and focused as ever, all the while being given the direction and guidance on how to connect with the people and resources to give us the help so many of us need.

Highly recommend this to any music educator, or anyone closely related to the music education field. Times are tough, but there's hope on how to get through it. You got everything you need? Milt will help you figure out what it is.

[M.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something for every music educator within these pages. . . . practical, funny, useful, inspirational, and full of great chunks of wisdom that you can draw from to bring to your students, teaching, school. A great read!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the book I needed at this point in my career!