Your First Year as an Elementary Music Teacher: A Practical Guide for New Educators

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Andrew S. Paney (Professor of Music, Professor of Music, University of Mississippi)

Your First Year as an Elementary Music Teacher

A Practical Guide for New Educators

Andrew S. Paney (Professor of Music, Professor of Music, University of Mississippi)

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English

Oxford University Press Inc
04 November 2025

Theory of music & musicology; Techniques of music & music tutorials; Primary & middle schools

Each year, college graduates start jobs teaching elementary music, but not all of them are provided with the direction that they need at the beginning of their career. Very few school districts have clearly stated expectations for what elementary students should know and be able to do in music, so teachers are on their own developing and presenting daily lessons. Your First Year as an Elementary Music Teacher offers a much-needed resource specifically written for K-5 music teachers and walks you through the challenges and triumphs of your first year in the classroom, building a strong foundation for a fulfilling career.

From pre-planning essentials to engaging, ready-to-use lesson plans, this book provides practical tools and expert advice to help you succeed. Part I of the book addresses immediate concerns prior to the start of the school year and in the first few weeks: meeting school staff, organizing your music classroom and teaching materials, and preparing lessons. Part II continues with steps for building routines and completing the rest of the year with joy, including planning concerts and programs, assessing student's knowledge and skills, growing as a teacher, and coping with a discouraging day. Part III offers proven musical activities that teachers can try with their students throughout the school year, and Part IV ends with a complete set of ready-to-use lessons for weeks one through three for each elementary music age group (early childhood, intermediate grades, and upper elementary).

Designed to be read quickly, and including simple and classroom-tested lessons and activities for ease of use, this book will build confidence in new teachers by offering concrete steps for success in that crucial first year. Whether you're a recent graduate or a career changer, Your First Year as an Elementary Music Teacher is an indispensable companion for a successful and fulfilling teaching career.

By: Andrew S. Paney (Professor of Music Professor of Music University of Mississippi)
Imprint: Oxford University Press Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 257mm, Width: 185mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 295g
ISBN: 9780197631447
ISBN 10: 0197631444
Pages: 180
Publication Date: 04 November 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Acknowledgements Part I: Before Classes Begin and the First Three Weeks Chapter 1: Start Well Chapter 2: Meet Your Team Chapter 3: Organize Your Room Chapter 4: Create a Welcoming and Well-Managed Space Chapter 5: Prepare Your Lessons Part II: After Week Three: Building Excitement, Building Routines Chapter 6: Design Lessons that Lead to Learning Chapter 7: Choose Songs That Work Chapter 8: Plan Concerts and Programs Chapter 9: Assess what matters Chapter 10: Survive a Hard Day Chapter 11: Become a Better Teacher Part III: Musical Activities Chapter 12: Activities for Beginning and Ending Class Chapter 13: Games to Get Older Students Doing Music in the First Weeks Chapter 14: Games to Practice Musical Elements Part IV: Complete Lessons for Weeks 1-3 Chapter 15: Early Elementary Lessons (Grades Pre-K, K, and 1) Chapter 16: Intermediate Elementary Lessons (Grades 2 and 3) Chapter 17: Older Elementary Lessons (Grades 4 through 6) Appendix A: Visual Aids and Other Resources Appendix B: The Songs and Rhymes Appendix C: Outlined Lesson Plans Index

Andrew S. Paney prepares teachers-in-training as Professor of Music of the University of Mississippi. He previously taught in elementary and middle schools in Illinois and Texas, and currently directs the Oxford Children's Chorus. Paney publishes research focusing on aural skills instruction, technology in learning, and teaching elementary music, and his work can be found in journals such as Journal of Research in Music Education, Psychology of Music, and International Journal of Music Education. He is Past-President of the Southern Division of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE).

Reviews for Your First Year as an Elementary Music Teacher: A Practical Guide for New Educators

I have read this book three times, and have learned new ideas with each read. Dr. Paney places his focus on the necessary team-based relationships we create in our schools. This philosophy permeates the book and brings me joy as it aligns with everything I value. The checklists in each chapter are helpful summaries that remind the reader of the most salient points with action steps. The ideas are practical, authentic, and relate to almost any elementary music teaching situation. Dr. Paney spent years as a practicing music educator and knows the realities of the field, especially the all-important first year. Creative lesson plans, learning experiences, and sequencing are included. * Dr. Alice M. Hammel, Disabilities Specialist * Your First Year as an Elementary Music Teacher: A Practical Guide for New Educators is a very helpful resource for any new elementary music teacher. Dr. Paney has organized the book in a very clear way, focusing on organizational elements such as setting up a room effectively while also addressing ideas like repertoire selection and working as a colleague in a professional education setting. These are all critical components to success during the first year. In addition, the chapters related to assessment, putting programs together, and surviving a hard day would be uniquely beneficial to a young educator as they navigate their first teaching setting. * M. Gault, Professor of Music Education, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music; Program Director, Indiana University Children's Choir; Director, IU Summer Kodaly Institute *