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Music is all about expressing the human experience through sound. We often discuss what a composer's personal experience might have been to lead to a particular composition. Then we practice writing short excerpts about something from the students' lives (usually they pick pets).

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For example, I once had a class of bass students ask if they could wear fedoras at our concert. Although it was not technically in the dress code, I asked the principal for permission and ended up letting them wear the hats. It was fun to see them express their personalities, plus their unity as a bass section!

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If a student appears to be having a bad day, I often will leave them somewhat alone during class, but make sure to reach out after class (so as not to call the student out or embarrass them) to find out what is going on.

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For every spring concert, I allow students to vote on a pop song to perform. Then I arrange their choice for performance at the concert.

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My students will often invite me to plays, concerts, or sporting events. I make an effort to go to at least 2-3 a year, and if I go I always make sure to speak to my students before leaving.

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I have a number of sticker charts or small tangible rewards to display and celebrate student successes within the classroom.

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After a concert or before a break, usually. Students are invited to bring in a picture, an object, or a song they would like to share with the group. I also bring something in to share.

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When we are learning new sections of music or new musical concepts, I often tie in the sounds to some personal story. Then I ask if students have their own personal story that they associate with the new sound or skill.

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Checking in as students are dropping off or picking up instruments, asking about their weekend or their evening, or other informal conversations.

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The very first homework assignment of the year is to decorate their name tag (which hangs on their music stand while I am learning names, and marks their seat at the first concert) in any way that tells me something about themselves. At the second class, each student gets to share what they did and why they chose their decorations.

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On the first day of class, all students share their name plus what they hope to learn in orchestra for the year (or why they signed up).

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On a student's birthday, they can choose any song at all, and I will play it for them on my instrument and teach the class how to play it.

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A weekly themed question inviting each student to share. Structured time for individualized attention from the teacher. (Example: if you could have a superpower, what would you pick and why?)