Investing in Music Educators: ETM-LA’s 2026 Summer Academy

Los Angeles, CA – In August 2026, more than 100 local music educators came together for Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ annual week-long Summer Academy, kicking off the new school year with professional development, collaboration, and community. Led by ETM-LA program staff in partnership with Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) teaching artists, the Academy offered educators opportunities to strengthen their teaching practices, explore new approaches, and reconnect with colleagues before returning to their classrooms.

With sessions spanning classroom culture, lesson planning and assessment, early childhood music education, ensemble recruitment and family engagement, culturally responsive teaching, conducting, and instrumental technique, educators explored practical strategies for a wide range of teaching settings. Workshops included Creating an Environment of Trust and Safe Expression in the Classroom, Writing Effective AIMs, Objectives, and Assessing Student Learning, Designing Lessons for Effective Classroom Management, and Integrating Folk Songs into the Music Classroom, along with specialized sessions in string, choral, and woodwind instruction.

For ETM-LA Music Teacher Mentor Alex, professional growth is an ongoing part of being an effective educator. “Even though I’ve been teaching for 15 years now, it doesn’t mean I know everything… It’s important to keep learning and keep honing your craft so that you don’t stagnate and get stuck in a rut. By doing new and challenging things, it makes you grow as a person and as a teacher. And the kids will see that too.”

That spirit of continued learning was echoed by ETM-LA Music Teacher Westley: “We get a chance to figure out how to continue to evolve ourselves and our classroom with other teachers, with the communities that surround our students.” ETM-LA Music Teacher Mentor Dominick emphasized the importance of supporting educators who are just beginning their careers: “My main goal is to have [new teachers and interns] leave with a sense of comfort and confidence in the classroom.”

For ETM-LA Music Teacher Crystal, the Academy provides the perfect balance of learning and connection: “The sessions mimic the vibe that we want to create in the classroom, where it’s fun but it’s educational at the same time and we get to collaborate and challenge ourselves. It’s a really great kickoff to getting back into the groove.”

By investing in educators and fostering a community where teachers can learn from and support one another, ETM-LA continues to strengthen the foundation for high-quality music education for every student.

ETM-LA believes that the voices of our students and communities deserve to be amplified and empowered. Therefore, Cultural Equity and Inclusion (CEI), Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) remain essential and constant in our ongoing practices and training. Learn more about our training opportunities by signing up for our newsletter.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and promote music in under-resourced schools as part of the core curriculum for every child in order to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development.
For more information: www.etmla.org