Rebooting Your Music Classroom in January | Abigail Barrett

The first day back in January offers a powerful opportunity to refresh, reset, and reconnect with your students. This session will explore creative and intentional ways to start the new semester strong — from re-establishing routines and expectations to re-energizing your classroom community through music-making. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use lesson ideas, engaging warm-ups, and strategies to set a positive tone that carries through the rest of the year.

Teaching Jazz in Your Instrumental Ensemble | Dom Mustacato & Lucy Cahuantzi

Bring the energy, creativity, and history of jazz into your elementary and middle school instrumental ensembles! This hands-on session equips band and string orchestra directors with practical strategies for introducing jazz concepts to developing musicians. Participants will explore accessible approaches to swing style, rhythm section function, improvisation, call-and-response, and integrating jazz phrasing into existing curricular structures.
Designed specifically for grades 4–8, this workshop emphasizes developmentally appropriate methods, including easy warm-ups, flexible ensemble arrangements, and rehearsal techniques that build confidence and musicality. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use lesson ideas, sample materials, and rehearsal strategies that help all students—winds, brass, percussion, and strings—experience the joy and creativity of jazz. Whether you’re new to jazz or looking to expand what you already do, this session will help you create engaging, inclusive, and musically enriching jazz experiences for young musicians.

Mid-Year Reset: Building Momentum After Winter Break | Lucy Cahuantzi
Give your band or orchestra a fresh start with practical strategies to rebuild consistency, confidence, and excitement after time away. This session focuses on re-establishing routines and expectations, resetting tone, tuning, and ensemble blend, and jump-starting engagement through fun re-entry activities and warm-ups. Perfect for helping students re-center, reconnect, and regain momentum for the second half of the year.

An Orff Schulwerk Hands-On Lab Experience | Alex Collie-Hartmann

Dive into the joyful, creative world of Orff Schulwerk in this hands-on lab designed to transform the way you teach music. Participants will actively explore the Orff approach—integrating speech, singing, movement, body percussion, barred instruments, and improvisation—while experiencing playful music-making activities that model elemental style and process teaching.
Educators will then apply what they’ve learned by designing and practicing short Orff-based lesson segments, emphasizing student-centered creativity and flexible classroom strategies. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use activities, scaffolding strategies for improvisation and composition, and increased confidence in leading engaging, inclusive, and joyful music-making experiences.
Perfect for music educators of all levels, including those new to Orff, this session sparks creativity and equips teachers with practical tools to bring the Orff process to life in any classroom.

A Lab-Based Approach to Teaching Music Technology | Tony Sauza
(Please bring a laptop/Chromebook & headphones)

Dive into the world of digital music creation in this hands-on, lab-based session designed for beginners. Participants will explore the essentials of using BandLab in the classroom, learning by doing as they create projects, experiment with tools, and practice practical, classroom-ready workflows. By the end of the session, educators will leave with the confidence and skills to integrate digital music creation into their teaching and engage students in interactive, creative learning experiences.Session 1: Getting Started with BandLab
In the first 50-minute session, participants will explore the BandLab interface, learn how to set up projects, and experiment with recording, loops, MIDI instruments, and basic editing tools. This guided lab time ensures every educator gains confidence with foundational music technology skills.
Session 2: Classroom Application & Creative Projects
The second session focuses on applying BandLab in real teaching situations. Participants will build and refine their own demo projects, explore strategies for managing student work, and practice ways to introduce creativity, collaboration, and digital musicianship to learners. Classroom integration tips—such as scaffolded assignments, workflow management, and assessment ideas—will be incorporated throughout the lab experience.

By the end of the two-session workshop, attendees will leave with:

• A solid understanding of BandLab’s core features
• Hands-on experience creating and editing digital music
• Practical strategies for implementing music technology across grade levels
• Ready-to-use project ideas and classroom workflows
• Increased confidence in guiding students through digital music creation

Perfect for music educators new to BandLab or music technology, this extended lab experience provides the tools, skills, and inspiration needed to bring digital creativity into your classroom.

Supporting Upper Elementary Learners Through the Yardsticks Framework | Lesley Baird

Building on the foundations from Meeting Every Milestone, this session takes a deep look at how to support upper elementary students with special needs using the Yardsticks child development framework. Participants will explore the unique developmental characteristics of ages 9–12 and learn practical strategies for adapting instruction, routines, expectations, and the learning environment to meet a wide range of needs.
This session will highlight approaches for fostering independence, motivation, social-emotional growth, and classroom success during the pivotal upper elementary years. Educators will leave with concrete tools to help every student feel capable, understood, and supported as they move toward adolescence.

Tools for a Well-Run Program | Lucy Cahuantzi

Designed for directors of band, orchestra, choir, modern band, and other ensembles, this session provides practical strategies and resources to run a successful music program. Participants will explore essentials such as rehearsal planning, classroom and ensemble management, communication, assessment, and organization—equipping all ensemble directors with the tools to foster efficiency, consistency, and student success.

Celebrating Voices Through Literacy and Music | Dom Mustacato

This session explores strategies for integrating literacy into the music classroom while highlighting stories, songs, and historical contributions connected to Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month. Participants will discover ways to engage students through reading, singing, and movement, using music to reinforce literacy skills and celebrate cultural heritage.

Building Comprehensive Lesson Plans | Alex Collie-Hartmann

This session guides educators through expanding and refining lesson plans by starting with a clear AIM and developing a detailed, standards-aligned activity. Participants will learn to integrate CRT/SEL strategies, align lessons with benchmarks and VAPA standards, and incorporate reflective practices to enhance student learning. By the end, attendees will leave with a complete, thoughtfully structured lesson plan ready for implementation.

Cross-Curricular Strategies for Supporting Learning Through Music | Lucy Cahuantzi

This parent-focused workshop introduces practical, cross-curricular learning strategies that connect music to other subjects. Participants will explore techniques and resources to help children strengthen skills in Math, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Story Soundtrack activities at home. Parents will leave with actionable tools to support their child’s academic growth, creativity, and engagement through fun, music-based approaches that make learning both effective and enjoyable.

This session is closed

Setting Up for Student Success | Tony Sauza

Learn the essentials of teaching ukulele in this hands-on lab session designed to set both you and your students up for success. Participants will explore foundational techniques, classroom management strategies, and beginner-friendly repertoire, then apply what they learn through interactive, lab-based activities. Leave with practical tools, teaching strategies, and confidence to engage students in joyful, successful ukulele learning.

Visual Design Made Simple for Educators | Arvi Lapuz

Learn how to create clean, engaging, and professional-looking flyers, slides, and classroom visuals using Canva’s easy-to-use design tools. This beginner-friendly session walks educators through the basics of layout, templates, graphics, and branding so you can confidently design materials that inform, inspire, and stand out—no prior design experience required.

Using Children’s Literature to Celebrate MLK and Black History Month | Lesley Baird

This professional development session explores how to use two featured storybooks—one highlighting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and one celebrating Black History Month—to enrich classroom learning. Participants will examine strategies for meaningful read-alouds, culturally responsive discussions, and engaging extension activities that connect literature to students’ understanding of history and social themes. The lab component provides hands-on time to practice lesson structures, create accompanying activities, and develop implementation plans that bring these powerful stories to life in the classroom.

This session is closed

Setting Up for Student Success with lab component | Abigail Barrett

This hands-on professional development session introduces educators to effective, student-friendly strategies for teaching recorder, including an overview of the popular Recorder Karate curriculum. Participants will explore best practices for establishing strong playing fundamentals, sequencing skills for diverse learners, and managing successful recorder classes. The lab component provides an opportunity to actively practice techniques, model instruction, and try out classroom-ready activities that build confidence and musicality. Educators will leave with practical tools, resources, and routines to set their students up for success from the very first note.

The Hands-On Experience | Arvi Lapuz & Marissa Gawel
(Bring Laptop/Chromebook)

Get hands-on with the essential tools of Google Workspace and Chromebooks in this beginner-friendly session. Learn how to navigate Google Drive, Docs, Slides, and Classroom, while also exploring tips for effective Chromebook use in the classroom. Perfect for those looking to build confidence with tech integration and streamline digital teaching.

Composing Connections Between Music and Science | Arvi Lapuz

Discover how music and science can harmonize to deepen student understanding through hands-on, project-based learning. In this session, participants will explore engaging classroom projects that connect musical concepts like vibration, pitch, and timbre with scientific inquiry and experimentation. Teachers will learn how to guide students as young scientists and musicians—investigating sound waves, building simple instruments, and composing with purpose—all while meeting both music and science learning standards.

Pathways to Teaching with Education Through Music–Los Angeles | Abigail Barrett

Curious about how to begin or advance your teaching journey with Education Through Music–Los Angeles (ETM-LA)? This information session is designed for Prospective Music Teacher Interns — including current and ETM-LA Music Teacher Interns and YOLA Teaching Artists — who are interested in learning more about ETM-LA’s Music Teacher Internship (MTI) Program and its professional growth pathways.
Participants will explore:

• The mission and impact of ETM-LA’s music education model
• The structure, mentorship, and training supports offered through the Music Teacher Internship Program
• How interns transition into fully contracted Music Teachers (MTs) with ETM-LA
• Opportunities for YOLA Teaching Artists to engage, collaborate, and apply
• Key qualifications, expectations, and benefits of joining the ETM-LA teaching community

This session will include Q&A, real teacher experiences, and a behind-the-scenes look at how ETM-LA nurtures the next generation of passionate, high-impact music educators.

Teaching Jazz in your Choir Ensemble | Dom Mustacato & Lesley Baird

This professional development session provides practical, age-appropriate strategies for introducing jazz to young singers. Participants will explore the foundational elements of jazz style—such as steady swing rhythm, expressive articulation, and simple improvisation—tailored specifically for elementary and middle school choirs. Through engaging activities and rehearsal techniques, attendees will learn how to build confidence, musicality, and creativity in developing singers. Educators will leave with ready-to-use warm-ups, repertoire ideas, and tools to help their choirs experience the fun and freedom of jazz.

Growing Together as Music Educators | Lucy Cahuantzi

This informal session provides music educators with dedicated time to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships. Participants can engage in conversation, exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from colleagues in a relaxed, supportive environment. This is an opportunity to strengthen your professional network, gain new perspectives, and foster a sense of community among music educators.

Hip Hop Cypher: Improvisation and Freestyle | Tony Sauza

Empower students to build creativity, collaboration, and identity through hip hop–based music-making.

Networking & Connection: Growing Together as Music Educators | Tony Sauza

This informal session provides music educators with dedicated time to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships. Participants can engage in conversation, exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from colleagues in a relaxed, supportive environment. This is an opportunity to strengthen your professional network, gain new perspectives, and foster a sense of community among music educators.

Culturally Responsive and SEL-Based Strategies for TK–8 Music Classrooms and Ensembles | Tiffiny Reckley & Abigail Barrett

This professional development session empowers music educators with practical approaches to integrate culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning (SEL) into TK–8 music classrooms and ensembles. Participants will explore strategies for building inclusive, identity-affirming musical experiences that honor students’ cultures and foster belonging. The session also highlights SEL-centered practices—such as emotional expression through music, cooperative music-making, and reflective routines—that support students’ well-being and musical growth. Educators will leave with adaptable activities, repertoire considerations, and teaching tools that help every learner feel seen, supported, and connected through music.

Effective Pedagogy for TK Students | Lesley Baird

This professional development session equips educators with developmentally appropriate strategies for teaching Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students. Participants will explore best practices for nurturing early academic, social-emotional, and motor skills through play-based, hands-on learning. The session emphasizes creating structured yet flexible routines, fostering curiosity, and building foundational skills that support future success. Attendees will leave with practical tools, classroom activities, and pedagogical approaches tailored to the unique needs of TK learners.

Visual Design Made Simple for Educators | Arvi Lapuz

Learn how to create clean, engaging, and professional-looking flyers, slides, and classroom visuals using Canva’s easy-to-use design tools. This beginner-friendly session walks educators through the basics of layout, templates, graphics, and branding so you can confidently design materials that inform, inspire, and stand out—no prior design experience required.