FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katie Moskovciak
Phone: (818) 433-7600
Email: press@etmla.org
Website: www.etmla.org
Los Angeles, CA – In August, ETM-LA music teachers and local educators came together for Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ week-long, intensive Summer Academy. Participants had the opportunity to prepare for the new school year with culturally relevant and diverse strategies for teaching music in under-resourced communities. Music teachers not only learned best practices in classroom management and student engagement, but they also practiced their ideas with each other throughout the week.
Guest presenter Max Deger (Conductor, Composer, and Educator; University of Nevada) led two workshops focused on Trauma Responsive Instruction in Music. The attendees reflected on how their own trauma may affect their instruction, how to be responsive to students who have experienced trauma, and how to ensure the music classroom is a welcoming, safe space for all students.
The Academy also featured workshops on Students with Exceptionalities, Using Centers in General Music, How Assessment Drives Instruction, Orff Schulwerk-it!, and more topics – providing essential tools and strategies to help teachers engage, research, and explore more deeply in their music classrooms.
ETM-LA firmly believes we must listen to the voices of our students and communities to foster growth. Responding with genuine empathy, unwavering support, and a spirit of collaboration ensures that their needs are not only heard but also effectively addressed. Therefore, Cultural Equity and Inclusion (CEI), Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) remain paramount in our ongoing practices and training.
One music teacher shared: “The trauma discussion was big and important. I also really enjoyed sitting by new people and gaining even more ideas.” Other feedback from participants included: “Students With Exceptionalities was very eye-opening in regards to all the accommodations and modifications you could make,” and “I was able to learn and will implement numerous General Music activities that were demonstrated by my fellow teachers this year.”
ETM-LA looks forward to the 2023-24 school year and sharing the power of music with thousands of students in LA County!
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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