--- title: Summer Reading List description: Discover inspiring summer reads for music educators that promote growth, inclusivity, and joy in teaching. Share your own recommendations too. image: https://blog.musicplay.ca/hubfs/Sunshine.png --- [![musicplay-logo](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/musicplay-logo-2.png?width=2701&height=877&name=musicplay-logo-2.png "musicplay-logo")](http://musicplay.ca) Open main menu Close main menu # Summer Reading List ![Stacy Werner](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/529321003_10171907439470332_5222755718152529359_n.jpg?width=45&name=529321003_10171907439470332_5222755718152529359_n.jpg) [Stacy Werner](https://blog.musicplay.ca/author/stacy-werner) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.musicplay.ca/summer-reading-list) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.musicplay.ca/summer-reading-list) ![](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hubfs/Sunshine.png) [Note: This newsletter is best viewed in your browser for full access to all content.](https://blog.musicplay.ca/summer-reading-list) ## Summer Reading List ![Sunshine](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Sunshine.png?width=509&height=345&name=Sunshine.png) As educators, we're constantly pouring our energy into our students. Summer is a chance to refill that cup. For me, one way I do that is through reading. I love discovering books that inspire fresh thinking, offer practical ideas, or simply remind me why I love teaching music. While I won't be spending my entire summer thinking about school, I always enjoy bringing back a few new insights for the year ahead. Here are the books on my reading list this summer: --- ## The Stalagmite Effect ##### Debbie O'Shea  ![Screenshot 2026-06-22 at 9.54.40 AM](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.54.40%20AM.png?width=296&height=447&name=Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.54.40%20AM.png) **The Stalagmite Effect** is a refreshing reminder that meaningful growth doesn't happen all at once—it happens through small, consistent actions over time. Through personal stories and practical strategies, author **Debbie O'Shea** explores how tiny steps can lead to lasting change in our teaching, leadership, and personal lives. For music teachers, it's a reminder that the skills we build in our students, and in ourselves, are developed one lesson, one rehearsal, and one small success at a time. It's an encouraging read for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by big goals or wondered if their efforts are making a difference. [Purchase Directly: Balboa Press](https://www.balboapress.com/bookstore/bookdetails/865572-the-stalagmite-effect) [Amazon Link Canada](https://www.amazon.ca/Stalagmite-Effect-Consistent-Actions-Extraordinary/dp/B0FF2BTT6H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=O1C1IUCZ9X13&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nRZJRgbEwR0y6VWTDvuhgct0HFCSUi-3yAkOKUqK9to.9aIMdbo425yQJXAVyF-rv8Rd5cIwCyTirJS2ENs2lqg&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Stalagmite+Effect&qid=1782158666&sprefix=the+stalagmite+effect%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1) [Amazon Link USA](https://www.amazon.com/Stalagmite-Effect-Consistent-Actions-Extraordinary-ebook/dp/B0FF96PF7Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21Z0HTDPZVV64&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yW1V1qOYFBBPnqH6lNuC8mzjwvy9iP1E_CktI9N5S08.KyXB09-4dVD9KOTZPQsw-u0AzZe2oMtZZdL5IGqUKDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Stalagmite+Effect&qid=1782158654&sprefix=the+stalagmite+effect%2Caps%2C268&sr=8-1) ## Making Musicians ##### Allison Wikinson ![Screenshot 2026-06-22 at 1.54.51 PM](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%201.54.51%20PM.png?width=218&height=328&name=Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%201.54.51%20PM.png) **Making Musicians** by Allison Wilkinson explores the powerful connection between music, the brain, and psychology through the lens of Emotionally Intelligent Music Instruction (EIMI). Grounded in the belief that all humans are musicians, this book offers practical strategies for creating joyful, engaging music experiences that help every student succeed. For music teachers, it's an inspiring reminder that fostering a love of music is just as important as developing musical skills. [Amazon Link Canada](https://www.amazon.ca/Making-Musicians-Illustrations-Allison-Wilkinson/dp/173744531X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NWDM95S85SQG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9sQe9SMFZCU8HcQccHlm9ShHGkq8TrOxZTvZH9TMsamYE_qtbq7vHy3JzRTkMdDf5UbFDCi5qTgZ1KyUYuh1XKvsIHjP2f2q5MPVPrGeEQ4V8HjvhUtpcpnJUTM7R3jbXZXxTxWsO6GdoeGKxJVePDykD8MIMYhbf9aevDxH38X7BH2cAPYdGF0Mcf2LdOtkAK6MnH32L3r0lm3CG2jk96X5AjaFkbX-7BNa9XotGHi-ddZwqWSoc1a6WJtiMoBsIXepnl4Do6OWUmXoLfv4g6fepZGY4qXZ-g41QbhwGNo.FNy84oAR9Hk1hQbq5bjoPzugPnBOhUxnD2B8px_pI5Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=making+musicians&qid=1782158528&sprefix=making+musician%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-2) [Amazon Link USA](https://www.amazon.com/Making-Musicians-Illustrations-Allison-Wilkinson/dp/173744531X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=38K5LCUOAZ1FH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9sQe9SMFZCU8HcQccHlm9S55g1Wj7MRoayogQxtJeQXqVRA4ViVHXGRO8dALg-_WcqRoHdCZwjdX6JOnEP_axFzelixH8kn6J85HuLJZylbNpOSd0JnNoXItafsKGhzE56-VUYuNREf7wJna6bYIMeXGEsMawwcvgInkoKoaTodxAKmqY4PGLKo0f-_4qmcx1grDCX5LVzAy8-suh_R6aobxBWQEN1PaWESxhlpNZEE.3_m31mjq9JtPPZ-PK4LmAHMrEKAjKKHbxCAT9RqnJEM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Making+musicians&qid=1782158590&sprefix=making+musicia%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-2) ## Music in the Inclusive Classroom ##### Melody McGrath Taylor ![Music in the Inclusive Classroom (IC) Front cover 2014](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Music%20in%20the%20Inclusive%20Classroom%20(IC)%20Front%20cover%202014.png?width=270&height=350&name=Music%20in%20the%20Inclusive%20Classroom%20(IC)%20Front%20cover%202014.png) If you're looking for ways to better support all learners in your music classroom, **Music in the Inclusive Classroom** is a valuable reference. Filled with practical strategies and easy-to-access information, it helps teachers create musical experiences where every student can participate and thrive. **As a bonus, MusicplayOnline subscribers already have access to this resource—it’s available in the Lesson Planning section, ready whenever you need it.** [**Music in the Inclusive Classroom Link**](https://musicplayonline.com/media/music-in-inclusive-classroom_2020/) ### What's on your summer reading list? #### Hit reply and let me know what books have inspired you recently. I'd love to add a few more titles to my summer reading list!  ---   ## Sing! Dance! Play! ## Music Education is MONUMENTAL! ## Washington, DC ## July 10-12, 2026 ## [![Sing! Dance! Play!](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Sing!%20Dance!%20Play!.png?width=643&height=433&name=Sing!%20Dance!%20Play!.png)](https://workshops.musicplay.ca/sing-dance-play/)Join us in-person or livestream for three days of inspiring professional development! Learn from Stacy Werner, John Jacobson, Katie Grace Miller, and special guests for 15 hours of engaging instruction. Get one-year access to all recorded sessions so you can watch anytime. ## In Person - FREE REGISTRATION!   (only 200 spots available!) ## Live Stream with Recorded Access  - $100  [Registration Link ](https://workshops.musicplay.ca/sing-dance-play/) --- ## Musicplay Team Updates: We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team: #### Content Updates: - Check again next week for future updates!  #### Development Updates: - New Drum Machine interactive - New Staff Lesson bass resources - Support for 2 beat rhythms in Word Rhythm Composition tool - Added the ability to disable student codes  - Navigation now remembers the last open state. - Notifications can now be dismissed more easily ![Stacy Werner](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/529321003_10171907439470332_5222755718152529359_n.jpg?width=150&name=529321003_10171907439470332_5222755718152529359_n.jpg) #### Stacy Werner Stacy Werner is a music specialist with 15 years of experience teaching elementary music in Alberta, Canada. She is the author of the “Super Simple Music Centers” series and the Education Director for Musicplay Online. Trained in Orff and Kodály, she’s committed to ongoing growth as an educator, guided by her mentor, Denise Gagne. ### Leave a Comment ## Related Articles [![](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hubfs/Classroom%20Expectations.png)](https://blog.musicplay.ca/stop-and-think) [Blog Posts](https://blog.musicplay.ca/tag/blog-posts) ### [Stop and Think!](https://blog.musicplay.ca/stop-and-think) ### Is your New Years resolution to have better classroom management? Get 2014 off to a great start using classroom rules and the Stop and Think tool. If you haven't... [Denise Gagne](https://blog.musicplay.ca/author/denise-gagne) [Read More](https://blog.musicplay.ca/stop-and-think) ### [September 30: A Day to Reflect, Learn, and Listen](https://blog.musicplay.ca/september-30-a-day-to-reflect-learn-and-listen) ## National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30th marks the **National Day for Truth and Reconciliation** in Canada—a day to honour residential school survivors,... ![Stacy Werner](https://blog.musicplay.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/529321003_10171907439470332_5222755718152529359_n.jpg?width=45&name=529321003_10171907439470332_5222755718152529359_n.jpg) [Stacy Werner](https://blog.musicplay.ca/author/stacy-werner) [Read More](https://blog.musicplay.ca/september-30-a-day-to-reflect-learn-and-listen) #### Our Products - [MusicplayOnline](https://musicplayonline.com) - [Musicplay Store](https://store.musicplay.ca) - [Musicplay Downloads](https://downloads.musicplay.ca) - [Musicplay Workshops](https://workshops.musicplay.ca) - [Musicplay Help](https://help.musicplay.ca) Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Stacy Werner", "url" : "https://blog.musicplay.ca/author/stacy-werner" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-02T19:30:00.777Z", "datePublished" : "2026-07-02T19:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Summer Reading List", "image" : [ "https://blog.musicplay.ca/hubfs/Sunshine.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.musicplay.ca/summer-reading-list", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.musicplay.ca/hubfs/musicplay-logo-2.png" }, "name" : "Themes & Variations Musicplay" } } ```