Note: This newsletter is best viewed in your browser for full access to all content.
Get ready for three inspiring days of music education, creativity, and connection! Join us in person or via livestream for Sing! Dance! Play! 2026 and learn from Stacy Werner, John Jacobson, Katie Grace Miller, and special guests through 15 hours of engaging professional development designed for today’s music classroom.
We’re featuring two of our presenters this week, along with all the sessions they’ll be sharing at Sing! Dance! Play! 2026.
Discover how to bring meaningful movement into your music classroom through scaffolded, student-centered dance experiences. Starting with simple, accessible activities and building toward more complex folk and cultural dances—including Bhangra and Tinikling—you’ll explore practical ways to sequence learning, build student confidence, and support all learners. You’ll also explore ways to incorporate creative extensions and popular music to support student engagement and participation. Leave with ready-to-use ideas that will help your students move, create, and connect.
Unlocking Creativity: Composition, Improvisation, and Digital Tools in Elementary Music
What does creativity look like in your music classroom, and how do you make space for it in your lessons? Through singing, movement, games, and instrumental activities, discover how to embed meaningful creative experiences into your elementary music lessons. Learn practical strategies for scaffolding the creative process, supporting classroom management, encouraging collaboration, and building musical confidence across grade levels. Explore accessible digital tools, visuals, and supports that enhance—rather than replace—active music-making. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas you can implement right away.
Music Classroom Kickoff: Tools, Routines, and Activities for Day One and Beyond
Get set for a successful school year! Discover effective organizational tools, classroom management tips, and songs and activities to foster excitement in your music classroom. Learn engaging games to help students learn names and build connections, with a variety of options for different grade levels. Using the tools, activities, songs, and lessons from MusicplayOnline, simplify your planning and save time.
Performance Pieces that Pop!
Leverage the "magic" of movement and unconventional props to transform active listening into high-energy performances. This hands-on session focuses on teaching fundamental musical elements—such as form, dynamics, legato, and staccato—through synchronized routines using stretchy bands, scarves, ribbon streamers, and flashlights. Attendees will receive detailed session notes and insights into the creative process, empowering them to optimize their own classroom performances and engage every student in artistic expression.
You down with UPP
Unpitched percussion (UPP) instruments are foundational tools for developing musical understanding and creativity. In this session, participants will learn original, instructional songs designed to teach students proper playing techniques for all four UPP families. Beyond technical skills, the clinic provides ready-to-use lessons that intentionally address multiple music standards through rhythmic play-alongs and improvisation. Discover how to synergetically integrate UPP into your curriculum to foster joyful participation and technical mastery in students of all ages.
Awesome Books with Musical Hooks
Engage your students in the practice of essential musical skills through the captivating world of children's literature. This session demonstrates how the repetitive and predictable nature of high-quality picture books can maximize instructional time and enhance student retention. Participants will explore multi-layered lessons that address music standards while simultaneously encouraging literacy, fluency, and comprehension. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to implement immediately, fostering a joyful, community-building atmosphere in the music classroom.
We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team: