Music teaching is part artistry, part skill, and part inquiry.
Creative ideas and research-backed insights for music teachers and directors
I believe we’re at our best as musicians and educators when we are curious, creative, and constantly learning.
There's a particular kind of fatigue that comes not from overwork, but from a quiet loss of inspiration—when you're going through the motions, teaching the same repertoire and following the same plans, and wondering when you last felt genuinely curious about your work.
Being a musician is a lifelong pursuit. You are constantly learning, growing, and evolving—as a musician and as a teacher.
I’m right there with you.
I help music teachers and directors develop the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to teach with intention, inspire creativity, and facilitate meaningful musical growth.
Looking for teaching inspiration?
Always! Let’s start with…
Practical, ready-to-use templates and resourcesSave time and simplify your planning with templates, curated repertoire lists, and step-by-step frameworks to help you teach more efficiently and effectively.
Opportunities for professional growthDevelop your teaching skills and build confidence with expert insight and support, whether you’re teaching in a private studio or classroom, or directing a choir.
Innovative ideas for lesson and rehearsal planningGet inspired with creative teaching strategies, innovative approaches to music teaching and learning, and thoughtful ways to foster motivation in learners of all ages.
“Beautifully formatted, knowledgeably curated, pedagogically sound, clearly and concisely explained—thank you!!”
- Christine S., music educator
A Framework for Lifelong Learning
Here’s how I think about it
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Clarify
Study what’s working, what’s not, and consider where you want to go next in your career. The best teaching starts with clear intentions.
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Explore
Stay curious. The most effective musicians and educators are always discovering new ideas, repertoire, and approaches.
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Deepen
The more you innovate, try new things, and develop new skills, the more you’ll learn and the more confident you’ll become.
Hi, I’m Ashley—I help music teachers and directors develop the skills they need to teach with intention, inspire creativity, and facilitate meaningful musical growth.
I started this blog waaay back in 2010 as a place to document and share what I was learning and figuring out as a new studio teacher, adjunct professor, music director, and recent music school grad.
Now, 14 years later and with over 340,000 annual site visitors, I believe more than ever in the joy of lifelong learning, the power of community and shared experience, and the limitless potential for creativity and inspiration in music teaching.
Let’s keep learning together.
Let’s focus on developing your skills and building
your confidence.
Dive into step-by-step, on-demand courses and develop the skills and strategies you need to lead, teach, perform, and manage your music career with confidence.
Bring all your questions and rediscover the creative side of your music work.
Get the inspiration and clarity you need to spark your creative thinking, develop your skillset, teach confidently, and build a music career that’s made to last.
“You have helped me become a better teacher and a better musician.
I really appreciate the work that you do on your blogs and podcasts and the wealth of information you share—I look forward to them every month. It seems you always address an issue I’m experiencing.”
- Sandra Gereau Fraser, organist and choir director
“I’m much more conscious about the kind of teacher I want to be.
I am more organized and better prepared this year.”
- Kate R., piano teacher
Get a free set of printable rhythm pattern cards to use in your studio, classroom, or rehearsals this year.
Featuring 16 unique patterns in 4/4 time, use these cards for call-and-response, improvisation or composition, teaching a new piece, sight-reading, or developing musical awareness and listening skills.
Refill that cup of coffeeCatch up on the latest blog posts
and podcast episodes.
What’s new on the blog:
What’s new on the podcast:
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
- Harriet Tubman