Tips for the Classroom with Judy Pine

In West Music’s second episode of the Play Now, Play for Life podcast, host Aaron Hansen talked with long-time West Music team member, Judy Pine. With her years of teaching elementary music, nearly 45 years at West Music, and a lifetime of learning, Pine has made an extraordinary impact on teachers across Iowa and the country.

Tips for the Classroom

One of the most difficult parts of the teaching profession is the budget, especially for new teachers or those in search of a new role. Pine’s first prioritization: take inventory.

First, check to see if the classroom you’re working in has a piano. If so, is it properly tuned? Is there a budget to get it tuned?

Then, look at the percussion resources.

• Is there a variety of woods, metals, skins and shakers?
• Are there any types of shaker instruments for the younger kids?
• What about sand blocks?
• What about rhythm sticks? If so, are they in good shape?

Pine mentioned it’s important to understand what the largest class size is going to be and to go from there. Are there enough of these instruments that at least one of every two children can play?

Then, talk to the principal about how many of each instrument you have, what condition the instruments are in, what the classroom needs to move forward and then, of course, budget expectations.

Next on the agenda is to look at catalogs to find what the classroom could benefit from.

• Are there any additional percussion instruments the classroom needs?
• What about larger drums, or even bongos?
• Are there stands for those drums?
• Even cymbals and triangles. Do all of the triangles have holders and strikers?
• Do the Orff instruments have all of the bars? Check underneath the bars. Are there splinters? If there are—it’s time to get them replaced.

Technology can be a big concern, too.

• Is there a functional laptop?
• Any tablets for the children that connect with the program being used?
• What about an interactive white board?
• Does the classroom have an operational sound system?

Before someone accepts a new position, they should ask these sorts of questions.

 

“That’s just like anybody would ask going into a job,” Pine said. “Not only is it about what the job description says, but what are my tools? Is there a budget? Is there any way to fundraise? Do some research before you apply or take a new job.”

 

Pine also explained that while teachers work on their inventory list, it’s important to build a “goal list” of things to eventually get for the classroom, too.

Create a list of the top three items to prioritize for the classroom wish list. Then, get quotes on the items so there’s an idea of how much each will cost. Pine mentioned this is especially important to be prepared for administration if an extra few-hundred-dollars comes into play.

Another route to take is to investigate grants if the money just isn’t there. Specifically at West Music, there are the Adopt a Classroom and Save the Music Foundation programs.

Pine mentioned its extremely important to network, in all aspects in life, but especially in the role of a music teacher. It can be the most helpful way to find mutual support and collaboration. One great way to make networking connections with peers is through workshops and conferences.

Conferences, conventions, workshops, etc. send teachers home with great ideas that they can start implementing right away come Monday morning. They push teachers to grow as musicians and educators, as well as help students grow, too.

Judy Pine’s journey from classroom educator to West Music cornerstone highlights a career built on passion, adaptability and a commitment to supporting fellow music teachers. Her story is a reminder that the most rewarding paths are often unexpected, and her decades of experience offer invaluable insights for educators. Listen to her full story on the Play Now, Play for Life podcast, and explore the rest of the podcast episodes here.