Earlier this year, I stumbled upon a great article that asks a rather unique question – “What Does Joy Look and Sound Like in the Music Classroom?”

More than an article, it’s a compilation of thoughts from several music educators all around the country, at different levels of teaching, and each person offers their own, heartfelt answer to that question. As we’re preparing for our second program here at MMI, I found this article to be both a wonderful reminder and a perfect inspiration for the work we do.

Below are some of my favorite excerpts and quotes from the original piece, which of course I encourage you to read as well if you have the time (see link at the bottom of the page here).

Much appreciation to all these educators who took the time to share their thoughts in hope of inspiring others. Like we always say here at MMI, together we can truly make a difference.

Corinne Smith Excerpt
The first excerpt comes from Corinne Smith, Band Director at a junior high school in University Place, Washington. Corinne opened her part of the article with a very telling statement, “Music and joy may as well be synonymous,” which I absolutely love.

Joy is found in the triumph of goals being met, mental lightbulbs illuminating, and the celebration of success at every stage.

Part of my job is to train the students to recognize what it feels like to be a part of this living, breathing art form, surrounded by people who care. Both gratitude and global awareness are elements of a healthy community and evidence of joy.

In wind bands, the breath literally initiates the art. When musicians play with joy, they are uninhibited with their breathing and, subsequently, their movement.

Classes that are synchronously rehearsing with joy alter the perception of time; the period flies by quickly and everyone is hungry for more.

Joy, as a byproduct of success, is infectious and addictive in all the best possible ways. When students enter the room, set up quickly, and dive into their music, you know you’ve struck the right chord.

- Corinne Smith

Matthew Chi Lee Excerpt
This next excerpt comes from Matthew Chi Lee, Director of Choirs at a high school in Edison, New Jersey. This may be the most all-encompassing of all the excerpts here, and Matthew’s final thought at the end is especially appropriate for us at MMI.

Joy is the final note of a concert that rings through a reverberating concert hall, and hearing a single student say, “Whoa.”

Joy is also freedom from judgment and freedom from feeling marginalized; being seen and being addressed by name every day; permission to forget all the stressors of the outside world for one brief moment of time; taking risks, being able to embrace the unknown and smile at mistakes, knowing that they are hidden opportunities for more learning.

Joy is hearing my students say, “aw, it’s time to go already?” and hearing them hum their favorite song from the last concert while walking out the door.

- Matthew Chi Lee

Jessica Fiedorowicz Excerpt
Here we have a few thoughts from Jessica Fiedorowicz, Director of Orchestras for public schools in South Haven, Michigan. Jessica’s share needs no introduction…

“Mrs. Fiedorowicz, I’m having a really hard day today. Is it okay if I just sit out during class?”

This is a request that, in recent years, has become more frequent. To be clear, I rarely grant it and instead answer with an ear to listen if they need to tell me something.

My response is always along the lines of, “Why don’t you try to play along a little today? It might help you process some of the things that are making today a hard day.”

In most cases, while we are in the midst of rehearsing and creating music together, I notice the student who is having a hard day change from reluctantly going through the motions of our routine to smiling, playing along, and even laughing a little.

Sometimes a student who requested to sit out approaches me after class and lets me know that playing their instrument and making music with their classmates made the day a little better.

Joy in the music classroom means we celebrate our successes together and learn to laugh together when we succeed or fail. That tricky entrance we drilled and finally everyone gets? Cheer! Shout, “Yes! We got it! Let’s do it again to make sure we really have it!”

- Jessica Fiedorowicz

Becca Sides Quote
This short but perfect quote comes from Becca Sides, music teacher at an elementary school in Jackson, Missouri. It speaks directly to an incredibly special moment that one can only experience in a music rehearsal.

One of my favorite moments of joy comes when we are all frozen solid for a brief unified moment in time as we tap the last note of a song we had been working long and hard on together, before we all cheer.

- Becca Sides

Jason Sickel Excerpt
This short excerpt comes to us courtesy of Jason Sickel, Assistant Choral Director at two different high schools in Olathe, Kansas. His last sentence packs a super punch!

When we invite students to share a positive or challenging moment they’ve experienced in the last week and then intentionally ask others to relate, we validate that feeling of teenage uncertainty and strengthen the idea that they belong here.

Why do you belong here? Because you have an interest in and a love for music. It’s our joyful, human superpower.

- Jason Sickel

Rachel Lake Excerpt
In perhaps the most emotional of all these commentaries on joy, Rachel Lake, Performing Arts teacher at a high school in Ilwaco, Washington, tugs at the heart strings, hitting home the all-important message of family.

Joy also shines when students return after being away, whether due to illness or other circumstances. Their peers and I welcome them back with open arms, creating a sense of belonging and warmth that feels like a homecoming. Students don’t just attend class — they are part of a family.

An especially joyful moment is when students are given the opportunity to step out of their usual roles and into different roles, such as guest-conducting the class. The shift in perspective, the ability to see and hear the music from a different vantage point, is empowering. Watching them lead, smile, and grow is a profound reminder of why we teach.

- Rachel Lake

Susie Martone Quote
Last of all, I’ll leave you with an absolutely perfect quote from Susie Martone, Choral Director at a middle school in Palo Alto, California. It speaks for itself.

Joy sounds like the eighth-grade boy who told me earlier this week: “Ever since I joined choir, I feel happier.” Same, kid, same.

- Susie Martone

To read the full article, please click the link below:
https://nafme.org/blog/what-does-joy-look-and-sound-like-in-the-music-classroom/