Making Music, Making Connections: Strategies for Inclusive Music Classrooms
In episode 82, Kathryn and Theresa sit down with Matthew Stensrud, an accomplished music educator specializing in elementary music, responsive classroom techniques, and Orff Schulwerk approaches. Matthew shares his journey into music education, including his inspiration from mentors and his passion for creating inclusive and empowering music classrooms. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and community where students feel safe to take creative risks.
Matthew discusses actionable strategies for passing the baton to students, including movement activities, personalized compositions, and creating opportunities for student choice and voice. Highlights include empowering students through movement exercises like snowflake-inspired choreography and fourth-grade rap projects tied to identity and intersectionality. This episode is packed with practical ideas and insights to inspire music educators to cultivate creativity, collaboration, and a sense of ownership in their classrooms. Tune in to learn how small shifts in teaching practices can create transformative learning experiences for students.
Listen to the full interview:
Here are some key insights from Episode 82:
- Inclusive Spaces Empower Creativity: Building inclusive classrooms fosters student belonging, encouraging creativity, risk-taking, and collaboration in music-making.
- Movement Inspires Engagement: Student-led movement activities, like choreographing snowflake-inspired dances, build ownership and critical thinking skills.
- Exploring Identity Through Music: Activities like personalized compositions allow students to express and celebrate their unique identities and experiences.
- Responsive Classroom Techniques: Using student conferences for behavior issues helps build trust, accountability, and social-emotional growth.
- Small Changes, Big Impact: Shifting from teacher-led to student-led lessons enhances student ownership and deepens connections in music learning.
Connect with Matthew and learn more:
- Website: www.mistersorff.com
- Patreon: www.patreon.com/mistersorff
- Instagram – @mistersorff
- Book: Responsive Classroom for Music, Art, PE, and Other Special Areas
- Book Recommendation: Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All
Ready for more?
You can check out the full interview on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Or you can listen right here, on Spotify Podcasts!
You might also enjoy these other episodes:
- Episode 25 – The Power of a Mission Statement, featuring Kevin Feher
- Episode 31 – Creating a Culture for Student Empowerment, featuring Matthew Arau
- Episode 51 – Harmony and Connection: Leveraging SEL in Music Education, featuring Elizabeth Peterson
- Episode 52 – Unleashing Our Impact: Empowering Music Educators, featuring Jen Rafferty
