Online training and education, practical resources, and pedagogically sound teaching strategies
for K-12 music educators, piano teachers & church musicians
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K-6 choirs
Handbells, solo piano, chamber music
K-12 and community music
Private music studios
Middle and high school choirs
Musician, educator, researcher & entrepreneur
I help music teachers and directors develop the skills they need to teach with intention, inspire musical creativity, and facilitate meaningful learning.
I started my 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, 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.
Simply put:
Kind Words
"Ashley’s insights on music teaching and learning are pedagogically sound and delivered with a generous clarity that respects the value of traditional practices while investigating new approaches that can be incorporated into your teaching toolkit."
- Dr. Jason Sifford
"Beautifully formatted, knowledgeably curated, pedagogically sound, clearly and concisely explained — thank you!!"
- Christine S.
"I felt like we were taught every step we need to take to plan,
prepare for, and create a successful children's choir."
- J. Spedare, Directing a Church Children's Choir alum
Online courses and workshops for music educators & church musicians
Feel more confident directing your adult choir—every single week. Learn exactly what to teach, how to teach it, and how to lead your group with skill and intention.
A practical, self-paced course for directors who want to teach more effectively, lead with confidence, and run productive (and musical) rehearsals each week.
Walk into your next rehearsal feeling prepared, capable, and confident. Learn exactly what to teach, how to teach it, and how to lead your choir with skill and intention.
Feel more capable and prepared—every single week. Learn what to teach, how to teach it, and how to lead with confidence (even if you don’t have a teaching background).
Develop the keyboard skills you need as a church musician, piano accompanist, or organist to lead and support choral and congregational singing and play with confidence.
The quick teaching strategies, ideas + tools you need to get started in <30 minutes
Learn a simplified approach to planning your choir year + get a 4-page year-at-a-glance template you can use to get started.
Learn about vocal exploration, breath and movement, and vocal exercises that are appropriate for children’s voices, plus get a few ideas for silly songs you can add in to keep children engaged.
Learn what to include in each rehearsal, how to plan and prepare each week, plus glean some best-kept rehearsal secrets for pacing, sequencing, and fun games and activities.
Learn helpful strategies for developing musicianship and teaching choral methods in a K-6 children's choir.
A printable set of rhythm pattern cards in quadruple and triple meter (192 cards total)
Printable tonal pattern cards in C major and D minor and rhythm pattern cards in quadruple and triple meter (216 cards total)
Printable tonal pattern cards in C major and D minor and rhythm pattern cards in quadruple and triple meter (152 cards total)
A set of printable cards featuring the letters of the musical alphabet. Great for private lessons, children's choir, and elementary music classrooms.
A 23-page collection of printables, templates, and worksheets (available as a printable PDF + editable Canva file) to help you plan, organize, and direct your adult choir
A 22-page collection of printables, templates, and worksheets (available as a printable PDF + editable Canva file) to help you plan, organize, and direct your bell choir
A 25-page collection of printables, templates, and worksheets (available as a printable PDF + editable Canva file) to help you plan, organize, and direct your middle/high school choir
Printable sheet music for handbells, SATB choir, solo piano, flex instrumentation, string quartet, brass quintet, and violin/cello duo for all seasons of the church year
SATB Choir and Congregation with Organ and opt. String Quartet (parts sold separately)
In each edition, you'll find an inspirational letter + a curated selection of articles, podcast episodes & resources to help you plan, prepare, and teach with intention and renewed strategy.