Notables - Ep 8: Anthony Davis

What are the steps to establishing a great music program?

In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at ETM's unique and exemplary model for music education. ETM's Davian Alleyne (Teacher at P.S. 236), Stephanie Nantell (Senior Director of Programs), and Arielle Lewis (Instructional Supervisor) share the many levels of planning and support that go into making a successful program, starting from the first day of school to its culminating winter concert. We also hear from the Principal of P.S. 236 and a parent of students at the school to learn about the impact music education has made on the community.

In part 2 of our conversation with Deb Confredo, 43-year veteran music educator, Professor of Music Education at Temple University, and President-Elect of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), we delve deeper into the work of the Music Teacher Profession Initiative (MTPI).

The MTPI was initiated by NAfME in 2021 with the perspective of widening the path to the profession by cultivating and strengthening more inclusive and equitable processes in recruiting, teaching, and nurturing a robust music teacher workforce. Deb shares with us several of the project's recommendations for action for the profession to become more diverse and equitable, as well as her perspective on how we can be everyday advocates for music education.

In this two-part episode, we speak with Dr. Deb Confredo, Professor of Music Education at Temple University and President-Elect of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). A 43-year veteran music educator, Deb shares with us her early inspirations to pursue music education, the trajectory of her career, as well as the origins and development of the Music Teacher Profession Initiative, which was was formed in 2021 by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) to identify barriers to equity in music teacher recruitment, education, and retention. Tune in to Part I of this insightful conversation with one of the leading voices in music education today.

To kick off 2024, we speak with none other than the CEO of Education Through Music, Dr. Janice Weinman. Weinman boasts a five decade career, including top leadership positions of international and national non-profit organizations. She also served in two presidential administrations and was recently named a 2023 Politics NY and amNY Metro Power Player in Education for her contributions to the field. Weinman joins us for a robust discussion about the impact of her early music education experience, her approach to leadership, and how she applies her lifelong commitment to advancing educational equity to ETM's work and mission.

Modern band can be a tremendously popular and educational music offering, especially for a school that is starting a new music program. To prove this, we look no further than the success of the modern band at All Hallows High School, an ETM partner school located in the Bronx.

For nearly 40 years, All Hallows lacked a formal music program and in the short span of two years, the band has risen to perform at venues such as Yankee Stadium, PAC NYC, and countless venues throughout its community. In this episode, we sit down with the students, alongside teacher Alfredo Hernandez and school leaders Paul Fontana and Principal Nick Corrado, to discuss the role that music education has played in shaping the school community and building a sense of brotherhood. Tune in to learn about the band's evolution from inexperienced newcomers to performers that continue to push themselves to greater heights.

We had the honor to speak with the internationally celebrated and Pulitzer Prize winner composer, Anthony Davis.

Davis is one of the “great living American composers” (New York Times). Opera News calls him “a National Treasure, and in 2023, Opera America inducts him into its Hall of Fame. Davis was the first to write a new American genre: opera on a contemporary political subject. His X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X returns to the Met Opera this November 2023, 37 years after its sold-out opening at the New York City Opera. “X” has taken on an almost mythic stature as the first opera to seamlessly integrate the musical worlds of opera and improvised music in a compelling story about one of the most charismatic figures in American history.

We speak about Davis' musical upbringing, his unparalleled artistry, and his perspective on music's connection with other artforms and the outside world.

What is culturally responsive music education? What is it not? And what are some starting points that educators can take to build a culturally responsive teaching practice?

We're delighted to be joined by Ashley Cuthbertson to explore these questions and more. Ashley is the Founder & CEO of A. Cuthbertson Consulting, LLC, an educational consulting firm that helps K-12 music educators connect with their learners so they can engage students of all backgrounds and abilities in high quality music instruction that develops skills for both inside and outside the music classroom.

Ashley shares with us her nontraditional journey from being a musician, to becoming a music teacher, to now supporting music educators across the country in developing skills for culturally responsive teaching. Tune in for Ashley's critical perspective on how educators can develop a lens for equity and cultural responsiveness in the classroom to ensure success for today's music learners.

To learn more about Ashley's work visit: https://ashleycuthbertson.com/

In part 2 of our episode with the incredibly talented musician, author, and singer-songwriter Wé Ani, we pick up the conversation with a dive into her experiences as a finalist on American Idol. She speaks about how shes brings her true self to her performances, as well as a behind-the-scenes look into the production of the popular show.

Wé also talks about her experiences working with children's groups, the writing of her children's book, and her motivation in speaking with kids about music, creative expression, and how to be their authentic selves. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a rising star who continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry and make a difference in the world.

Part 1 with the remarkable singer/songwriter and musician Wé Ani!

You may recognize Wé and her powerful voice from the most recent season of American Idol where she became a top five finalist. Before American Idol, her talents caught the public's attention when she secured a 3rd place finish on the TV show, The Voice. Wé honed her skills at the prestigious Harlem School of the Arts, and since then, her music has taken her across the United States and beyond, sharing the stage with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Chris Botti, Ceelo Green, Patti Austin, Dionne Warwick, John Legend, and Alicia Keys. Wé recently unveiled her highly anticipated EP, "Frantic," and continues to establish herself as a true force to be reckoned within the music industry.

We kick off this special conversation by exploring Wé's formative experiences with music education and her personal routines and practices for performing. She also shares with us her perspectives on the balance between talent and hard work, and provides us with an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at her experience becoming a finalist on American Idol.

What does it take to build a successful music program?

We explore this question with guests Elizabeth Guglielmo and Barbara Murray, current and former Directors of Music at the NYC Department of Education, respectively.

Covering nearly two decades of leadership in the position - plus many more as music teachers and administrators - Elizabeth and Barbara join us for a spirited discussion about what makes for great music programs, the role of the Director of Music as the "eyes and ears of the music education community," and what organizations like ETM bring to the effort of providing high-quality music instruction to all students.

They also share with us their perspectives on major trends in music education, the impact of supportive school leaders, and the value that the NYC Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Music provides as a framework for instruction and for building cultural connections.

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