97- Cultural Relevant Teaching in the Elementary Music Classroom with Franklin Willis

In this episode, Franklin and I discuss what we wish we had known before entering the teaching profession, cultural relevant teaching in the elementary music classroom, and the importance of music education advocacy.

You'll get SO much out of this episode and so many amazing ideas, strategies, and thoughts were shared.  

Some of my favorite things Franklin said in this episode are:

• Build community, build trust, build relationships
• Understand that the kids have some brilliance and knowledge that we don’t have and be ok with letting them share that with us.
• Understand what it is that you want to accomplish as a music educator and start with the end in mind.
• We can accept and realize that it’s ok to explore the music our student's enjoy, while still implementing the musical standards.
• Music education advocacy begins with the teacher and your views on music education.

Mr. Franklin J. Willis currently serves as the Elementary Music Coach for the Metro Nashville Public Schools district. In this role he provides instructional support for elementary music teachers in creating a learning environment that fosters meaningful cultural experiences int eh performance, understanding and appreciation of music. Before this new role, Willis taught both general music and choir at the elementary and middle school levels for the past decade. He is a three time recipient of the prestigious Country Music Association Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence award. His student performance groups have been featured on national syndicated television programs such as NBC New with Lester Holt, Entertainment Tonight, and The Today Show.  He specializes in providing musical instruction that will empower and engage all children to achieve their best through authentic culturally relevant teaching experiences.

He is a graduate of the University of Memphis where he earned a Bachelor's of Music Education with an emphasis in choral music. Willis also earned the Master of Education Degree in Nonprofit Leadership at Belmont University. To learn more about Franklin and his advocacy for music education visit his website at www.fwillismusic.com

You can also follow Frankin on social media here:

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