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Jane Dennison, John Holmes, and Rachel Cook

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for all music and instrument teachers and vocal coaches. It’s ideal for both private teachers as well as teachers working in schools, music trusts or music academies. You can use the hashtag #FLMusicTeacher to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for all music and instrument teachers and vocal coaches. It’s ideal for both private teachers as well as teachers working in schools, music trusts or music academies. You can use the hashtag #FLMusicTeacher to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • Assess your current teaching
  • Explore and evaluate teaching and learning principles
  • Identify core musical skills
  • Evaluate your own technique
  • Develop a range of strategies for teaching technique
  • Explore links between motivation and progression
  • Increase your awareness of professional values and practice
  • Design a curriculum and devise lesson plans
  • Produce a personal development plan

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Reviews summary

Enhancing music teaching effectiveness

According to students, 'Becoming a Better Music Teacher' is a highly practical and insightful course primarily beneficial for both new and experienced music educators seeking to refine their craft. Learners frequently praise its focus on actionable strategies for lesson planning, student motivation, and technique development. Many found the emphasis on self-assessment and professional values particularly valuable, prompting deep reflection on their teaching methods. While largely positive, some experienced teachers noted that certain sections felt introductory, suggesting it might be most impactful for those seeking a solid foundation or a comprehensive refresher rather than cutting-edge methodologies. Overall, it's considered a well-structured resource for enhancing teaching effectiveness.
Provides insights into enhancing student engagement.
"The content on student motivation was particularly insightful and often overlooked."
"The emphasis on linking motivation with progression was a game-changer for me."
"The course offered great insights into motivating students, especially those struggling."
Offers valuable guidance on structuring lessons.
"The practical strategies for lesson planning were invaluable for me."
"The segment on designing a curriculum was incredibly helpful for structuring my teaching year."
"I really benefited from the practical advice on curriculum design and devising lesson plans."
Encourages deep reflection on teaching methods.
"It pushed me to reflect on my own teaching methods in a way no other resource has."
"This course encouraged me to deeply reflect on my teaching style and identify areas for growth."
"I enjoyed the focus on creating a personal development plan, which was very reflective."
Provides actionable strategies for immediate use.
"I learned practical advice that I can apply immediately in my teaching."
"I found many practical tips I could immediately apply in my lessons."
"Absolutely fantastic! I've already started implementing new techniques and seeing positive changes."
Some content may feel introductory for experienced teachers.
"While useful, some topics felt a bit too introductory for an experienced teacher like myself."
"It's a decent course, but I felt some parts were a bit basic."
"I was looking for more unique or cutting-edge strategies, not just general teaching."

Career center

Learners who complete Becoming a Better Music Teacher will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Becoming a Better Music Teacher.
Widely regarded as a classic in the field of educational assessment, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of measurement and assessment in education. It covers a wide range of topics, including the development and validation of assessment instruments, the interpretation of assessment data, and the use of assessment to improve teaching and learning.
Comprehensive overview of the field of music theory. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of music theory to advanced topics such as Schenkerian analysis and post-tonal music. It is an essential resource for any musician who wants to learn about music theory.
Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field of educational measurement and assessment. It covers a wide range of topics, including the development and validation of assessment instruments, the interpretation of assessment data, and the use of assessment to improve teaching and learning.
This highly influential book introduces the backward design framework, a widely adopted approach that emphasizes starting curriculum design with the desired learning outcomes and evidence of learning. It is considered a must-read for educators and curriculum designers across all levels, offering practical strategies and templates for creating units and courses focused on promoting deep understanding and the transfer of knowledge. is commonly used as a textbook and a key professional reference.
Authored by the pioneers of Self-Determination Theory, this book offers a deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of intrinsic motivation and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness). It's a crucial resource for graduate students and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of this influential theory. It serves as a key reference for researchers in the field.
This foundational text, a true classic in the field, presents a concise yet powerful framework for curriculum development. Tyler's rationale, focusing on objectives, learning experiences, organization, and evaluation, provides a clear, cyclical process that is essential for anyone seeking a broad understanding of how to design educational programs. While originally published decades ago, its core principles remain highly relevant and are a cornerstone of curriculum theory and practice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of effective instructional strategies, covering topics such as lesson planning, instructional delivery, and assessment.
This comprehensive handbook offers a collection of chapters by leading scholars covering a wide range of topics and theories in human motivation. It's an invaluable resource for graduate students, researchers, and professionals seeking an in-depth overview of the field's current state and future directions. It serves as an excellent reference tool for advanced study.
This foundational book introduces the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets and their profound impact on motivation and achievement. It's essential for gaining a broad understanding of how beliefs about ability shape our willingness to learn and persevere. It is commonly used as a foundational text in educational and psychological settings.
This essential resource provides evidence-based principles for designing effective multimedia and online learning experiences. Drawing on research in cognitive science, it offers practical guidelines for incorporating text, graphics, and audio in ways that optimize learning. Given the increasing prevalence of online education, this book is crucial for contemporary curriculum designers working in digital environments.
Focuses on applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to lesson planning. It provides a step-by-step guide for creating inclusive lessons that cater to diverse learner needs. It's an essential resource for educators looking to implement UDL in their classrooms and is valuable for both general and special education teachers.
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This classic explores the concept of 'flow,' a state of deep immersion and enjoyment in an activity that is intrinsically motivating. It's essential for understanding the psychological experience of optimal motivation and provides insights into how to cultivate this state. It's a valuable read for anyone interested in peak performance and well-being.
This comprehensive text offers a thorough overview of theories, research, and best practices in adult learning. It is an essential resource for curriculum designers working with adult learners in any setting, including higher education and professional development. It provides deep insights into adult development, motivation, and the contexts of adult learning, crucial for creating effective and relevant adult-focused curriculum.
This comprehensive anthology brings together seminal essays that define the field of curriculum studies. It offers a deep dive into the historical, theoretical, and philosophical underpinnings of curriculum, featuring both classic and contemporary perspectives. is particularly valuable for graduate students and researchers looking to gain a rich, nuanced understanding of the diverse intellectual traditions that inform curriculum design and its role in education and society.
Provides a practical guide to the implementation of assessment in the classroom. It covers a wide range of topics, including the development of assessment plans, the selection and use of assessment instruments, and the use of assessment data to improve teaching and learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of teaching strategies for English language learners, covering topics such as language acquisition, assessment, and instructional strategies.
Practical guide to music theory. It provides a clear and concise explanation of the basic principles of music theory, and is an excellent resource for any musician who wants to learn about music theory in a practical way.
This comprehensive guide provides teachers with a deep understanding of learning disabilities, their assessment, and effective teaching strategies. It covers various types of learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, and offers practical guidance on how to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of language, covering topics such as the origins of language, the structure of language, and the relationship between language and thought. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong understanding of the biological and cognitive aspects of language.
Offers a collection of practical techniques for effective teaching, many of which directly impact lesson planning and delivery. It focuses on strategies for classroom management, student engagement, and academic rigor. While not solely a lesson planning book, its techniques are essential for successful implementation of any lesson plan. It widely referenced book in teacher training and professional development.
Explores the concept of differentiated teaching, which involves tailoring instruction to the individual needs of students, and provides practical strategies for implementation.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of linguistics, covering topics such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong foundation in the field of communication.
This classic text is fundamental for understanding the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners. It introduces the concept of andragogy and provides principles for designing learning experiences tailored to adults. For anyone designing curriculum for undergraduate, graduate, or professional development programs, this book offers essential background knowledge to inform pedagogical choices and enhance learner engagement.
This book, co-authored by Edward Deci, provides a more narrative and accessible exploration of the principles of self-motivation and how to apply them in various aspects of life. It's a good entry point for those new to Self-Determination Theory and looking for practical guidance on fostering motivation in themselves and others.
This practical guide offers a clear, standards-based approach to designing high-quality online courses. It covers essential principles of pedagogical, organizational, and visual design specifically for the online learning environment. valuable reference and how-to guide for educators and instructional designers tasked with creating or revising curriculum for effective online delivery.
This practical guide that covers all aspects of lesson planning, from setting learning aims to assessment and incorporating technology. It offers a wide range of adaptable strategies and activities for daily use. The book is particularly useful for trainee and early career teachers and can serve as a valuable reference tool.
Focuses specifically on ethical issues within the engineering profession. It's a valuable resource for engineering students and professionals, providing in-depth analysis of ethical challenges and decision-making in this field.
While focused on persuasion, this book is highly relevant to understanding how external factors can influence behavior and motivation. It outlines key principles of influence that can be applied to motivate others ethically. It's a valuable resource for anyone in leadership, sales, or marketing roles. is widely recognized and frequently referenced.
This workbook provides a practical approach to understanding and applying professional ethics. It includes exercises and real-world examples to help readers evaluate their ethical experiences. It's particularly useful for solidifying understanding and applying concepts in professional settings.
Delves into the irrationality of human behavior and decision-making, which directly impacts motivation. It uses engaging experiments to illustrate how context and behavioral economics influence our choices, providing a practical understanding of why we don't always act in our own best interest. It's a good complement to traditional motivation theories.
Delves into the ethical considerations specific to the engineering profession, including the role of codes of ethics. It's a valuable resource for understanding the practical application of ethical principles in a professional context.
Presents a research-based model for lesson planning in K-12 settings. It delves into both theoretical foundations and provides a step-by-step guide for developing different types of lesson plans, including direct instruction and inquiry-based approaches. It also addresses meeting the needs of diverse learners.
Based on John Hattie's extensive research on factors influencing student achievement, this book applies those findings specifically to literacy instruction and curriculum design for K-12. It provides evidence-based strategies for designing literacy curriculum that has a high impact on student learning outcomes. It valuable resource for curriculum designers focused on improving literacy development.
Provides a clear and practical guide to the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation), a widely used systematic framework for instructional and curriculum design. It offers a step-by-step process for developing effective learning solutions, applicable across various contexts and modalities. This book valuable reference for anyone involved in the structured creation and implementation of curriculum.
This textbook examines ethics specifically through the lens of civil and structural engineering. It uses professional standards, codes of conduct, and case studies to connect ethical concepts to real-world practices in this discipline.
Provides a comprehensive exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of curriculum and their relationship to educational practice. It delves into various curriculum ideologies and their implications for what is taught and how. It valuable resource for deepening understanding of the philosophical and theoretical debates within the field, suitable for advanced students and those seeking a robust theoretical foundation.
Following 'Start With Why,' this book explores how creating a 'Circle of Safety' in organizations fosters trust and cooperation, leading to increased motivation and performance. It focuses on the biological and psychological factors that contribute to motivated teams. It's a valuable resource for leaders and managers.
Focusing on the construction and engineering industries, this book provides a practical guide to ethical practice in these fields. It addresses how ethical standards should be applied in daily activities and includes case studies.
A seminal work in critical pedagogy, Freire's book challenges traditional educational models and advocates for a liberatory approach that empowers learners through dialogue and critical consciousness. While highly theoretical and philosophical, it offers a powerful lens for examining the social and political dimensions of curriculum. This classic is vital for curriculum designers interested in equity, social justice, and transformative learning experiences.
Advocates for transforming curriculum to meet the demands of the 21st century, focusing on skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy. It explores how to update curriculum to be relevant in a rapidly changing world. It key resource for curriculum designers seeking to create forward-thinking and contemporary educational programs that prepare learners for the future.
Offers a practical guide to teaching methods and strategies for secondary school teachers, focusing on topics such as classroom management, instructional planning, and student assessment.
Provides step-by-step guidance for both novice and experienced teachers on the complex task of lesson planning. It introduces progressively complex models of instruction, including basic, integrated, differentiated, and problem-based learning. It's a useful resource for understanding different planning approaches and revitalizing teaching practices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of nonverbal communication, covering topics such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong understanding of how to communicate effectively without words.

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