One Brave Question

Objective: Students will practice initiating small, respectful conversations with their music teacher as a way to build confidence and begin developing positive student-teacher relationships, which are essential for personal growth and musical development.

🎯 Why This Matters:
Middle school students often feel shy or unsure about talking to adults, even ones they admire. Learning how to engage in small, appropriate conversations with a trusted teacher helps students develop self-advocacy skills, boost confidence, and lay the foundation for strong mentorships in high school and beyond.

📚 Assignment:
Title: “One Brave Question”

Instructions:

1. Read the article “Want a Great College Reference: Start Here” on Accoladi.com.
2. Pick Your Moment:
   Sometime this week, find a natural and respectful moment before or after class, rehearsal, or during a break to ask your music teacher one thoughtful question. You can choose from the list below or create your own:
   • What’s your favorite piece of music to teach?
   • When did you know you wanted to be a music teacher?
   • What instrument did you first learn to play?
   • What’s one tip you’d give to someone who wants to be really great at music?
3. Listen & Observe:
   Pay attention to your teacher’s answer. What surprised you? Did you feel more comfortable afterward?
4. Reflect (Short Writing):
   Write a short reflection (3–5 sentences) that answers:
   • What question did you ask?
   • What did your teacher say?
   • How did it feel to start a conversation?
   • Would you be willing to do it again?

📅 Due Date: Turn in your reflection by next Friday __________________ (Date)

The Connection Project

Objective: Students will understand the value of forming professional relationships with their music teachers and learn how to cultivate those relationships in a way that leads to strong, authentic recommendation letters and long-term mentorship.

🎯 Why It Matters:
College admissions committees value letters from individuals who can speak personally about a student's character, work ethic, and growth. Music teachers—who witness students' daily commitment, leadership, and perseverance—are often best positioned to write such letters. Helping students build these relationships can have a lifelong impact.

📚 Assignment:
Title: The Connection Project

Instructions:

1. Read the article “Want a Great College Reference: Start Here” on Accoladi.com.
2. Reflect:
   Write a short journal entry (150–200 words) answering:
   • What are your current goals in music (college, performance, career)?
   • What qualities do you hope a teacher would highlight in a reference for you?
3. Engage:
   Identify one music teacher or director you currently learn from. Over the next two weeks, do at least two of the following:
   • Ask them about their musical journey or education.
   • Offer to help with a task (setting up chairs, organizing music, etc.).
   • Share a recent success or challenge you’re facing in your music life.
   • Ask for feedback on something you’re working on and thank them for their time.
4. Report:
   Write a one-page reflection describing:
   • What you chose to do.
   • How your teacher responded.
   • What you learned about them—and about yourself—from the experience.
   • How this helped deepen your connection.

📅 Due Date: ________________________ One week from today.

Want a Great College Reference? Start Here — Why It Begins in Middle School

Dear Parents

This might sound like an odd topic for a middle school music director to bring up — college references. Honestly, it feels a bit early, even to me. But after years of watching former students grow up, graduate, and chase down big dreams, I’ve learned something important: the relationships they build with their teachers — especially in the arts — start shaping their future earlier than you might think.

There’s a short article I hope you’ll take a moment to read with your child. It’s called “Want a Great College Reference? Start Here,” and it’s available now at Accoladi.com. It’s written with high school students in mind, but middle school is where those habits and instincts begin.

As a student myself, I remember the music teacher who made the biggest difference in my life — and we’re still in touch to this day. That didn’t happen overnight. It started with small conversations, extra effort, showing respect, and letting them know I cared about the music just as much as they did. Those same habits can begin now, even in these shy, often awkward middle school years.

Your child will likely enter high school already feeling nervous — and that’s okay. But if they can walk into the band, choir, or orchestra room on day one already understanding how to show interest, build trust, and talk to their teacher, they’ll be way ahead of the game.

So here’s my encouragement: Read the article. Talk about it with your child. And gently plant the idea that connecting with their future high school director could be one of the best things they do.

Thank you for your support, your partnership, and most of all, for raising students who show up ready to learn, grow, and create something beautiful.

Musically Yours,

_________________________________________
Director’s Name and Position

_______________________________________________________
School Name

Want a Great College Reference? Start Here — and Why It Matters

Dear Parents
Director’s Name     School Name

To be honest, writing this kind of message always feels a bit uncomfortable. It can seem self-serving to talk about the role of a music teacher in a student’s college journey. But after years of teaching — and even more years of watching students step into auditions, interviews, and real-world opportunities — I’ve learned this is a necessary conversation. And it’s beautifully addressed in a brief article now available at Accoladi.com, titled “Want a Great College Reference? Start Here.”

The article speaks to something I’ve experienced firsthand. My own high school band director — the one who shaped so much of who I am today — is now a respected colleague and mentor. We still stay in touch, and I continue to credit him for teaching me more than music. He taught me how to lead, how to commit, and how to care.

That’s the kind of relationship the article encourages — one built not just on performance, but on trust and shared goals. Music teachers see a side of students few others do: their grit, teamwork, growth, and heart. When the time comes for a college reference, that insight matters more than any résumé.

Please take a moment to read the article — and discuss it with your child. It’s a short but powerful reminder that the relationships they nurture now can open doors for years to come.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s journey. It’s an honor.

Warm Regards,

_________________________________________________
Director’s Name and Position

____________________________________________________________
School Name