More to Start, Fewer to Quit (November 2025)

This month's More to Start, Fewer to Quit (MSFQ) tips come from Angela Ammerman, Associate Teaching Professor of Music Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

RECRUITMENT

Plan a Swap Day with a feeder teacher (or one you feed) in which you simply swap schools for the day. This approach works beautifully because no substitute is required, and both teachers benefit, one reconnects with former students, while the other builds relationships with future ones.

Design a musical plan that allows students to experience the joy of making music together. When they see how much fun it is to collaborate, they’re far more likely to remain engaged and excited about joining the program at the next level.

RETENTION

Let rehearsals center on music-making the very reason most of them joined in the first place.

Choose a “March of the Week.” Play it as students enter the classroom and challenge them to retrieve their instruments, be in their seats, and have music open on their stands before it ends. This builds consistent start-of-class expectations while introducing musical form, vocabulary, and notable march composers.

Speak in Rhythm. Experiment with giving directions in rhythmic patterns—think of it as “music teacher wrapping.” It’s fun, unexpected, and keeps students listening.

Engage every section consistently. Work to keep all sections engaged, even when rehearsing specific parts. Maintain eye contact, rotate focus or add supportive exercises that will also help students practice fundamentals. When students are engaged from the moment they enter the rehearsal room until the class ends, they’re far more likely to stay for the long haul!

GENERAL SUCCESS TIP

Try the 1-Minute Rule: As you move throughout your year, try putting a 1-minute limit on some of the following components to your day. Try it even for a day and see what a difference it makes in your pacing and productivity! You’ll be amazed at how much more efficient your rehearsals feel when every moment has purpose and energy!

< 1min. Critique
< 1min. Demonstration
< 1 min. Working on just 1 Section
< 1 mịn: Talking Break
< 1 min. Transition
< 1 min. Spoken Instruction
< 1 min. Self critique
< 1 min. Announcements

Angela Ammerman
Associate Teaching Professor of Music Education
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Yamaha 40 Under 40, Class of 2024
Music Teacher’s Guide Series Author & Instagram Hostess