NAfME Webinar: From Can’t to Can- Positive Classroom Management in the Music Classroom

The music classroom is unlike any other space in the school; it’s dynamic, expressive, energetic, and full of movement and sound. But with that excitement comes unique classroom management challenges: transitions between activities, sharing instruments, managing large groups, and keeping students focused in a highly stimulating environment. Too often, we hear what students can’t do: “They can’t sit still.” “They can’t handle instruments responsibly.” “They can’t follow directions in music class.” But what if we shifted our mindset? This presentation is about moving from can’t to can and adopting a proactive, positive, and practical approach to classroom management that’s built on clarity, consistency, and connection. When we believe that behavior is something we can teach—just like rhythm or melody—we give our students the structure and support they need to succeed. Let’s explore tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that turn challenges into opportunities and help create a classroom where music—and students—can flourish.