Understanding the Heart of Instrumental Music Teaching
After years of teaching instrumental music, I’ve realized that success in the band room isn’t about getting every student to the same level. It’s about helping each student grow from where they are right now.
Every class brings a mix of abilities, experiences, and personalities. Some students can play through scales effortlessly, while others are still learning how to form a proper embouchure or make their first clear tone. The challenge — and the beauty — of teaching is meeting each of them at their starting point and helping them find excellence in that space.
A Quote That Changed My Perspective
Early in my teaching career, a former administrator told me something I’ll never forget:
“Parents are sending you the best children that they have. They’re not keeping the good ones at home.”
That statement reframed everything for me. Every student who walks through the door is the very best that someone has to give. It’s our responsibility to meet them with patience, respect, and belief in their potential.
Since hearing that, I’ve tried to teach with the mindset that every child is doing the best they can with the tools they have today. My job is to help them build more tools.
Redefining Excellence in Music Education
Excellence isn’t perfection — it’s progress. For one student, excellence might mean producing a full, centered tone for the first time. For another, it could mean expressing musical phrasing with emotion and confidence.
When we redefine excellence this way, we celebrate effort and growth rather than comparison. Students start to understand that success in music is not about being the best player in the room — it’s about being a better version of yourself every day.
Teaching from Strengths
I’ve found that beginning with what students do well opens the door to greater learning. Maybe a student struggles with tone, but has an excellent sense of rhythm. Or maybe a student’s technique is behind, but their musicality shines.
By acknowledging their strengths, I can use those skills as a bridge to areas that need improvement. When students feel seen for what they can do, they’re more willing to take risks and work through what they can’t do — yet.
Building a Culture of Growth
One of my favorite parts of teaching is helping students develop a growth mindset through music. I often remind them:
“We’re not competing with each other; we’re competing with who we were yesterday.”
That shift in focus changes everything. Rehearsals become about progress, not perfection. At the end of each week, I ask my students two simple questions:
• What improved for you this week?
• What's the one thing you want to get better at next time?
These reflections keep students grounded in their own journey and remind them that growth is something worth celebrating.
Excellence, One Student at a Time
When each student strives for their own version of excellence, the whole ensemble rises together. The tone improves, the rhythm tightens, and—most importantly—the sense of pride and ownership deepens.
For me, the ultimate goal isn’t to push every student to the same peak. It’s to help each one climb higher than they thought possible. Meeting students where they are isn’t lowering the bar; it’s helping them reach it, one note, one rehearsal, and one success at a time.
Dan Brennan is an adjunct music professor at the University of Pikeville and a former middle school band director with experience teaching instrumental music at multiple levels. His passion lies in helping students find their musical voice by focusing on growth, connection, and the pursuit of personal excellence.
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