Darla Hanley's Music Room
Creative Teaching for Students of Today (& Tomorrow) PK-8
Hi! I’m Darla, an experienced PK-12 music educator, college professor, and former Berklee College of Music Dean looking to connect with teachers, parents/caregivers, and others seeking to advance creative music making for today’s students—and their teachers. In Darla Hanley’s Music Room you will find teaching strategies, advice and teaching tips, playlists, and more.
6 Gifts
© 2025 Darla S. Hanley
What is it about the words “free gift” that grab our attention (lol)? Is it really the item—or is it the unexpectedness of getting something for nothing?
Not sure about you, but I think it’s fun to give and receive gifts. I also love a good bargain—and scoring something awesome (if it’s something I need or want) for free.
We all know that material things can carry status and value… but should they matter so greatly? In our rapid consumption society of more, more, more, I find myself pausing today to think about the meaning of it all (especially as we close the year).
Okay, so what am I talking about, and how does this link to music education? I think music teachers and students give and receive gifts in every music class. Yes, I do mean every music class (lol). And this is how…
Gift of Time
Some people say we make time for what’s important to us. I agree with that—to a point, as there really are 24 hours in a day (lol). But in today’s context I’d like to think about using time as a gift to connect with others; to make things happen; and to prioritize; prepare; and live a balanced life. How we use the gift of time is impactful.
In terms of music teaching, we typically have blocks of instructional time to fill for and with students. (We also have planning time and homeroom or bus duty time (lol)). This school time IS the gig, and how time is used before, after, and during the school day matters.
For me, when I frame the time we give toward any or all of these things as a gift—it simply feels different. My time is valuable and the time I put in to XYZ changes the game. If I’m not fully prepared, students lose out. This means the time I dedicate to students, to education, and the educational process is a gift to myself (i.e. I’m prepared for teaching) AND for the students who benefit when instruction is delivered at a high level.
Students also need the gift of time to develop skills and abilities and build their command of music vocabulary. This comes in the form of practice time, wait time, free artistic exploration time, collaboration time with their peers, listening time, and so much more.
Gift of Opportunity
Anyone who knows me has probably heard me say that “education is an investment in yourself”. It’s a gift to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop during our PK-12 school days (and beyond).
We all know that not every classroom, school, or even school district are the same… and most students in the USA are assigned to a school based on zip code. They get-what-they-get.
To that end, in my view, it’s important to talk about how individual music teachers structure learning opportunities for students every day. They design instruction, make all sorts of decisions, and sometimes spend their own money to create opportunities for students, music programs, and their school.
The opportunities structured by music teachers set students up for success. Additionally, they create pathways for students to show what they know AND what they need to improve. Here they make space for opportunity by having students apply prior skills/knowledge in the classroom. They also create opportunities for students to try—and feel safe if they fall a bit short.
On the other hand, students give teachers the opportunity to learn what pedagogical approaches resonate in their classroom. They also give teachers the opportunity to observe students of today to know who they are and what they do (and say: 6 7!!!). This requires teachers to stay up with the times to be able to offer fresh and relevant instruction.
Gift of Support
Can you think of a time when a teacher OR student needed support in school? Um, yeah (lol). And can you think about what happened next? Most often we give each other gifts of support—without hesitation or planning. We offer gifts of helping, understanding, listening, and guiding, etc., as we navigate teaching and learning together. We support others both in the moment and long term, and as a result develop essential relationships within school communities.
And taking it a step further (putting my former administrator hat on)… School administrators need to offer support to teachers AND students. When this happens their work assists, boosts, serves, nurtures, and advances everything in the school.
Having an administrator who supports school music is a huge gift.
Gift of Acknowledgement
Giving the gift of acknowledgement is important for teachers AND students. In my view, both groups need to be seen and heard—and recognized for things like outstanding contributions, dedication, and innovation. These groups offer gifts of acknowledgement when they celebrate teaching and learning together. The teacher acknowledges students when a learning target is met, and students (usually YEARS later, lol) acknowledge teachers for the music education they receive.
Additionally, how cool would it be if someone said this about the recent concert led by the music teacher:
Mrs. Kipp led the best Veteran’s Day concert in our school’s history! Because of her, our student performers were very well-prepared and sounded great! And wow, did you hear the way Lincoln played his piano solo with such finesse? It was wonderful for Mrs. Kipp to feature this young artist. Everything about the concert was a-ma-zing!
Gift of the Voice of Experience
The older I get the more I reflect on the voice of experience. A younger me was cool (lol) but she needed to look to her teachers, professional role models, and mentors for ideas and advice. She was learning from the actions, contributions, and voices of others to shape her professional work.
In my view, all teachers have a voice of experience that they share as a gift in the music classroom—even 1st year teachers. (Note: I do not define a voice of experience in years.) These are gifts of performance experience in rehearsal and on stages (literally with instruments and singing voices), educational experience (reflecting on when they were students and as teachers), professional experience (in the classroom; as colleagues, members of organizations, and leaders), and life experience (in all the ways, lol).
Teachers bring these things into the classroom as part of who they are, what they know, and what they have done—and students benefit.
Gift of Music
Finally, and pretty importantly, as music teachers we give AND receive the gift of music. We empower young artists, expose them to repertoire, and get them hooked on how a life filled with music is beautiful!
As music teachers, we know that everything we do is ALL ABOUT THEM. When we effectively use the gift of time, offer gifts of educational opportunity and support; acknowledge individual accomplishments (i.e., artistically, academically, personally, and professionally), and effectively use our voice of experience in the classroom—students experience the joys of music.
The gift of music is one of the greatest gifts to give AND receive.
Final Thoughts
As we sprint to the finish line of December concerts and all of the other end-of-the-year rushing around, I want to say how much I enjoy using time to write these posts and thank you for the opportunity to write for you. I also wish to acknowledge the support you offer me here, in the classroom, and as a presenter around the world, as I strive to impart a bit of my voice of experience. Thanks for checking out Darla Hanley’s Music Room!
For You
Here are tracks about gifts and time… Enjoy! Link to full "Gifts and Time" Playlist
🎵 Steven Sharp Nelson “Simple Gifts” (2012) Link to Track on Spotify
🎵 Alexandre Desplat “Time After Time” (2018) Link to Track on Spotify
🎵 LoFi City “Gifts” (2024) Link to Track on Spotify
🎵 Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss “Simple Gifts” (1984) Link to Track on Spotify
🎵 Jim Croce “Time in a Bottle” (1974) Link to Track on Spotify
🎵 Yoo Jong Hyun “Gifts” (2021) Link to Track on Spotify
Such lovely wise words. A gift, for sure.