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TeachMusic21C

  • Welcome to ​Teach Music 21C

    Where today's music teachers come to find inspiration, ask questions, and explore 21st century ideas.

    How can we help you?


What's new this week at Teach Music 21C?

Listen to Podcast #99

How Long Should Music Students Practice? How many minutes? How much time. What's a good length for students' practicing? Join Connie Bell and Merlin Thompson as we explore this important topic.

Listen HERE

Read the blog from Dr. Thompson

This week's topic - Who Are We Doing This For? and Where Are We Headed? Music teachers have so much to accomplish that it can be challenging to slow down for a moment and take some time to remind ourselves what's at the heart of our teaching. 

Read more HERE

Would you like to strengthen the visionary layer of your teaching?
​Get the FREE Teach with Vision workbook now!

Teach with Vision - Inspire for Life

Created by Dr. Merlin Thompson, this one-of-a-kind workbook is designed to help music teachers bring about a vision of students as lifelong music makers. Each page will get you thinking about what it means to teach with vision and inspire our students for life. And it's FREE...

Get your workbook HERE

Poster of the Month

Displaying this Month's Poster is an excellent way to let people know what your teaching is all about. Print it off, put it up on your studio door/wall, share with a colleague, or keep nearby as a reminder for everyone of the kind of teacher you are.

Download Your Poster HERE

What's on your mind?
​Do you need help with...

September Planning

Our September Package 2026 is full of tried-and-tested tools, templates, and ideas to make your September start a little easier. Get the Package HERE. 

Parent Communication

First conversations with parents can get things off to a good start - or not. Click HERE to read more. 

Transfer Students

How to create smooth transitions in working with transfer students. Read more HERE. 

Student Practicing

What If "How Do I Get Students To Practice?" Isn't the Question We Should Be Asking?Check out this informative article HERE. 

Why Do Students Quit?

Read this article for an informative response. Click HERE. 

Giving Good Assignments

Explore how music teachers can help students take ownership of their musical journey. Click HERE.

Would you like to talk with someone who knows?
Meet - Dr. Merlin B. Thompson
​Founder of Teach Music 21C
​49 years of music studio teaching

Click for my introduction
Click for My Introduction

​Throughout my long career, I've been testing out new teaching strategies, throwing out what didn't work, and refining the strategies that did.
Here at ​Teach Music 21C, this is where I share what I've learned - and continue exploring what music teaching can become. 

Here are two ways you can connect with Dr. Merlin B. Thompson: 

Meet with Merlin 

Free Online Webinar - September 17. The latest inspiration from Dr. Thompson followed by Q&A and discussion. 

More Info HERE

Ask Merlin

Do you have a teaching question? Send me a note and I'll respond personally.

Ask your question HERE

Our Newsletter is a super resource for you.
​Have you signed up?

Music Teaching Matters

Free Weekly Newsletter. Inspirations, ideas, and practical strategies to support your teaching. Stay up-to-date with what's going on at Teach Music 21C.

Get Music Teacher Matters HERE

Teach Music 21C...
A community of forward-thinking music teachers that's actively redefining what music teaching looks like in the 21st century.
​Our focus is on: 

LIFELONG MUSIC MAKING. We teach for the musical futures our students will actually live - not just the next performance deadline. 

 COLLABORATIVE INSTRUCTION. We engage our students as active, thinking, & dependable participants on their own musical journey.

COMMUNITY BUILDING. We know that teaching is much easier when you spend time with teacher colleagues comfortable with change. 

You don't need to figure things out on your own. 
​Whether you're just starting your career or refining your craft after decades, Teach Music 21C has the vision, tools, and insights to elevate your teaching starting right now.  
​We know music teaching goes better when we have people to think with. That's what Teach Music 21C is here for. 

When you're ready to go deeper -
​We've got 21st Century Professional Development for you.

 

Based on 40+ years of testing and refining, we offer professional programs you won't find anywhere else. Get our Back Story [HERE]. 


Our 21st century approach provides music teachers with the multilayered flexibility to meet the diverse needs of today's real life students. 

Our Signature Courses

Teach Music 21C Certification $99 CAD

Our flagship PD program for vocal and instrumental music teachers.

Expand Your Suzuki Foundation $149 CAD

Designed specifically to enhance Suzuki music teachers' skillset. 

Beginner Piano Teacher Workshop $149 CAD

An Ear-Before-Eye approach to beginner piano lessons.  

What Music Teachers Say About TM21C Professional Development - 

Testimonial from Lana: "Teach Music 21C training helped me clarify my thoughts. This course gave me a framework for interacting with each student and family individually in a way that serves their situations and needs best. I have been excited by the growth I see within my students as they have more of a say in their artistic education and have had to lengthen course times because they didn't want the lesson to end!"

Testimonial from Peter:"The entire approach to teaching music - teach the whole student not just the music, employ curricula and pedagogy that motivate AND instruct to high standards, the role of parents and family, among many other ideas, Teach Music 21C Certification has clarified my thinking and inspired me to continue to become the teacher I always knew I could be. I recommend it whole-heartedly!"

Testimonial from Laurence:"Teach Music 21C Certification is a long awaited breath of fresh air. It is exactly what I needed for my music studio. Students have loved absolutely everything I have tried from this course. I highly recommend TM21C Certification to all teachers."

Click HERE for Video Testimonials