Music Education Ezine

Dear ,

I am just writing you this note to let you know about an exciting new contest we are currently running here at the Fun Music Company and I would love your input.

Last year we ran a similar competition that resulted in 100's of entries and a great e-book with over 40 of the best tips, tricks and stories from music teachers around the world called "40 Lifesavers for the Music Teacher". Everyone who got their story published got a free copy of the book once it was compiled and the whole exercise was a great success resulting on a book that is able to help many music teachers worldwide.

This year, all you need to do to enter is let us know the SINGLE BEST idea or lesson plan that you have used for a substitute music lesson.

Thankyou to those who have already given their ideas on the music teachers blog article about this - there is already some great ideas there that will definitely be included!

All you have to do is write down one single idea in response to:

• What do you do when you have to fill in for another teacher at a moments notice?
• What do you give a substitute teacher to fill in your lessons in your place?

You can choose to submit lesson plan ideas, lesson plans, worksheets, games or other activities that can easily be written down for any substitute teacher to take at a moments notice.

There might be hundreds of ideas and this could end up to be a printed book, however at the moment all we are looking to do with this information is to create a small bonus item which will given away with some other music teaching resources.

If you're a bit stuck for ideas to get you started, here's an entry which was submitted on the blog from Joy (thanks Joy!). It is simple, straight to the point and could be used by any substitute teacher easily and effectively and is one of the front runners in the competition at the moment:

"My best idea for a sub was to have the kids watch a portion of a dvd about the group STOMP. Afterwards, the kids got to pick out unique objects from a box and create their own version of STOMP. Near the end of class each group had to perform their creation in front of the class. The kids had a blast and the sub got involved in making sound effects as well. It covers the National Standards of playing instruments alone and with others, improvising, creating, listening, and showing respect for other's performances."

As you can see - you don't need to write an essay with your idea - it just needs to be simple and engaging for students.

Your reasons for contributing:

1. You'll will go into the competition to WIN a $50 itunes or Amazon (Your choice) sent direct to your door with our compliments and congratulations, as well as a preview copy of our latest module of "Printable Music Lesson Plans- Great Composers "
2. Everyone Who contributes will get a copy of the e-book when it is compiled. Think about it - you'll get the collective wisdom of everyone who contributes! Last year it took us approximately 3 months to compile - which means you'll have it ready in early 2010. With loads of ideas to choose from, you won't need dread preparing substitute music lessons for quite a while. What a relief!

How to contribute:
All you need to do is send me an email to janice@funmusicco.com with your idea - or you can just use the contact form on our website.

• Remember that the idea does not need to be long.
• The idea does not even have to be original - you can share an idea that was shared with you from a mentor, friend or teacher.
• It does not need to be in any particular format; just something you can write down and easily explain in an email.
• You can choose whether or not you'd like your name and/or contact details published with the idea: just let us know!

The Competition - Win a $50 Itunes or Amazon Voucher

At the Fun Music Company we love giving things away, so we've decided to give away a free itunes or Amazon voucher. The winner will be the person who has suggested an idea which is the most practical and useful for everyone.

The competition will close on the Monday 30th November, 2009, after which we'll pick a winner and announce it the following week in a further email - so keep an eye on your mailbox!

Some quick rules, which you agree to by entering:

• If there is more than one person who has made the winning (closely related) idea, the winner will be picked at random from all those who made that suggestion.
• You can only enter once - just give us your best idea!
• No Compensation will be paid for your ideas, other than the prize as stated, and sharing of the e-book on its completion. You agree to release the idea to us for publication in our ebooks and anywhere else appropriate with no compensation paid.
• Please don't submit anything that violates any persons or companies copyrighted material - just use your common sense!
• You must be at least 18 years of age to enter, or over 21 if you are in the United States. The Voucher will be sent to the winner within 28 days of the competition close date.

Here's to making music lessons fun for all!

Kind regards,

PS :Remember to get you entry in ASAP as the contest ends Monday 30th November,2009

P.S.S Remember to email me direct with your entry at: janice@funmusicco.com That way I can be sure to have your correct email address to let you know about the progress of the contest and the book....... and of course I can notify you if you happen to be the winner!