How Many Keys Are There On A Piano? is an interesting article about the history of the piano. It talks about the different varieties of pianos and the number of keys on them. It's a very interesting quick read through the development of the piano in history.

Understanding by Design Framework is an essential resource when writing and creating curriculum, assessment, and instruction. The stages are explained as well as examples given for each stage. Questions are also asked/given at the end of the article and other resources are listed as well.

Interval Song Chart Generator is a listing of intervals and includes various songs which represent the interval. Simply select a song for each descending and ascending interval. Videos accompany the example, however, you can easily make it into an aural example. Once you select your song choices, then you can generate your own list and print it out. You can even submit your own songs to the forum. This is a very useful resource for ear training and specifically helpful for choirs.

Rhythm Syllable Systems - What to use and why! is a blog in which David Row takes a look at the various rhythm syllable counting systems in use today. He gives a thorough explanation of each one as well as providing links for further information about a particular system. He also discusses that none of these systems give instruction or guidance about what to do with rests. Overall, he states that the choice is yours for which system to use with your students.

Music Teacher Tools & Resources is a resource for teachers in grades K-5 and includes lesson plans, assessments, listening examples, activities, and videos. The resources also integrate the elements of music with engaging activities. A wonderful resource to use and/or complement any lesson.

Best Practices for Children's Choir is a podcast with Matthew Parker discussing his best practices when working with a children's choir. The discussion content ranges from choosing music to engaging in warm-ups. Matthew also shares his favorite octavos, composers/arrangers, warm-ups, and tips when choosing music. This is very useful information and a great resource to use when working with your elementary and/or middle school choir.

Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Auditions is a blog article by Marie Grass Amenta about a man who began his career as a demanding and emotionless choir director. His interpersonal skills were non-existant with his choir. After self-reflection he soon discovers this is not really who he is. A young girl who auditioned for his choir was seen crying afterwards and he decided he can't pretend to be someone he isn't. That experience was a life-changing moment after which he left his current position and went to a community chorus and is now in a more relaxed, enjoyable environment for all.

Classics for Kids is a website that is full of information about classical music for kids/students. It includes links to learn about various composers, listening examples, activities, games and quizzes about music. There are lesson plans also available for teachers, and a parent information link is also available. This is a great site for introducing students to the genre of classical music.

The 2014 Music Standards are the new standards to follow and are available through the National Association for Music Education Music Standards (NAfME). There are links available to the various standards which include PK-8 General Music, Composition/Theory, Music Technology, Guitar/Keyboard/Harmonizing Instruments, and Ensemble. Included with the standards are the categories of create, perform, respond, and connect. There are also links to a glossary and enduring understanding, essential questions, and definitions about the new standards.

Websites for Kids offers links to variety of sites that include performer-based, symphony-based, music game/theory/history/listening, teacher and other resources. Included in some of the links are resources that include games, aural training, music theory/history, composition, music technology, and audit/video about performances. This is a motivating site for learners to engage in a variety of activities.

The Ultimate List of Online Music Education Games is a website filled with numerous resources available in aural training, composers, composition, instruments, notation, symbols/vocabulary and variety. These are free and students could even use them while at home and teachers can use to reinforce any lesson.

K-12 Resources for Music Education website is a valuable and resourceful page filled with endless opportunities for all types of music educators in grades K-12. There are specific tabs for band, choir, orchestra, classroom, and all music. Once you click on these you are taken to a variety of sites with a variety of topics/activities. This is definitely a resource to have at the top of your list for K-12 reference material.

J.W. Pepper Sheet music is an online music site in which you can get all your music needs taken care of in a very timely manner. You can search for almost any type of instrumentation, create your own library, read informative articles about music and music education. You can also listen to music samples of some of the pieces, and take a closer look at the notation. Once you have decided what you would like, you may order online and either have your music shipped to you or ePrinted immediately. J.W. Pepper is a wonderful resource that every music teacher should use when ordering music. You won't be disappointed with them.