August 2026 Newsletter
Dear Medley friends and colleagues,
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has connected with us in the last month by attending a conference session, workshop, or graduate course with us, purchased a book, or supported and interacted with us on social media. July was a joyful whirlwind but we are honored to be in this work with you!
Most of us are heading back to school in some capacity by the end of this month, so we are celebrating this transition with a discount code for $5 off We Are All Musicians: 25 Imaginative Song-Based Activities for Inclusive Music Classrooms during the month of August. Enter BACKTOSCHOOL as the promo code when ordering through our website or the all-digital version on Payhip. You can now also order the book through Amazon, but no discounts are available there at this time.
Classroom activity videos and supporting materials below! Let’s start the information roundup.
In-person Learning Opportunities
November 3rd, 9 am-3 pm
Intro to Adaptive Music Education
Northampton, Massachusetts, USA
December 3-6, date/time TBA
New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) conference
Singing on the Inside: Meaningful Inclusion of Non-Speakers (session)
Online Learning Opportunities
September 21st & November 2nd, 4-5 pm Eastern time (Boston/New York)
Adaptive Music Independent Study. This independent study is for teachers who have completed Intro to Adaptive Music Education either in person or online.
Tuition $270. One optional graduate credit from Worcester State University is available for an extra fee.
Hop, Baby Joey, an original expressive movement song by Jon and Jess about baby kangaroos, with optional choice cards, included in We Are All Musicians.
Fireflies, an original “awe and wonder” expressive movement song by Jon and Jess, presented as an ear training challenge to identify the complex meter in a video! Also included in We Are All Musicians.
This is the Engine on the Track and This Little Wind, two of our favorite finger wiggles from John Feierabend’s The Book of Wiggles and Tickles.
Where’s My Other Shoe?, a catchy, original echo song by Jon and Jess included in We Are All Musicians.
A free 3D print file for easily-grasped oblong shakers, designed by Medley’s Business Manager, Philip. Watch an explanatory video here.
How do we practice inclusion for our students with high support needs at school concert time? It depends, of course. Read our thoughts on the blog.
Use self-adhering bandage to support a consenting student with low grasp strength to hold a drumstick or other instrument.
Adapt a violin/viola bow hold for experienced players who lose hand strength and dexterity, using soft hair elastics.
Combination handbell/desk bells offer additional access points to match a variety of abilities and interests.
A humorous classroom anecdote about knowing your audience.
Jen led an instrument adaptation workshop within our graduate course at Hartt School of Music.
Additional tips and information are embedded within these short videos focused on the tools in We Are All Musicians:
WAAM is a Universal Design for Learning gold mine!
Introducing Isaiah and discussing his choice boards
Student responses to the book’s activities
Thank you for your ongoing support! Please make sure to follow us on your favorite social media platforms and help us reach more teachers by interacting with our content. We are so grateful to be in this important work with you!
With gratitude,
Jess, Jen, Jon & Isaiah
