Social Emotional Learning and Music Education: Be sure to Be Kind to Yourself, Too

Music educators often advocate for the benefits of music education, such as leadership, self-expression, and creativity. Or, for some, music education for music education’s sake. Consider accomplishing this by teaching students to be self-aware and socially aware musicians. When student awareness improves, so does the music and the community of musicians. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competency development should not be viewed as something taking time from musical instruction. Instead, view SEL competency skills as being learned through musical instruction. SEL alignments need to be intentional, explicit, consistent, and structured. This column suggests three embedded SEL techniques and encourages four focus activities to help foster personal, emotional, and physical well-being for music teachers and their students.