“A standing ovation is extended to Dr. John Clinton for his landmark contribution to the world of
music education: Embracing Administrative Leadership in Music Education. Every
administrator-and-teacher (of any discipline) will be the benefactor of the relevant knowledge
and wisdom beautifully shared within the text. The focus on context as well as content is a vivid
reflection of the author’s own remarkable career as an administrator extraordinaire. This book is
a MUST READ for anyone/everyone who is dedicated to excellence.”
Tim Lautzenheiser, Attitude Concepts, Inc.
____________________________________________________________________________
Administration is an art in itself. In the field of music education, each layer of the discipline
depends upon effective administrative personnel for success. John Clinton has taught at every
level of public school and university fine arts programs, and he has been a highly successful
and popular administration in each of these areas. His role as an administrator has been a
positive role model for many, raising the level of music education in each position. This book
should be required reading for all aspiring arts educators in the field.
Jerry Smith, Ph.D., Public School and University Professor, Retired Director University of
Oklahoma School of Music
____________________________________________________________________________
Typically, music administrators are a stand-alone position in school districts. That fact alone
makes this book extremely valuable to music educators. For those who are already music
administrators, this book will become your trusted colleague. For those brand new to
administration, this book will become your well-worn mentor, and for those music teachers who
want to become music administrators or become leaders in your profession, this book will be
your guide.
Brad Benson, Director of Fine Arts, Norman, Oklahoma Public Schools
____________________________________________________________________________
For anyone planning to enter the field of fine arts administration, this book should be the first
acquisition! John Clinton has shared his vast experience as a successful fine arts director in the
Norman, Oklahoma school system. I wish I had had this invaluable resource during my tenure
as a director of fine arts!! A must read!
Richard Crain, President, Midwest Clinic

____________________________________________________________________________

In Embracing Administrative Leadership in Music Education, John Clinton presents practical answers to the real-world problems every music education administrator faces.

In clear, straightforward prose, Clinton discusses leadership, team building, and integrity. More than that, he addresses the hard issues of music education administration: being in the middle, knowing your territory, and dealing with difficult people—and too many meetings! He also covers hiring and retaining great teachers as well as the difficult issues of termination, budgets, and the challenge of staying engaged in teaching.

A master administrator himself, Clinton writes in a refreshingly conversational manner, relaying perspectives he has gathered from more than 40 years as a music administrator. As he says in his introduction:

"If you are looking for a significant statement of philosophy, flowcharts, or graphs, you will not find those in this book. Perhaps you will gather what my philosophy is as you read through this publication. While I do understand that graphs and charts can be helpful in organizing events, responsibilities, and certain testing results, I have never found them helpful when it comes to working with people."

Instead, Clinton writes about the character traits a successful leader must have and how they fit into administration in the field of music. The stories he tells to illustrate the important issues all administrators face “can be a bit frightening, funny, or encouraging, but it is important that these stories are told.

Embracing Administrative Leadership in Music Education can kick-start your journey toward more effective and satisfying leadership as a music education administrator.

John Clinton recently retired as dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Central Oklahoma. In 2014, he retired as conductor of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, a position he held since 1992. He was Director of Fine Arts for the Norman (Oklahoma) Public Schools for 30 years. He has also served as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Center for Arts Education and the Oklahoma A+ Schools.

A graduate of East Central Oklahoma State University, Dr. Clinton earned his Master of Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. In 1991, he completed his Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of North Texas, with emphases in orchestral conducting, string pedagogy, and sociology.

Dr. Clinton has received numerous professional honors, including the University of Oklahoma School of Music Distinguished Alumni Fellow, Oklahoma String Teacher of the Year, Governor’s Arts Award for Arts and Education, National Federation of State High School Associations Outstanding Music Educator, Oklahoma Music Educators Association “Administrator of the Year,” and the Distinguished Service Award from the Art Therapy Association of Oklahoma.

He currently serves on the board of directors for the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic, Oklahoma Arts Institute, and Children’s Arts Network.

Chapter 1: Why Administration?; Chapter 2: What Is an Administrator?; Chapter 3: Leadership; Chapter 4: Team Building; Chapter 5: Integrity; Chapter 6: Good Advice/Bad Advice; Chapter 7: Being in the Middle; Chapter 8: Know Your Territory; Chapter 9: Dealing with Difficult People; Chapter 10: Meetings, Meetings, and More Meetings; Chapter 11: Say Yes—At Least Give It Some Thought Before Saying No; Chapter 12: Personnel and Music Administration; Chapter 13: Those Who Leave the Music Education Profession; Chapter 14: Budgets; Chapter 15: Staying Engaged in Teaching; Chapter 16: Building a Music Program; Chapter 17: Final Thoughts; Chapter 18: Epilogue