In Tune with Students is filled with practical insights and strategies for any music teacher who engages students in individual or small-group lessons, including K–12 instrumental and choral educators, university professors, private studio teachers, and professional musicians.

Drawing from decades of experience as a certified music educator, private teacher, and performing musician, Kathleen Melago covers all the ins and outs of creating and sustaining a private studio that nurtures the social-emotional growth of students.

Organized according to the three pillars of Identity, Belonging, and Agency, this book explores a range of essential topics, including:

• Helping students discover their musical identity
• Building meaningful relationships with students
• Facilitating opportunities for student voice and choice
• Navigating emotions like excitement, stress, and anxiety
• Scheduling lessons, selecting repertoire, and setting goals
• Guiding student practice and providing feedback
• Working with diverse populations
• Setting healthy work-life boundaries and prioritizing teacher self-care

Also included are student-teacher scenarios, perspectives from experienced educators, downloadable worksheets, and dozens of reflection questions that teachers can use to learn more about themselves and to structure their own lessons.

No matter what level you teach—beginners, advanced musicians, university students, or adult learners—this book will strengthen what you already do, sharpen your focus, and reinvigorate your teaching.

Kathleen A. Melago is Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership at Slippery Rock University (SRU). From 2009 to 2025, she served as Music Education Program Coordinator in SRU’s Department of Music, where she taught a wide range of music education courses and supervised field-experience students and student teachers.

In Tune with Students is a terrific contribution to the music education literature. Dr. Kathleen Melago does a beautiful job of integrating the key pillars of Identity, Belonging, and Agency into the one-on-one environment of the private studio. The use of interesting vignettes and tools for reflection make this a must-have for all music private teachers.

—Colleen Conway
    Professor of Music Education, University of Michigan
    Author of Private Music Lessons: A Manual for Teachers

In Tune with Students brings new theories and insight to the art of private teaching, addressing the often-hidden but important issues that private teachers in any setting must confront. By clearly defining social emotional learning, Dr. Melago provides the backdrop for a detailed guide that goes beyond the basics of technique and gets at the core of teaching: How do we connect emotionally? How do we support the identity of the student while preserving our own? Insightful reflection questions are also included to help teachers build their own SEL skills. Written in a conversational style, this book provides essential information for future teachers while enhancing and bringing focus to the work of those who already teach.

—Katherine Borst Jones
    Professor of Flute, The Ohio State University
    Past-President, National Flute Association
    Private Teacher for 50+ Years