Through My Music gives the reader insight into the lives and passions of master music educators. . . . Through music, they have encouraged generations of students to not only enjoy a high level of performance, but also, through their example, inspire all whose lives they have touched to become compassionate leaders and caring human beings.

—Paula Crider
    from the Foreword

Contributors: Zandra Bell-McRoy • Catharine Bushman • Paula Crider • Michele Fernández • Linda Gammon • Edna Grace • Melissa Gustafson-Hinds • Mary Land • Rebecca Phillips • Erin Cole Steele • Lois Wiggins • Marguerite Wilder • Paula Williams

Through my music, I can do anything! This is the inspiring message Myra Rhoden and an impressive list of contributing authors are sending to the next generation of leaders with this powerful collection of stories, advice, and practical wisdom.

The contributors, all accomplished music educators with decades of experience in the wind band field, answer important questions inspired by the Athena Creed.

• What is your guiding mantra?
• What advice would you give others to be the best musician/teacher they can be?
• How do you balance family and the profession?
• What was your first terrifying or memorable experience as a teacher?
• What was the defining moment that helped shape your career?

Their responses to these and many other questions are equal parts insightful and inspirational, offering universal lessons in leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of music. A must-read for educators seeking to empower and mentor future leaders in music and beyond.

Dr. Myra Rhoden is the founder of Athena Music and Leadership (athenacamp.com), an all-girls music program created to promote musical excellence while emphasizing leadership skills. Recently retired after serving thirty years as a high school band director in the public schools of Georgia and Alabama, she now serves as the Assistant Professor of Music Education and conductor of the Symphonic Band at the University of West Georgia.