Contributors: Jill Gagliardi, Elise Hackl, Meghan Hickey, Mary Jensen, Jessica Kwasny, Andrew M. Ladendorf, Brandon Larsen, Sandra Lewis, Darlene Machacon, Rachel Manchur, Bobby Olson, Michael J. West, and William Winters

This book showcases the inspiring stories and innovative ideas of music educators who are implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) instruction with intentionality in their classrooms at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

By utilizing and adapting materials in Scott N. Edgar’s pioneering first book, Music Education and Social Emotional Learning, these teachers—representing all areas of music education—share their real-world challenges and triumphs with SEL instruction, along with many tips, activities, lesson plans, and suggestions for embedding SEL in a way that is musical, intentional, and meaningful.

Importantly, Portraits of Music Education and Social Emotional Learning approaches SEL from a culturally relevant and equitable lens, accounting for the ways in which SEL instruction interacts with culture, race, background, and uniqueness, therefore making it a powerful tool for embracing social justice and student empowerment.

At its core, SEL gives students the ability to have difficult conversations, cope with stress, and navigate challenges. And while each teacher presents their unique approach to SEL, they come to the same conclusion: SEL is critical to the success of their students and programs.

Scott N. Edgar is Associate Professor of Music at Lake Forest College. He is the author of Music Education and Social Emotional Learning: The Heart of Teaching Music and is an internationally sought-after clinician on the topic. Dr. Edgar serves as Director of Practice and Research for The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning (www.artsedsel.org). Dr. Edgar is a Music for All Educational Consultant, a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician, and VH1 Save the Music Foundation Educational Consultant.

Finally, the go-to book for music educators who have intuitively and intentionally created classrooms where music and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) are seamlessly aligned. These practical ideas of how to teach music at all levels, grounded in the practices of SEL, will inspire all educators to not only teach from the heart, but to lead with empathy and compassion.

—Pamela Randall-Garner, Ed.D.
    Senior Staff Advisor
    CASEL: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning

This book is a must-read as well as a compelling study. Wisely, Dr. Scott Edgar brought together an amazing group of remarkable educators who share their own experiences as they avail their students to the immeasurable value of the Social Emotional Learning landscape. Be prepared to be challenged, educated, and enlightened. You have in your hands a rare gift bearing benefits to everyone traversing the educational highway. We are all indebted to this great team of first-class authors and educators. BRAVO!

—Tim Lautzenheiser

In this new publication, Scott Edgar continues to provide teachers with rich insights and practical suggestions for understanding and implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into music education classes, from elementary through high school grades. Practicing music educators share pragmatic ideas for successful embedding of SEL into their teaching. A must-read for any music teacher wishing to better understand and promote well-being in their students.

—John M. Feierabend