If you’re an elementary music teacher, you’ve probably felt this tension before:
Should I create something new… or just use what already exists?
For a long time, I thought being a great teacher meant constantly creating. New lessons. New activities. New everything.
But over time, I realized something that completely changed the way I approach my classroom:
You don’t just play one role as a music educator. You play two.
The artist…and the curator.
And knowing when to step into each role? That’s what keeps you from burning out.
🎵 Curriculum Curator Series
- Part 1: Curriculum Curator (Start Here)
- Part 2: Scope & Sequence
- Part 3: Digital Organization
- Part 4: Making It Connect
- Part 5: Agenda Slides
The Artist vs. The Curator
Let’s simplify it:
- The Artist = The Creator
You design and build something new for your students. - The Curator = The Collector
You find, select, and organize high-quality resources that already exist.
Both roles matter—but they shouldn’t take up equal space.
The 80/20 Rule
Here’s the shift that changed everything for me:
- 80% of the time → Curator
- 20% of the time → Artist
Most of your teaching life should not be spent reinventing the wheel.
It should be spent finding what works, using it well, and building something intentional over time.
When You Step Into the Artist Role
Creating your own lessons can be incredibly rewarding—but it also comes with a cost.
Before you jump in, ask yourself:
- Am I filling a real gap?
- Do I actually have time for this?
- Is this something I feel excited about?
- Am I okay if this doesn’t work the first time?
Because sometimes…it won’t.
A Quick Story
I tend to create the most for my 5th and 6th graders. I love building experiences that feel more meaningful and age-appropriate.
But there were a few years where I leaned too far into that role.
- My students started to feel like guinea pigs
- My lessons failed more often
- And it honestly stressed me out
I was constantly building instead of refining.
What I Do Now
I still create—but not all the time.
Now, I:
- Start with something that already exists
- Make small, intentional tweaks
- And only build from scratch when there’s a real need
When You Step Into the Curator Role
This is the role that will save your time—and your sanity.
Being a curator means:
- Choosing high-quality resources
- Limiting how many materials you’re pulling from at once
- Asking: Does this actually fit my plan, or is it just a distraction?
And yes—this even applies if you have a boxed curriculum.
A curriculum can be an amazing starting point, but it’s rarely a complete solution. It doesn’t always align perfectly with your teaching style, your students, or your goals.
That’s where you come in.
You’re not just implementing a curriculum—you’re shaping it.
The Internet Isn’t the Problem…Overwhelm Is
I’ll be honest—my comfort zone has always been the internet.
It’s fast. It’s searchable. It gives you exactly what you’re looking for.
And there is so much good out there.
But the sheer amount of resources available to us can also be overwhelming.
And when we’re overwhelmed, we default to the quick fix:
→ another search
→ another idea
→ another “this might work tomorrow” lesson
Before you know it, you have a collection of random lessons instead of a connected plan.
That was me for a long time.
A Shift That Changed Everything
Instead of constantly searching for something new, I started simplifying.
- Picked just a few trusted resources for the year
- Used them consistently
- Tested what actually worked with my students
- Kept the lessons I loved and let go of the rest
Over time, I built my own collection—one that actually worked for me.
And instead of creating some complicated system…
I used my digital folders.
Simple, organized folders became my “database”—a place where I could quickly find, reuse, and refine what worked.
(We’ll walk through exactly how to set that up later in this series.)
Your Resource Comfort Zone
Take a minute and think about your own habits.
- Do you rely heavily on the internet?
- Do you stick to the same resource year after year?
Neither is wrong.
But growth happens when you become more intentional about what you use—and why.
Try this:
- Choose a few resources to focus on
- Use them consistently
- Keep what works
- Let go of what doesn’t
That’s how you build a curriculum that actually fits you.
What This Series Will Help You Do
This post is just the starting point.
In this series, I’m going to help you:
- Build a clear scope and sequence
- Turn that into connected, meaningful lessons
- Organize your digital materials so everything is easy to find and reuse
- And create a system that actually supports your real life as a teacher
Not perfect. Just practical.
The Balance That Changes Everything
You don’t have unlimited time to plan.
So don’t try to create everything from scratch.
Be the curator most of the time. Build your collection. Use what works.
And when your creative heart sees a need—step into the artist role and create something new.
Just protect that space.
Because when you find that balance, you stop feeling like you’re constantly behind…
…and start building something that actually lasts.
If you’re ready to actually map this out, I’ve got a Scope & Sequence Starter Kit that will walk you through it step-by-step!
No Comments