The start of a new school year brings fresh energy, new students, and a chance to hit reset in your music classroom. But if you’re anything like me, your to-do list can quickly get overwhelming—especially with instruments to tune, bulletin boards to decorate, and lesson plans to finalize.
That’s why I’ve put together this Beginning-of-the-Year Music Teacher Checklist to help you stay focused and feel prepared. Whether you teach vocal, instrumental, general music, or piano, these categories will help you hit all the right notes before that first bell rings.
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🎵 Classroom Setup
A well-organized space sets the tone for a focused, creative learning environment.
• ✅ Decorate bulletin boards (composer of the month, classroom expectations, etc.)
• ✅ Set up and label storage for instruments and materials
• ✅ Clean and organize classroom instruments (and tune them if needed!)
• ✅ Arrange chairs, music stands, risers, and piano bench
• ✅ Prepare name tags, binders, folders, or music portfolios
• ✅ Post your daily routines, warm-up prompts, and anchor charts
Pro Tip: I like to start the year with a clear vocal warm-up routine poster, a rhythm of the day chart, and something fun that sparks curiosity—like a musical quote or mystery composer corner!
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📚 Planning & Curriculum
Solid planning now means smoother days later.
• ✅ Review long-range plans for each grade or course
• ✅ Select and review repertoire for your ensembles or piano students
• ✅ Prep the first few weeks of lessons and activities
• ✅ Finalize or tweak unit plans (theory, listening journals, etc.)
• ✅ Print or upload handouts and answer keys
• ✅ Prepare a diagnostic activity or entry assessment
• ✅ Plan your first-week icebreakers and team-building activities
• ✅ Review IEPs and ESL support documents
If you’re looking for ready-made theory lessons and worksheets, check out my Music Theory Lesson Bundles!
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💻 Admin & Tech
Don’t let tech glitches slow you down!
• ✅ Update your LMS (Google Classroom, Teams, etc.)
• ✅ Upload your syllabus and expectations
• ✅ Set up your digital gradebook
• ✅ Test classroom tech: speakers, projector, Bluetooth, piano mic, etc.
• ✅ Log into teaching apps (See Music, Flat.io, Chordie, GarageBand…)
• ✅ Prepare QR codes or links to commonly used digital tools or videos
I like to create a landing page or folder with quick access to warm-up videos, theory practice, and accompaniment tracks—it saves so much time during class transitions.
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📇 Communication & Community
Start strong by building relationships early.
• ✅ Send an introductory email to families and students
• ✅ Prepare a welcome newsletter or class info sheet
• ✅ Update or design a “Meet the Teacher” slide or video
• ✅ Plan your Back-to-School Night materials
• ✅ Add concert and event dates to the school calendar
• ✅ Connect with the arts team, custodians, and office staff
A warm welcome goes a long way—and students notice the effort you put in to make them feel seen and supported from day one.
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🎤 Performance Prep & Extras
Even if your first concert is weeks away, it’s never too early to lay the groundwork.
• ✅ Schedule piano tuning or tech maintenance
• ✅ Book accompanists or guest clinicians (if needed)
• ✅ Organize sheet music and assign folders or numbers
• ✅ Brainstorm your first low-pressure performance goal
• ✅ Update your repertoire list and music library
Even just having one piece chosen and printed for your choir or class ensemble can help students feel excited and focused.
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Final Thoughts
There’s no such thing as a perfect start, but with the right systems in place, you can begin the year with confidence and creativity.
✨ Want this checklist as a printable PDF or editable version? Grab it here!
Here’s to a year full of music, joy, and meaningful learning!
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