Steve Giddings

Digital Music ProductionGeneral MusicModern BandMusic TechMusic ProductionCompositionFretted InstrumentsLevel: ElementaryLevel: SecondaryJazz/Stage/CommercialJazz/Stage/Popular
Written By Dr. Elisa Janson Jones
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Aside from his regular gig as a public school music teacher, Steve is a regular columnist in the Canadian Music Educator Journal where he writes on topics including popular music education and creativity, and is author of the award-winning book, Rock Coach: A Practical Guide for Teaching Rock Bands in Schools, and Creative Musicking: Practical, Real-Life Ideas to Get Your Learners Creating Their Own Music. He also released his third book called, Technology for Unleashing Creativity, through Oxford University Press.

He has been a long-time advocate for popular music ensembles, creative musical practices, and a conduit for pushing the envelope in music education throughout Canada and across the world. He is owner and operator of StevesMusicRoom.com, a music education blog and resource hub. Follow him on socials @StevesMusicRoom.

 
 
 

  • I am learner-centred and always strive to be sure that folks are getting what they need when they need it. However, I believe that giving teachers and learners authentic-as-possible experiences whatever new skill they learn is important. With the learning of popular music, it is essential that those learners be immersed in a popular music environment. I may ask learners to seek out an open jam in their community and go be a part of that to experience the learning opportunities that provides.

  • I've not done a lot of 1:1 with recurring appointments, but I have had meetings with folks wanting to learn more about popular music ensembles and creativity. I've also been interviewed for podcasts and for class assignments. I've had some experience as a co-operating teacher as well and find that giving folks room to grow and learning on their own is more effective than me telling them how it should be. I am very student-centred with all my work with young people as well as potential teachers and in-service teachers. I think that giving as much hands-on experience as possible is paramount.

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Dr. Elisa Janson Jones

Dr. Elisa Jones designs and scales learning systems for organizations and individuals. With an EdD in Instructional Design, an MBA in Strategy, and 20+ years of experience in research, strategy, and training, she combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

She works at the intersection of people, systems, and technology—helping leaders identify what's working and what needs to change. Her approach is diagnostic, grounded in real-world constraints, and focused on scalable and durable outcomes.

https://elisajanson.com
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