Steve Giddings

Digital Music ProductionGeneral MusicModern BandMusic TechMusic ProductionCompositionFretted InstrumentsLevel: ElementaryLevel: SecondaryJazz/Stage/CommercialJazz/Stage/Popular
Written By Dr. Elisa Janson Jones
Request Mentorship
Steve Giddings headshot music teacher guild

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.

  • WATCH

Connect in the Music Teacher Guild Commons
 
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 building education platforms, she combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution experience.

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

Learn more about her work at sovereign.plus, elisajones.ai, and the Music Teacher Guild.

https://elisajanson.com
Previous

Cierra Nicole Gooden
Next

Joseph Kindred