As a music educator, I’ve spent years trying to make my classroom more inclusive, more global, and more connected to real-world traditions. But no matter how many textbooks or YouTube clips I used, I always felt like something was missing.
What was missing? Authenticity. Context. Soul.
I teach in a diverse school with students from all over the world. They’re eager, curious, and full of rhythm—but when it came time to explore vocal traditions beyond the Western canon, I often felt like I was walking on eggshells. I wanted to teach global music without oversimplifying it. I wanted to celebrate traditions without appropriating them. And most of all, I wanted my students to feel seen.
Then I found Voice of Tradition.
From the moment I enrolled in my first educator-focused workshop, I knew I had found something different. This wasn’t a slick, one-size-fits-all online platform. This was a living classroom—led by people who live the music they teach.
The instructors didn’t just deliver content—they shared context. We learned about the cultural and historical roots of each tradition, the community roles of specific songs, and the ethical responsibility of teaching music that isn’t our own. Every song came with a story. Every technique came with a conversation.
I was especially moved by the way Voice of Tradition emphasizes respect over replication. Instead of asking “How can I sing this perfectly?”, we were encouraged to ask, “How can I honor where this comes from?” That shift changed everything.
The materials are beautifully curated:
- Lesson plans and recordings I can use directly in the classroom
- Guided video lessons that go far beyond surface-level explanations
- Live Q&A sessions where I could ask real questions about pedagogy and cultural sensitivity
And perhaps most important of all, Voice of Tradition doesn’t make me feel like an outsider—it makes me feel like part of a learning community.
My students now engage with music from different cultures not as tourists, but as respectful guests. We’ve had discussions about oral tradition, identity, and belonging that I never thought possible in a middle school music class.
If you’re a teacher looking for more than just content—if you’re looking for connection, integrity, and depth—Voice of Tradition is a dream resource.
And it’s one I’ll be using for years to come.
— A Grateful Music Educator