The CU Boulder Trying on Teaching (TOT) program is designed to be a collaborative experience among middle school students participating in the CU Boulder Middle School Ensembles program, high school students interested in a future career in music teaching and College of Music music education majors. TOT is a great opportunity for student leaders in their junior year of high school to gain hands-on teaching experience.
High school students who desire to participate in TOT must be nominated by their high school music director to receive an invitation to apply. If selected, students will participate in training sessions in the fall and then come to weekly rehearsals starting in January. Participants will work alongside College of Music students to instruct individual middle school band and orchestra students, and model technique while playing in ensembles and teaching in sectional rehearsals. The experience culminates in a final concert in April.
Throughout the program, TOT participants receive coaching and support from College of Music students as they explore the experience of being a teacher.