Music professor publishes article, shares teaching strategies nationwide

Dr. Jennifer Iles, a music faculty member at Lamar University, is advancing conversations in music education through a recent national publication and a series of invited presentations and performances.

Iles published her article, "Making the Most of Every Minute: Developing Consistency and Focus for Musical Growth," in The Clarinet, the peer-reviewed journal of the International Clarinet Association. The article draws on her years of teaching and performing, offering practical strategies to help musicians practice more efficiently.

"The article was inspired by many years of teaching private lessons, as well as by the practice strategies I have developed through my own performance experience," Iles said.

At Lamar University, Iles balances roles as both performer and educator, which she said are closely connected.

"As musicians, we wear many hats, and in my role at Lamar, I am both a performer and a teacher," she said. "While these roles may seem distinct, they are deeply interconnected."

That perspective shapes her teaching philosophy, emphasizing high standards for all students.

"I strive to develop all students, whether they are performance majors or music education majors, into well-rounded, high-quality musicians," Iles said. "I hold all students to the same high standards."

Her approach is rooted in addressing the same challenges her students face, including time management and effective practice strategies.

"These are the same challenges my students encounter, and the ways I address them in my own practice directly inform my teaching," she said.

Iles also emphasizes maintaining a positive learning environment.

"At the core of my approach is a commitment to positivity," she said. "I strive to make practice a constructive and encouraging experience rather than an overwhelming one."

A key concept from her article is the "Practice Choice Board," a structured system that allows students to select practice activities based on available time while ensuring variety and balance in their work.

"This system provides both flexibility and structure," Iles said. "It encourages variety in practice while ensuring that students address multiple aspects of musicianship."

Iles shared these ideas at the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors Conference, where she presented a comprehensive framework for structuring private lessons, including a four-year plan for clarinet students and clear benchmarks for success.

"As educators, we have a unique opportunity to inspire students to envision and pursue their full potential," she said. "My role is to provide the structure and scaffolding necessary to guide them toward those goals."

Following the conference, Iles was invited to present and perform at Northwestern State University of Louisiana and at Nicholls State University's Single Reed Day. During these visits, she led masterclasses, worked with students at multiple levels and performed solo repertoire.

She also introduced teaching resources such as the H.E.A.T. sheet, developed through a grant from Lamar University's Center for Resiliency, which provides accessible guidance for students who may not have access to private instruction.

"I have found the resources to be incredibly beneficial to students in rural communities, or those going through times of crisis," Iles said.

Iles said her broader goal as an educator is to foster confidence and growth in her students through a balance of encouragement and clear expectations.

"It is essential that we believe in our students, especially in moments when they may not yet believe in themselves," she said.

She added that focusing on student strengths helps build trust and confidence, encouraging students to take risks and grow as musicians.

Iles said she is particularly proud of her students' accomplishments this year, including being invited to perform as a showcase group at the Texas Music Education Association Convention in San Antonio. Several students also earned individual honors in national and university competitions.

"Their initiative, enthusiasm and commitment to growth demonstrate a high level of motivation and engagement," she said. "Seeing them take ownership of their development has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Lamar."