A Conversation with Will Mosley from P.S. 149 Danny Kaye School in Brooklyn, NY

Will Mosley is an elementary music teacher and has taught at P.S. 149 Danny Kaye School in Brooklyn for seven years. He has been using TeachRock curriculum since 2017 and over the last year he has begun to master TikTok as a learning tool. 

Will Mosley joined TeachRock's Imani Wilson for a conversation about music in the classroom.

TeachRock:
What are your thoughts when you watch that video today?

Will Mosley:
It was just a wonderful day. Our students felt like superstars. It was an amazing opportunity for my students to have that experience. During that time I was looking for ways to teach cross curriculum lessons while having music as the nucleus, so when I was introduced to the TeachRock foundation, it was a match made in heaven.

TeachRock:
How did you become a music teacher? 

Will Mosley:
The short version is I used to work for a travel corporation in the financial district near the World Trade Center and surprisingly, I was laid off in May of 2001. I felt that it was the worst day of my life. I said, “How could this happen to me? What am I going to do?” This is the job where I thought I was going to retire. A few months later the world as we knew it and my life would never be the same. 

After the tragic events of 9/11 I took some time to reflect and do some soul searching and decided that I wanted to do something with my life that I was passionate about and had meaning. I took stock of my life and desired to do something that ultimately brings me and others joy. I've always loved music and kids, so I just said, why not take a shot. I took a leap of faith and 18 years later, I'm still enjoying it. I'm extremely happy about the decision that I made during that season in my life.

Will Mosley:
My first assignment was at Public School 273, I was there for about 6 years, that experience changed my life forever.  It was during those early years in my career when I realized that this is where I belong. Yes indeed, actually it was located in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn where I was raised as a child, in the East NY section Brooklyn. That in itself was very fulfilling and rewarding to make a positive impact in my community.

TeachRock:
How do you approach teaching music in a 21st century class?

Will Mosley:
Due to the global pandemic educators all over the world have been thrusted into the new ways of educating our students.  The most common models today are remote and blended models of instruction.  The interesting thing is, while we were obtaining our degrees, there weren't courses available in college on how to teach our students during a global pandemic.  So with everything thatâ€s happening in the world and around us it's like weâ€re flying the plane while we are building it.  This time in history has caused me to do a lot of research and ask alot of questions and bounce ideas off each other from fellow educators to find solutions to engage my students while they are learning from home.  One thing Iâ€ve incorporated into my music lessons is fun apps like TikTok while creating weekly video lessons and activities for my music students.  Itâ€s very entertaining for my students to see me dancing and wearing silly costumes while teaching them various lessons.  I feel a little silly doing it, but I donâ€t mind at all, Iâ€m just doing what I can to keep them engaged and on track with their music education.

While students are learning from home during this time, we definitely have to take the time out to recognize the incredible support and dedication from our parents and family members and community who have stepped up in supporting our students during this new era of remote learning.  This definitely is a team effort, with everyone from the teachers, administration, families all working together to support our students and although we are living in uncertain times, it makes all the difference.  For me, Iâ€m eagerly researching new ways to build their excitement, in order for them to not only learn, but enjoy the experience.  

TeachRock:
Are your students able to do virtual performances?

Will Mosley:
Yes we have produced several virtual performances starting with our very first virtual graduation videos which was rewarding as well as gratifying.  At my school we have 3 grades that have stepping up/graduation ceremonies every June: Pre-K, Kindergarten and grade 5.  Since then weâ€ve produced virtual performances for our winter concert and we are currently working on our Black History concert. Again to produce a virtual performance takes everyone joining forces to accomplish the task at hand.  Music is submitted to the students and we rehearse over several weeks, they also practice the material with their parents, siblings, and other family members. It's amazing to see the entire family spending time together to offer their support. 

TeachRock:
I can only imagine. And they must be so happy to see and hear themselves and one another.

Will Mosley:
Yes, indeed, the students spend so much time practicing their music and enjoy seeing the results of their hard work.  But I can't stress this enough, without the parents and families sacrificing their time to offer their time, encouragement and support to our students it wouldn't be possible. We have working parents, we have parents who are first responders who are doing their best to keep us all safe, they truly are our heroes and we appreciate them so much. 

TeachRock:
Tell me about your own music making. 

Will Mosley:
Yes. I'm a musician, producer, and songwriter. Since COVID-19 Iâ€ve spent most of my time writing children's songs and creating original music and videos for my students.  Songs about social distancing,  influential music pioneers, social justice, eating healthy fruits and vegetables as well songs that help them learn their multiplication times tables and songs about self esteem, believing in themselves and never giving up on their dreams.  

TeachRock:
Did you have a music teacher that inspired you when you were in elementary school?

Will Mosley:
In school, no, but I grew up attending church as a kid and that is where my passion for music began. My early music teachers were Dr. Michelle McKoy and Professor Butch Heyward.  They both inspired me and taught me so many things musically, but most of all they gave me confidence and taught me the value of perseverance- never quit or throw in the towel. Itâ€s that same motivation and encouragement I pass down to my music students to this very day.

TeachRock:
At church did you play all of the instruments?

Will Mosley:
Not at all, actually it was the drums that captivated my attention early on and I gave it a go, however back in those days and even today, there are so many highly skilled musicians in the church circuit, even as kids, so unfortunately I didnâ€t quite make the cut on the drums. It was at that time that I got redirected to the Hammond organ- there was something about it that moved me unlike any other instrument Iâ€d heard before. It was then that I began my musical journey. 

TeachRock:
Church has a long tradition of oral and aural transmission of musical knowledge. How do you think that that helps you to imagine what can be done in a classroom? 

Will Mosley:
There is so much history in the music from the church and how it has shaped our culture.  The skills and techniques that you learn while being a musician in a church is quite unlike any other experience.  The spontaneity, the emotion, the high energy and excitement of the congregation is something to behold.  There can be times when someone will literally jump up and begin singing a chorus, out of nowhere, no rehearsal, no heads up, just start singing.  That kind of thing used to happen all the time, those kinds of experiences really keeps you sharp and always on your toes as well as developing your ear training skills. And long ago before keyboards had the transpose button, we would have to literally “find the key” on the spot.  Some days were good, others were forgettable, but those experiences taught us to continuously train and study and sharpen our craft.  Both Michelle & Butch never allowed any students to even look at the transpose button, let alone utilitize it while training musically, and that in itself was a tremendous help.  So many musicians at that time became dependent on the transpose button on the keyboard and didn't reach their full potential and it stunted their musical growth.  Sure they played wonderfully in a few keys, but were not proficit in all 12 keys.  Being a well rounded musician is something that I bring with me into the classroom.  Also communicating to my students that during live performances or concerts where things may go wrong from time to time like a malfunction with an instrument or microphone or some other musical equipment like an amplifier, always keep your cool, do the best you can and finish strong.  

TeachRock:
How does that impact what is happening now?

Will Mosley:
As arts educators, we are encouraged to incorporate core curriculum lessons into our music classes which ultimately in the long run benefits our students tremendously.  With music in the center, the possibilities are truly infinite. From math, to science, social studies, history, there is so much that can be accomplished and TeachRock is leading the way with awesome lessons integrating a number of different subjects, putting them together and presenting it in a way that students enjoy. 

We understand that music is about feelings, about the heart. When we can share the stories, I think that's the most important thing. When my students learn about the artists and learn artists†stories, learn that history, learn where they came from, learn about Aretha Franklin knowing that she started in the church, her dad was a minister. It builds connections. I'm just so excited about TeachRock and the impact that you're making in schools all around the country and around the world. 

TeachRock:
It is Monday, January 11, 2021 and youâ€re teaching remotely this week. This year is already off to quite a start. Is there anything that you would like to say about teaching in this time?

Will Mosley:
Well, one thing I can add is the world is going through unprecedented times, from the global pandemic, to countless social injustices to the recent horrific events in Washington D.C. I believe that even though times are hard, music has a way of bringing people together and spreading love and unity to people everywhere.   Unfortunately, there's so much negativity and division in the world- with music I know without a doubt that better days are ahead.  Itâ€s all about harmony and breaking down those barriers of division and racism. We can do it.

TeachRock:
Well, you teachers are making it possible. We don't have a single student. So it takes all of us, right?

Will Mosley:
Absolutely, it truly does take teamwork to make the dream work.  Thank you again for everyone at TeachRock, you are all amazing and on behalf of my students and their families, thank you for all that you do.  Iâ€m proud to be a TeachRock educator.

To learn more about Mr. Mosely check out his learning your ABC's lesson plan he created for TeachRock: https://teachrock.org/brooklyn-teacher-creates-the-abcs-of-famous-african-american-musicians/