Music As a Vehicle: Summer Book Study & Action Planning PLC
A 4-week virtual professional learning community to turn culturally responsive music teaching from theory to practice—starting July 15, 2025
Only 25 spots available – Registration closes July 3rd
What if you walked into the new school year with clarity, confidence, and an action plan to implement culturally responsive teaching already in hand?
If you’re a K–12 music educator who’s committed to creating meaningful, inclusive music learning experiences—but you’re stuck in a sea of information overload and not sure what step to take next—you’re not alone.
Many music teachers are ready to do the work but feel paralyzed by the pressure to get it all “right.” You’ve read the books. You’ve sat through the trainings. But how do you move from ideas to action?
That’s exactly why I created this experience.
This is for you if:
- You’re a K-12 music educator ready to take action, not just gather more ideas.
- You want to build an actionable, learner-centered plan rooted in culturally responsive teaching.
- You’re looking for a supportive community of like-minded music educators to learn and grow with this summer.
- You’re at the awareness or experimenting stage and want a clear, personalized next step.
What You’ll Get Inside the Book Study & Action Planning PLC:
Over four weeks, we’ll meet virtually to read Music As a Vehicle: A Practical Guide to Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching in Today’s Music Classrooms, unpack your big takeaways, and help you build a real, doable plan to implement in the fall.
You will walk away with:
✅ A personalized Action Plan aligned to the four pillars of the MAAV Framework:
→ Developing a Mindset for Equity
→ Affirming Learning Environment
→ Selecting Diverse Repertoire
→ Real-World Curriculum & Instruction for Variability
✅ A clear sense of direction for the upcoming school year
✅ Opportunities for connection, discussion, and collaboration with fellow music educators in a safe, energizing learning space
✅ An optional PD Certificate for 8 hours (must attend at least 3 sessions + submit action plan) *Please check your state’s PD licensure requirements for eligibility.
Program Details:
- Live Sessions: Tuesdays from 6:00–7:30 PM EST (July 15 – August 5, 2025)
- Location: Zoom + Private Facebook Group (for discussion in between sessions)
- Replays: Available for 7 days after each session
- PD Credit: 8 hours available upon completion of requirements*
- Book Required: Must purchase your own copy of Music As a Vehicle: A Practical Guide to Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching in Today’s Music Classrooms
- Optional Add-On: 1:1 coaching session to refine your action plan (+$260)
*must attend at least 3 sessions + submit action plan to receive PD certificate *Please check your state’s PD licensure requirements for eligibility.
You’ll Also Receive:
- My brand new MAAV Book Study Guide
- A 4-week access pass to the MAAV Webinar Replay Bundle—a $199 value
What Educators Are Saying About Music As a Vehicle:
“Ashley’s expertise, research, and experience in the music classroom have allowed her to offer the profession a much-needed resource that demonstrates what is possible in an equity-focused music classroom.”
— Scott Sheehan, Music Educator & Leader
“Ashley holds us to high standards while scaffolding the information to help us achieve them… This is a fabulous resource. Congratulations and thank you for your contribution to the field of music education!”
— Alice Hammel, Author & Music Education Faculty, University of Arkansas
“Cuthbertson’s insights empower teachers to remove obstacles and barriers, to truly reach all students… If you’re looking to invigorate your teaching practice, this book is a must-read.”
— Angela Ammerman, Author & Professor of Music Education
About the Facilitator
Ashley Cuthbertson, M.Ed., NBCT (she/her) is a nationally recognized arts consultant, speaker, and author of Music As a Vehicle: A Practical Guide to Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching in Today’s Music Classrooms.
A former K–12 music educator and adjunct professor, Ashley now partners with schools, districts, and organizations to reimagine visual & performing arts programs through a culturally relevant lens—helping arts educators build learner-centered classrooms that foster equity, belonging, and real-world readiness.
Photo credit: M3 Mitchell Media & Marketing
Why I Created This Book Study
I created this experience because this is work best done in community. Music educators are often the only one (or one of a few) in their building. But together, we can build something powerful and make sure you’re set up for success for the new school year.
When we reimagine music education through a culturally responsive lens, we do more than change what happens in our classrooms—we shift the entire landscape of what’s possible for our students through music.
This book study PLC is designed to help you take the next step. Let’s do this, together!
Only 25 Spots Available
To keep the experience intimate and discussion-rich, registration is capped at 25 participants. Once it’s full, it’s full – be sure to register today!
Registration closes Thursday, July 3rd (or sooner if full).
Investment
$399 per participant
- Optional add-on 1:1 Coaching Session: $260
*Want to register a group? Click here to let me know how many participants you’d like to register!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to read the book before the first session?
A: Nope! You’ll read along with the group throughout the four weeks. Each session will highlight a different area of the book and framework, and you’ll have guided prompts and tools to help you reflect and apply the material.
Q: Can I register a group of teachers or purchase on behalf of my school or district?
A: Absolutely! If you’d like to purchase multiple seats or pay on behalf of a group, click here to send me a message with how many seats you’re registering for, and we’ll get you set up with a custom invoice and registration instructions. Group access is limited to 25 total participants, so reach out early to reserve your seats.
Q: Are payment plans available?
A: Yes! On the payment link, you’ll be able to choose flexible payment options through Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm. These allow you to split your payment into smaller installments if needed—just select your preferred method during checkout.
Q: What if I can’t attend all the sessions live?
A: No problem. Each session recording will be available for 7 days after the live session. To receive the PD certificate, you must attend at least 3 sessions live and submit your action plan.
Q: Is this content appropriate for elementary, middle, and high school music educators?
A: Yes! The strategies shared in the series are adaptable across grade levels and music content areas. Whether you’re teaching kindergartners or high school musicians, you’ll find actionable takeaways.
Q: Is a PD certificate included?
A: Yes! You’ll receive a certificate for 8 hours of professional learning if you attend at least 3 sessions and submit your completed action plan. Be sure to check your state’s licensure requirements to confirm how this can be applied.
Q: Do I need to purchase the book separately?
A: Yes—each participant must purchase their own copy of Music As a Vehicle. You can buy it here!
Ready to Join Us?
Spots are limited and registration closes July 3rd—secure your spot today and walk into the school year with a plan that sets you up for success!
Still have questions?
I’m happy to help! If you’re wondering whether this book study is the right fit for you, your team, or your PD goals, don’t hesitate to reach out.
📬 Click here to send me a message and I’ll get back to you within 1–2 business days. I can’t wait to support you in bringing Music As a Vehicle to life in your music program!
