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F. Willis Music

@fwillismusic

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Building joy through music. 🎶
Music Educator | Arts Leader
📍 Nashville, TN | ↓ Resources

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Another semester in the books teaching Elementary Music Methods at the @blairschoolvu at @vanderbiltu

Pouring into future music teachers is how I give back to the profession that shaped me.

Professor Willis out 🫡🕺🏾

#musiceducation #elementarymusic #adjunctprofessor taken in Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music by @fwillismusic

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3 months ago

Emmy moments! 📸🏆✨🎶

@natasnashvillemidsouth

#thankful #musiceducation #emmywinner taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @fwillismusic

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a year ago

Long post alert! 🚨

Last week, I had the incredible honor of serving as a guest lecturer with @tatraininginstitute & @miamimusicproject in Miami, Florida. This wasn’t just any workshop. This was a space where 20+ brilliant, passionate teaching artists from across the country came together after being selected through a national application process. The teaching artists explored best practices in music education—learning from one another through demonstrations, collaboration, and conversation about what it means to teach with excellence, equity, and heart.

I was invited to speak on Social and Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Practices in the music classroom. Preparing for this session brought back so many moments from my career—experiences with students, families, and colleagues that shaped me. Some filled me with pride. Others still challenge me.

One student I’ll never forget—let’s call him Jalen—was in third grade. Quiet. Observant. Rarely spoke in class. One day, I asked students to create body percussion to reflect a feeling. Most chose “happy” or “excited.” Jalen stood up and said, “This is what tired feels like.” He stomped, snapped, and gave one slow clap. It was simple and powerful. I still think about it.

That moment reminded me: our students are always communicating. Through their energy. Their silence. Their choices. Their resistance. We won’t always know what they’ve experienced—and we don’t always need to ask. But we can meet them with care, consistency, and curiosity. We can create spaces where they feel seen and safe.

Being in that room with the TATI teaching artists reminded me that teaching is sacred. The classroom, whether it’s a stage, a studio, or a school music room, is sacred. It’s where healing can happen. And it’s where we are often being taught just as much as we’re teaching.

I left Miami feeling changed. Inspired. Re-centered. And so, so grateful. 💛

To every teaching artist/teacher out there who is committed to meeting students where they are, I see you. Keep showing up with heart, with questions, with joy. Because that’s where the real magic lives.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading. 🙏🏽

#grateful❤️ taken in New World Symphony by @fwillismusic

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a year ago

I’m in the middle of one of the most meaningful and blessed projects I’ve ever had the opportunity to lead, and I’m learning so much about myself in the process.

Last week was full of “aha” moments that I can’t wait to share over the next few days, but I have to start with this one.

She will forever be my little cousin… but make no mistake, she’s a grown woman. Ya hear me?!

Kayla @kkguthrie_ is a dancer’s dancer. 🔥

From being a majorette at Whites Creek High School to becoming a Sophisticated Lady at Tennessee State University, she’s put in the work. She’s toured the world, performed on stages and in venues people dream about, and yet she’s right here in our backyard.

When this project needed a dance coach, I knew exactly who to call.

And man… did she answer the call.

The students were in formation. They were locked in. They were confident. They were better because she was in the room.

Cuzzo, watching you lead brought me so much joy. Watching you operate in your gift reminded me that no person can stop what God has placed inside of you. Your gift continues to make room for you, and I’m proud of you.

Here’s what I learned about myself.

One of my gifts is recognizing greatness in people and knowing exactly when to call on it. Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. Sometimes it’s about putting the right people in the right position and trusting them to do what they were born to do.

I love you, and thank you for answering the call.

#Greatness taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @fwillismusic

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11 days ago

Music educators are not only teachers. Many are songwriters, composers, producers, arrangers, orchestrators, music directors, creators of original musicals, film & documentary scorers, and recording professionals whose work is shaping the future of our industry every single day.

Please join me in congratulating my friends Franklin Willis, Metro Nashville Public Schools Director of Visual and Performing Arts, and Dee Hammonds, two extraordinary educators whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. They are Telly Award and Emmy Award winners, CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence recipients, contributors to the Every Student Known and Music City High documentaries, and are preparing to release their second @mnpsnashville album, along with accompanying music videos. Their work continues to elevate students, music education, and our creative community.

Being able to celebrate Franklin and Dee’s invitation to this year’s Recording Academy Member Class, surrounded by the very students whose lives they are helping shape, alongside Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle and GRAMMY Award winner @mrtalkbox, was a powerful reminder that recognition matters. Representation matters. Opportunity matters.

I hope those students see that excellence, creativity, and service are valued, and that there could be a place for them too within our industry’s highest professional community.

Thank you, @fwillismusic & @fearlessdee, for all you continue to pour into your students, our city, and the future of music.

Congratulations to you both and to every one who was invited to join the 2027 Recording Academy (@grammys) Class. by @fwillismusic

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13 days ago

Receiving this invitation this week was an incredible honor.

For a long time, I’ve wrestled with the question, “Am I an educator, an artist, an administrator, or a creative?” The truth is, I am all of those things, and they all serve the same purpose.

Whether I am leading Fine Arts programs, teaching in the classroom, mentoring young creatives, producing music, or creating opportunities for artists, my mission has always been the same. I want to help people discover their voice, develop their gifts, and use them to make an impact.

That is why being invited to join the (@grammys)Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class means so much to me. I do not see this as recognition for one role. I see it as an opportunity to represent educators, arts leaders, creators, and the next generation of musicians who deserve to know there is a place for them in this industry.

Every day, I have the privilege of helping cultivate future artists, producers, songwriters, performers, and creative leaders. To now have the opportunity to contribute to conversations that help shape the future of music at the industry level feels like a natural extension of that work.

Thank you, @rashadthapoet and @theeginamiller for believing in me and recommending me for this opportunity. Your support means more than you know, and I am truly grateful.

This is not just another milestone. It is another opportunity to serve, advocate, and invest in the future of music and the people who will shape it.

#IAmTheAcademy #morethanamusicteacher taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @fwillismusic

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14 days ago

What a night! We had an amazing time at the pre release album concert for @mrtalkbox this week!

The band was absolutely on fire. 🔥🔥🔥

The music, the lyrics, and the message were all such a blessing. It is always inspiring to experience artists who create with purpose.

Thank you so much for inviting my family and our Nashville students to be part of such a special evening. We can’t wait for the album! taken in The Franklin Theatre by @fwillismusic

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23 days ago

Being a dad is one of the greatest blessings of my life. Watching my son grow, discover who he is, and develop his gifts is something I never take for granted.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, father figures, mentors, and men who show up, stand in the gap, and make a difference in the lives of young people every day.

A few of my favorite photos from the past year. Time is moving fast, but I’m grateful for every moment.

I love this kid. 💙👑

#FathersDay #DadLife #BoyDad #YoungKing #FamilyFirst taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @fwillismusic

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a month ago

Living in answered prayers and trying not to act surprised. 🙏🏾💙 taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @fwillismusic

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a month ago

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is what happens after students leave the classroom.

A student learns a song and sings it at home. They show a parent a new rhythm. They share a story about something that happened in music class.

Then the parent gets excited.

And when parents get excited about what their children are learning, everything changes. Students feel proud. Families become more connected to the school experience. Learning starts showing up in places far beyond the classroom walls.

That’s the ripple effect of quality teaching.

What starts with one lesson can spark a conversation at home, build stronger relationships, and create memories that last long after the school year is over.

Swipe to hear a portion of my interview with the @tennesseepac team where I talk more about the power of family engagement and what happens when students bring their learning home. 🎶

#interviewready✔️ #musiceducation #morethanamusicteacher taken in Tennessee Performing Arts Center by @fwillismusic

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a month ago

A huge thank you to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center @tennesseepac for the invitation to serve as host for this year’s SHARE program, celebrating schools from across Middle Tennessee!

It was such a joy to watch students bring some of my favorite Disney musical moments to life on stage. The talent was incredible, but my favorite part might have been hearing the families cheer, clap, and celebrate every student who stepped into the spotlight.

Bravo to all the students, teachers, and directors for the countless hours of preparation that made this event so special. Your hard work, dedication, and artistry were on full display. Y’all absolutely did that! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

And if you’re looking for an energetic, engaging host for your next special event, conference, performance, or celebration, my DMs are open. I had an amazing time with this one! taken in Tennessee Performing Arts Center by @fwillismusic

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a month ago

I’m just now recovering from the 2026 #cmafest 🤧

And I would do it over all of again!

It was so good to hear some great music, see my colleagues and celebrate music education. 🎶

#musiceducation taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @fwillismusic

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a month ago