Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

James Schwanz · Accepted Answer

“In this day and age, we are driven by state assessment. The financial support districts receive is going to be driven by state assessments that focus on the core areas, which are going to be math, science, ELA, and social studies. You have to understand and be able to speak to those core subject areas. You can’t just pigeonhole yourself into only understanding how to speak music talk.
“In order to become a Supervisor of Music, many times you’ll have to work your way through being a building administrator first like a Dean, Assistant Principal or Principal. In order to obtain a position like that, you have got to have a breadth of knowledge of all subject areas, of all state standards and of federal initiatives that are connected to all subject areas. 
“You can’t become a successful administrator or even a music specific administrator without understanding how to connect and speak educationally about all subject areas. When I am trying to tell an administrator what we are learning about in the common core and understanding what kinds of district initiatives Buffalo Public Schools are initiating I know how I can translate that into the music field.
“When you go on an interview specifically for a building administrator, most likely they’re not going to ask you about your music-specific knowledge. Most likely they’re going to ask you about the important things like common core standards. They want to know what is your knowledge outside of the music field. 
“What is your knowledge of the core content? You have to be very knowledgeable and well-versed in subject matter outside of music.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

James Schwanz · Accepted Answer

“I would say they have not spent enough time building a network of support. You really have to build your network so when it’s time for you to interview for a particular district they know who you are because you have created a positive rapport and people say ‘this guy is a hard worker.’ Then people on the committee, or people they contact, know you and can speak highly of your leadership skills and your desire to grow as a leader.
“Many people will find a leadership position in a district but they actually have no connection to that district. They do it just because they want the job. That is not a formula for success in getting a job as an administrator. 
“You have to network. You have to volunteer your time. You have to make sure you’re continuously evolving and getting your name out there so people know who you are. There are a lot of candidates out there and many times they will get that first interview because of people they know and the connections they’ve made.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

James Schwanz · Accepted Answer

“I don’t think they understand the commitment of time I have towards the central office part of my job outside of the department-specific responsibilities. 
“Because I’m in the central office, many people don’t realize sometimes I have to take off my music department cap and put on my central office cap, which means I have to be an administrator who looks at the entire district from more than just the music perspective, but from a holistic, instructional, and cultural perspective. I have to look at all areas of curriculum. 
“I have to look at all the district initiatives that are happening outside the music department. I don’t think most people know the time commitment it takes to central office leadership and all those responsibilities.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

James Schwanz · Accepted Answer

“What do I expect from my Teachers?
“I’ll give you my five points. I would expect these from every Teacher. Number one is that, aligned to their performance review indicators, all Music Teachers have to be highly effective. This means they all have to understand that when they’re observed they have to meet certain criteria to be highly effective.
“Number two is that we should be striving for memorable performances. One of the best ways to advocate for sustained or increased funding for the arts, and specifically music, is showing your program is integral to the success of the building. One of the best ways to do that is by showcasing memorable performances that draw community in and draw support for the building within the community.
“The third thing is collaboration. You have got to be wiling to work within your building, within your department, and within your community so you can continue to build those strong relationships that will continue to then support your music programs.
“The fourth thing is a rigorous curriculum.
“The last thing I ask my Teachers is daily reflection. What I always tell my Teachers is ‘be better than you were yesterday.’ You can even look at the bottom of one of my emails; it says that. Every day I ask myself to reflect. 
“I require that I reflect and I make changes to be more effective. I expect that, when my Teachers put these four pillars of being a highly effective Teacher into practice and reflect on that, they’ll ask if there is anything they could’ve done better.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

James Schwanz · Accepted Answer

“I think it would have to be ‘relationships.’ Like I said before, if I don’t have positive relationships with all my staff, all my peers and colleagues in administration, my cabinet, and my Superintendent, that will directly affect the entire department. 
“If I sabotage a relationship in one building because I cannot maintain a positive relationship with that building’s administrator, that will trickle down to them, decreasing funding and losing their desire to support music. These relationships are crucial.”

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District Supervisor of Music