(Long unedited version of Danny Rocks' interview from which all of his shorter vidoes are derived. This long video is not to be featured on the site.) Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Music Education at Alfred Publishing, talks about the past and present world of music education. Danny speaks about his introduction into music education and goes on to talk about the importance of music educators embracing technology in the classroom and empowering themselves with a professional understanding of business techniques. Danny stresses that times have changed for music educators and that teachers must be willing to adapt to maintain a strong bond with both students and funding resources.

Digital distribution opens more opportunities than problems. The controllers of intellectual property should reexamine the relationship they have with the user. For band instrument music, there is never enough clarinet parts and never enough string parts. The directors would like to do the right thing, but publishers make the directors jump through hoops to get the parts they need. Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, believes that publishers should take advantage of current technologies and make music digitally available. If it was easier to purchase the music digitally teachers wouldn't photocopy the music. If a student loses a reed, or a mouthpiece, they must purchase a new one, but when they come to the band room or choral room and are missing their music, people tend to photocopy the music. It would be much easier to purchase the music digitally.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses music education in regard to business ideas and marketing one's message. Danny talks about the struggles for music education support and he stresses that it is in the hands of the teachers to take an active role in effectively communicating the true benefits of music education to the people who are making the decisions. In a business sense, the teachers who recognize the problem and have the entrepreneurial motivation to market their message are the ones that are making the changes happen. With budget cuts and low funding, academic financing can be a very competitive world. In today's schools, approaching music education from a business standpoint is essential in keeping music programs alive.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses strategies on saving your music program from budget cuts. He stresses that when looking for funding you must be able to communicate effectively, much like an entrepreneur, about the real benefits of music education. You must become a visable resource in your community and be in constant contact with administration and funding groups to maintain a successful career as a music educator. It is extremely important to continue to build and nurture your support team at all times.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses his background in the music industry. He talks about his start as a musician and the many opportunities that stemed from his musical talents. Danny's skills on the accordian, organ, and piano got him accepted into Temple University's music program and landed him gigs with popular musical theater productions such as, "Fiddler on the Roof". After years of building his experiences in the music industry, Danny became involved with music publishing and continues today as a determined, innovative force in that field of the music business.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses the relationship of entrepreneurship and technology in education. Danny talks about how music education was once very regimented and uniform in many school districts until the disruption of decisions like Proposition 13 in California. With the loss of widespread regulations, teachers were left on their own to embrace more entrepreneurial roles and Danny believes that thanks to the incorporation of technology into the classroom, this new emergence of teaching styles has found success and continues to do so.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses his new company, The Company Rocks, and how it services the changing world of music education today. Danny talks about how the "school band" model is disappearing in music education programs and how today's music educators are finding new ways of connecting with student's musical interests. The Company Rocks is there to mentor and assist music educators in the process of expanding their curriculum to include more modern features. He heavily supports implementation of innovative programs such as music production classes, instrument labs, and compositional courses. Danny also covers the difficulties of being a new entrepreneur and starting from scratch in today's market.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses the everpresent need for teachers to embrace and support technology in today's classrooms. Danny stresses the fact that kids today communicate through technology and if teachers plan to stay relevant with their students, keeping their students interested and engaged, they must begin to incorporate technology into their curriculum.

Music educators have to be entrepreneurs. It all comes down to funding needs. Music educators have a message and a passion and must convey that to potential backers (private foundation money, grant money). Music educators must shape their message and present it to the business community: chamber of commerce, nights of Columbus, get on their program, bring a cross-section of students and the business community will see teamwork, leadership, present some advocacy information and solicit their support. In this clip, Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses this important financial aspect of being a music educator and offers his advice to any struggling music program.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, gives advice to those entering the field of education. He advises interested individuals to get to know people in your school, learn how the system works, belong to professional organizations, and know the people in your field. Danny believes that forming these relationships will provide a bigger picture of what's going on in your field and in your school system. Also, these interactions will allow you to form strong connections with your colleagues and remove any sense of isolation and helplessness that may discourage your teaching career.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses what he thinks makes a great teacher. The best teachers are those that fully embrace what they're teaching and have the utmost confidence in their students. Danny believes that a great teacher is one that takes a student beyond where they feel capable, great teachers inspire.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses being involved in professional organizations. He explains that being involved in a professional organization allows you to exhibit yourself and your ideas in a supportive community, learn the inner workings of your practice, and build a strong network of people who you can rely on for information and assistance. Becoming an active member in a professional organization is undoubtedly the first step in ensuring a long, adaptive teaching career.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses his involvement with RPMDA, MTNA, and AMC. He explains his experience with each organization, how each workforce functions internally, and the changes he helped make during his time at each organization. Danny stresses the fact that communication and cooperation within larger organizations is essential in enabling these organizations to progress and reach their goals.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, discusses goals of the American Music Conference. He explains their efforts in trying to shape the public's opinion with a more positive outlook on music education and ensure that students are getting high quality teaching and exposure to music early on in school systems. AMC is also working to provide music programs with substantial business models to generate and conserve funding. The art of music making is a powerful message and AMC is extremely passionate about communicating that message to the masses in hopes of sustaining quality music education for the future.

Danny Rocks, former VP of Sales and Education at Alfred Publishing, offers practical advice to aspiring musicians including trying different styles, not getting locked into any one thing, experimenting, volunteering to get your foot in the door, and showing that you have the willingness to get something done. Gaining exposure to as many people and opportunities as possible early on in your career will payoff.