NYC Music Teacher Destroys His Apartment For Students


Mr. Means Music Classroom

My nephew only likes coco melon…he likes you! -Stephanie M. (California) Zane is ALL over these videos. You’re such a beacon of light! -Jennifer F. (Texas) These are incredible! And so much fun! I’m putting them on for [my son]… -Lisa S. (NYC) I want to send this to my class! -Laura D. (Canada)

Jesse Means (a.k.a. Mr. Means) became a New York City (NYC), music teacher in September 2001, just before 9/11. Along with music pedagogy his focus has been on the wellbeing of his students’ mental and social-emotional health. Orders under the current pandemic meant remote learning replaced face-to-face interactions. How would he continue to feed and encourage these young scholars?

Sometimes referred to as the modern-day Mr. Rogers, Mr. Means knew his style of teaching called for something unique. Going further than simply moving furniture to clear a space, he dismantled his NYC apartment to create an at-home, classroom studio like no other.

Mr. Means converted his small apartment into a green-screen filming and post- production studio and created Mr. Means Music, a virtual, music classroom for his young scholars on YouTube.

Each week Mr. Means produces and uploads a new, 10-20 minute video lesson to his channel. His students aren’t the only ones accessing these lessons. Mr. Means Music videos have been viewed by children and families across the city, state, nation and as far as Italy and the U.K.

While the country rallies in support of one another, this educator is going above and beyond. Mr. Means is creating a music education resource with focus on his young viewers’ social-emotional health, while still incorporating English Language Arts and Math components. Mr. Means personifies what makes NYC unique, our steadfastness and support in times of trouble.

Embracing the most precious of our community he encourages others to do the same. Mr. Means is a gem among gems of educators around the nation continuing to feed the minds and souls of our youngest citizens…our future leaders.

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