Community Music School of NNY - Social Media Guidelines

Fostering an Engaged, Respectful, and Creative Online Presence

Introduction

Social media has become an essential platform for connecting, sharing, and inspiring. For a community music school, these digital channels offer unique opportunities to celebrate the joy of music, showcase student achievements, promote events, and foster a sense of belonging among students, instructors, families, and the North Country community. However, with these opportunities comes a responsibility to maintain a professional, inclusive, and safe online environment. The following guidelines are designed to help the us engage responsibly and creatively on social media.

Objectives of Social Media Engagement

·      Promote the school’s mission, values, and activities.

·      Celebrate individual and collective achievements of students and teachers, past and present to foster a welcoming, positive, and inclusive atmosphere online.

·      Encourage participation in events, such as concerts, workshops, and outreach programs.

·      Engage with the wider music education community for collaboration and inspiration.

·      Encourage a large organic reach without advertising if possible.

·      Safeguard the privacy and safety of all members.

General Conduct and Tone

·      Always communicate respectfully, thoughtfully, and inclusively.

·      Avoid posting content that could be interpreted as offensive, discriminatory, or divisive.

·      Represent the music school’s values in all interactions; be positive, encouraging, and constructive.

·      Celebrate diversity in musical styles, backgrounds, and experiences.

·      Respond to comments and messages in a timely, courteous manner.

Content Creation and Sharing

What to Share

·      Announcements about school events, concerts, recitals, and registrations.

·      Photos, videos, and stories highlighting student performances, workshops, and masterclasses (with prior consent).

·      Faculty spotlights, alumni updates, and community collaborations.

·      Music education tips, practice strategies, and resources.

·      Celebrations of holidays, special occasions, and notable achievements.

What to Avoid

·      Sharing personal information without explicit consent.

·      Posting images, videos, or names of minors without parental or guardian permission.

·      Disseminating unverified information, rumors, or speculation.

·      Uploading copyrighted music, images, or videos without appropriate licensing or permission.

·      Posting content that may compromise the safety, reputation, or integrity of students, staff, or the school.

Privacy and Safety

·      Obtain written consent before sharing photos, videos, or stories involving students, especially minors. Check to see if they signed the photo release on their registration form.

·      Respect requests to remove any content featuring individuals who do not wish to be included online.

·      Never share confidential information about students, staff, families, or school operations.

·      Secure all school-managed social media accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

·      Model positive online behavior for students.

·      Do not engage in personal conversations with students on public or private platforms that could breach boundaries.

·      Monitor one another for compliance with guidelines.

Brand Representation

·      Use official school logos, colors, and messaging templates for branded posts.

·      Ensure that all public-facing content reflects the school’s mission and values.

·      Try to maintain consistency in tone, style, and visual identity across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, etc.).

·      Keep posts free of political, religious, or controversial statements that are not aligned with the school’s core focus on music and community.

Community Engagement

·      Encourage families and community members to participate by sharing posts about events and achievements.

·      Share educational resources, school updates, and performance highlights with sensitivity and professionalism.

·      Highlight partnerships with local organizations, businesses, or artists.

·      Welcome feedback, suggestions, and questions through monitored channels.

·      Promote inclusivity by featuring diverse musical traditions and stories.

Handling Negative Content and Conflict

·      If negative comments or complaints arise, respond privately in a diplomatic and timely manner.

·      Avoid public confrontations or escalation; refer persistent issues to school leadership.

·      Remove or report any content that violates guidelines, or is harmful, threatening, or misleading.

·      Keep records of significant interactions in case further action is required.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

·      Comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding online content, privacy, and intellectual property.

·      Attribute all creative work (music, lyrics, performances, images) to the rightful owners.

·      Stay informed about changes in social media platform policies and adjust practices as needed.

·      Never use social media to promote personal business ventures unrelated to the school.

Conclusion

Social media offers a vibrant stage for CMS to amplify its impact, celebrate its members, and invite new members into our community. By embracing these guidelines, we can create a safe, inspiring, and harmonious online environment that reflects the true spirit of our mission. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, a commitment to thoughtful engagement and shared responsibility will ensure that social media remains a force for good, connection, and creativity.