Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

Many of us have learned to differentiate for special needs students, but did you know gifted students also need differentiation? In this episode, experienced music educator and music supervisor shares a few strategies for differentiation.   Does this whet your appetite for more? Earn college credit and learn more this summer when Samantha teaches a 4-day seminar of the same title. Find out more an...

Have you ever felt like you stunk as a teacher? I have 18 years experience and recently I felt this way. One of my colleagues came for a visit. He gave me some tips afterwards and pointed out some things that I should know better about! I was embarrassed (but glad he pointed these things out). I took a good look in the mirror and immediately implemented some changes. Rehearsals have been more effi...

Where can three degrees in bassoon performance take you? Sometimes to exciting and unexpected places like teaching music in a rural public school. Join me as I have a conversation with Karen Gregg about the joy of teaching in a rural school, where Karen has a ton of community involvement, more flexibility, gets to know her students and has 40-45% of students in band.   Also check out Episode 41: T...

When I was a young director, I thought the thirty minutes they gave us to warm up was too long. I just didn't know what to do. Now I fill those thirty minutes quickly and wish I had more. I share my warm up process for festival and for most days in band. Link to the Breathing Gym Materials Link to Function Chorales by Stephen Melillo

Have you taught for 30 years or have you taught your first year 30 times? There is a difference! Jane and I discuss the importance of longevity in a band program and how you can stay fresh in a 30 year career.

It's the little things that make the difference. In this podcast I share 11 things we sometimes do (or fail to do) that cause us to lose a student. We often get the music right, but fail at the relationship. Incorporate these ideas and you will find yourself keeping more of your students. 

A Bass Player and Percussionist are absolutely essential to making a jazz band or combo sound good. You can make almost any combination of instruments work. There are good percussionists almost everywhere, but what do you do if you don't have a bass player? In this podcast I share several strategies for obtaining a decent bass player.

Would you believe me if I told you my work area is clean and clutter free? What if I told you it was easy (it's not)? Putting in some time on the front end to get your work area organized can save you precious time later, giving you more time to devote to what you really love...teaching music.

If you're like me, you have often struggled with eating properly while teaching.  About 10 years ago, I weighed 30 pounds more than I do right now. Did the two packages of M&Ms every day have anything to do with it? In this episode, I share tips that helped me maintain my weight, which enables me to be a better band teacher. Also check out the MyFitnessPal app (it's free) and for some healthy reci...

In this podcast, I share tips and strategies for teaching jazz band, from how to balance your rhythm section, how to add a bass player, and what length wind players should play their notes.

Our words have power! In this podcast, I share four powerful things we can say to our students that will lift them up (and a few words to avoid).

5 Ideas you can implement today for NO cost that will dramatically improve the climate of your classroom. Try them.

Are schools allowed to have Christmas concerts? Can you wish your students "Merry Christmas?" Can one put up a nativity scene or Christmas tree on public property? These are all questions answered in today's podcast. You might also check out  Episode 10, Why I Don't Do Christmas Concerts. Download a copy of the letter  I received from my principal that gives some of the references for why these th...

It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing what you do with what other band directors are doing. Are you doing that? Take Newhart's advice...Just Stop It! 

When I started at my current school, I was determined NOT to have a Marching Band. My mentor convinced me otherwise. Listen as I share three reasons why Marching Band Is Needed Now More Than Ever. 

Did you know 10% of students are good leaders, 80% are followers and 10% are bad leaders? Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and I discuss this and other important topics centered around student leadership, something he is very passionate about. Find out more about Dr. Tim: Attitude Concepts for Today Music for All Tim's book, "The Art of Successful Teaching" Tim's book, "The Joy of Inspired Teaching"      

Why you should throw practice sheets away and aim for a systematic, progressive test of skills for your music students. 

Tips for starting your own band booster organization, and avoid the HUGE mistake I made!

Download the podcast here Episode 50: Interview with Julie Novak; Tips for teaching students with aural/visual challenges On today's podcast, I interview my friend and colleague Julie Novak, who teaches music at  The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.  She shares tips on what you can do as a band director if you have students who are visually or aurally challenged. Links Ohio State School for...

Busy, Busy, Busy, (but a good busy)...that describes these last few weeks for me and why I missed two weeks of the podcast. I used tip #1 myself in these 7 tips for what to do (and not to do) the last few weeks of band class.

Some people dread having to call parents. It doesn't have to be that way.   Here are five tips that will help you communicate with your band parents more effectively.   I'll also share my guarantee at the end that has virtually eliminated angry parents.

  When I first started teaching at the high school level, I was afraid of starting a marching band. Many of my colleagues were suffering from burnout due to marching band. My wise mentor, Dr. Ed Cannava, encouraged me to go for it. He reminded me I was the one in control of the schedule. Starting a marching band was one of the best things I did for my program. Get some tips and advice on the show....

Dr. Matt Talbert of  Berea College  shares insights on teaching, especially which battles are worth fighting. Should directors place emphasis on posture, long tones, fundamentals, and why. Berea college is one of about 6 work colleges that don't charge tuition. Find out more about the music program at Berea  HERE .

Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves, and Jared is no exception. Hear about some of his journey as a teacher and leading up to his winning the Grammy Music Educator of the Year award. Find out why some people call him  The Energizer Bunny.