Beyond The Stand: Exploring the evolving voices, values, and practices in music education.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Dockan of LSU to explore how music classrooms can become spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered. David brings deep insight into the role of Democratic Music Education (DME) , Popular Music Education , and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in helping students take ownership of their musical journey. Together, we dig into: What belonging re...

Shane brings nearly two decades of teaching experience and deep insights into the challenges of making popular music education work in real classrooms. In this conversation, we talk about: The “schoolification” of popular music and how to keep it authentic Shifting from being a director to a facilitator of learning Balancing student choice with the rigor administrators expect Practical steps like...

In this special episode of Beyond The Stand , I wrap up Season 1 by sharing major announcements and key takeaways from my capstone project journey. Announcements: My Master’s degree is officially complete – thank you for all your support! This episode marks the end of Season 1, which is also the completion of my capstone project. Planning for Season 2 is already underway (and one interview is reco...

In Part 2 of my conversation with students Brody Watson and Audrey Priddy , we move beyond what happens in the classroom and into the deeper impact of Popular Music Education on their lives. We talk about: How music helped them find identity, confidence, and creative freedom The overlap between music, theater, and visual art What they think school music programs often miss—and how to make space fo...

What does Popular Music Education actually feel like for the students living it every day? In this episode, I’m joined by two of my students: Brody Watson , a guitarist and drummer who’s been with the program all four years, and Audrey Priddy , a pianist and artist who joined more recently with a strong background in visual art and theater. Together, we talk about: Why PME felt different from othe...

What if popular music didn’t compete with traditional band, it made it stronger? In this episode, I speak with Michael Parsons , a high school band director who teaches both traditional ensemble and popular music. Far from replacing one with the other, Michael shares how Modern Band helped bring more students into his program , sparked creativity, and even strengthened his traditional groups. We t...

What does it really feel like to teach popular music today? In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Parsons , Steven Potaczek , and Theo Metz, three educators who are actively shaping how popular music is taught in real classrooms. Together, we talk candidly about the day-to-day challenges, the professional shifts, and the unexpected moments of joy that come from teaching outside the traditional mo...

So you believe in popular music education, but how do you actually do it? In this episode, I’m joined again by Dr. Steve Holley and Dr. Chris Burns to explore the practical side of PME: what it looks like in the classroom, what support teachers need, and how to build meaningful programs from the ground up. We discuss: Where to start if you're new to Modern Band What a PME curriculum can includ...

Why does popular music belong in the classroom? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Holley (President of APME) and Dr. Chris Burns , two nationally respected voices in music education. Together, we explore the deeper reasons behind integrating popular music into school programs. We discuss: How PME creates access and equity for students often left out of traditional ensembles The role of iden...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry and Joel Denton, we shift from the philosophy behind popular music in the classroom to the real-world support teachers need to implement it well . We talk about: The professional development gap for teachers new to Modern Band What school leaders can do to support innovation How to expand your program without losing your roots Encourageme...

In this premiere episode of Beyond the Stand , host Jeremy Bryant speaks with Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry and Joel Denton, two past and current leaders of the Tennessee Music Education Association, about the evolving role of popular music in today’s classrooms. Together, they explore: Why popular music deserves a seat at the table, how it can complement, not replace, traditional programs, what chall...

In this short introduction, host Jeremy Bryant shares the heart behind Beyond the Stand . A traditional band director turned commercial music educator, Jeremy explains how this podcast began as his capstone project and evolved into a search for how to deliver excellent, student-centered music education through popular music. This is a journey of learning, questioning, and conversation with voices...