Music Ed Insights

Alan and Steve have a fun and free-ranging conversation with conductor, clinician, speaker, author, adventurer and advocate Milt Allen about priorities, the relevance of music education, and anxiety.  

Podcast insider and loyal listener Matt Pries guest hosts to lead Alan and Steve through the lightning round questions that Steve has been putting to every guest for the last three years. Finally, you can learn more about your hosts!

Alan and Steve walk through a blog post from NAfME with four pointers on preserving our voices and coping with overuse. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/summer-reading-series-vocal-health-for-music-teachers/ Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve bring back past guest audiologist (and violist) Alyssa Ottmar to discuss new data on ear buds. Do their new features really protect our hearing? Steve asked this question of Alyssa the last time she was a guest, and now she’s back with a more definitive and detailed answer. Alyssa Ottmar Episode: https://musicedinsights.podbean.com/e/hearing-health-with-alyssa-ottmar/ Patron Program...

After Alan and Steve shared and dissected author and classroom management guru Michael Linsin’s blog post “The Big Lie of Childhood Trauma,” they invited him back to the podcast to join the conversation. Linsin says, “Throw out SEL and all of its manifestations. Replace it with better subject-matter teaching, more time on task, higher expectations, weighty responsibility, and the demand for impecc...

Alan and Steve discuss their reaction – and the reaction of the comments section – to the latest blog post from classroom management author and expert Michael Linsin, whose episode remains one of our most popular ever. Michael Linsin episode: https://musicedinsights.podbean.com/e/classroom-management-with-michael-linsin/ Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, Alan and Steve introduce a new "summer selected short readings" series. They kick off with insights from James Clear, author of the popular 3-2-1 newsletter. Discover how Clear's ideas on wealth, handling criticism, and measuring your days can help music educators focus on what truly matters. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion! Insider Program: https:/...

Alan and Steve talk about three things Alan’s noticed as he’s worked with student leaders this summer related to burnout, social skills, and desire to work. Spoiler: it’s good news. Also - one caution for directors. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Steve and Alan review one specific idea from the Glenn Nierman episode and Steve suggests a way you can implement it easily in the fall. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Steve and Alan talk with documentary filmmaker Samantha Campbell and legendary music educator Doug Goodkin about the Orff Schulwerk method in action. They discuss making jazz accessible to all ages, using improvisation across the curriculum, and reconnecting students through creativity and playfulness in music. Episode Page  

Alan and Steve share four practical tips for music educators on how to save time using AI to create lesson plans, compose emails, write letters of recommendation, and summarize feedback.   Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk with orchestra director and wellness enthusiast Ann Smith about ways to connect performance skills to student wellness. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/optimizing-health-wellness-and-happiness-with-ann-smith/    

Alan and Steve discuss the "bopping" rehearsal strategy, a technique commonly used in drum corps and marching bands but adaptable for all ensemble types. Steve explains how "bopping," or focusing on the beginnings of pitches, helps students improve rhythmic accuracy and self-detect mistakes. Tune in to learn how this approach can enhance your rehearsals, along with tips to overcome its challenges....

Alan and Steve talk with educator and speaker John Gallagher about ways for you and your students to build advocacy and awareness for your music program through effective public relations. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/public-relations-for-your-music-program-with-john-gallagher/  

Music Ed Insights insider Michael Prichard joins Alan and Steve with a tip for educators on how to talk with students about the teaching profession. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk to legendary educator and author Peter Boonshaft about bringing energy to our classrooms through careful planning, word choice, and even our face. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/energize-your-classrooms-with-peter-boonshaft/  

Alan and Steve explore ways to come back from a mistake by using a proven technique for graceful apologies. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk with orchestra teacher and 2024 Grammy Music Educator Annie Ray about her award-winning efforts to make space for students with disabilities and adversities. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/making-music-for-all-redefining-success-through-inclusivity-and-process/  

Alan and Steve report from the Iowa Jazz Championships, the only contest of its kind, and share the vibe with the rest of the country. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk with educator and researcher Jerianne Larson about empowering female students in music education and addressing barriers facing women pursuing careers as band directors and conductors. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/from-the-classroom-to-the-podium-supporting-aspiring-female-musicians-with-jerianne-larson/  

Alan and Steve talk about guardrails when building relationships with your students.

Alan and Steve discuss the value of taking students on a trip to Florida’s theme parks.

Alan and Steve visit with “UnGrading” guru and educator Chris Gleason about the seven paradigm shifts that can lead to alternate approaches to evaluating student learning. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/beyond-measure-ungrading-your-music-classroom-with-chris-gleason/

Alan shares a real-world case study on how one school dealt with a staff cut, with instructions on how anyone can use the same method.

Alan and Steve talk with composer, educator, and publisher Annie Booth about giving voice to women who make and compose music.