Play Now, Play for Life

What happens when music education goes beyond notes on a page and into the whole body? In this episode of Play Now, Play for Life, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Lori Forden, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Dalcroze Society of America, and Dr. Jeremy Dittus, Diplôme Supérieur and Director of The Dalcroze School of Music and Movement. Together, they explore how Dalcroze education transform...

What does it really take to prepare future music teachers for today’s classroom? In this episode, Aaron talks with Dr. Nicki Toliver and Chris Thompson from Wartburg College’s Music Education program about how they’re equipping undergrads to succeed in the real world of teaching. Topics include: Field experiences that actually prepare students Helping undergrads discover their teaching “fit” Hones...

In this special international episode, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Jakob von Wolff, President and Owner of Studio 49 — the legendary German instrument maker co-founded by Carl Orff himself. Jakob shares Studio 49’s incredible history, their deep commitment to quality and music education, and why their handcrafted xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels have inspired generations of young...

How do we keep new arts teachers from burning out and leaving the profession? In Episode 8, Aaron Hansen talks with Leon Kuehner, Executive Director of the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, about the vital role of mentorship in saving and sustaining new arts educators. Leon shares powerful insights from decades of experience — from building statewide mentoring programs to uniting arts advocates ac...

In this episode of Play Now, Play For Life , host Aaron Hansen sits down with Judy Pine and Tereasa Evans from West Music’s national events team to talk all things summer professional development. From Orff and Kodály to World Music Drumming and Drums Alive, they walk through the many opportunities available for music educators—plus practical tips for choosing the right fit, navigating time and bu...

Looking for a game-changer in your music classroom? In this episode of Play Now, Play for Life , host Aaron Hansen sits down with Patty Bourne, World Music Drumming Director, and Melissa Blum, World Music Drumming faculty member, to discuss how this powerful, hands-on approach builds musical skills, fosters community, and engages every student. Whether you’re new to drumming or looking to deepen y...

How can playfulness transform music education? In this episode, Play Now, Play for Life host Aaron Hansen sits down with Leigh Ann Garner, President-Elect of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), to explore the Kodály approach, playful teaching, and the power of community. Leigh Ann shares her journey from student to leader, her insights on blending Kodály and Orff, and why joy and...

How can the Kodály approach help students develop lifelong musical skills? In this episode of Play Now, Play for Life , host Aaron Hansen sits down with Lauren Hirsh, Executive Director of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), to explore Kodály-inspired strategies that engage students in active music-making, build musical literacy, and support general music teachers. Lauren shares...

In this episode, Aaron Hansen sits down with Tom Michalek, President of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), to explore the Kodály philosophy of music education. Tom shares his personal journey with Kodály, the importance of music literacy, and how to use folk songs, singing games, and joyful play to create a structured yet flexible classroom experience. Discover how Kodály’s sequ...

In this episode, Judy Pine, West Music’s Director of Outside Events and a former music teacher, shares invaluable tips for navigating new music classrooms. From assessing inventory and setting up your space to advocating for resources and maintaining instruments, Judy offers practical advice and insights drawn from her 45 years of experience. Whether you’re a new teacher or starting fresh in a dif...

We dive right into our first episode with West Music's president Ryan West as he shares how a chance encounter with a marching band transformed his grandfather Pearl's life - and eventually led to creating one of the nation's most trusted music education partners. In this episode, Ryan reveals how West Music's commitment to "Play now. Play for life." shapes everything from our Music Therapy progra...