That Music Podcast: A Podcast for Elementary Music Teachers

Send us Fan Mail In this season finale of That Music Podcast , Bryson reflects on the journey of the show from its early days to now, sharing his excitement for what’s ahead in Season 7. He highlights how the podcast has grown alongside his transition out of the classroom and how the addition of YouTube has opened new ways to connect. Bryson thanks listeners for their support and feedback this sea...

Send us Fan Mail The Elementary Music Summit® is back for its fourth summer, offering five days of content-specific professional development tailored for elementary music teachers. Bryson shares all the exciting details about this year’s event, happening July 7–11, including 28 expert speakers, live sessions with 24-hour replay access, and new features. Whether you attend for free or upgrade to th...

Send us Fan Mail Not all PD is created equal—and if you’ve ever sat through a session on a math curriculum you don’t teach, you already know that. In this episode, Bryson breaks down why content-specific professional development is a must for music teachers and how to start advocating for it in your district. He shares three key reasons why general PD often misses the mark for music educators and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast , Bryson sits down with David Bedard—educator, preschool teacher, and longtime advocate for inclusive music education. You may remember David from his energetic presentation at the Elementary Music Summit, and in today’s conversation, he brings that same heart and insight to a discussion centered on accessibility in the music classroom. Togeth...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into the exciting yet sometimes nerve-wracking process of preparing for a music teacher interview. Whether you're fresh out of college or exploring new opportunities, Bryson has tons of advice to help you stand out and land that dream job. With insights from his own experience and tips from serving on hiring committees, this...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into a question that many educators face: When is the right time to tell your principal that you're job-searching? Whether you're looking for a new position, interviewing, or planning to leave, this conversation is packed with insights on handling these delicate situations.   Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:42 Bry...

Send us Fan Mail Packing up your classroom? Whether you’re switching schools, transitioning into retirement, or just heading to a new room down the hall, this episode is packed with practical tips to help make the move a little less overwhelming. Bryson walks you through how to label what’s yours vs. what belongs to the school, strategies for organizing your materials, and how to pack in a way tha...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling the end-of-year burnout creeping in? In this episode, BethAnn Hepburn joins Bryson to share simple, creative ways to keep your music classroom feeling joyful and energized—especially when testing is over and attention spans are short. BethAnn shares how movement, outdoor learning, and playful music-making can help match students’ energy and keep things fun all the way thro...

Send us Fan Mail Movement in the music room doesn't have to be chaotic, and it definitely shouldn't start with a complex folk dance if your students have never done movement before! In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson breaks down a more intentional and developmentally appropriate approach to introducing movement in your classroom. You'll learn how to scaffold movement expe...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder if that movement activity you’re planning is the right fit for your students? In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into what it really means for a movement song to be “appropriate.” Tune in for real talk about making thoughtful repertoire choices that support your students, avoid chaos, and create meaningful musical experiences. Whether you’re rocking a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt hesitant to bring movement props into your music room? You’re not alone. In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson opens up about his journey from movement prop skeptic to full-on scarf enthusiast. Bryson explores the sensory, motor, and musical benefits of incorporating props, how they can help students feel more confident, and why movement can deepen your students’...

Send us Fan Mail We’re bringing back a fan-favorite episode that’s more relevant than ever! Movement is a game-changer in the music classroom, helping students develop motor skills, deepen musical understanding, and stay engaged. In this episode, Bryson dives into why movement is essential—especially for younger learners—and how you can make it a natural part of your teaching. Episode Chapters: 0:...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson sits down with Leanna O’Brien to dive into the power of movement in the music classroom. Leanna shares her journey from a struggling first-year teacher to discovering how meaningful movement can transform student learning. They chat about why movement is essential, how to make it work with older students, and practical ways to bring mu...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could teach without saying a word? In today’s episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson Tarbet explores the surprisingly effective technique of a "silent rehearsal" and how it can transform your classroom dynamics. From preserving your vocal health to resetting student focus, Bryson shares how this quiet method can encourage mindfulness, engagement, and creativit...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives further into vocal health and shares practical strategies for getting your students' attention without straining your voice. Whether you're tired of shouting over the noise or simply looking for ways to improve classroom management, Bryson covers several non-verbal tricks that will help you maintain control while protec...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, we're talking all about microphones for the elementary music classroom. Vocal health is crucial for music teachers, and using a mic can help you protect your voice while keeping your students engaged. Bryson walks through his favorite picks, the pros and cons of each, and why embracing your “inner pop star” might just be the vocal health...

Send us Fan Mail As music teachers, we use our voices constantly —but are we taking care of them the way we should? In this episode of That Music Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Whitehead, a vocal health expert and professor at Ohio Wesleyan University, to talk about how teachers can protect their voices, avoid vocal fatigue, and develop habits that support long-term vocal wellness. We discu...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like your piano skills (or lack thereof) are holding you back as a music teacher? You’re not alone! In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson gets real about his struggles with piano—including failing class piano twice—and shares the strategies that helped him thrive in the classroom despite not being a pianist. From choral rehearsals to accompanying students, Bryson...

Send us Fan Mail When it comes to teaching choir, should we focus on rote learning or reading notation? The answer might be a little bit of both! In this episode, Bryson unpacks the benefits and challenges of teaching by rote and by note in a choral setting. Drawing from his own experience launching a sixth-grade choir, he shares practical strategies for meeting students where they are, building m...

Send us Fan Mail Before- and after-school ensembles are a fantastic way to give students more musical opportunities—but are they truly accessible to all? In this episode, Bryson dives into an often-overlooked barrier to participation: transportation. Many students rely on school buses or have caregivers with tight schedules, making early-morning or late-afternoon rehearsals difficult—or even impos...

Send us Fan Mail Choral music is about so much more than just singing, and in this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson sits down with Debbie O’Shea to explore the magic of choir. They dive into what makes a great rehearsal, how to build community in your ensemble, and the secret to keeping singers engaged—even with tricky repertoire. Debbie also shares a sneak peek into her upcoming That Music T...

Send us Fan Mail This week on That Music Podcast, we’re bringing you a special replay from the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh!   Join a panel of experienced music educators as they dive into practical strategies for developing and refining your music curriculum. In this insightful discussion, you’ll hear valuable tips on creating engaging, standards-based lessons that support diverse le...

Send us Fan Mail Not all professional development is created equal! In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson explores the crucial difference between PD that helps you check off boxes for license renewal and PD that actually enhances your teaching. From content-specific training to choosing the right master's program, Bryson shares insights on how to make the most of your professional lea...

Send us Fan Mail Teaching is an ever-evolving journey, and in this week’s episode, Bryson shares his thoughts on how professional growth helps us stay flexible and relevant in the ever-changing world of music education. From navigating systemic challenges like limited access to content-specific PD to finding creative ways to upskill—think online resources, state conventions, or even a good podcast...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode of That Music Podcast , Bryson dives into a topic that’s as vital as it is sometimes challenging: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the music classroom. Sharing from his perspective as a cis white male, Bryson acknowledges the discomfort many educators may feel discussing DEI and emphasizes the importance of starting—and continuing—this es...