The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast: Music Education

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to be an exceptional music teacher. We'll explore five key areas that define your greatness as an educator, from lesson planning to performances, assessments, teaching methods, and your unique personality. Discover how you can confidently embrace your individuality and teaching style while making a profound impact on your students' musical...

In this episode, I'm excited to share an insightful conversation with Stephanie Nantell, a passionate advocate for music education. We explore the importance of music education, the challenges teachers and programs face, and the strategies to advocate effectively for music programs. Also, check out my latest blog post and find the key takeaways that we have from this conversation! Stephanie Na...

In this special episode of the Elementary Music Teacher Podcast, I'll be sharing a personal story of unexpected twists and turns in my teaching journey. While I was diligently preparing for a virtual teaching role, life threw me a curveball that led to an incredible adventure of self-discovery and growth. Join me as I delve into the lessons I learned from this experience and how they can apply...

In this episode, the topic of nurturing musicianship in the elementary classroom is explored. Dr. Houlahan, an expert in music education, discusses the importance of developing musicianship in both teachers and students. Drawing from his experience in different parts of the world, he highlights the value of integrating music theory and performance skills. He emphasizes that teachers should approac...

In this episode, I’m delving into the crazy world of classroom management. If you’ve been following along, you know that we’ve touched on classroom management before, but today, I want to take a fresh approach. So, let’s dive in and explore how I’m rethinking classroom management as I head back into teaching. Get ready to challenge some old beliefs and discover new ways to create an engaging and h...

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Bill Henry back with us, and today, we're delving into the world of recorders and the art of teaching them in an engaging way. If you're ready to infuse your recorder lessons with excitement and creativity, you're in for a treat! Let's dive in as Bill shares his insights and strategies to make recorder lessons not only educational but incredibly enjoyable. B...

Today's episode is truly special as I open up about a chapter of my life that's been in the making for a while. Yes, you guessed it – I'm talking about returning to the classroom after a significant hiatus. My journey back to teaching has been a blend of excitement, challenges, and self-discovery, and I'm here to share my insights, personal experiences, and practical tips that I ho...

As we wrap up our summer series, I'm thrilled to share some valuable insights into the world of in-person professional development. While I won't cover every single opportunity out there — the list can go on and on! — I'll provide you with some useful tips and ideas to explore. Check out the episode blog post for links and tips on finding in-person PD opportunities near you. Sign up fo...

This week’s topic is all about online professional development opportunities for music educators. There are so many great ones out there, and while I can’t cover them all, I’m going to share some that I’ve personally been a part of, whether as an attendee or a presenter. From symposiums and summits to memberships and courses, these platforms offer a diverse range of topics and insights to enrich y...

Welcome back to another summer series episode of the podcast! Today, we continue our exploration of inspiring music education resources, but this time focusing on social media accounts. These platforms have become valuable spaces for music educators to connect, collaborate, and discover new ideas. From Facebook groups to Instagram and LinkedIn, let's dive into the vibrant community of music ed...

There are a lot of music education websites and apps that you can use as a music teacher. Honestly, the possibilities of what you can use are growing each and every year. One of my biggest pieces of advice is to do your own research or take the ideas I share and go explore them on your own. In this episode, I’ll share some of my favorite music education websites and apps, the links to which can be...

In this summer series episode, I'm sharing my favorite music education YouTube channels. The channels mentioned include ideas for play-along videos, teaching strategies, lesson ideas, and much more. Links mentioned include: Mario 2023 Theme video Ready Go Music Rhythm Patterns video Fun with Composers channel Ms. Wonderly Makes Music channel Music and Motivate channel Swick's Classroom cha...

⁠In this episode, we chat with Katie Jenks not just about the Curriculum Design Roadmap course but also about the real struggles that we music teachers face everyday. We dive deep into the overwhelm that comes with having too little or too many resources in our hands, not knowing where to start with building a curriculum that is cohesive and makes sense for our students, and grasping at straws whe...

In this summer series episode, I'm sharing my favorite music education books. The resources I share include where to find books to teach with, books to teach from, and books for professional development. Join the Curriculum Design Roadmap course before doors close on June 29th at 10pm CST. Links mentioned include: F-Flat Books The Ultimate Music Ed Book List Music Room Reads

There are so many great podcasts out there, but in this episode, I'm going to share a list of my favorite music education AND business podcasts. You can read a list of the blogs mentioned ⁠ in this blog post.⁠ Sign up for the ⁠Curriculum Development workshop ⁠ coming up SOON!

There are so many great blogs out there, but in this episode, I'm going to share a list of my favorite music education blogs. You can read a list of the blogs mentioned in this blog post. Sign up for the Curriculum Development workshop coming up SOON!

There is a lot of great professional development for music educators available. But, the missing piece is the ongoing PD all school year long. Music teachers need real time PD that addresses the issues they're dealing with on a weekly basis. That's why the LEARN site was founded as a way to give you relevant PD by real music education professionals in the field. This interview with the F-f...

Have you ever noticed how wiggly kids can be? This is especially true in the music room. How are you supposed to teach music when some of your students just can't sit still? In this episode, I answer this question and give you strategies to help even your most wiggly of student find success in your classroom. Read the blog post that goes with this episode. Grab your free ⁠⁠Simplifying Lesson P...

When it comes to working with upper elementary students in the music room, a lot of questions (and frustrations) can arise within the 4 walls of your classroom. In this episode, I'm answering a few questions from a music teacher who asks about making the classroom relevant to her students and bringing contemporary music into her music room. Enroll in the Sound Thinking Interactive Academy Sign...

We're just wrapping up the Reflect and Renew challenge. On day 2, we talked about processing through what's working and not working when it comes to your teaching life. While listening to the replay, take the steps mentioned and apply them to your own life. Enroll in the HARMONY membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠

You carve out time to lesson plan each week, but do you ever block time out of your calendar to do some self assessment? That's where reflecting, processing, and renewing come into play. Without consistently using and applying these strategies to your music teaching life, you'll be stuck on the treadmill that will keep just getting faster and faster over time. If you're wondering what...

As the music teacher, you might want to collaborate and share ideas with the other teachers on your team, but you aren't sure how. When talking about your team, of course this will look different from a grade level team. Your team consists of other related arts teachers like the art teacher, librarian, physical education teacher, and computer teacher. Maybe what's held you back from planni...

You might be passionate about both teaching and something else. Maybe you love inspiring your students and teaching them in new and exciting ways while also pursuing passions outside of teaching. If this is you, then you don't want to miss this conversation I had with the amazing Melody Jenkins. Melody Jenkins is currently in her third year teaching elementary general music. She holds a Bachel...

The way we create and organize our lesson plans has a profound effect on classroom management and the classroom climate in general. While focusing on creating and delivering lessons, you may not realize how much of an impact with your student engagement. Terri Lloyd is a retired elementary music teacher with over 25 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Music, a Master of Science in Educati...

While going throughout the school year, it's important to consider that it's a marathon and not a sprint. Each quarter, you'll experience different highs and lows and realizing where you're at in the race of the school year will help you to keep going. On this episode, I’ll talk about the different quarters and the ways you might be feeling throughout them. Grab your free ⁠Simplify...