The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast: Music Education

This episode comes directly from the "Start the School Year Off Right" challenge that I hosted earlier in the month.  If you missed the challenge and want to be a part of the challenge next summer or this coming Winter, be on the lookout on the podcast for announcements about when those are coming. In this episode, we'll talk all about classroom management, setting up your classroom, and mind...

In this episode, Justin Mclean and I have a conversation all around intentional bridge building in music classrooms.  You'll find out what building bridges really means, why it's so very important, and ways to connect with your students on a deeper level.  Justin Mclean is currently the Percussion Director/Assistant Director of Bands at Hightower HS and Lake Olympia MS Band in Fort...

In this episode, my sister Jeralyn and I have a candid conversation about all things education.  She's taught in the general classroom, has taught in 3 different states, and now is the ESL coordinator at her school.  Since it's July, I wanted to have a lighthearted conversation about: What classroom teachers wish music teachers knew and vice versa What it's like teaching during COVID whi...

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed heading into this school year, or you have no idea what to expect with all the uncertainty about going back, this episode is for you.  This audio comes from a recent Facebook live I did.   I talk about mindset you might be struggling with, where the overwhelm is coming from, and how to move forward with letting go of what you can't control. ...

Autumn Shurley, Justin Stanton , and Lauren Larson are three music teachers who are apart of my HARMONY membership site.  They came on the podcast to talk about their experience with joining HARMONY, what their teaching life was like before they joined, and the reasons they choose to stay a member month after month. Download a FREE HARMONY lesson plan pack sample right here. We'd love to have...

Joseph Tagnipes and Ashley Hawk are two music teachers who are a part of my HARMONY membership site.  They came on the podcast to talk about their experience with joining HARMONY, what their teaching life was like before they joined, and the reasons they choose to stay a member month after month.   Download a FREE HARMONY lesson plan pack sample right here. We'd love to have you join us!...

One of the greatest pleasures of being an elementary music teacher is being able to pour into the lives of your students each and every day.  But, one of the hardest parts is when they leave you and move on to middle school, high school, and beyond.   In this podcast episode, I get the opportunity to talk to one of my former students Ralph.  He talks about his experience in going fr...

Is navigating parenting and working from home a challenge for you right now?  I know transitioning from the classroom to the virtual world is a game changer. I’ve been asked and have seen so many questions around working from home, so I wanted to give some tips and tricks that have worked well for me as I've been doing this for the last 4 years.  I hope you’ll find this information helpf...

In this episode, Katie Holbrook and I talk all about imposter syndrome, finding your people, and leaning into communities as a music teacher.  This conversation was so good and we discuss all the things that will help you gain forward momentum if you're battling any of these things.   I also always say that if one music teacher is dealing with something or has a question, it means someon...

White music teacher friends.  This episode is all about my experience working in a school with a high demographic of black students.  I talk about what I learned in the process and my hope is that you'll hear my words and will learn from them.   If I can be honest, I’ve been stewing on whether or not to record this podcast episode for days now.  I even told one of my best frien...

Teaching music and trying to connect with your students virtually can be tricky and weird.  You want to still see them and hear them make music.  Of course you do!  All of a sudden you've had to figure out this new world of teaching music online and it can be so hard.  In this episode, we're going to talk about ways you can connect with your students while teaching virtually. &...

Let's be honest.  Teaching during COVID-19 has been overwhelming.  Now that school is wrapping up, thinking about what your teaching might look like in the fall might be causing even more stress.  In this episode, I want to go through the various teaching situations you might face next school year and how to make a plan to have success.   Join the FREE 5 day "Start the School Y...

This episode is all about integrating music and social studies. There are so many ways to integrate social studies and history with music, and the ideas discussed in this episode include: Teaching songs from other cultures and countries Doing a 50 states rap or song Rap about the presidents Doing songs about various wars and world leaders Resources mentioned in this episode include: Join the FREE...

In this episode, Dr. Ruybalid talks about why early childhood music education is so important.   You'll hear why starting kiddos from such a young age not just learning, but experiencing music will help carry them into elementary school and then adulthood and how to implement music learning for the youngest of students.  If you're going to be asked to teach preschool music at some p...

This episode is all about integrating music and science. There are so many ways to make science musical, and the ideas discussed in this episode include: Science and sound Frequency and music Sing about science Make a thunderstorm Go on a nature walk Resources mentioned in this episode include: "How to Integrate Music and Science" blog post Free 5 day music integration e-course  I'd love for...

In this episode, Franklin and I discuss what we wish we had known before entering the teaching profession, cultural relevant teaching in the elementary music classroom, and the importance of music education advocacy. You'll get SO much out of this episode and so many amazing ideas, strategies, and thoughts were shared.   Some of my favorite things Franklin said in this episode are: Build comm...

This episode is all about integrating music and math.   There are so many ways to make math musical, and the ideas discussed in this episode include:  Helping kids memorize math facts by speaking them in rap form  Recognizing fractions  Addition and subtraction with note values  Creating and finishing patterns  Practicing number order  Resources mentioned in this...

Writing an eBook is something that many music educators think about doing, but just don't start for some reason.  Your reason might be because you're dealing with imposter syndrome (which we talk a lot about in this episode too), because you don't know how to get started, or the whole process just overwhelms you.   In this episode, Sarah Gulish talks all about her journey in not onl...

Have you wanted to integrate music and reading, but you just don't know how?   In this episode, I'll share my favorite ways to integrate reading, which includes: Rhyming books Poetry and speech pieces Movement books  Books about composers Musical scores Story books Resources mentioned in this episode include: Resources and books I recommend "How to Integrate Music and Reading" blog post...

In this episode, I'll talk about how you can and will keep teaching music, yes... even if it's online.  Just like when you were a new music teacher, you took things one day and one week at a time, until you eventually found your groove.  The same can apply for teaching remotely.  This isn't going to be easy and just something that comes  Also.. just like when you're in the clas...

In episode 92, Melissa Stouffer comes on to talk about what solfege is, how to teach it and use it in your classroom, and how she sees it helping her students to thrive in the music room.   Whether you've already implemented solfege, it's brand new to you, or you're just looking for new strategies in using it, you'll find this episode so helpful.  I know I learned so much just from...

This is such a stressful time right now.  Whether your school has closed, is going to close soon, or you're just not sure what's going to happen, you're still a music teacher. Those relationships you spent all year building have not been in vain. Let's talk about that today... Check out the "How to Teach Elementary Music Remotely: Ultimate Resource Round-Up" blog post here Access the "Sing wi...

Did you know a flower and teaching music have a lot in common?  From starting out as a seed, then growing into a bud, and then eventually a full flower, it takes time for it to grow.  With the right nurturing and care, the flower grows into it's full potential and doesn't compare itself to other flowers along the way.  This episode goes into how you are just like a flower when it co...

If you've ever transitioned to a new school, you know it feels like a transition for sure.  There are so many things you need to process mentally and emotionally before starting at your new school.  Whether you're about to transition to a new school, have already done so, or are just thinking about it, this episode will help you as you hear from Rachel Hahn about what it was like for her...

One thing I’ve been seeing around lately is how teachers don’t feel like they can be effective teachers without a levels course under their belt.  Remember that degree you received or that certification you worked towards?  Remember taking that Praxis test and the other teacher exams?  Remember keeping up your PD hours every year?  Remember being in the classroom and teaching m...