The Music Room

Wondering how to implement Genius Hour in the music room? In this podcast episode, Aileen shares ideas for implementing Genius Hour, also known as Passion Project and 20% time, in your music lessons.

Wondering how to start off the school year right in your music room? This podcast episode has lots of lesson ideas for back to school in your music classroom!

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss their favorite elementary music activities from the 2021-2022 school year, from ukulele, to GarageBand, to a name game.

In this episode, Aileen interviews writer, illustrator, and music educator Katie Terrell Ramos about the process of writing and illustrating picture books for the music room.

Have you been thinking about attending an OAKE conference, and wondering what you might learn? Check out this podcast episode, with takeaways from the 2022 OAKE music education conference!

Wondering how to plan out the rest of your school year? In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses how to plan out your last quarter in the music room!

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Ms. Jenkins from the Chromatic Music Teacher about her favorite activities for the music room, how she uses Boomwhackers, what it's like to be a new music teacher in 2022, and more!

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Bill Henry and Bruce Fite from the Music Podcast for Kids, about YouTube videos and podcast episodes to improve student learning! Bill and Bruce also discuss how to create your own videos for your students.

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses rhythm activities with primary grades, from rhythm read along videos to improvising on barred instruments.

In this episode, Aileen interviews educator Michael Sivert about SEL, or Social Emotional Learning. Michael discusses strategies that have worked in his upper elementary classroom, and shares adaptations for the music classroom.

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five time-saving tips for assessment, from considering how to track data, to planning assessments in advance, to collecting enough data so your stress lessens!

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses catching students up with their music curriculum, after distance learning, no singing in the music classroom, etc.

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Beth Duhon about self care for music teachers, from what to listen to on the way to work, to what we include in our morning routine.

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Bryson Tarbet about exceptional learners in the music classroom. Bryson offers suggestions and resources for how best to teach exceptional learners in your elementary music lessons.

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses three ways to present a performance when "in person" concerts aren't possible, because of COVID-19 regulations.

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five productivity hacks for busy music educators, from thinking carefully about when to say "yes," to using themed days to get tasks done.

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss activities that are working for grades K-2 and 3-5 in the music room so far this year, as well as activities they are planning for the future.

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie look back on the 2020-2021 school year, and look forward to the 2021-2022 school year, discussing everything from tech tools, to lesson structures, to how we'll learn this summer.

In this episode, Aileen interviews two colleagues, Ashley Ellerman and Sarah King, about collaboration in the music room. They discuss projects they've collaborated on, tech tools, and more!

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses different print and digital music education curricula, as well as print and digital resources, with suggestions for creating your own!

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses what we can learn from this year, from tech tools, to building student relationships, to educating ourselves about social justice. Specific ideas for learning from this year and implementing next year are shared.

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Amy Abbott about gender neutrality in the music room. They discuss song choices, language adaptations, and more, to help students feel safe in the music classroom.

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses how she manages time as a blogger and podcaster, and as a music teacher. Business strategies such as batching and scheduling are discussed, with ideas for adapting to the music classroom.

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss what's working in the socially distanced and virtual music classrooms, from lesson ideas, to tech platforms, to building relationships with students.

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses strategies for teaching students the difference between steady beat and rhythm. From steady beat activities to tracking icons, to instrument playing, lots of tried and true activities are shared!