On episode 290 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I have the privilege of having an insightful conversation with my co-teacher, Lewis Baez, about his unique experience teaching in the U.S. as a foreign teacher. Lewis is the Spanish teacher at The Hill School in Fayetteville, AR. He’s from the Dominican Republic and is passionate about sharing his culture with his students. This blog post provides a rich understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with such a role.  In the episode, Lewis shares his journey of adapting to a new culture, language, and educational s ..read more

On episode 288 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I dive into co-teaching in the music room with special guests Linzie Mullins and Betsy Carter. Co-teaching presents a novel approach to managing large classes and increasing student engagement. In this blog post, we’ll unpack the key takeaways from the episode to provide actionable insights for music educators interested in exploring the benefits of this collaborative teaching method. Throughout the episode, Linzie and Betsy share their experiences of co-teaching, addressing the challenges and the rewards it brings. We discuss strategies ..read more

On episode 287 of The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast featuring my guest Tiffany English, we talk about teaching music with the Orff approach– a pedagogical method to music education. This method emphasizes the importance of allowing students to develop their understanding of music at their own pace and in their own unique way.  Orff Schulwerk, often simply referred to as the “Orff Approach,” is a developmental approach used in music education. It combines music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons that are similar to a child’s world of play. Named after its creator, Carl Orff ..read more

On episode 286 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I delve into the exciting feat of becoming a conference presenter. This episode is particularly special because it’s a topic that I have been asked about before but never had the chance to discuss. In this blog post, I will go over a few steps you can follow as a detailed guide on how to become a successful conference presenter. In the podcast, I break down the process into five manageable steps, and share my own personal experiences from my years of experience presenting at both in-person and virtual conferences. I discuss the importance ..read more

On episode 285 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, special guest Priten Shah came to the show to discuss a fascinating subject – the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music education. In this blog post, I will expand on the key insights from the episode, offering a deeper look into how AI can be creatively harnessed in the music classroom. We will delve into various aspects of AI, such as its potential as an innovative tool that can aid in differentiating instruction, offering personalized feedback, and even generating music. However, we also reflect on the importance of understandi ..read more

On episode 284 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, we talk about what it’s like to be an introverted music teacher. With an understanding that introverted individuals often require quiet spaces and alone time to recharge and process their thoughts, the episode explores various ways in which introverted music teachers can thrive in their roles. This blog post will distill the key insights from the episode, providing practical guidance for introverted music teachers to balance their need for quiet and solitude with the demands of their profession. During the episode, I discuss the importanc ..read more

On episode 283 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I explore the idea of incorporating entrepreneurial principles into teaching. Many see entrepreneurship and teaching as separate fields, but I’ve found that they can complement each other in my experience as a business owner and educator. In this blog post, I will share key insights from the episode and offer practical strategies for teachers on leveraging an entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom. This episode underscores the importance of flexibility in teaching, similar to the adaptability needed in running a business. Additiona ..read more

On episode 282 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, we get into the nitty-gritty of how musical concepts and standards intermingle in music education. We all know that it can be a real head-scratcher for a lot of us music teachers. But understanding this is key to planning amazing lessons. Let’s break down the main ideas from the episode, giving you clear explanations and handy tips to navigate this web. In the episode, we draw a line between musical concepts—those cool things you teach your students like rhythm, tempo, dynamics—and standards—the benchmarks your students should get fr ..read more

On episode 280 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I discuss the crucial topic of utilizing transitions in the music room. Transitions play a vital role in managing the flow of the class and ensuring a smooth learning experience. In this blog post, I will delve into the key points from the episode to provide practical strategies for implementing effective transitions for music teachers. In the episode, I explore the different types of transitions in the music room, from entering and exiting the room, to transitioning between activities. I emphasize the need for less talking and more doing ..read more

On episode 279 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, Debbie O’Shea discusses the benefits of singing together in the music room. Singing in harmony can create a sense of belonging, unity, and bring joy to students, transforming the music room into the heartbeat of the school. In this blog post, we delve into the insights from the episode, exploring how singing can impact students’ emotional wellbeing, foster a strong sense of community, and promote inclusive learning experiences. During the episode, Debbie shares her experiences and strategies in cultivating a culture of singing in her musi ..read more