Musicast

In this fun episode, Musicast creator, Marissa Guarriello, sits down with students from Freedom High School to talk about a class they are enrolled in. “Marking Musikfest” is a unique way to connect students with music industry skills. 

Students used Sonic Bids and chose 10 different bands. Then, they selected favorites and offered them contracts for Musikfest, the largest free music festival in the United States.

Listen to the students share about their process, the artists they booked, and listen to the music throughout the episode. 

If you’re an educator and you want to learn more about connections between education and industry, consider visiting the “Musikfest Industry and Education Conference” on August 1st and 2nd in Bethlehem, PA. 

You can learn more at the link below! 

https://www.musikfest.org/lineup/musikfest-music-industry-and-education-conference/

Some of the best teaching ideas stem from identifying problems or gaps in current methods. In this podcast episode, Crystal Boyack talks about just that! Through struggling to find a beginning method that worked for her string players (including her own daughter), she decided to create her own, and "Wee Violin" was born!

Crystal describes her approach to learning to play and love music, and how she incorporates a variety of musical cultures from day one.

You can learn more about Crystal's work below:

https://www.crystalboyackmusicstudio.com/

Grab her books here:

https://www.crystalboyackmusicstudio.com/weeviolin

And, follow her on instagram:

@crystalboyackmusicstudio

I don't know about you, but this is the time of year when I feel overwhelmed with digital clutter and need to do some serious spring cleaning! Enter Theresa Hoover.

Last summer, Theresa delivered an incredible workshop at our annual symposium. She provided ideas for using Google Apps to enhance and streamline teaching. All of us were furiously taking notes and asking for more!

In this episode, I sit down with Theresa to discuss her history with tech, how she became part of #teamgoogle, and learn more about her workshop series, which debuts on April 26th.

You can learn more about Theresa's work here:

https://offthebeatenpathinmusic.com/

https://passthebatonbook.com/

Grab her book here:

https://fflat-books.com/product/empowering-ensembles-with-technology/

And, learn more about her PD sessions on our Learn Site:

https://learn.fflat-books.com/

In this episode, we sit down with musician, author, educator, and all-around incredible human Ashley Shabankareh. Ashley shares about her life and work and how she collaborated on our latest release with longtime friend Mia Ibrahim. 

Mia tragically lost their life in December 2023 and “Embracing Arabic Popular Music” is a resource that honors and celebrates their work in music education. Learn more about how this project developed and how Ashley and others are continuing to find ways to encourage culturally responsive teaching that honors and elevates all cultures, not just a select few. 

You can learn more about Mia and Ashley’s book on the F-flat Books website. 

And, connect with Ashley here: 

https://www.ashleyshabankareh.com/about

In this episode, Sarah sits down with author, musician, and educator: Yeshima! Yeshima has been an F-flat author for years and is currently doing some amazing work in the areas of project-based learning and therapeutic drumming. In this episode, Yeshima shares about their past experiences and how they started music as a clarinetist (and got kicked out of the band!!) and gradually found their way to percussion.

Now, Yeshima has provided a ton of resources for teachers looking to connect students with work that impacts the world. You can learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode at the link below:

Drum Smart Website:

https://drumsmartllc.com/

Drum Smart Insta:

instagram.com/drumsmart101

Project Based Learning Resource:

https://fflat-books.com/product/project-based-learning/

In this episode of Musicast, Sarah sits down with musician and educator, Jes Cleland. Jes is a bassist by trade and has spent years supporting young learners through her business, Music U, in Nashville. In this episode, she describes her journey to being an early childhood educator, how she approaches using literature with young children, and how her book “Get Out Beetle” was inspired by the kids she taught! 

You can learn more about Music U here:

https://www.musicunashville.com/

Shop "Get out Beetle" merch here:

https://www.musicunashville.com/merch?category=Get+Out+Beetle

Follow Music U on Instagram @musicuclass

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jeanette Shorey, veteran music teacher and promoter of joy in the classroom! Jeanette shares her story in music education and how she centers joy and stories in teaching young children. Listen to learn how community support and inspiration can help you keep the joy in teaching.

You can learn more about Jeanette at the links below:

https://storiesthatsing.net/

https://storiesthatsing.net/shop/

https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy/

How do we cultivate a sense of understanding and empathy among students? Can the music classroom be a space where we have hard discussions and unpack big emotions?

In this episode, Daniel Rivera (author of "Empathy") describes his journey in music education and how his classroom has become a space to feel and share emotions: big or small.

Listen and learn about the ways that you can help students learn to empathize with each other in tangible ways.

Resources shared in this episode:

You can find Daniel's book here:

https://fflat-books.com/product/empathy/

Want to learn more about our writing cohort starting in March? Check it out:

https://learn.fflat-books.com/writing-rescue-kidlit-lab/#

And, if you haven't downloaded our Black History Month guide yet, you can still get it for free:

https://fflat-books.com/product/black-history-month-heritage-month-guide-2024/

In this episode, Sarah sits down with David Dockan: musician, educator, and Ph.D. student at the University of Kentucky. David shares about his history as a musician and why he centers social-emotional learning in his work as both a teacher of young children and a teacher of pre-service music educators. He also talks about the inspiration behind his new book, "Your Song," created with Angela Carter.

You can learn more about David and his work at the F-flat Books site and at the link below:

http://www.dockanmusic.com/home.html

And, learn about the courses David shared in the episode:

https://kentuckyorff.com/upcoming-workshops/

https://finearts.uky.edu/music/professional-development-and-summer-graduate-study

In this episode, Sarah continues to chat with Coty about the why behind the work. They talk about finding your purpose and pouring your energy into spaces that feel authentic while recognizing that what we share publicly is not often what we experience privately. 

How do we return to the passion and joy found in music and the things that light us up as musicians? Listen and be inspired by Coty’s story and learn why she wrote “When I Grow Up” and how she’s actively advocating for children. 

You can support Coty and learn about her book, “When I Grow Up,” here: 

https://fflat-books.com/product/when-i-grow-up/

Check out Coty’s website: 

https://www.cotyravenmorris.com/

You can get the free Black History Month Heritage Guide here: 

https://fflat-books.com/product/black-history-month-heritage-month-guide-2024/

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Grammy-nominated educator Coty Raven Morris in a powerful two-part series on the why behind our work as musicians and educators. In this first half, Coty breaks down why we need to examine barriers in music education and how we, as educators, can effort to meet the needs of more students.

You can learn more about Coty at her website:

https://www.cotyravenmorris.com/

And, check out Coty's book on the F-flat Books website:

https://fflat-books.com/product/when-i-grow-up/

Grab the FREE Black History Month Heritage Guide here:

https://fflat-books.com/product/black-history-month-heritage-month-guide-2024/

What does research mean to you in your day to day practice? How does higher education fit into your professional and personal goals?

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Schultz (F-flat author and host of the "Research to Practice" column) and Marissa Guarriello (F-flat author, PhD students, and founder of Musicast) to talk about all things higher education. In this inspiring episode, they tackle:

• How curiosity can drive research and why it matters to music education
• Imposter phenomenon and debunking stereotypes in academia
• Advice for anyone considering graduate school

You can learn more about Liz and Marissa's work below.

Read Liz's column on the F-flat website:

https://fflat-books.com/tag/research-to-practice/

Check out Liz's book on navigating research:

https://fflat-books.com/product/the-digital-companion-to-navigating-music-education-research/

Learn about Marissa's contributions on the F-flat site:

https://fflat-books.com/authors/marissa-guarriello/

Do you have an idea for a guest or topic you want us to cover? Send an email to support@fflat-books.com.

Many of us are approaching holiday breaks with MUCH NEEDED days off of teaching. But, how can we ensure that our time is spent in ways that are truly restorative and help us approach 2024 with a sense of grounding? In this episode, Sarah shares four things you can give yourself over winter break to find restoration.

You can read the corresponding blog post to this episode here:

https://fflat-books.com/last-minute-gift-guide-for-the-overwhelmed-music-teacher/

Also, this is the LAST Musicast episode for 2023! Thank you so much for listening and being part of this community.

Is there a topic you'd like us to cover in 2024? Or, a person we should interview? Please send ideas and nominations (including yourself!) to sarah@fflat-books.com.

In this episode of Musicast, Sarah sits down with Claire of Musically Minted to share reflections on the AOSA conference in November. Both Sarah and Claire were exhibiting for the first time AND are running their businesses full-time after being in the classroom for years. Listen in to learn about the behind-the-scenes of conference exhibits, what it feels like to run a small business in music education, and their shared transition out of the classroom.

You can learn more about Musically Minted here:

https://musicallyminted.com/

And you can follow Musically Minted on Instagram:

@musicallyminted

In this episode, Dr. Shane Colquhoun sits down with Jasmine Fripp to talk about two important areas of music education: finding our "why" and how to put in meaningful work that impacts many.

This conversation is heartfelt, inspiring, and encouraging.

You can learn more about Shane and his book, Producers of Pop, here:

https://fflat-books.com/product/the-producers-of-pop/

And, learn about Jasmine Fripp's release, Carmine's Affirmations, here:

https://fflat-books.com/product/carmines-affirmations-song-and-classroom-resources/

In this episode, Sarah answers listener questions about entrepreneurship and F-flat Books' publishing platform.

F-flat is opening submissions in just a couple of months (January 1st!). Listen in to learn more about how you can prepare your project for submission, how the F-flat Books team decides what to publish, and what you might not know about the publishing industry.

You can learn more about the submission process here:

https://fflat-books.com/documentation/author-packet/

And you can read through the F-flat Books culture deck at the bottom of our homepage:

https://fflat-books.com/

In this episode, Jessica Grant sits down to reflect on lessons she's learned during her 20+ year career as an educator. Whether you're a new teacher or have been in the classroom for years, Jessica's reflections are rooted in concrete ways to connect with care and community for sustenance in such a meaningful career.

You can learn more about Jessica on her site:

https://www.jessicagrant.org/

And you can read Jessica's book on wellness here:

https://fflat-books.com/product/two-perspectives-on-health-and-wellness/

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Michelle McCauley Bobadilla to talk about the state of Native American music education. As a long-time music educator and a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute tribe in Nevada. Michelle provides insight on how educators should approach learning about and tapping into their local Native Nations and what not to do when it comes to Native American Heritage month.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Indian Country Today:

https://ictnews.org/

Powow Livestreams:

https://www.youtube.com/@Powwows

Michelle's YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleMcCauley

You can also connect with Michelle on Instagram (@thaswrong) and follow F-flat Books to learn more about her forthcoming book, "Kammu, Kammu."

In this week's episode, we sit down with Stephanie Leavell of Music for Kiddos to talk about some of our favorite topics: Songwriting, Autumn Songs, and how to connect with kids. Stephanie shares how she embraces the creative process of songwriting, how she's found her voice as a songwriter, and what keeps her true to herself as an artist and educator.

Links from this episode:

Join Stephanie's "Song of the month" club: https://www.musicforkiddos.com/newsletter

Learn about the Music for Kiddos Membership:

https://www.musicforkiddos.com/community

Check out "The Shy Little Monster" Book:

https://fflat-books.com/product/shy-little-monster/

Do you celebrate the mid-Autumn festival in your classroom? In this episode, Dr. Tina Huynh and Alice Tsui discuss the history surrounding the mid-Autumn festival and what cultural celebrations are present, including similarities and differences within various East Asian traditions. They share ideas for bringing music and other cultural treasures in the the classroom and how you can support students by honoring and amplifying culture bearers.

You can learn more about Tina and Alice's work through their resources (perfect for the Mid-Autumn Festival!):

The Vietnamese Children's Songbook: https://fflat-books.com/product/vietnamese-childrens-songbook/

The Vietnamese Children's Songbook Teaching Guide: https://fflat-books.com/product/vietnamese-childrens-songbook-teachers-guide/

And, the Moon Represents My Heart:

https://fflat-books.com/product/the-moon-represents-my-heart-teaching-guide-and-sheet-music/

What is groove-based music, and how do you get students to dig into complex rhythms and styles? In this episode, music educators Heather Fortune and Ethan Hein talk about their passion for groove-based music education and how they're actively creating resources to encourage connection and experimentation for musicians of all ages. They also share about their musical histories and how Twitter helped them find connection as creative educators. Learn more about Ethan and Heather and their new resource, "5 Pop Grooves for Orff Ensembles," on the F-flat Books website:

https://fflat-books.com/product/5-pop-grooves-for-orff-ensemble/

In this episode, Sarah Gulish sits down with Wanda Vasquez Garcia to discuss celebrating cultures in the music classroom. A teacher at a bilingual school, Wanda believes in centering many cultures throughout the school year while connecting students with specific cultures each month. From activating community partnerships to moving and singing with kids, Wanda shares practical strategies for expanding children's experiences with music making. She also talks about her book, "From Across the Street," and how she has used this work to preserve folk music from the Dominican Republic and provide a story to accompany the music that means so much to her and her family.

You can learn more about Wanda and her book at :

https://fflat-books.com/product/from-across-the-street/

How do you feel at the beginning of the school year? Happy to be back? Sad to be back? #allthefeels? In this solo episode, Sarah digs into the paradox of feelings and how we as teachers, can better support ourselves and our students when we view feelings as data and embrace conflicting feelings. This is the first of a whole season of new episodes for the 2023-2024 school year! Want to learn more about Musicast or F-flat Books? Visit www.fflat-books.com. [Intro music composed and recorded by F-flat author, Otto Gross]

In this inspiring conversation, Darlene Machacon sits down with Dr. Tina Huynh to talk about her new book, The Vietnamese Children's Songbook. How do we approach teaching music from a specific culture, and how do we honor our students in the process? Tina describes her journey of gathering and recording a collection of Vietnamese children's songs for teaching, learning, and connecting. And both Darlene and Tina share a vision for music education and music education publishing that is inclusive of many voices and cultures. You can learn more about Tina's work at https://www.vietchildrenssongs.com/, and you can get a copy of Tina's book and teaching guide at fflat-books.com

Part of the Indiana University Music Innovation Collaboration Series. Visit blogs.iu.edu/jsominnovation for more information on all things related to the Innovation grants and OECD at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music!

Part of the Indiana University Music Innovation Collaboration Series. Visit blogs.iu.edu/jsominnovation for more information on all things related to the Innovation grants and OECD at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music!

Part of the Indiana University Practicing Philosophy Collaboration Series: Brandon Magid with Dr. Deb Bradley

Part of the Indiana University Practicing Philosophy Collaboration Series: Paul and Joey discuss two aspects of neoliberalism in current music education practices. First, using Sean Powell’s  2021 article titled “Competition, Ideology, and the One-Dimensional Music Program” they investigate how competition can limit possibilities for music education programs, especially programs that lack the resources of high performing, suburban schools. Joey and Paul then discuss how neoliberalism strips supports away from schools, using Lauren Kapalka Richerme’s 2022 article titled “The Hidden Neoliberalism of CASEL’s Social Emotional Learning Framework: Concerns for Equity.” They point out how individualized resources are used to replace neglected societal structures; in this case how SEL can be used to place responsibility on individual students for issues of racism, sexism, or poverty. 

How do you show children the magic of music-making? And, how do you introduce instruments in a way that's exciting and engaging? In this episode, Otto Gross and Zachary Himelhoch sit down to talk about all things music! Through personal experiences and stories from the classroom, Zach and Otto share engaging ways to reach students and talk about their new release, "The Night the Music Room Came Alive." Listen in and learn more about Zach and Otto's work at www.fflat-books.com

How does the act and art of publishing impact the lives of authors? In this second half of a two part series, Rosie Wilson sits down with F-flat Authors Michelle Rose and Nate Holder to discuss their personal experiences with publishing. This conversation is inspiring and thought-provoking. Learn More about Nate and his publishing company at The Why Books UK (https://www.thewhybooks.co.uk/) and learn more about Michelle Rose at her site (https://themusicalrose.com/). And, if you're interested in submitting a project for consideration at F-flat Books, check out submission info at our site (https://fflat-books.com/documentation/author-packet/). 

It's our first episode of 2023! In this episode, our very own publishing Assistant, Rosie Wilson, sits down with two of our authors and visionary board members to talk all things publishing. In this first part of a two-part series, Nate Holder and Michelle Rose share their experiences with publishing, what made them decide to publish their work, and how publishing has changed their lives. Tune in to be inspired and learn the ins and outs of self-publishing or working with a hybrid publisher. The submission window for F-flat Books is OPEN from January 1, 2023- March 31, 2023. You can learn more about publishing with F-flat here: https://fflat-books.com/documentation/author-packet/. And, you can learn more about Nate's work with the Why Books on his site (https://www.thewhybooks.co.uk/) and check out Michelle's book at our site (https://fflat-books.com/product/teaching-music-online-a-comprehensive-guide-for-k-12-music-educators/).

Are you feeling the December squeeze? As we head into one of the busiest months of the year, how can we embrace care and continue to pursue rest and renewal? In this cross-posted episode from the Afternoon Ti Podcast, F-flat Author sits down with Jessica Grant to talk about practical strategies for managing busy months as a music teacher. From concert preparation to meal preparation, this episode is full of actionable ideas that can transform your life balance. Both Jessica and Beth are advocates for teacher wellbeing and will be hosting an IN-PERSON wellness retreat in February 2023 in Dallas, TX. You can learn more here: https://fflat-books.com/winter-thaw-2023-teacher-health-and-wellness/

What does it mean to be "more than a music teacher"? And, how do we show up for our students in ways that are authentic and help them connect with us as humans? Join Alice Tsui and Franklin Willis in this inspiring conversation examining the lives we lead both in and out of the classroom. Both Alice and Franklin are F-flat authors and visionary board member at F-flat Books. In this episode, they dive into questions related to identity and belonging with ideas and inspiration for music educators at all career stages. You can follow Alice and Franklin on Instagram (@musicwithmissalice and @fwillismusic) and get Franklin's new book, "More Than A Music Teacher" at https://fflat-books.com/product/more-than-a-music-teacher/.

Join F-flat author, Jessica Peresta, in this episode of Musicast where she unpacks a chapter from her book, "Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music." This episode is full of wisdom and important reminders about the work that we do as music educators and why it matters. You can find out more about Jessica at her website (www.thedomesticmusician.com) and at her podcast, "The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast." Jessica is also helping us coordinate and launch our first professional development site at F-flat Books. Stay tuned for more info in early 2023!

In this episode of Musicast, Orchestra director David Getz sits down with former Musicast co-host, Marissa Guarriello, to discuss creativity in the large ensemble classroom. David talks about the history of "The Composer's Guild," an after-school club he created as a first-year teacher to encourage creativity at his school. Both David and Marissa share their inspiration for creativity, how to develop a beginner's mindset, and helpful resources for anyone looking to incorporate more creativity into the classroom. You're going to want to take notes with this episode! You can learn more about David's work at https://www.davidgetzcreative.com/. And, be on the lookout for David's book in Spring 2023 only on F-flat Books! 

Join F-flat author Theresa Hoover and Kathryn Finch in a conversation centered on technology. They talk about their relationships with technology, how technology in the classroom has changed, and how music teachers can start adding meaningful technology to their curricula. Theresa and Kathryn are leaders in this field, and this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and encouraged. You can learn more about Theresa's work at https://musicaltheresa.com/ and connect with them on social media @musicaltheresa and @singingfinch1. 

In this collaborative episodes, Sarah sits down with Eric Jimenez and Justin Mclean from the Score Podcast to reflect on the past three years. They talk about areas of growth in music education and spaces that still need to see change. Learn more about Eric and Justin's podcast at @podthescore (IG) and you can learn more about their work at http://www.revivalmusicproject.org/. 

In this episode, Sarah Gulish and David Allen (co-founders and siblings behind F-flat books) sit down to talk about the past and future of F-flat Books. They share the initial vision for the company, reflect on the past three years, and share what they're excited about for the future. Plus, Sarah quizzes David on the music education knowledge he's acquired during his time at F-flat. Embracing a new format, Musicast is now a community-run podcast with forthcoming episodes from members of the F-flat community.

Kevin has received an undergraduate degree for music education from Duquesne University and his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration with a concentration on Curriculum and Instructional Design from Gwynedd Mercy University. He has taught in several public and private schools in the Bucks County, Pennsylvania area. Through those years, he has had experience teaching elementary through high school and a variety of musical disciplines including general music, strings, and band instruction. He is currently an employee of the Pennridge School District and is the Director of Bands at the high school, where he has served for the past five years.

Zack Clark is an Associate Instructor and PhD Student in the Music Education Department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is also a certified mindfulness teacher through the Institute for Mindfulness-Based Wellness and Pedagogy. During his tenure as a music teacher and performer in Bakersfield, CA, Zack developed curricula that incorporated mindfulness into instrumental music teaching settings for developing musicians. At Indiana, his research interests involve interdisciplinary investigations on how values and social contexts influence musicians’ experiences and evaluations of mindfulness.

You can email Zack at zclar@iu.edu