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The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast: Music Education

The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast: Music Education

By Jessica Peresta

Are you an elementary music teacher? Maybe you’re worn out, overwhelmed, or feel like it gets harder each year.

Hi, I’m Jessica, and it’s my passion to help elementary music teachers, just like you, figure out your unique teaching style. In this podcast, I'll share helpful tips and strategies, work-home life balance tips, and mindset blocks, while helping give you the motivation you need to gain momentum in your teaching so you can continue being the music teacher rock star you already are.

Come and join the Facebook community at www.facebook.com/groups/elementarymusicteachercommunity.
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50-Music Literacy with Kristen Pugliese

The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast: Music EducationMay 30, 2019

00:00
34:55
288- Co-Teaching in the Music Room with Linzie Mullins and Betsy Carter
Mar 27, 202435:19
287- Teaching Music with the Orff Schulwerk Approach with Tiffany English
Mar 20, 202434:58
286- 5 Steps to Being a Conference Presenter
Mar 13, 202416:55
285 - Utilizing AI in Music Education with Priten Shah
Mar 06, 202424:07
284- Ways to Thrive as an Introverted Music Teacher
Feb 28, 202413:12
283- Using an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Teaching
Feb 21, 202411:24
282- How Concepts and Standards Work Hand in Hand
Feb 14, 202414:34
281 - Bridging the Gap Between Students with and without Private Music Lessons with Chandler Owen
Feb 07, 202431:46
280- Utilizing Transitions in the Music Room
Jan 31, 202416:37
279- The Benefits of Singing Together in the Music Room with Debbie O’Shea
Jan 24, 202438:45
278- How to Dominate Your Formal Observation
Jan 17, 202414:07
277- Time Management for Music Teachers with Linda Kardamis
Jan 10, 202436:10
276- How Long to Spend on a Particular Song or Idea
Jan 03, 202412:48
275- 3 Lessons I’ve Learned in 2023
Dec 27, 202328:43
274- Take a Break and Don’t Think About School
Dec 20, 202309:34
273- Bringing Hip-Hop into the Music Room with Dr. Patrick Cooper

273- Bringing Hip-Hop into the Music Room with Dr. Patrick Cooper

In this episode, Dr. Patrick Cooper talks about what it means to bring hip-hop into the music classroom. He discusses specific lessons or units he's used with his students, practical ways you can implement hip-hop lessons with even the youngest of students, and talks about new and exciting ideas you'll definitely want to try.


Dr. Patrick K. Cooper is an assistant professor of music education at Florida International University. He teaches courses in research, curriculum development, philosophy, and creativity. He holds degrees in music education from Arizona State University (B.M., M.M.) and University of South Florida (Ph.D.). Winner of the 2015 Outstanding Emerging Researcher Award from the Center for Music Education Research, his research interests capture the intersection of creativity, inclusion, and performance. His publications can be found in academic journals such as Psychology of Music and International Journal of Music Education as well as practitioner texts such as The Music Technology Cookbook and The Learner-Centered Music Classroom. His book Broadcast to Podcast: Lessons from Radio for an Online Music Education is available through F-Flat Books. Dr. Cooper has presented internationally, nationally, and locally at conferences such as NeuroMusic, Society for Music Perception and Cognition, International Society for Music Education, Society for Music Teacher Education, and the National Association for Music Education Biennial Music Research and Teacher Education Conference. He has given workshops and lectures as an invited speaker at several universities including University of Southern California, Arizona State University, Illinois State University, and Westminster Choir College. As a musician, he has performed extensively as a double bassist, synthesizer player, and hip-hop artist. Prior to his appointment at Florida International University, he held adjunct positions with Eastern Illinois University and The Crane School of Music at SUNY-Potsdam, was a Presidential Doctoral Fellow at University of South Florida, and taught in public schools and community centers in St. Petersburg, FL and the metro Phoenix area.

Connect with Patrick here:

  1. Email him at pcooper@fiu.edu
  2. Hip-Hop course on LEARN at F-Flat Books
  3. Broadcasting book at F-Flat Books


Dec 13, 202328:09
272: Making Decisions as a Music Teacher
Dec 06, 202318:11
271: The Power of Brain Dumping for Organization
Nov 29, 202318:46
270: Inspiring the Next Generation of Composers with Emi Ferguson
Nov 22, 202330:41
269: How to Contribute to Parent/Teacher Conferences as the Music Teacher
Nov 15, 202311:56
268: Moving Away from Sunday Night Panic Lessons with Anna Jo Knight
Nov 08, 202356:36
267: How to Be a Minimalist Music Teacher
Nov 01, 202320:58
266: 3 Ways to Naturally Integrate Technology Into Your Lessons
Oct 25, 202317:45
265: Culturally Responsive Music Education with Ashley Cuthbertson

265: Culturally Responsive Music Education with Ashley Cuthbertson

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Ashley Cuthbertson, an expert in culturally responsive music education. Ashley shares her insights and experiences, providing valuable information for music educators looking to make their teaching more culturally responsive. Let’s explore how to make music education more inclusive and relevant for diverse learners.

Key Conversations:

  1. Introduction to Ashley Cuthbertson: Ashley introduces herself, her background as a former music educator, and her mission to make music education culturally responsive.

  2. The Early Struggles: Ashley reflects on her initial challenges as a music educator and shares a pivotal moment when she realized the importance of understanding her students beyond their names.

  3. The Need for Culturally Responsive Teaching: Ashley emphasizes the need for teachers to go beyond just teaching and make learning contextualized and relevant for their students.

  4. First Year Teachers and Culturally Responsive Teaching: Ashley provides insights into how first-year teachers, and educators in general, can start incorporating culturally responsive teaching practices into their classrooms.

  5. Overcoming Pushback: Ashley addresses common pushback from educators and the underlying fear that often leads to resistance. She encourages teachers to believe in the power of what they do.

  6. The Power of Music Education: Ashley highlights the transformative power of music education and how it can impact students' lives in profound ways.

Ashley Cuthbertson, M.Ed, NBCT (she/her) is the Founder & Principal Consultant of A. Cuthbertson Consulting, LLC, an educational consulting firm that partners with schools, school districts, and organizations to help music educators develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to deliver instruction that is culturally responsive & relevant to the diverse and ever-changing needs of today's learners so that all students have an equitable pathway to success in music.

Described as an "engaging and charismatic" teacher educator, Ashley has delivered over 100 professional development sessions through her school district and organization partnerships, serving hundreds of music educators across the U.S. and internationally with 95% of attendees highly recommending her sessions. Additionally, she provides instructional coaching services to a small number of music educators each year.

A Nationally Board Certified Teacher, Ashley holds a Master's in Education, as well as certifications in the Kodály approach and Arts integration. Ashley has over thirteen years of experience in education as a general music & choral educator, a band educator, a K-12 musicianship instructor, a private lessons instructor, lead teacher, new teacher coach, adjunct professor, curriculum writer, speaker, and consultant.

A passionate advocate for music education, Ashley additionally serves the National Association for Music Education as a member of the Repertoire Diversity Task Force and the Virginia Music Educators Association as chair of the DEI Council.

Learn more at https://ashleycuthbertson.com/about-us/

Connect with Ashley through:

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Oct 18, 202331:06
264: How to Batch Your Lesson Planning
Oct 11, 202320:52
263: The Power of Sharing Your Story with Your Students with Starr Loutsis
Oct 04, 202317:36
262: How to Ask Questions in the Music Classroom with Dr. Philip Tacka

262: How to Ask Questions in the Music Classroom with Dr. Philip Tacka

When it comes to music education, we often find ourselves immersed in the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms of our favorite songs. But have you ever thought about the art of asking questions in the music classroom? It's a topic rarely discussed, yet it plays a profound role in shaping the musical journey of students. Join us on a captivating exploration of Dr. Philip Tacka's innovative strategies that illuminate the path to a deeper understanding of music.

Philip Tacka received his doctorate from The Catholic University of America and completed a year of postdoctoral work at the Franz Liszt Academy, Budapest/Zoltan Kodály Pedagogical Institute in Hungary. He is a Professor of Music in The Tell School of Music at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. His research interests center on the all aspects of music education though he has a particular emphasis on music perception and cognition. He writes in collaboration with Dr. Micheál Houlahan, chair of The Tell School of Music. Their publications include Kodály Today and the accompanying seven volumes in the Oxford University Press series. Two new volumes, Choral Artistry: A Kodály Perspective for Middle School to College Level Choirs and Choral Sight Reading are scheduled to be published in 2023 by Oxford. A more complete listing of publications is included below. He has been involved in Kodály Teacher Training programs every year since the early 1980s and has written and provided professional development for four United States Department of Education grants awarded to both the Austin and Houston, Texas Independent School Districts. Dr. Tacka has also served on editorial boards and served as a grant evaluator for more than a decade on the American Fellowship Panel for the American Association of University Women. Prior to his current position, he was an Associate Professor of Music in the Department of Art, Music & Theatre at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. and worked with the Georgetown University Medical School’s Institute for Cognitive and Computational Science in the neuropsychology of music perception. He regularly presents papers and workshops both nationally and internationally on aspects of music education, music perception and cognition, and Kodály studies and has lectured in Italy, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Estonia, the Netherlands, and England. In March, 2016 he was awarded the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2017 received a distinguished alum award from the Hungarian government.


Connect with Dr. Tacka at:

___________________________________________________

Sep 27, 202353:45
 261: Reframing What Makes a “Good” Music Teacher
Sep 20, 202328:27
260: How “Education Through Music” is Creating More Music Teacher Positions in Schools with Stephanie Nantell

260: How “Education Through Music” is Creating More Music Teacher Positions in Schools with Stephanie Nantell

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 Nantell is the Senior Director of Programs at Education Through Music. Her journey from a music educator to her current role at Education Through Music (ETM) reflects her unwavering commitment to music education. Stephanie explains that one of the driving forces behind her transition to ETM was the organization's unique mission – not to compete with public schools but to create more music teacher roles and educational opportunities for students across New York City.

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Sep 13, 202335:51
259: Making Lemonade from Lemons in Your Teaching Journey

259: Making Lemonade from Lemons in Your Teaching Journey

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 to your life and career.

Key Takeaways:

  • Embrace Change: Life rarely goes as planned, and it's essential to adapt and seize new opportunities when they arise.
  • Listen to Your Heart: Trust your instincts and make choices that align with your values and lifestyle.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Evolve: Your career path may take unexpected turns, and that's okay. Embrace growth and new experiences.
  • Seek Support and Guidance: Don't hesitate to reach out to your support system for advice and insights when facing tough decisions.
  • Stay True to Your Passion: Pursue your passions, even if it means juggling multiple responsibilities. Your dedication will shine through.
  • Be Vulnerable: Sharing your struggles and uncertainties can inspire and resonate with others. Lean on your community when needed.

This episode reminds us that life's journey is filled with surprises, and each experience contributes to personal and professional growth. Whether you're facing lemons or sipping lemonade, trust in the path that unfolds before you and continue making a positive impact in your students' lives.

Tune in to the full episode for a heartfelt and inspiring narrative that will resonate with educators and anyone navigating the twists and turns of life's journey.

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Sep 06, 202321:38
258: Sound Seeds: Nurturing Musicianship in the Elementary Classroom with Dr. Micheal Houlahan

258: Sound Seeds: Nurturing Musicianship in the Elementary Classroom with Dr. Micheal Houlahan

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 approach music education as both musicians and educators, enabling them to engage students effectively. Dr. Houlahan also introduces the concept of "Sound Thinking Interactive," a comprehensive program designed to support music teachers by providing curriculum resources, lesson plans, assessment tools, and professional development. The program aims to bridge the gap between technical instruction and artistic expression, fostering a passion for music and a strong foundation in music literacy skills among students.

Micheál Houlahan is a Professor of Music Theory and Aural Skills and currently serves as the Chair of the Tell School of Music at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. He received an Irish Arts Council Scholarship for graduate studies at the Liszt Academy in Hungary and a Fulbright Research Scholarship for doctoral studies in Music Theory at the Catholic University of America in the United States after graduating from St. Patrick’s College, Ireland. His research has also received support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dr. Houlahan has obtained Licentiate diplomas and Fellowships in Piano Performance from Trinity College and London College of Music, London. He has lectured extensively on music theory and Kodály studies in Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Estonia, Netherlands, England, and China. In 2016, he was awarded the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, the Hungarian Government invited him to present a lecture on his research and teaching at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He was also a featured clinician for the 2017 Texas Music Educators Conference. Dr. Houlahan is currently a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation commission and serves as an Accreditation Team Leader and Visiting Evaluator for NASM. He was a guest speaker at the Forum Among Leaders of Higher Music Institutions, China Conservatory of Music, Beijing, China, in 2017 and served as an Honorary Professor (2017-2020) at the Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Chinese National School of Music and China Conservatory of Music.

Dr. Houlahan collaborates with Dr. Tacka; they have authored numerous books, chapters in books, and articles.

Check out their works at:
soundthinkinginteractive.com
www.youtube.com/@kodalytoday2289/playlists
www.facebook.com/groups/1469799603314646/


Enroll in the ⁠Sound Thinking Interactive Subscription
Sign up for⁠⁠⁠⁠ teacher coaching ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠business coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠ with Jessica.
Find out more about the HARMONY membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠
Find out more about the Curriculum Design Roadmap course ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠
Get your copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music⁠⁠


Aug 30, 202345:36
257: 5 Ways I'm Rethinking Classroom Management
Aug 23, 202316:10
256: Teaching the Recorder in an Engaging Way with Bill Henry

256: Teaching the Recorder in an Engaging Way with Bill Henry

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.

Bill Henry, with over 17 years of teaching experience in the Maryland public school system, has dedicated his career to shaping young minds through music. He also runs a popular YouTube channel called "Mr. Henry's Music World," with over 50,000 subscribers and millions of views. Bill's dynamic approach to music education engages teachers and students across the globe, and today, he's here to share his expertise on teaching the recorder with enthusiasm and creativity.



Read the blog post that goes along with this episode here
Find out more about the Modern Lab recorder course


Grab your free ⁠⁠⁠Simplifying Lesson Planning guide.⁠⁠


Sign up for⁠⁠⁠⁠ teacher coaching ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠business coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠ with Jessica.


Find out more about the HARMONY membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠


Find out more about the Curriculum Design Roadmap course ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠
Get your copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music⁠⁠
Aug 16, 202350:13
255: How I'm Preparing to Teach Again
Aug 09, 202327:57
254: Summer Series: In Personal Professional Development Opportunities for Music Educators
Aug 02, 202312:34
253: Summer Series: Online Professional Development Opportunities for Music Educators
Jul 26, 202313:09
252: Summer Series: Favorite Music Education Social Media Accounts
Jul 19, 202318:34
251: Summer Series: Music Education Websites and Apps
Jul 12, 202316:59
250: Summer Series: Favorite Music Education YouTube Channels
Jul 05, 202314:27
249: Designing a Curriculum that Works for You with Katie Jenks

249: Designing a Curriculum that Works for You with Katie Jenks

⁠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 when it comes to writing daily and weekly lesson plans that are aligned to our long-term goals in music education.

These problems seem universal for music educators out there, and we talk about how the Curriculum Design Roadmap course provides solutions that will not seem like another overwhelming checklist we have to tick off one by one. Katie also shares her experience in going through the course — the clarity that comes with knowing when and how to use the resources available to her, the confidence in knowing that her curriculum building is headed into the right direction, and the feeling that this is a community rather than a one-time course that she has to finish.


Jun 28, 202333:24
248: Summer Series: Favorite Music Education Books
Jun 21, 202311:37
247- Summer Series: Favorite Music Education Podcasts
Jun 14, 202325:12
246: Summer Series: Favorite Music Education Blogs
Jun 07, 202320:13
245: Real PD that Music Teachers Need with Dr. Sarah Gulish and David Allen
May 31, 202340:59
244- Teaching the Wiggly Students in the Music Room
May 24, 202315:54
243- Making the Music Classroom Relevant to Upper Elementary Students
May 17, 202322:03
242- Take these Steps to Improve Your Teaching Practice and Life
May 10, 202345:07
241- Why Reflection, Processing, and Renewal is So Important
May 03, 202328:02
240- 4 Practical Ways to Collaborate with the Other Related Arts Teachers
Apr 26, 202324:22
239- Being a Multi Passionate Music Educator with Melody Jenkins

239- Being a Multi Passionate Music Educator with Melody Jenkins

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 Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education and initially wanted to be a band director, but fell in love with teaching elementary during her student teaching. She is also known as "The Chromatic Music Teacher" on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, creating covers of popular songs using Boomwhackers and sharing stories from being an elementary music teacher. Melody loves being able to share her love of music not only with her students, but also with the world through social media. 

Connect with Melody here: 

  1. TikTok: @thechromaticmusicteacher
  2. Instagram: @thechromaticmusicteacher
  3. YouTube: The Chromatic Music Teacher
  4. Website: www.thechromaticmusicteacher.com

Grab your free ⁠⁠Simplifying Lesson Planning guide.⁠⁠

Sign up for⁠⁠ teacher coaching ⁠⁠or ⁠⁠business coaching⁠⁠ with Jessica.

Get your copy of ⁠⁠Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music⁠⁠

Join the ⁠⁠Facebook group. ⁠⁠

I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, be sure to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful and be sure to tag me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Facebook.⁠

Apr 19, 202338:53