Episodes

May 15, 2024

Smooth Sailing to the End of the Year with Special Events - Ep64

Smooth Sailing to the End of the Year with Special Events In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher Podcast, we explore the transformative power of incorporating special events into the classroom routine to ease the end-of-…
May 8, 2024

5 End-of-the-Year Tricks for Saving Your Sanity Ep63

Get ready to ease into the end of the school year in the elementary school music classroom! In this episode, you'll hear 5 game-changing tips to salvage your sanity as the school year winds down. Do Nothing New - Review, Re…
May 5, 2024

Music Teacher Dilemmas - Why do Specialists Get No Respect

On this episode of Music Teacher Dilemmas , we delve into The Questions: Something I have come to notice at my school is our students give more respect to their classroom teachers than they do the “specials” teachers. I know…
May 1, 2024

May’s Delightful Storybook Picks - Ease into the End of the Year - Ep 61

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, get ready for a world of storybooks where we're exploring seven enchanting storybooks perfect for May. These stories are not just any stories—they've got all the summer vib…
April 24, 2024

Unlocking Your Time-Saving Superpowers with 5 Time-Saving Hacks - Ep60

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we explore the keys to unlocking time management superpowers specifically tailored for elementary music educators. I begin by emphasizing the importance of creating a compr…
April 21, 2024

Music Teacher Dilemmas - How to Solve the Constant Talking & Arguments Happening in Your Music Classroom - Ep59

On this episode of Music Teacher Dilemmas , we take a look at behavior issues, lack of respect, and constant arguing. Join us as Jeanette discusses some ideas on how to combat these issues, especially at the end of the scho…
April 17, 2024

Bucket Drumming Unleashed: A Teacher's Guide - Ep58

Bucket Drumming Unleashed: A Music Teacher's Framework - Ep57 Come along with me as we delve into the fun of bucket drumming. I'm going to share my 3 step framework for teaching bucket drumming successfully. You'll learn p…
April 14, 2024

Music Teacher Dilemmas April 2024 - How to Stop Your Kiddos From Screaming and Other Not-So-Fun Behaviors

The Question: How to quiet a class that screams and doesn’t use their indoor voice?? I have very high ceilings in my room so you do have to project a bit more than usual but the kids use it as an excuse to scream and be rowd…
April 10, 2024

Episode 56 - 7 Musical Moves: Energizing Your Elementary Classroom

In today's sedentary world (think more video games and more sitting among our kiddos) movement is more crucial than ever for our elementary students. Not only does it offer a welcome break from the lethargic nature of modern…
April 3, 2024

Episode 55 - Project Magic- Keeping Cool Kids Engaged in Music - A Step-by-Step Guide

In this episode, we're diving into "Project Magic: Keeping Cool Kids Engaged in Music." I'm thrilled to share with you five simple steps to make project-based learning a blast for your intermediate students. Imagine a class…
March 27, 2024

Episode 54 - Spring Storybooks Have Sprung - 5 New recommendations for April

Today's episode introduces five engaging storybooks suitable for springtime. The first book, "The Fleas Sneeze" by Lynn Downey, offers opportunities for vocal exploration, rhythmic play, and instrumental improvisation, makin…
March 20, 2024

Episode 53 - Balancing Act: 5 Strategies for Keeping 25+ Little Musicians Engaged

Episode 53 - Balancing Act: 5 Strategies for Keeping 25+ Little Musicians Engaged In Episode 53 of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we dive into the world of keeping a large group of little musicians engaged. We all want ou…
March 13, 2024

Episode 52 - Marvelous Music Manipulatives - An Interview with Crescendo Music Owner Debbie O'Shea

Episode 52 - In this lively episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of master teacher Debbie O'Shea, founder of Crescendo Music Education. Debbie shares her passionate vision of suppor…
March 6, 2024

Episode 51 - Changing Your Tune: The Happy Music Teacher Mindset

In this episode, we dive into five key points to help elementary music teachers navigate the challenges they face. First, we acknowledge that being a music teacher involves more than just singing and dancing—it's about juggl…
Feb. 28, 2024

Episode 50 - Spring has Sprung - 7 Great Storybooks for Spring

"Welcome to the latest installment of The Happy Music Teacher, where we're diving into the vibrant world of springtime through 'Spring has Sprung - 7 Great Storybooks for Spring.' This episode is a delightful exploration of …
Feb. 21, 2024

Episode 49 - Chaos Happens - 5 Ways to Use it to Your Advantage

In this episode, we delve into the inevitable chaos that can often arise in our teaching journeys and uncover five effective ways to not only cope with it but also leverage it to our advantage. Firstly, we emphasize the impo…
Feb. 14, 2024

Episode 48 - Gear Heist- 3 Hilarious Ways to 'Borrow' Equipment from Your PE Coach and Engage Even Your Sporty Students

In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher podcast, we're diving into some fun ways to borrow equipment from your PE coach to amp up your music lessons and get even your sporty students loving music. We're focusing on develo…
Feb. 7, 2024

Episode 47: Quick Set-Up Guide - 7 Tips to Streamline Your Music Classroom to Keep Everything at Your Fingertips

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, you'll discover game-changing strategies to streamline your music classroom setup and keep all your essential equipment at your fingertips. We dive into the concept of the …
Jan. 31, 2024

Episode 46: 3 Ways to Help Those Students Who are Getting on Your Last Nerve

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we’ll delve into the idea that when a child misbehaves, they're essentially reaching out for help. The episode emphasizes that children lack the developed brains and vocabu…
Jan. 24, 2024

Episode 45 - 9 Ways to Avoid the February Crazies

Episode 45: 9 Ways to Avoid the February Crazies In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher Podcast, we explore strategies to foster a positive and engaging music classroom environment. Here are the key points discussed: 1. …
Jan. 17, 2024

Episode 44 - Technology Hacks for the Music Classroom with Debbie Tannenbaum

Episode 44: Technology Hacks for the Music Room with Debbie Tannenbaum In the latest episode of The Happy Music Teacher podcast, educator Debbie Tannenbaum takes center stage, bringing over two decades of experience and a b…
Jan. 10, 2024

Episode 43 - Snowy Days, Winter Days - 5 Activities for January

Explore creative music teaching methods in this episode, focusing on concepts like up/down and high/low. Engaging activities include interactive games with songs such as "I Have a Little Snowman," incorporating movements and…
Jan. 3, 2024

Episode 42 - Unveiling the Fun Factor - 5 Ways to Have Fun without Introducing Chaos

In this episode, we dive deep into the realm of music education, uncovering five essential strategies for infusing joy into the classroom without surrendering to chaos. The first part of the episode talks about how to struct…
Dec. 6, 2023

Episode 41 - Holiday Hacks - Easy Peasy Music-Making for December

In this podcast episode, I’m addressing the challenges elementary music teachers face in December with random events, field trips, and holiday festivities disrupting the normal routine. The focus is on maintaining effective …