The Happy Music Teacher
Feeling alone in the craziness that is your classroom? Looking for someone to rescue you from the exhaustion and overwhelm of your everyday music teacher life?
Hi, I'm Jeanette. A passionate music teacher with over 2 decades of experience working with students, balancing the mayhem, and helping educators like you navigate the chaos.
Join me as we explore what makes teaching general music so darn hard, tackle the unique challenges we face, and transform our music teacher lives so that every day brings happiness to our music classrooms.
Recent Episodes
Jan. 28, 2026
Mission Impossible - Fitting a Year of Music into 30 Minutes a Week
Are you tired of feeling like a failure because you can't fit a 60-minute Orff unit into your 30-minute reality? You aren't alone, and it’s time to stop the "Impossible Math" that leads straight to burnout. This week, I’m sha...
Jan. 21, 2026
The Ultimate Time-Saver: Effortless Music Sub Plan Ideas
Stop dreading sub plans! I sit down with Rob Barnett, founder of the free AI lesson planner Insta-Lesson. Rob explains how this amazing tool solves the hardest part of being a music teacher—planning time. We show you how to i...
Jan. 7, 2026
Reclaim Your Spark How to Find Joy in Teaching This Semester
Are you feeling more "burnt out" than "inspired" lately? You aren't alone, and it doesn't have to stay this way. This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on the simple, mindset-shifting secrets that helped me rediscover the jo...
Dec. 30, 2025
HOW TO MAKE MUSIC TEACHING EASIER: Expert Music Teachers Share Their Secrets for 2026
Kick off 2026 with a plan to reduce stress! This special compilation features expert tips on how to make music teaching easier . Leaders in music education share advice on professional development, self-care boundaries, embra...
Dec. 24, 2025
Preventing Teacher Burnout Starts Here: The Simple Mindset Trick
Elementary music teachers face immense demands. Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson, a resilience trainer and researcher, shares the powerful, practical strategies—like Zyzo and Catch-Check-Change—that help high-impact teachers prioriti...
Dec. 10, 2025
Orff, Play-Alongs, and Differentiation: Creating Truly Inclusive Music Activities
Music specialist and Orff levels presenter Brielle D'Souza shares her methods for teaching the whole child. She breaks down the "why" and "how" behind her popular play-along videos, explaining how they are designed to create ...
Dec. 10, 2025
Your December Music Activities Survival Kit: Three Bundles to Beat Holiday Stress
Tired of piecing together lessons in December? This episode is your December Music Activities Survival Kit ! We introduce three essential lesson bundles designed to solve every holiday teaching challenge, from managing high e...
Dec. 3, 2025
Why Rhythm Needs Legs: Teaching Rhythm Through Movement
Do your students feel the rhythm in their bodies? This episode breaks down the powerful Movement Method for teaching rhythm through movement . We'll show you how to link basic steps (walking, jogging, stomping) to note values...
Nov. 12, 2025
Stop Scrambling: The Best New Music Teacher Resources (That Save Your Time)
Feeling lost? Former music teacher Linda McCarty shares the story of her great aunt's legacy and how it led her to create Splendor Productions . Discover her structured, Orff and Kodály-certified new music teacher resources ,...
Nov. 5, 2025
November Music Lesson Plans (That Save Your Sanity)
Stop scrolling for low-prep ideas! This episode reveals your complete, ready-to-use November Music Lesson Plans Trio. We cover meaningful cultural inclusion, fun Thanksgiving-themed skills, and a low-pressure entry into winte...
Oct. 29, 2025
Accessible Curriculum and PD: The New Standard for Music Teacher Support
In this conversation with former elementary music teacher Kris Brown, we dive into his journey and the creation of Sound Thinking Interactive. Learn how his platform is setting the new standard for music teacher support by pr...
Oct. 22, 2025
I Thought My Lesson Flopped: What to Do When Your Lesson Plan Fails
Stop beating yourself up over a lesson flop! I'm sharing the F.A.I.L. Framework , a simple, four-step tool that will forever change your narrative about failure. Learn exactly what to do when your lesson plan fails and how to...
Oct. 15, 2025
How to Survive Chaos October: High Energy Music Lessons for Crazy Kids
Chaos October got you down? In this survival guide episode, we share the secret to channeling student energy! I'm diving into our best high-energy music lessons for October and sharing easy, seasonal activities like Room on t...
Oct. 8, 2025
You Don't Have to Be a Tech Genius: Smart AI Lesson Planning for Music Teachers
Feel overwhelmed by the idea of using AI? In this episode, AI consultant E.Lisa Jansen-Jones gives us the simple C.A.L.M. framework for mastering AI lesson planning and professional communication. Learn how to use tools like ...
Sept. 24, 2025
The Magic of Scarf Dancing - A No Prep Guide for Music Teachers
Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and no-prep way to get your students moving in music class? In this episode, I sit down with Leanna O'Brien, founder of Soaring Scarves Academy, to talk about the power of movement-based l...
Sept. 17, 2025
Choir Rehearsal Tips: Answering Your Biggest Questions
Standard YouTube Outro: Have you ever wished you could get personalized advice for your choir challenges? In this special Q&A episode, we're answering your most-asked questions about choir, covering everything from warm-ups t...
Sept. 10, 2025
From Planning to Performance Your Stress-Free Guide to Concert Prep
The pressure of concert season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This episode is your stress-free playbook for how to plan a school concert . I'll share simple strategies for simplifying your repertoire, strea...
Sept. 3, 2025
From Stressed to Singing: How to Make Choir Fun Again
Looking for tips on how to make choir fun? In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and colleague Bethany Main to talk about the "foundation of fun" in a choir. We'll share our strategies for creating a joyful, engaging progr...
Aug. 27, 2025
How to Supply Your Music Room on a Budget (with West Music)
Feeling overwhelmed by a huge wish list and a tiny budget? This episode is your definitive guide to how to supply your music room on a budget. We're talking with Jessica Palmer from West Music to get the inside scoop on how t...
Aug. 20, 2025
The Secret to Music Teacher Work-Life Balance (with Sara Campbell)
Feeling burnt out and overwhelmed? In this episode, I sit down with my mentor, Sara Campbell, to talk about achieving a sustainable music teacher work-life balance. We discuss common challenges, the importance of setting boun...
Aug. 13, 2025
Sanity-Saving Strategies: How to Manage a Crazy Music Teacher Schedule
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your crazy music teacher schedule? Today, we're cutting through the noise with a three-part plan to help you not just survive, but thrive. In this super quick episode, I'm sharing sanity-saving ...
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