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
March 11, 2026
The Steady Beat Dilemma: Why kids can’t keep a steady beat (and how to fix it)
Have you noticed that your upper elementary students are struggling with skills that used to be second nature? Specifically, the ability to keep a steady beat? You aren’t imagining it, and more importantly, it isn't your faul...
March 4, 2026
Systems for Success: Organizing the Music Room with Pam Wilson
Are you tired of feeling like you’re just "surviving" the music room? In this episode, Jeanette sits down with Pam Wilson, the founder of Harmony Classroom and the "Centers Queen," to discuss how to move from chaos to calm. W...
Feb. 25, 2026
Permission to Simplify Why Modifying Music for Student Success is Better for Everyone
Does a complex Orff arrangement ever give you a sense of dread? In this episode, Jeanette gives you the ultimate permission slip to ditch "Instagram-perfect" expectations and prioritize student joy over complexity. Key Takeaw...
Feb. 18, 2026
The Power of the Arts: Three Ways to Grow Creativity
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Phyllis E. Johnson Porter, founder of Transformative Music Education Consulting. Together we explore how to elevate the status of music education in our schools. We discuss: The ...
Feb. 11, 2026
Dealing with Teacher Exhaustion: The February Slump
February is the "longest" short month of the year. In this episode, we tackle the reality of the mid-winter wall and provide a much-needed reality check for music educators. We dive into the 'Sick Day Guilt Trip,' the stress ...
Feb. 4, 2026
Managing Behavior in the Music Classroom: A Trauma-Informed Approach
Managing behavior in the music classroom presents a unique set of challenges that a standard desk-and-chair classroom just doesn't face. Between the loud instruments, the constant movement, and the sensory overload, it is eas...
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...
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