Episodes

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 pr...
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 rowdy...
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 classr...
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, making...
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 our...
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 support...
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 juggli...
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 s...
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 impor...
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 develop...
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 F...
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 vocabul...
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. S...
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 ba...
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 structu...
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 t...
Nov. 29, 2023

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

In Episode 40 we're diving into a treasure trove of engaging lesson plans designed specifically for elementary music teachers gearing up for the festive season. All the featured lesson plans are conveniently available on my s...
Nov. 15, 2023

Episode 39 - How to Foster a Culture of Thankfulness in the Music Classroom

In this episode of "The Happy Music Teacher," we delve into the transformative power of gratitude for elementary music teachers, both in their personal lives and within the classroom. I think it's important to emphasize the i...
Nov. 8, 2023

Episode 38 - Mr. Henry's Creative Music Class Resources

In a recent interview with Bill Henry, an elementary music teacher and YouTube artist, Bill shared his passion and journey in the field of music education. Bill has been teaching for 18 years in the public school system in Ma...
Nov. 1, 2023

Episode 37 - Gobble Up the Music - November Activities for the Elementary Music Classroom

In this lively episode of the Happy Music Teacher Podcast, I delve into the wonderful world of elementary music education and discover the magic that unfolds when you infuse a healthy dose of silliness and fun into your class...
Oct. 25, 2023

Episode 36 - Your Concert Season Playbook - 7 Strategies to Simplify Your Holiday Program Prep

In the upcoming episode of the Happy Music Teacher Podcast, we're diving headfirst into the exhilarating world of holiday concert planning, tailored specifically for busy elementary music teachers. Titled Your Concert Season ...
Oct. 18, 2023

Episode 35 - Find Relief from the Overwhelm & Reignite Your Passion as an Educator - Tips from Lindsay Titus

Lindsay Titus, a behavior specialist and educator with over 18 years of experience, has a passion for helping educators redefine their authentic selves and find their inner spark both inside and outside the classroom. In an i...