Alan and Steve talk to orchestra director Chris Selby about effective ways to improve musical clarity through intonation and rhythm.

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, Alan and Steve tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of music instruction: articulations. While this topic is essential for band directors working with woodwinds and brass, the conversation also holds valuable insights for orchestra, choir, and general music teachers. Discover why articulations are as crucial as notes and rhythms, and how understanding “music as a language” can elevate your teaching approach.  

Steve and Alan explore the ways any K-12 educator can implement the philosophy of music as a student birthright in their classrooms and schools. They discuss strategies for increasing access and opportunities for student creativity and composition, as well as building relationships with administrators to strengthen music education programs. Guest Leila Ramagopal Pertl shares her insights on empowering students as musical beings and serving the whole child through general music.

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, Alan and Steve share a simple strategy to engage students and reduce stress through effective delegation. Learn how to delegate tasks in three categories: Organize, Teach, and Appreciate. From managing classroom materials to teaching peers and showing gratitude, these strategies empower students while giving you more time to focus on what matters. Tune in for practical tips to make your teaching life easier!

Alan and Steve sit down with professor Ryan Scherber to explore ways that teachers can integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) into their music classrooms. Scherber provides an overview of key SEL competencies and emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma-informed pedagogy. The discussion covers specific, actionable strategies that music educators can use to foster critical social-emotional skills, from breathing exercises to collaborative composition projects. Scherber also addresses potential challenges teachers may face when implementing SEL. Listeners will come away with a toolbox of easy-to-use SEL techniques tailored for the music classroom.  

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, Alan and Steve introduce a simple "pecking order" strategy to help music educators prioritize planning tasks and reduce stress. Learn how to categorize tasks based on urgency—starting with immediate student needs, teammate collaboration, administrative requests, and parent communication. Tune in for a practical method to streamline your planning and stay focused on what matters most!

Recorded in front of a live audience, Alan and Steve sit down with renowned band director Dr. Kelli Pence to learn from her wealth of experience. Kelli reflects on her early teaching days, sharing the mistakes she made and the strategies she's developed over the years to effectively engage students and manage classroom challenges - including dealing with those dreaded "nasty grams" from parents. Kelli also shares invaluable insights from her mentors, like the legendary Mallory Thompson, on the importance of musicianship, the value of teaching at all levels, and the role of marching band. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration for music educators at any stage of their career.

After Alan and Steve give a short acceptance speech for receiving Education Podcast of the Year, Steve shares some very practical tips and encouragement for lightening your load by providing opportunities for local college students.

In this episode, recorded live at the Iowa Bandmasters Association convention in May 2024, we sit down with renowned music education thought leader Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser to discuss the enduring relevance of band programs, effective role modeling for aspiring teachers, and navigating the challenges of modern student engagement. Dr. Tim shares his wisdom and insights gleaned from decades of experience, offering practical advice and inspiration for music educators at all stages of their careers. The conversation includes questions from the engaged audience, providing a dynamic and insightful discussion.

Alan and Steve discuss your basic options when you are unhappy with an aspect of your job or life. Learn an effective way to take more control of your fate!

Alan and Steve talk to educator Tim Gonzalez about his experiences, successes, and cheat codes teaching in Title I schools.

Alan and Steve each share one bit of wisdom for tackling the new school year.

Alan and Steve talk with educator and counselor Jane Detweiler-Sutliffe, LLPC, about ways to adjust your teaching to minimize the interference caused by student anxiety and/or teacher burnout.

Guest co-host Dennis Green, longtime radio broadcaster and emcee, joins Steve to give teachers some public speaking tips for the upcoming school year.

Alan and Steve have a fun and free-ranging conversation with conductor, clinician, speaker, author, adventurer and advocate Milt Allen about priorities, the relevance of music education, and anxiety.  

Podcast insider and loyal listener Matt Pries guest hosts to lead Alan and Steve through the lightning round questions that Steve has been putting to every guest for the last three years. Finally, you can learn more about your hosts!

Alan and Steve walk through a blog post from NAfME with four pointers on preserving our voices and coping with overuse. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/summer-reading-series-vocal-health-for-music-teachers/ Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve bring back past guest audiologist (and violist) Alyssa Ottmar to discuss new data on ear buds. Do their new features really protect our hearing? Steve asked this question of Alyssa the last time she was a guest, and now she’s back with a more definitive and detailed answer. Alyssa Ottmar Episode: https://musicedinsights.podbean.com/e/hearing-health-with-alyssa-ottmar/ Patron Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

After Alan and Steve shared and dissected author and classroom management guru Michael Linsin’s blog post “The Big Lie of Childhood Trauma,” they invited him back to the podcast to join the conversation. Linsin says, “Throw out SEL and all of its manifestations. Replace it with better subject-matter teaching, more time on task, higher expectations, weighty responsibility, and the demand for impeccable behavior.” Alan and Steve push to explore the nuances of that point of view.

Alan and Steve discuss their reaction – and the reaction of the comments section – to the latest blog post from classroom management author and expert Michael Linsin, whose episode remains one of our most popular ever. Michael Linsin episode: https://musicedinsights.podbean.com/e/classroom-management-with-michael-linsin/ Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, Alan and Steve introduce a new "summer selected short readings" series. They kick off with insights from James Clear, author of the popular 3-2-1 newsletter. Discover how Clear's ideas on wealth, handling criticism, and measuring your days can help music educators focus on what truly matters. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion! Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk about three things Alan’s noticed as he’s worked with student leaders this summer related to burnout, social skills, and desire to work. Spoiler: it’s good news. Also - one caution for directors. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Steve and Alan review one specific idea from the Glenn Nierman episode and Steve suggests a way you can implement it easily in the fall. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Steve and Alan talk with documentary filmmaker Samantha Campbell and legendary music educator Doug Goodkin about the Orff Schulwerk method in action. They discuss making jazz accessible to all ages, using improvisation across the curriculum, and reconnecting students through creativity and playfulness in music. Episode Page  

Alan and Steve share four practical tips for music educators on how to save time using AI to create lesson plans, compose emails, write letters of recommendation, and summarize feedback.   Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk with orchestra director and wellness enthusiast Ann Smith about ways to connect performance skills to student wellness. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/optimizing-health-wellness-and-happiness-with-ann-smith/    

Alan and Steve discuss the "bopping" rehearsal strategy, a technique commonly used in drum corps and marching bands but adaptable for all ensemble types. Steve explains how "bopping," or focusing on the beginnings of pitches, helps students improve rhythmic accuracy and self-detect mistakes. Tune in to learn how this approach can enhance your rehearsals, along with tips to overcome its challenges. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk with educator and speaker John Gallagher about ways for you and your students to build advocacy and awareness for your music program through effective public relations. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/public-relations-for-your-music-program-with-john-gallagher/  

Music Ed Insights insider Michael Prichard joins Alan and Steve with a tip for educators on how to talk with students about the teaching profession. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk to legendary educator and author Peter Boonshaft about bringing energy to our classrooms through careful planning, word choice, and even our face. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/energize-your-classrooms-with-peter-boonshaft/  

Alan and Steve explore ways to come back from a mistake by using a proven technique for graceful apologies. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk with orchestra teacher and 2024 Grammy Music Educator Annie Ray about her award-winning efforts to make space for students with disabilities and adversities. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/making-music-for-all-redefining-success-through-inclusivity-and-process/  

Alan and Steve report from the Iowa Jazz Championships, the only contest of its kind, and share the vibe with the rest of the country. Insider Program: https://patron.podbean.com/MusicEdInsights

Alan and Steve talk with educator and researcher Jerianne Larson about empowering female students in music education and addressing barriers facing women pursuing careers as band directors and conductors. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/from-the-classroom-to-the-podium-supporting-aspiring-female-musicians-with-jerianne-larson/  

Alan and Steve talk about guardrails when building relationships with your students.

Alan and Steve discuss the value of taking students on a trip to Florida’s theme parks.

Alan and Steve visit with “UnGrading” guru and educator Chris Gleason about the seven paradigm shifts that can lead to alternate approaches to evaluating student learning. Episode Page: https://www.musicedinsights.com/uncategorized/beyond-measure-ungrading-your-music-classroom-with-chris-gleason/

Alan shares a real-world case study on how one school dealt with a staff cut, with instructions on how anyone can use the same method.

Alan and Steve talk with composer, educator, and publisher Annie Booth about giving voice to women who make and compose music.

Alan and Steve talk about using email to get what you want - and keep your relationships strong.

Alan and Steve talk with Clinician, Composer, and Musician Jenny Peters about adding ukulele as an opportunity for students at all levels K-12.

Alan and Steve talk with educator, clinician, and marching arts expert Jeremy Spicer about what really constitutes excellence in marching ensembles.

Alan and Steve talk with audiologist Alyssa Ottmar about music teaching’s effect on hearing and how to combat risks.  

Alan and Steve with lessons learned when it comes to letting go of past “best practices.” Examples are drawn from DCI, the Episcopal Church, Irish Sean-nós artistry, and, believe it or not, K-12 music classrooms.

Alan and Steve talk with educator, drummer, and band leader Sammy Miller about the value of groove, expression, ownership and improvisation for all music students.