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In this vault episode, Bryson goes all the way back to one of the most impactful conversations from early in the podcast and brings it back with a fresh perspective. Teaching songs is something we do constantly as elementary music teachers—but doing it the same way every time can limit engagement, reach, and musical understanding. This episode revisits five effective ways to teach a song and explores how changing your approach can completely transform how students experience repertoire in your classroom.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:22 Teaching by Rote
• 6:21 Teaching with Motions
• 7:48 Ask Guided Questions
• 9:22 Teach with a Game (An Upper Elementary Favorite!)
• 11:07 Teach Through Storytelling
• 13:18 Takeaways
  
  

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today!

Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

Feeling stuck in the mid-year slump and wondering if technology is just one more thing to manage? In this episode, Bryson is joined by veteran music educator and technology expert Amy Burns to talk about how tech can actually make your life easier in the music classroom, not harder

Together, they unpack common misconceptions about music technology, explore how tech can enhance (not replace) music-making, and share realistic ways to use digital tools even if you don’t have 1:1 devices. From engaging reluctant learners to saving serious time on lesson planning, file conversions, and daily workflows, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can use right away without overhauling everything you already do. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t add one more thing,” this episode might just change your mind.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:12 Why now is the right time to add a new tech tool
• 2:46 Does technology belong in the elementary music classroom? (common misconceptions)
• 5:17 Making tech work without 1:1 devices (accessibility & equity)
• 9:55 Favorite go-to tools for music teachers
• 13:25 Why versatility matters when choosing tech tools
• 19:34 How technology can actually save you time
• 25:07 Amy’s Masterclass (what teachers will take away)
• 27:32 Takeaways
  
  

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today!

Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

We all know that student, the one who shows up to music because they have to, sits with arms crossed, and makes it very clear they’re not impressed. In this episode, Bryson digs into what’s really going on beneath that disengagement and why most “reluctant learners” aren’t trying to be difficult; they just haven’t found their way in yet. You’ll explore five common reluctant learner archetypes and practical ways to connect with each one. This episode will challenge you to look at engagement through a new lens and walk away with small, doable shifts that can help more students feel seen, valued, and genuinely connected to music class.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:48 The Pop-Culture Enthusiast
• 5:07 The Digital Native
• 6:40 The Silent Observer
• 8:26 The Cultural Disconnect
• 10:23 The Socially Distracted
• 11:39 Common Questions & Solutions
• 13:14 Takeaways
  
  

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today!

Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!