"Breathe, Grow, Share: A Holistic Approach to Music Education"

In this episode, Lesley Moffat welcomes guest Jeff Ausdemore, a music educator with over two decades of experience and the author of the book "Breathe, Grow, Share." Jeff shares the inspiration behind his book, which aims to support music educators in maintaining their well-being and finding balance in their profession. The book is divided into three sections: Breathe, Grow, and Share, each addressing essential aspects of a music educator's life. Jeff discusses the Breathe section, which focuses on foundational practices such as gratitude, meditation, sleep, nutrition, energy management, and mindset, all crucial for personal well-being and effectiveness in the classroom. The Grow section emphasizes personal and professional growth, including blind spots, non-musical skills, the holistic classroom, and fostering students' growth as both musicians and responsible individuals. Jeff explains the importance of the Share section, where educators learn to authentically connect with their students, understand their needs, and share their knowledge effectively. He also discusses concepts like defining one's personal "why," working with the end in mind, and identifying students' voices.Lesley and Jeff highlight the significance of taking care of oneself as a teacher and the impact it has on students' experiences in the classroom. Jeff's book, "Breathe, Grow, Share," is available on Amazon, with plans for an audiobook and eBook version coming soon.