

Music Teacher Coffee Talk
Carrie Nicholas and Tanya LeJeune
We are Kodály inspired elementary music teachers who love to share songs, activities, lessons, and ideas for the music room. Show notes at https://musicteachercoffeetalkpodcast.blogspot.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 31, 2025 • 40min
MTCT #185: Music as a Vehicle, with Ashley Cuthbertson
Carrie and Tanya chat with Ashley Cuthbertson, the author of "Music as a Vehicle: A Practice Guide to Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching in Today's Music Classrooms"

Aug 17, 2025 • 44min
MTCT #184: Desert Island Music Room Essentials
MTCT #184: Desert Island Music Room Essentials by Carrie Nicholas and Tanya LeJeune

67 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h
MTCT #183: 2025 Summer Book Club, Part 4
The hosts dive into humorous song interpretations and creative storytelling, blending music theory with playful dialogue. They highlight the importance of music education's real-world relevance and discuss innovative, culturally responsive teaching methods. Navigating music standards and emphasizing student engagement, they advocate for adaptable lesson plans. Reflections on a bluegrass festival add a personal touch, while the introduction of new music resources like 'Shadows in the Moonlight' enriches classroom learning.

44 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 53min
MTCT #182: 2025 Summer Book Club, Part 3
Tanya and Carrie dive into the realms of 'Music as a Vehicle,' mixing insights with a fun true crime quiz. They explore the impact of pseudoscience on juror perceptions and engage in quirky discussions about notorious historical figures. The conversation shifts to rethinking music education, emphasizing diverse and culturally responsive repertoires. They also introduce a robust planning tool for enhancing student engagement, while celebrating eclectic music recommendations, from heartfelt bluegrass to spirited Haitian rock.

51 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 48min
MTCT #181: 2025 Summer Book Club, Part 2
Explore the joy of music and personal connection with folk traditions through a Bob Dylan-themed quiz. Delve into culturally responsive teaching and the importance of asset-based thinking in music education. Discover how student engagement thrives in an inclusive classroom that values belonging and ownership. Hear about the balance of improvisation and structure in lessons. Plus, enjoy a quirky book that humorously reimagines villainy from an unexpected perspective. It's a delightful mix of insights and laughs!

19 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
MTCT #180: 2025 Summer Book Club, Part 1
Tanya and Carrie kick off their summer book club with a fun dive into 'Music as a Vehicle.' They share playful anecdotes about teaching music, discussing everything from instrumental preferences to end-of-year routines. A lively debate arises between Broadway musicals and intimate concerts, revealing their personal favorites. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn, tackling culturally responsive music education and gender dynamics in the classroom. Plus, they explore a riveting teenage murder mystery and share hilarious listener social missteps to wrap up the fun!

May 19, 2025 • 53min
MTCT #179: Summer Learning Plans
Tanya and Carrie discuss the importance of summer learning and their plans for professional development over the summer.

May 5, 2025 • 59min
MTCT #178: Continuation Songs
MTCT #178: Continuation Songs by Carrie Nicholas and Tanya LeJeune

Apr 22, 2025 • 57min
MTCT #177: Outside Singing Games, Part 2
MTCT #177: Outside Singing Games, Part 2 by Carrie Nicholas and Tanya LeJeune

Apr 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
MTCT #176: Managing Spring Fever Behavior
Tanya and Carrie talk about strategies and lesson ideas that help when managing Spring Fever behavior challenges in the music room.