
The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast: Music Education
Are you an elementary music teacher? Maybe you’re worn out, overwhelmed, or feel like it gets harder each year.
Hi, I’m Jessica, and it’s my passion to help elementary music teachers, just like you, figure out your unique teaching style. In this podcast, I'll share helpful tips and strategies, work-home life balance tips, and mindset blocks, while helping give you the motivation you need to gain momentum in your teaching so you can continue being the music teacher rock star you already are.
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Latest episodes

Dec 11, 2024 • 12min
301- Staying Sane in this Season of Everything
December is a glorious mess of holiday festivities mixed with crazy busy schedules. So, how can you stay sane in the middle of it all? Listen in as I describe what works best for me and how I fit breaks in.
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Dec 4, 2024 • 15min
300- Why Trial and Error is a Good Thing
We can learn a lot by the things that go right AND the things that go wrong. Through trial and error, you learn a lot about being flexible, what to do better for next time, and all about improving your leadership skills. In this episode, we'll unpack that a bit more to help you understand there are no perfect days or moments.
Sign up for the Curriculum Design Workshop
Grab your free Simplifying Lesson Planning guide.
Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music
Enroll in the Harmony Elementary Music Teacher Membership
Join the Curriculum Design Roadmap Course

Nov 27, 2024 • 12min
299-Redefining What Curriculum Is
What does the word curriculum really mean? If I told you it's not just about the stuff, but about the how and why behind it, would you believe me? In this episode, we dive into not only what curriculum is, but also what it isn't. Take a listen and let's redefine the way you might view what curriculum is.
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Nov 20, 2024 • 12min
298- Where I've Been Lately
Where have I been the last 6 months? Listen in to find out what's been going on in my life and how I'm pivoting in my business and with this podcast.
Sign up for the Curriculum Design Workshop
Grab your free Simplifying Lesson Planning guide.
Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music

May 29, 2024 • 10min
297- Planning Your Summer for Maximum Effectiveness
This episode provides you practical advice on how to maximize the summer break. We discuss the importance of planning and scheduling activities, professional development opportunities, vacations, and even downtime.
You'll also learn the benefits of balancing work and relaxation, and the importance of personalizing your summer plans based on your needs and preferences. Tune in to get fresh ideas for your summer work and life balance!

May 22, 2024 • 12min
296- A Perspective on Teaching in my 40's
In this candid episode, I share my insights and experiences of teaching music in your 40s. Drawing from my own journey, I shared very important lessons and how I've became more relaxed, learned to let go of others' opinions, and how I now view challenges as learning opportunities rather than failures.
I also talk a little bit about the differences between teaching in my 20s and now, offering valuable lessons for young teachers and those considering getting into teaching later in life. Listen in for an honest, encouraging discussion about growth, change, and staying true to yourself in your teaching journey.
Sign up for the Curriculum Design Workshop
Grab your free Simplifying Lesson Planning guide.
Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music

May 15, 2024 • 10min
295- What I Would Have Done Differently This School Year
In this episode, I discuss the challenges and successes I've faced, my strategies for assessing students' musical understanding, and how I plan to improve my lesson planning and execution for the next school year.
I also provide you with advice on self-assessment and dealing with perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of viewing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Tune in for practical tips and encouragement on your music teaching journey.
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11 snips
May 8, 2024 • 25min
294 - Jamaican Music in Orff with Javel Perriel
Javel Perriel shares his journey of integrating Jamaican music and the Orff approach in teaching. He discusses using reggae music in Orff instruction, creating a STEM-based music book, and advice on incorporating culture and STEM in music lessons. A must-listen for innovative music teachers.

May 1, 2024 • 14min
293- What's Worked Well This School Year
In this episode, I go a little bit anecdotal and take you on a reflective journey through this school year. Throughout the episode, I discussed strategies that worked well in my music teaching, from integrating various teaching methods to building strong relationships with students, as well as the importance of planning and how it contributes to smoother lessons and performances.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for music teachers like me out there looking for practical tips and inspiration for their next school year.
Check out latest blog post here
Enroll in the Harmony membership
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Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music

Apr 24, 2024 • 37min
292- Bucket Drumming to Food Beats with Jesse Mell and Travien Bryson
In this episode of The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast, we have a fun and educational chat with Jesse Mell and Travien Bryson about the awesome and effective music teaching method of bucket drumming.
The discussion covers the ins and outs of their unique teaching method, using food rhythms to teach complex syncopation to beginners, and the importance of tactile learning experiences. They also explore their new book and curriculum, which brings bucket drumming into classrooms, community centers, and churches, opening up an exciting new pathway for both music teachers and non-music teachers alike.
Our guests are two veteran Philadelphia school district teachers - Jesse Mell and Travien Bryson - who joined forces in 2021 to create a math learning system that would help Black and Brown kids close the achievement gap. Food bEatz is a proprietary learning system that helps kids master addition and multiplication with rapping, beat-making, and competitive game play.
Check out more of their stuff here: Instagram
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Sign up for the Reflect and Renew challenge
Grab your free Simplifying Lesson Planning guide.
Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music