
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.
Come and join the Facebook community at www.facebook.com/groups/elementarymusicteachercommunity.
Latest episodes

Apr 11, 2019 • 17min
43-What to do during testing week in music class
In this episode, we're going to talk about what to do with your students in the music room during testing week. You'll learn effective, yet simple strategies, that still teach your students music, yet isn't overwhelming them. Your students are already tired and don't want to focus on one more thing when they come to music. So, leave that week open to having some fun and creating a quiet atmosphere for learning.
You can read the blog post I wrote about this too here.
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Apr 4, 2019 • 16min
42-How to bring your musicianship into your classroom
In episode 41, we talked about the importance of not losing your musicianship. In today's episode, we're going to talk about how to bring your musicianship into your classroom.
It's ok if you don't do things like the music teacher down the street. Your musicianship will not look like anyone elses, so therefore you as a teacher will not look like anyone else.
In this episode, we'll discuss:
-Why it's ok to not be comfortable teaching everything in elementary music
-How your musicianship will help you teach elementary music your way
-Ways to show your students the musician side of who you are
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Mar 27, 2019 • 13min
41-Why you shouldn't lose the musician side of who you are
In this episode, we're going to have an honest conversation about why you shouldn't lose your musicianship. You're so busy as a music teacher and in your private life, that practicing your instrument looks a lot different than it did while you were in college and before you became a teacher. But, it's so important you still find the time to play your instrument for fun, even if you have to get a little bit more creative about it.
For even more encouragement, read the blog post: "Those who can't do teach? Excuse me... I'm a music teacher."
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Mar 20, 2019 • 19min
40-How to advocate for music education in Music in Our Schools Month
In this episode, we'll discuss ways to advocate for your music program during Music in our Schools Month. Some ways to advocate aren't just about barging into your latest Congressman's office and demanding respect.
Most of the ways to advocate are about simply inviting parents and other teachers to observe what you're teaching to the students in the music room. Sometimes, the simplest things go the longest way with bringing awareness and support for music education.
You can read the "3 Reasons Music in Our Schools Month Matters" blog post, that was mentioned in this podcast episode, by clicking here.
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Mar 14, 2019 • 32min
39-Mentorship for the elementary music teacher with Elisa Jansen Jones
In this episode, Elisa Jansen Jones and I discuss mentorship for elementary music teacher's. Mentorship is usually just thought of as being assigned one teacher to help you when you're starting out in your teaching career. But, did you know it is actually so much more than that? You are capable of getting the help and support you need as an elementary music teacher, even if you don't have many connections.
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
You can find out more about Elisa and everything she has going on by heading to her website here.
To register for the International Music Education Summit mentioned in this episode, click here.
To enroll in The Elementary Music Teacher Academy, click here.

Mar 7, 2019 • 18min
38-4 ways to deal with music teacher burnout
In this episode, we'll discuss 4 ways to deal with music teacher burnout. You feel like you’re like the little engine that could and you’re barely making it. Maybe this is your first year teaching, so you’ve never experienced a true Spring in the music room, so all of this is new to you. Or, maybe you’ve taught for years, but every year this time of year sneaks up on you and you feel like you’re just going through the motions. So, if this is something you’ve been battling, we’re going to talk about that today and how it’s completely normal to feel this way.
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
To access any of the free resources mentioned in this episode and to join my email list, head here.

Mar 4, 2019 • 11min
37-How to celebrate Mardi Gras in the music room
In this episode, we'll explore ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in the music room. Ideas were shared from this blog post.
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Feb 13, 2019 • 20min
36-I'm a music teacher, what's your super power?
In this episode, we'll talk about the super powers you have as a music teacher. You may have hard days, but each day you get to change the lives of your students through the power of music.
You can read the blog post about this same topic here.
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Feb 6, 2019 • 10min
35-Forming a sense of community in your classroom with this Valentine's Day activity
In this episode, we'll talk about an easy Valentine's Day activity, how to keep it simple with your lower elementary kiddos, a rhythm heart activity, and a way to foster a sense of community with positive phrases.
For 5 Valentine's Day songs to do with your students, read this blog post.
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful, and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Jan 28, 2019 • 20min
34-Simple yet effective ways to plan and implement programs
This episode originally aired on this Facebook Live.
In this episode, we'll discuss ways you can plan, pick out, and implement programs. Even if you have no resources or have never put a program on before, you can do this!
I'd love for you to leave a rating and a review of the podcast on I-tunes, to share the podcast with any music teacher friends who would find it helpful. and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.