
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

Feb 7, 2024 • 32min
281 - Bridging the Gap Between Students with and without Private Music Lessons with Chandler Owen
In this episode of The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast, we have an insightful conversation with Chandler Owen on the gap between students who receive private music lessons and those who don't. We discuss the challenges and potential solutions for balancing the learning environment and ensuring all students get to shine. This episode provides thought-provoking ideas on how to create a harmonious and inclusive music classroom.
Get more from Chandler here:
Chandler Owen Music Fountation Facebook
River Valley Music Center Facebook
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Jan 31, 2024 • 17min
280- Utilizing Transitions in the Music Room
In this episode, I share with you some strategies for managing transitions in the music classroom. The discussion revolves around effective methods to establish clear procedures and signal transitions. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating a seamless learning environment that fosters active participation, understanding, and enjoyment among students.
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Jan 24, 2024 • 39min
279- The Benefits of Singing Together in the Music Room with Debbie O’Shea
In this episode, guest Debbie O'Shea shares her insights on the benefits of group singing in the music classroom. We discuss the benefits this has on the class and how it can enrich a student's overall learning experience.
Connect with Debbie here:
FREE Newsletter and the occasional email
Crescendo Website
Together Sing
Facebook
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YouTube
Linkedin
Blog
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Jan 17, 2024 • 14min
278- How to Dominate Your Formal Observation
In this episode, we explore the important elements of a successful formal observation. I provided valuable tips, examples, and personal anecdotes from my own experiences to help guide you in turning your formal observation into an empowering and affirming experience for yourself, and your students.
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Sign up for the Reflect and Renew challenge
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Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music

Jan 10, 2024 • 36min
277- Time Management for Music Teachers with Linda Kardamis
As Music Teachers, many of us can relate to the struggle of managing your time inside and outside of the classroom. On this episode of the podcast, I sit and talk with Linda Kardamis to discuss different methods and hacks for effective time management that works for us. Tune in to get valuable tips and tricks to step up your time management for less stress and more productivity.
Connect with Linda here:
Website: www.teach4theheart.com
Podcast: www.teach4theheart.com/podcast
Facebook Group: www.teach4theheart.com/facebook
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teach4theheart/
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Sign up for the Reflect and Renew challenge
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Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music

Jan 3, 2024 • 13min
276- How Long to Spend on a Particular Song or Idea
One of the biggest questions when planning instruction in the music room is around how long to spend on a song or idea. On this episode of the podcast, I talk about how I make these decisions. I consider my students, what I’m wanting to accomplish with a song, and many other factors you’ll read about.
Check out the latest blog
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Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music

Dec 27, 2023 • 29min
275- 3 Lessons I’ve Learned in 2023
2023 has nearly come to a close, and with that it's time for a bit of reflection. So, in this episode, I'm sharing 3 lessons I've learned in 2023 as we move into 2024.
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Dec 20, 2023 • 10min
274- Take a Break and Don’t Think About School
It's okay to take a break! In fact, it's important and necessary to do so for your mental sanity friend. In this episode, we'll explore ways for you to truly rest and reset over Winter break.
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Dec 13, 2023 • 28min
273- Bringing Hip-Hop into the Music Room with Dr. Patrick Cooper
In this episode, Dr. Patrick Cooper talks about what it means to bring hip-hop into the music classroom. He discusses specific lessons or units he's used with his students, practical ways you can implement hip-hop lessons with even the youngest of students, and talks about new and exciting ideas you'll definitely want to try.
Dr. Patrick K. Cooper is an assistant professor of music education at Florida International University. He teaches courses in research, curriculum development, philosophy, and creativity. He holds degrees in music education from Arizona State University (B.M., M.M.) and University of South Florida (Ph.D.). Winner of the 2015 Outstanding Emerging Researcher Award from the Center for Music Education Research, his research interests capture the intersection of creativity, inclusion, and performance. His publications can be found in academic journals such as Psychology of Music and International Journal of Music Education as well as practitioner texts such as The Music Technology Cookbook and The Learner-Centered Music Classroom. His book Broadcast to Podcast: Lessons from Radio for an Online Music Education is available through F-Flat Books. Dr. Cooper has presented internationally, nationally, and locally at conferences such as NeuroMusic, Society for Music Perception and Cognition, International Society for Music Education, Society for Music Teacher Education, and the National Association for Music Education Biennial Music Research and Teacher Education Conference. He has given workshops and lectures as an invited speaker at several universities including University of Southern California, Arizona State University, Illinois State University, and Westminster Choir College. As a musician, he has performed extensively as a double bassist, synthesizer player, and hip-hop artist. Prior to his appointment at Florida International University, he held adjunct positions with Eastern Illinois University and The Crane School of Music at SUNY-Potsdam, was a Presidential Doctoral Fellow at University of South Florida, and taught in public schools and community centers in St. Petersburg, FL and the metro Phoenix area.
Connect with Patrick here:
Email him at pcooper@fiu.edu
Hip-Hop course on LEARN at F-Flat Books
Broadcasting book at F-Flat Books
Enroll in the Curriculum Design Roadmap Course
Read more in this blog post
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Get your copy of Make A Note: What You Really Need to Know About Teaching Elementary Music

Dec 6, 2023 • 18min
272: Making Decisions as a Music Teacher
We all know that being a music teacher involves a harmonious blend of passion, creativity, and decision-making prowess. From the classroom to your home life, the daily decisions can become overwhelming, leading to what we fondly call "decision fatigue." So, let's dive into some practical strategies to boost your confidence in decision-making and embrace the beautiful melody of choices.
Read this episode's blog post here
Enroll in the Curriculum Design Roadmap Course
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