Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

Download the podcast hereEpisode 50: Interview with Julie Novak; Tips for teaching students with aural/visual challengesOn today's podcast, I interview my friend and colleague Julie Novak, who teaches music at The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. She shares tips on what you can do as a band director if you have students who are visually or aurally challenged.LinksOhio State School for the Blind Marching Band Program About Music for Braille Music to Braille Software American Music Therapy Association

Busy, Busy, Busy, (but a good busy)...that describes these last few weeks for me and why I missed two weeks of the podcast. I used tip #1 myself in these 7 tips for what to do (and not to do) the last few weeks of band class.

Some people dread having to call parents. It doesn't have to be that way.   Here are five tips that will help you communicate with your band parents more effectively.   I'll also share my guarantee at the end that has virtually eliminated angry parents.

  When I first started teaching at the high school level, I was afraid of starting a marching band. Many of my colleagues were suffering from burnout due to marching band.My wise mentor, Dr. Ed Cannava, encouraged me to go for it. He reminded me I was the one in control of the schedule.Starting a marching band was one of the best things I did for my program. Get some tips and advice on the show.Link to store where you can have shirts made   Link to used marching band uniforms  

Dr. Matt Talbert of Berea College shares insights on teaching, especially which battles are worth fighting. Should directors place emphasis on posture, long tones, fundamentals, and why.Berea college is one of about 6 work colleges that don't charge tuition. Find out more about the music program at Berea HERE.

Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves, and Jared is no exception. Hear about some of his journey as a teacher and leading up to his winning the Grammy Music Educator of the Year award.Find out why some people call him The Energizer Bunny.

  Today's podcast is short and to the point. Create a rhythm sheet to save precious rehearsal time. Sample Carnival of the Animals Worksheet score

In this episode, James shares a very personal story of seeing abuse and being abused and how this affected his teaching. His Forgiveness Journey helped him be a better teacher. Listen for the free book offer in the podcast.

In the music field, we are all striving for perfectionism...it's what makes us good at what we do. However, if we aren't careful, we can make this an all-consuming cycle that drags us down physically and emotionally. Five tips to help you not to succumb.

- Kevin Beaber teaches band, choir and guitar in Crowley County, Colorado. He has been in rural schools for his entire three decade career. - Not only does Kevin love teaching in a rural area, he is part of national organizations; in fact he's currently President of American School Band Director's Association. You can get free resources at their site, like a guide for Administrator's who are evaluating music teachers. - Have a question about teaching in a rural area? Kevin would like to hear from you. Email Kevin. - Link to the Hands on Training series (HOTS) Guitar Curriculum discussed on the show