

Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band
James Divine
Quick and easy tips to help you be a better band teacher.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 22, 2025 • 8min
Episode 282 - Landing the Baton - Job Hunting Tips for Band Teachers
My first teaching job landed in my lap! It was easy to get. My neighbor was the principal for a small private school. They needed a band teacher, he asked me, I interviewed and was hired. The next three job hunts I had to use "Job Hunt Math." Thirty applications equals six interviews equals three offers. This worked out pretty much every time. I see so many young people post, "I applied for my dream job. I haven't heard back. Maybe I should leave the profession." Maybe you should use Job Hunt Math. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Jan 15, 2025 • 7min
Episode 281 - When a Life Is Lost
Episode 281 - When A Life Is Lost We lost three community members in a two month period! It was hard! It was difficult! The normal lesson plan went out the window. And one summer we tragically lost an entire family. Two of the kids were in my 20 piece orchestra. We were devastated. In this episode, I share some tips on how we got through that process. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Dec 11, 2024 • 7min
Episode 280 - Strike the Right Chord - Cultivating Culture in the Band Classroom
I once gave out gobs of candy to students right before they were to perform. I don't recommend that, but find out why I did that and join me as we explore the keys to creating a positive, productive, and inspiring environment for young musicians. From building trust and fostering teamwork to encouraging excellence and creativity, this podcast offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert advice for band directors at all levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your program, join me as we uncover the strategies that turn band classrooms into thriving communities where music and growth go hand in hand. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Dec 4, 2024 • 6min
Episode 279 - Mastering Music Education: Is a Master's Degree Worth It for Teachers?
Episode 279 - Mastering Music Education: Is a Master's Degree Worth It for Teachers? Getting my master's degree was one of the best things I did! I was about 14 years into my career. Some of my classmates had just completed their bachelor's degrees. I don't think they got as much out of it as I did (I could tell by their responses in class discussion). There are affordable options out there that will let you continue to teach full time. Mine cost me less than $9,000, and not, it wasn't when dinosaurs ruled the earth. I completed it in 2012. Check out the summer program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Nov 20, 2024 • 10min
Episode 278 - 7 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier In My Career
Episode 278 - 7 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier In My Career Get To Know The Secretaries, Play Nice With Other Teachers, Go Home At The End Of Your Contract Day; When a student quits, don't take it personally; AND MORE Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Nov 13, 2024 • 8min
Episode 277 - I Have My First Parade What Do I Do
Episode 277 - I Have My First Parade - What Do I Do Whether it's a Christmas parade or a parade next spring, these tips will help you train your band for that first parade. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum FREE Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Nov 3, 2024 • 32sec
Why Do Flute Players Seem To Behave Better
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Nov 2, 2024 • 22sec
When In Doubt, Make It Flat - Bonus Episode
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Nov 1, 2024 • 25sec
Schedule a Time To Leave Work - Bonus Episode
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials

Oct 31, 2024 • 44sec
Say NO to This So You Can Say YES To That - Bonus Episode
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out "Why Don't They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and Live Workshop Guitar Class Extension Materials


