Episodes

In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, Jeanette addresses a heartfelt question from Jaylen Fenner, an elementary music teacher struggling with feelings of inadequacy and burnout after teaching in a low-economic district. Jalen shares the challenges of balancing life skills and social-emotional regulation with foundational music instruction. Jeanette offers compassionate and insightful advice, emphasizing the importance of the broader educational role that music teachers play. She reassures...

In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, Jeanette sits down with the amazing elementary music teacher Erin Elliott to discuss the critical role of creativity and joy in music education. Erin and Jeanette chat about how important it is to lay a solid musical foundation while making the learning process fun and engaging for young students. They share practical strategies on the best way to strike a balance between work and family life, and offer insightful tips to prevent burnout among music te...

Everyone knows that the first year of teaching is the hardest. That’s why in this episode of The Happy Music Teacher Podcast, I tackle the common struggles faced during the first year of teaching elementary music. I explore practical tips to try for managing the unique challenges that new teachers encounter, including classroom management, battling loneliness, and overcoming the fear of making mistakes. By addressing these issues head-on, I aim to provide first-year teachers with the tools and c...

Smooth Sailing to the End of the Year with Special Events In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher Podcast, we explore the transformative power of incorporating special events into the classroom routine to ease the end-of-year. We’ll talk about three ideas—Talent Share, Movie Day, and Karaoke Day—delving into how these events not only spark joy and excitement make the end of your school year feel effortless. With a focus on simplicity and organization, we discuss how these events offer a struc...

Get ready to ease into the end of the school year in the elementary school music classroom! In this episode, you'll hear 5 game-changing tips to salvage your sanity as the school year winds down. Do Nothing New - Review, Review, Review - I’ll tell you all about the power of revisiting familiar material to streamline your lesson planning and infuse your classroom with a sense of continuity. Plan easy - use drumming activities and project based learning. Done-for-you Games & Brain Breaks - chec...

On this episode of Music Teacher Dilemmas, we delve into The Questions: Something I have come to notice at my school is our students give more respect to their classroom teachers than they do the “specials” teachers. I know they are spending more time with their classroom teachers but I don’t feel as a specials teacher we should be disrespected. Is this something other people deal with too? If so, how do you make the situation better? Beth - In the middle of a "favorite songs" unit with my 3r...

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, get ready for a world of storybooks where we're exploring seven enchanting storybooks perfect for May. These stories are not just any stories—they've got all the summer vibes and easy-to-teach music skills to wrap up the school year and set the stage for a fun-filled summer ahead. From the magical glow of "Ella's Night Lights" by Lucy Fleming to the steady beat action of "The Animal Boogie" by Debbie Harter, each book offers a delightful blen...

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we explore the keys to unlocking time management superpowers specifically tailored for elementary music educators. I begin by emphasizing the importance of creating a comprehensive yearly curriculum plan. Planning your year and then doing some vertical planning where you use some of the same music, storybooks, and activities will save tons of time planning. I also discuss how to use technology to save time and keep you organized. Additionally...

On this episode of Music Teacher Dilemmas, we take a look at behavior issues, lack of respect, and constant arguing. Join us as Jeanette discusses some ideas on how to combat these issues, especially at the end of the school year. The Questions: What do you do when students are trying to argue and negotiate? It’s a battle! What happens when students are constantly talking and wasting time. What if they have a total disregard for adult authority? How can you combat the constant blurting/inter...

Bucket Drumming Unleashed: A Music Teacher's Framework - Ep57 Come along with me as we delve into the fun of bucket drumming. I'm going to share my 3 step framework for teaching bucket drumming successfully. You'll learn practical strategies and helpful tips that will empower you to confidently lead your students through the exciting world of rhythm and percussion. Get ready to unlock the potential of bucket drumming and ignite a passion for music in your classroom! Step 1 - Make it fun Step 2...

The Question: How to quiet a class that screams and doesn’t use their indoor voice?? I have very high ceilings in my room so you do have to project a bit more than usual but the kids use it as an excuse to scream and be rowdy and I’ve had enough. I stand there and wait usually and then address the problem, I also have a quiet sign I show them, but I don’t get why they don’t know not to scream? The screaming only happens when they get excited about something, not when they’re answering a questio...

In today's sedentary world (think more video games and more sitting among our kiddos) movement is more crucial than ever for our elementary students. Not only does it offer a welcome break from the lethargic nature of modern life, but it also plays a vital role in enhancing focus and cognitive function. Recognizing this, our latest episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast delves into the dynamic fusion of music and movement in the elementary classroom. I kick off the episode by exploring the s...

In this episode, we're diving into "Project Magic: Keeping Cool Kids Engaged in Music." I'm thrilled to share with you five simple steps to make project-based learning a blast for your intermediate students. Imagine a classroom where students aren't just learning about music but are actively involved in creating, exploring, and expressing themselves through the power of project-based learning. It's a game-changer that not only enhances their musical skills but also nurtures their confidence, fos...

Today's episode introduces five engaging storybooks suitable for springtime. The first book, "The Fleas Sneeze" by Lynn Downey, offers opportunities for vocal exploration, rhythmic play, and instrumental improvisation, making it suitable for first through third graders. Next is "It's Mine," a fable by Leo Leone, which encourages discussions about emotions and sharing. This book is ideal for pre-K through first grade, focusing on timbre recognition and rhythmic phrases. Following that is "Do Lik...

Episode 53 - Balancing Act: 5 Strategies for Keeping 25+ Little Musicians Engaged In Episode 53 of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we dive into the world of keeping a large group of little musicians engaged. We all want our students to feel safe, special, seen, and spellbound, right? Well, in this episode, we explore five key strategies to make that happen. First off, we debunk traditional classroom management systems and discuss why they don't quite cut it in the music room. Instead, we focus ...

Episode 52 - In this lively episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of master teacher Debbie O'Shea, founder of Crescendo Music Education. Debbie shares her passionate vision of supporting and connecting music educators worldwide, driven by her own experiences as a music teacher struggling to manage the demands of her classroom effectively. Her dedication to providing practical help to teachers everywhere led her to establish Crescendo Music, a valuable r...

In this episode, we dive into five key points to help elementary music teachers navigate the challenges they face. First, we acknowledge that being a music teacher involves more than just singing and dancing—it's about juggling lesson plans, performances, and classroom management. The biggest takeaway? Mindset matters. Having a positive, growth-oriented mindset can transform how we approach each day. The first point emphasizes accepting that chaos is inevitable in the classroom, but it's not ou...

"Welcome to the latest installment of The Happy Music Teacher, where we're diving into the vibrant world of springtime through 'Spring has Sprung - 7 Great Storybooks for Spring.' This episode is a delightful exploration of storytelling intertwined with music, as we journey through a collection of enchanting storybooks. From the lively vocal exploration inspired by 'Gotcha,' written by Gail Jorgensen, which celebrates the excitement of loud sounds, to the whimsical melodies found within 'In the...

In this episode, we delve into the inevitable chaos that can often arise in our teaching journeys and uncover five effective ways to not only cope with it but also leverage it to our advantage. Firstly, we emphasize the importance of accepting that chaos is a natural part of the teaching experience. By acknowledging this reality, we can mentally prepare ourselves to navigate through the unpredictable twists and turns that may come our way. Moreover, we learn not to let these chaotic moments rui...

In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher podcast, we're diving into some fun ways to borrow equipment from your PE coach to amp up your music lessons and get even your sporty students loving music. We're focusing on developing essential skills like meter, steady beat, note values, and note names, all while having a blast with some unconventional equipment. First up, we'll be raiding the PE stash for jump ropes. Yes, you heard that right! Jump ropes aren't just for skipping; they can be fanta...

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, you'll discover game-changing strategies to streamline your music classroom setup and keep all your essential equipment at your fingertips. We dive into the concept of the Front Table Teacher Toolbox – a handy caddy filled with must-have tools and accessories, ensuring you're always ready for any teaching scenario. Learn the importance of Designated Storage Spaces, where each type of equipment gets its own specific place. This simple organizat...

In this episode of the Happy Music Teacher podcast, we’ll delve into the idea that when a child misbehaves, they're essentially reaching out for help. The episode emphasizes that children lack the developed brains and vocabulary to express their troubles, leading them to communicate through misbehavior. You need to understand that misbehavior is not intentional; rather, it's a way for children to seek help or communicate that something is wrong. You're encouraged to approach misbehaving student...

Episode 45: 9 Ways to Avoid the February Crazies In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher Podcast, we explore strategies to foster a positive and engaging music classroom environment. Here are the key points discussed: 1. Shower them with Positive Reinforcement and Compliments: - Positive reinforcement and genuine compliments to boost students' confidence and motivation. 2. Focus on Structure: - A well-structured classroom, provides a framework for effective learning and engagement. 3. B...

Episode 44: Technology Hacks for the Music Room with Debbie Tannenbaum In the latest episode of The Happy Music Teacher podcast, educator Debbie Tannenbaum takes center stage, bringing over two decades of experience and a bag full of tech-savvy tricks. As an ASCD Emerging Leader and ISTE Certified Educator, Debbie dives into her passion for putting pedagogy first, emphasizing the transformative power of technology in the learning journey. With a mission to empower both educators and students, sh...