Advertise on podcast: That Music Podcast: A Podcast for Elementary Music Teachers

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into how technology can strengthen communication with families while still protecting your time and energy. He shares why visibility matters in the music classroom—not just for concert reminders, but for advocacy, relationship-building, and helping families truly understand the learning happening behind the fun. When used thoughtfully, simple digital tools can create a powerful window into your classroom and build trust before you ever need to have a hard conversation. But this conversation isn’t just about what to use—it’s about how to use it well. Bryson unpacks the importance of following district policies, communicating in equitable ways, and most importantly, setting clear boundaries so you’re not available around the clock. If you’ve been looking for ways to improve family communication without feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you think strategically about what’s worth your time and what’s not. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:24 Staying Compliant with District Technology Policies2:25 Using Social Media Pages & Private Groups Effectively5:40 Announcements & Schoolwide Communication Tools6:53 Setting Boundaries Around Parent Communication8:22 Why Newsletters Still Work (Digital + Print)9:56 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson tackles a heated debate he witnessed in an elementary music Facebook group: does technology belong in the music classroom? Instead of picking sides, he unpacks the real concerns and challenges teachers to think beyond the noise. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about what someone on the internet says. It’s about what works for you and the students in front of you. Bryson shares practical examples of how technology can expand creativity, increase accessibility, amplify authentic voices, and even unlock musical potential in students who may not thrive in traditional performance settings. This episode isn’t about going all-in on tech or throwing it out completely; it’s about using it purposefully, strategically, and always as a tool, not the teacher. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:59 Concerns About Using Technology in the Music Classroom4:51 Tech Challenges: Wi-Fi, Support & Backup Plans6:39 Screen Time vs. Active Learning: Is Tech Too Passive?8:33 The Benefits of Technology for Creativity & Accessibility10:46 Using Technology Purposefully (Not as a Replacement)13:58 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail In this vault episode, Bryson goes all the way back to one of the most impactful conversations from early in the podcast and brings it back with a fresh perspective. Teaching songs is something we do constantly as elementary music teachers—but doing it the same way every time can limit engagement, reach, and musical understanding. This episode revisits five effective ways to teach a song and explores how changing your approach can completely transform how students experience repertoire in your classroom. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:22 Teaching by Rote6:21 Teaching with Motions7:48 Ask Guided Questions9:22 Teach with a Game (An Upper Elementary Favorite!)11:07 Teach Through Storytelling13:18 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail Feeling stuck in the mid-year slump and wondering if technology is just one more thing to manage? In this episode, Bryson is joined by veteran music educator and technology expert Amy Burns to talk about how tech can actually make your life easier in the music classroom, not harder Together, they unpack common misconceptions about music technology, explore how tech can enhance (not replace) music-making, and share realistic ways to use digital tools even if you don’t have 1:1 devices. From engaging reluctant learners to saving serious time on lesson planning, file conversions, and daily workflows, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can use right away without overhauling everything you already do. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t add one more thing,” this episode might just change your mind. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:12 Why now is the right time to add a new tech tool2:46 Does technology belong in the elementary music classroom? (common misconceptions)5:17 Making tech work without 1:1 devices (accessibility & equity)9:55 Favorite go-to tools for music teachers13:25 Why versatility matters when choosing tech tools19:34 How technology can actually save you time25:07 Amy’s Masterclass (what teachers will take away)27:32 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail We all know that student, the one who shows up to music because they have to, sits with arms crossed, and makes it very clear they’re not impressed. In this episode, Bryson digs into what’s really going on beneath that disengagement and why most “reluctant learners” aren’t trying to be difficult; they just haven’t found their way in yet. You’ll explore five common reluctant learner archetypes and practical ways to connect with each one. This episode will challenge you to look at engagement through a new lens and walk away with small, doable shifts that can help more students feel seen, valued, and genuinely connected to music class. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:48 The Pop-Culture Enthusiast5:07 The Digital Native6:40 The Silent Observer8:26 The Cultural Disconnect10:23 The Socially Distracted11:39 Common Questions & Solutions13:14 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson tackles one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of teaching: calling home or having difficult conversations about student behavior. Specifically through the lens of music teachers, this episode addresses how being a specialist can complicate communication with families, classroom teachers, and administrators, and why avoiding these conversations often makes things worse. You’ll walk away with the CALM framework: a practical, four-step approach to behavior-related conversations that helps you stay professional, reduce emotional escalation, and keep the focus on student learning. This episode is packed with realistic strategies you can use immediately to support classroom management, protect your well-being, and confidently navigate tough conversations without dread. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:53 The CALM Framework - C3:09 The CALM Framework - A4:24 The CALM Framework - L5:46 The CALM Framework - M6:21 Helpful tips7:49 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail Two weeks into January, the “new year energy” can already feel like it’s fading. Routines that felt solid in August may suddenly feel clunky or exhausting, and it’s easy to blame student behavior when things start to feel off. In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson invites you to pause and ask an important question: are things actually working? Instead of adding more to your plate, this episode guides you through a simple mid-year self-evaluation to help you uncover which classroom routines and planning systems are quietly draining your energy. Through reflective prompts and practical insight, Bryson helps you identify small, meaningful shifts that can reduce chaos, increase efficiency, and help you reclaim your focus for teaching music and taking care of yourself. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:50 Question 12:12 Question 22:28 Question 32:43 Question 43:00 Routine Audit Takeaways4:08 Question 54:36 Question 64:52 Question 75:23 Question 85:39 Final Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson reframes January as an opportunity, not to overhaul everything, but to reset with intention. Instead of reacting to behaviors or doubling down on consequences, he shares three small but powerful mindset shifts that help you increase engagement, reduce chaos, and set your classroom up for success for the rest of the year. You’ll hear how simple adjustments can transform the way your classroom feels, without adding more to your plate. If January feels heavy, overwhelming, or just plain exhausting, this episode will help you reset in a way that feels realistic, supportive, and sustainable for you and your students. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:06 Embrace the Power of Pacing4:29 From Correction to Clarity6:17 Granting Implicit Permission8:41 TakeawaysLinks and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Bryson wraps up our December recorder series with a topic every music teacher knows all too well: what really happens when recorders go home. Instead of crossing our fingers and bracing for the “my kid won’t stop playing Hot Cross Buns” emails, Bryson shares four practical, teacher-tested strategies to help families feel informed, students feel empowered, and everyone stay sane. If you’re looking for a more peaceful, purposeful, and joy-filled recorder season (yes, it’s possible!)This episode gives you everything you need to set your students, and their families, up for success. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:29 The Introduction Letter4:20 Holding Off on Sending It Home6:06 Setting Clear Home Expectations8:31 The “You’re the Boss” Strategy10:33 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail The recorder may not always get the love it deserves, but it remains one of the most powerful tools in the elementary music classroom. In this episode, Bryson breaks down the five most common misconceptions about teaching recorder. He shares practical ways to move past the “mini-band class” mindset, how to differentiate without losing joy, and why focusing on process over performance creates deeper musical growth.. Whether you love teaching recorder or prefer ukulele, barred instruments, or something else entirely, this episode offers a thoughtful reset: a reminder that our instruments, whatever they are, are simply tools for exploration, confidence, and connection. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:18 Myth 14:49 Myth 27:30 Myth 39:43 Myth 4 11:51 Myth 512:56 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever felt nervous, overwhelmed, or downright stressed about teaching recorder, this episode is the breath of fresh air you’ve been waiting for. Bryson sits down with Erin Elliott, who brings a balanced, practical, and joy-filled perspective to an instrument that often gets a pretty bad rap. Erin shares why recorders so easily spiral into chaos, the hidden reason many teachers dread teaching them, and the surprising story of how she completely rethought her approach after realizing her old system wasn’t serving her students - or herself. Together, she and Bryson dig into what actually works when teaching recorder. This episode is packed with practical takeaways that you can apply this week. Whether you’re recorder-obsessed, recorder-avoidant, or somewhere in between, you’ll walk away feeling encouraged, grounded, and ready to bring more joy (and less noise) into your recorder unit. Tune in and let this conversation reshape how you think about, and teach, the recorder. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:18 Why Recorder Gets a Bad Rap3:20 Common Mistakes & Better Approaches10:02 A Reimagined Recorder Unit12:14 Classroom Management Strategies17:00 Connecting & Extending Recorder Lessons19:41 One Simple Change to Try Today23:16 About Erin’s Training24:49 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail Sub plans aren’t anyone’s favorite part of teaching, but having a system that works every single time can take a huge weight off your shoulders. In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson shares how switching to a simple Google Doc completely changed the way he handles sick days. No fancy software, no overthinking, just one reliable document he can update from anywhere. He walks through the structure of his digital template, why it’s so helpful to keep everything in one place, and how using a shareable link can save you from scrambling when you’re already not feeling your best. You’ll also hear a few practical tips for choosing activities that any sub can handle and setting yourself up so you’re ready for the unexpected without spending hours prepping. If you’ve ever found yourself stressed about taking a day off (or avoiding it altogether), this episode gives you an easy, doable way to make sub plans one less thing to worry about. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction3:35 Getting started with digital sub plans5:51 Template walkthrough7:50 Tips for making it work9:35 TakeawaysLinks and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™ Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail Ever hesitate to take a sick day because it’ll mess up your lesson rotation? You’re not alone, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Bryson shares a simple but powerful strategy to keep your curriculum on track no matter what life throws your way: the lesson numbering system. You’ll learn how to shift from date-based planning to sequence-based lessons, giving you more flexibility, consistency, and peace of mind. Bryson walks through how to organize lessons by number, track class progress, and make room for differentiation, so every student stays on their own path, and you can finally rest without guilt. It’s time to let go of the pressure to “keep up” and embrace a planning method that supports you and your students. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:46 The Problem with Date-Based Lesson Plans3:05 How the Lesson Numbering System Works7:45 Benefits of Numbering Your Lessons9:59 How to Start Using the System11:18 TakeawaysLinks and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™ Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail Let’s be real, teachers are pros at pushing through when they shouldn’t. Between planning sub lessons, worrying about routines, and feeling guilty for being gone, it’s easy to convince ourselves that resting isn’t worth the hassle. In this episode, Bryson shares a heartfelt reminder that taking a sick day is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-care that ultimately helps you show up as your best self for your students. He opens up about his own experience balancing teaching with foster parenting, and offers practical strategies for making time off less stressful, from setting up a “sub tub” to creating digital plans that make stepping away easier. If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a day to rest, this one’s for you. Because your classroom will survive, and you deserve to take care of yourself, too. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:57 Bryson’s experience4:54 Tips for stress-free sick days8:13 School policies & requirements10:42 TakeawaysLinks and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™ Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us Fan Mail Creating sub plans doesn’t have to be stressful. In this episode, Bryson is joined by Rainy Barton to talk about simplifying the process and setting yourself (and your students) up for success. From planned absences to unexpected emergencies, they chat about strategies for making sub plans that are practical, engaging, and easy for anyone to follow, even non-music subs. Rainy also shares a sneak peek of her upcoming masterclass, Sub Smarter, Not Harder, and why building a solid sub plan system can be a total game-changer. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:20 Biggest challenges music teachers face prepping for subs3:15 Why quality lesson plans matter more than just busy work5:38 One simple step to make sub planning less overwhelming today7:26 Making plans easy for non-music substitutes9:29 Navigating administrator requests for simple, tech-free plans13:19 How to have your sub plans ready to go at all times16:54 Key advice to set subs and students up for success19:24 Rainy’s upcoming masterclass preview22:14 TakeawaysLinks and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!