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After several months away, Megan returns to Sing, Coach, Conduct with gratitude for listeners around the world and a reflection on the challenging times we’re living in. This episode centers on why educators—especially music teachers—play a vital role beyond technique and performance. From modeling healthy authority and clear boundaries to fostering safety, empathy, and resilience, teachers shape far more than musicians—they shape humans. A grounding reminder that your presence, integrity, and care leave a lasting impact, even when you can’t always see it.

Dr. Nancy Menk opens up about her forty-year career as a music professor at Saint Mary's College in South Bend, Indiana.

Soprano and voice coach Erin Whitfield shares compelling insights into singing and teaching voice that can be applied in the studio, classroom, stage, and beyond.

Royce Mann is a community organizer, poet, activist, and former nonprofit organization leader who could become the youngest ever citywide elected official in Atlanta, Georgia.

Traumatic events shape our lives in a multitude of ways. For Dr. Joey Weisler, the 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida was one of those events. In this episode, Dr. Joey opens up about his journey of transforming "scars into stars," and how his experiences have shaped the way he approaches student safety and well-being in the classroom. For additional resources see: Instagram @throneintheclassroom @classroomnarrativespodcast Facebook The Throne in the Classroom Classroom Narratives Podcast LinkedIn Joseph Weisler Website www.josephweisler.com

Matt Shephard, who has been a finalist for GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year multiple years in a row, shares what it means for small schools to have big dreams.

After thirty-two years as a beloved choral director, Nate Degner is finally enjoying retirement. In this episode, he looks back on his journey to becoming a music educator, and he offers wisdom to those still in the trenches of teaching.

Stephen Ridley, an international artist who got his start playing piano in streets all over the world, talks about his transition from performer to teacher. Stephen's Ridley Academy, through its piano masterclass series and personalized mentorship program, has helped over 33,000 fulfill their dreams of learning to play piano. https://www.ridleyacademy.com

This episode is for anyone—parent, educator, counselor, or community member—that works directly with children. As a society, we have a collective responsibility to protect children from harm. This relies heavily on our ability to recognize and respond to harmful behaviors toward children. Clinical social worker and author, Anna Sonoda, spent years counseling convicted sex offenders. In her book, “Duck Duck Groom: How a Child Becomes a Target,” Anna reveals the observable patterns that connect all child predators, and she lays out a clear path for interrupting the grooming process before it escalates to abuse.

Russian-American composer Jane Kozhevnikova shares how she transitioned from jazz pianist and composer to choral composer, and why directors should take more chances on newer works.

Bass-Baritone Jace McCloy, former teacher at School of Rock Chicago, explores the vocal benefits of cabaret, crooning, and pop music.

Michigan State University Assistant Professor of Music Education and elected member of the State Board of Education provides insight on what teachers, students, and communities are facing at the state and federal level.

Stacy Daniels has a wide range of experience in the field of music education. In this episode, he shares some of the wisdom he's gained, and what he aims to provide every student so that they're equipped not only as musicians but as functioning members of society.

Megan's former high school student, Maggie Reed, seeks advice as she navigates her first year as a professional music educator.

Brittany Chanell Johnson, the first black woman to conduct the American Pops Orchestra, is on a mission to help her students discover their personal vocal fingerprint. She believes that our individual uniqueness allows us to work best in community with one another. Also, that students can (and should) enjoy an education free of trauma.