Music Ed Insights

Does it hold up? Including Students with Special Needs with Alice Hammel

In this re-release, Alan and Steve revisit their conversation with Dr. Alice Hammel about how and why students with special needs can and should be included in music classes and ensembles. This episode remains one of the most impactful in Music Ed Insights history, offering practical strategies and a shift in mindset that can help every teacher create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or listening again, this discussion is full of valuable insights for all music educators.

Does it hold up? The Non-Competitive Ensemble, three years later

Steve and Alan take a fresh look at our talk with New Trier director Matt Temple about performing at a very high level without the pressure or benefit of competition. This was our very first episode.

Quick Pro Tip: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Loyalty in Music Programs

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Matthew Armstrong, Director of Choirs at Wayne State College, engages co-host Alan Feirer in an exploration of the complex topic of student loyalty to music teachers and programs. They examine the potential benefits and pitfalls of cultivating strong loyalty, drawing on their extensive experiences to provide valuable perspectives for music educators. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to foster a healthy, inclusive program culture that balances loyalty with other important considerations. Fun fact: all the male voices in our popular Quick Pro Tips jingle are Dr. Armstrong.

 

Quick Pro Tip: Selecting Quality Elementary Literature with Lucas Petersen

Co-host and composer Steve Shanley gets Dr. Lucas Petersen to share a practical process of evaluating the quality of music written for performance ensembles of beginners in their first couple of years of playing. We’ll learn five easy criteria to apply: balance and structure, uniqueness/surprises, consistency, genuineness/ingenuity, and craftsmanship/orchestration.

Quick Pro Tip: Rethinking Your Ensemble’s Seating Chart

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, Alan and Steve introduce a second “rule” for music educators: Have a reason for what you do—and what you don’t do. They apply this idea to ensemble setup, exploring how different seating arrangements can improve balance, blend, and student engagement. Whether you teach band, choir, or orchestra, this episode offers fresh perspectives on getting the best sound from your group.

Hip-Hop Integration with Kiran Vedula

Steve and Alan talk with musician, producer, educator, and founder of Hip Hop DNA Kiran Vedula about integrating hip-hop into the music classroom. Kiran shares practical strategies for teaching foundational hip-hop concepts like rhythm, layering, and improvisation, as well as tips for fostering creativity and collaboration with students. They discuss the cultural significance of hip-hop, sampling, and using technology like Soundtrap to make beats. Kiran also shares about his nonprofit Flutes at Dawn and his new album "Good News" aimed at uplifting people's spirits through participatory world music traditions

Quick Pro Tip: Use "In Order to Do My Best Work" to Set Clear Expectations

Alan shares a simple but powerful approach to improve collaboration: using the phrase “in order to do my best work.” Learn how this tactic can help you communicate needs effectively and reduce stress, whether working with colleagues, administrators, or students. This tip is valuable for all music educators—band, choir, orchestra, and general music teachers alike.

Empowering Students in the Music Classroom with Theresa Hoover

In this episode, Alan and Steve talk with educator, podcaster, speaker, and author Theresa Hoover about practical strategies for empowering students in music education. They explore ways to give students more ownership over their learning, including soliciting feedback, incorporating student-led activities, and encouraging creativity and composition. The conversation also covers common challenges and how to overcome them when implementing student-centered approaches. Whether you teach elementary general music or high school ensembles, this episode provides actionable ideas to help your students become more engaged and invested musicians.

Quick Pro Tip: Simplifying Copyright and Exploring the ArrangeMe Platform

Steve and Alan demystify common copyright misconceptions and introduce the ArrangeMe platform, a valuable resource for music educators. Learn how to legally arrange music for your groups, explore the benefits and limitations of ArrangeMe, and discover why copyright matters across band, orchestra, choir, and general music settings. Tune in for practical advice and insights that every music teacher can use.

Expanding the Choral Canon: Marques Garrett on Programming Choices Part 2

Steve and Alan talk with professor, author, composer, and choral director Marques Garrett about the importance of diversifying choral programming and elevating non-idiomatic works. Garrett shares fascinating personal experiences learning about the rich musical heritage within historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), where choirs have long championed non-idiomatic compositions by Black artists. 

Garrett discusses the challenges of broadening repertoire choices, the historical context behind the under-representation of Black composers, and the impact of his efforts to increase awareness and performance of this vital body of choral music. The conversation explores Garrett's programming choices, the nuances of cultural appropriation, and the need for inclusive representation in music education. With a focus on practical strategies and the power of community, this episode offers invaluable insights for music educators and anyone passionate about fostering a more diverse musical landscape.