Music Ed Insights

Quick Pro Tips: Reduce Planning Time Stress with the "Pecking Order" Approach

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, Alan and Steve introduce a simple "pecking order" strategy to help music educators prioritize planning tasks and reduce stress. Learn how to categorize tasks based on urgency—starting with immediate student needs, teammate collaboration, administrative requests, and parent communication. Tune in for a practical method to streamline your planning and stay focused on what matters most!

Lessons from a Reflective Teacher: Kelli Pence on Engaging Students and Handling Challenges

Recorded in front of a live audience, Alan and Steve sit down with renowned band director Dr. Kelli Pence to learn from her wealth of experience. Kelli reflects on her early teaching days, sharing the mistakes she made and the strategies she's developed over the years to effectively engage students and manage classroom challenges - including dealing with those dreaded "nasty grams" from parents. Kelli also shares invaluable insights from her mentors, like the legendary Mallory Thompson, on the importance of musicianship, the value of teaching at all levels, and the role of marching band. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration for music educators at any stage of their career.

Quick Pro Tips: Using nearby college students and staff to help your program

After Alan and Steve give a short acceptance speech for receiving Education Podcast of the Year, Steve shares some very practical tips and encouragement for lightening your load by providing opportunities for local college students.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Music Educators with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

In this episode, recorded live at the Iowa Bandmasters Association convention in May 2024, we sit down with renowned music education thought leader Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser to discuss the enduring relevance of band programs, effective role modeling for aspiring teachers, and navigating the challenges of modern student engagement. Dr. Tim shares his wisdom and insights gleaned from decades of experience, offering practical advice and inspiration for music educators at all stages of their careers. The conversation includes questions from the engaged audience, providing a dynamic and insightful discussion.

Not Happy With Your Situation? You Have Three Choices.

Alan and Steve discuss your basic options when you are unhappy with an aspect of your job or life. Learn an effective way to take more control of your fate!

Finding Success in Low-Income Schools with Tim Gonzalez

Alan and Steve talk to educator Tim Gonzalez about his experiences, successes, and cheat codes teaching in Title I schools.

Quick Pro Tips: One Little Thing

Alan and Steve each share one bit of wisdom for tackling the new school year.

Anger, Anxiety, and Burnout

Alan and Steve talk with educator and counselor Jane Detweiler-Sutliffe, LLPC, about ways to adjust your teaching to minimize the interference caused by student anxiety and/or teacher burnout.

Quick Pro Tips: Public Speaking Tips

Guest co-host Dennis Green, longtime radio broadcaster and emcee, joins Steve to give teachers some public speaking tips for the upcoming school year.

Dealing with anxiety and relevance by embracing your inner Music Guerrilla

Alan and Steve have a fun and free-ranging conversation with conductor, clinician, speaker, author, adventurer and advocate Milt Allen about priorities, the relevance of music education, and anxiety.