Music Ed Insights

Unleashing Creativity: Accessible Music Education for All Students with Dr. Rhoda Bernard

Steve and Alan have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Rhoda Bernard, Founding Managing Director of the Institute for Accessible Arts Education. Rhoda shares groundbreaking insights into creating inclusive music classrooms. She discusses the challenges educators face in reaching students with diverse learning needs, offering practical strategies to remove barriers and unleash creativity. From understanding processing differences to implementing peer-assisted learning, Bernard provides a compassionate and innovative approach to music education that empowers every student to participate meaningfully. Whether you're teaching elementary general music or leading a high school ensemble, this episode offers transformative ideas to make your classroom more accessible, engaging, and supportive for all learners.

Bonus Quick Pro Tip - What is the Grand Master Scale?

Alan referenced the Grand Master Scale in our last Quick Pro Tip, and a listener wrote in to ask “What IS the Grand Master Scale and how do you implement it?” Alan answers those questions here.

Quick Pro Tip: The Macro-Rehearsal Structure That Works for Everyone

Steve asks Alan about a rehearsal strategy that works especially well for students with anxiety, ADHD, or autism—and Alan explains why a clear and consistent rehearsal structure actually helps all students thrive. This tip sets the stage for our upcoming full episode with Dr. Rhoda Bernard, who will explain how universal design in music education lifts the floor for everyone, not just those who need accommodations.

Creativity in Teaching: Innovative Strategies for Ensembles of All Sizes with Mary Cogswell

In this enlightening episode, Steve and Alan talk with veteran music educator Mary Cogswell. She shares transformative insights into music education that transcend ensemble size and experience level. Join us as we explore innovative strategies for incorporating creativity, diversity, and meaningful musical experiences into band programs. From finding diverse repertoire to introducing composition techniques and addressing creative standards, Mary offers practical, actionable advice that will inspire educators across all musical disciplines. Whether you're teaching beginners or advanced ensembles, this conversation provides fresh perspectives on engaging students and expanding musical horizons.

Quick Pro Tip: How to Stop Making the Same Mistake Every Year

As marching band festival and competition seasons wrap up, and the show choir season starts to get rolling, Alan and Steve share a powerful strategy for turning this year’s struggles into next year’s strengths. Learn how to capture the “we can’t fix it now” feedback, avoid repeating programming mistakes, and set yourself—and your future ensembles—up for success.

The Adaptive Music Teacher with Elisa Janson Jones: Navigating Technology, Advocacy, and Growth

In this episode, Alan and Steve talk with music education expert Elisa Janson Jones, who offers a roadmap for K-12 music teachers seeking to thrive in a rapidly changing educational landscape. Drawing from her extensive experience as an educator, podcast host, and researcher, Elisa provides actionable strategies for integrating emerging technologies, advocating for program resources, and personal professional growth. 

Listeners will discover innovative approaches to navigating AI tools, expanding professional influence beyond the classroom, and developing critical skills that go far beyond traditional music instruction. From building community connections to creating data-driven funding proposals, this episode challenges music educators to become adaptive professionals who can transform challenges into opportunities.

Whether you're a new teacher looking to establish your career or a veteran seeking fresh perspectives, this conversation offers insights into building a more resilient, impactful music education practice in the 21st century.

And, there’s a bonus lightning round in which Steve and Alan answer Elisa’s questions!

Quick Pro Tip: Clarifying Concert Streaming Rules (Part 2)

Last week, we discussed the legalities of sharing concert recordings, and today we're back with important clarifications! In this follow-up episode, Alan and Steve break down a key question from listeners: Do schools need a license to live-stream a concert while it's happening? The answer is nuanced, but the good news is there are legal, free ways to livestream—as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Steve shares updates from NAfME and NFHS (with the usual legal disclaimers) and clarifies:

• When it’s okay to stream on YouTube or Facebook
• When you do need a license
• What “archival use” means—and how it helps your students
• And why you probably weren’t breaking the law 20 years ago

If you're trying to navigate music performance rights in 2025, this episode will help.

Also: A quick plug to check out last week’s episode for practical licensing tools and a discount code just for listeners.

Recording and Streaming: The Latest on What's Legal with Brenna Horn-Cronin

Join Alan and Steve with Brenna Horn-Cronin, who demystifies the complex world of music licensing for K-12 schools, offering practical insights on how educators can legally stream recordings and archive their performances while respecting copyright laws.

Quick Pro Tip: Keep Your Feedback Musical for Everyone

Too often, some of our students - think percussionists and color guard -get comments only about equipment, logistics, or behavior—while wind and string players -  and singers -  hear about tone, balance, and musicianship. Alan and Steve challenge directors to rethink this dynamic and offer musical feedback to every section—especially the ones we tend to overlook.

The Power of Parents in Their Children's Musical Development with Michael Hemsworth

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, we shift the spotlight from students and teachers to the often-overlooked role of parents and guardians in music education. Guest Michael Hemsworth joins Alan and Steve to discuss why parent involvement is critical, how it can transform music programs, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies for empowering families to support their child’s musical journey. Whether you’re a music teacher or a parent, you’ll find actionable insights to help every child thrive musically—at home and in the classroom.