Send us a text

This week on Beyond Artless, we welcome the dynamic and delightfully down-to-earth Alli Mottaz, an instrumental music educator, percussionist, and all-around creative powerhouse from Waconia, Minnesota.

Alli shares her journey from dreaming of playing for the WNBA to becoming an award-winning band director (with a soft spot for the Jonas Brothers and crocheting on the side). Now in her ninth year of teaching, Alli opens up about the realities of music education — the laughter, the learning curves, and the lessons that stick long after the bell rings.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Alli’s path to percussion began with a very blue inspiration (thank you, Blue Man Group)
• The importance of staying a performer while being a teacher
• How mentors shaped her approach to leading and learning
• Life lessons from maternity leave, team teaching, and middle school chaos
• How she broke a small Ostrander child
• And how Chris left her alone on her first day of teaching with him!

Alli’s warmth, humor, and honesty make this episode a love letter to the art of teaching — and a reminder that even the most organized band room runs on equal parts caffeine, compassion, and community.

 Tune in for laughter, inspiration, and great insights on teaching that are — beyond artless.

Check out our NEW Website and claim your FREE copy of "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe!

Find us at the Midwest Clinic - Booth #1335

Credits:

Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Activity Mat & Gym - Full Song Suite 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XD9iTf2Mbs

The entire song suite from the much loved Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Mat, including Purple Monkey In A Bubblegum Tree, and Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Enjoy the songs in the highest quality possible

The Cat’s Pajamas Rag - Pierre LaPlante

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Allison Mottzz, conducting

https://youtu.be/D-Xq6fel_5Y

Twittering Machine - Brian Balmages

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Brian Balamages, conducting

https://youtu.be/Af3ENiwEXN0

Try - Harrison Collins

Persistence Rules! - Dana Wilson

UWEC Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Concert

Oct 10, 2025 - Phil Ostrander, conducting

https://www.youtube.com/live/XEnOqhXdSCM?si=QTj1Y3GiYvXFEtJb

Blizzard Blues - François Dorion

Hal Leonard Publishing

https://youtu.be/QaeCEVpM0iU?si=1_F-0edrw_MrcXCU

Support the show