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Joined again by Tim Jones, the crew talks about tech and electronics. The conversation discusses what equipment we really need, what to look at for budgets, and helps refocus on what is a must. 

The first part of the conversation will help you think through what you think you need vs. what you really need.

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Happy Thanksgiving! Today is a simple thank you from Mike and Derrick. Thankful for the journey of music in our lives and for those who helped shape us along that path. Have a blessed day!

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Whether we realize it or not, the words we choose in our classrooms matter! And our actions speak louder than our words! Excited to have guest Jett Lowrance with us on the podcast again for this episode.

What great insight from Jett has he discusses an intentional shift in our teaching from "This is what I need!" to "What do my students need from me so they can be successful?" Recognizing that our students will engage and become successful musicians when we intentionally give them genuine encouragement and create opportunities for them to be successful!

Jett also shares some great strategies to help when our students are having a tough time being amazing... it happens.

As always, fantastic conversation with Jett Lowrance on Ask Mike!

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We all have moments of reflection. Moments when we take an assessment of where we are and where we'd like to be. Take it from a couple of olds... this doesn't go away with age! In this episode, Mike and Derrick take a lighter view of some ways to move forward with positive results. The inspiration for this conversation was comedian Tim Minchen's graduation address several years ago at a university in Australia. Take a few moments to drink your favorite refreshment and breathe easier as we discuss 9 Life Lessons.

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The concert march, it could be such a fantastic addition to your program. Unfortunately, the correct march style has been either ignored or not passed down long enough that it seems like the perfect time for Mike to answer the quiet question out loud, “What do I do with this march?”

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Daniel Coyle is the author of, among others, The Culture Code, a best selling book looking at tools to build culture in groups. In this episode of Ask Mike, Mike pulls out some key thoughts that should resonate with music educators as they work through the process of discovering what a great culture is, and work to build or repair it in their programs.

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In Texas, UIL Competitions and Evaluations are an annual part of our calendar and curriculum. It’s just part of what our music educators do in Texas. From the big picture overview, it should be straight forward and used as a tool to measure the progress of our students and programs. But as an educator responsible for those students and programs, we are often more emotionally invested than that. Should we be? Do these ratings define who we are?

Let’s ask Mike how to detach and use the rating system in the most positive way for both ourselves and our programs! 

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Don't mind Derrick fan-girling during this episode. Mike introduces us to the teaching methods and concepts that Matt Harloff (and brother Ben) developed to create the incredible sounds of the Carolina Crown brass, among others.

Simple concepts with the commitment to do them consistently and correctly. 

Now, let's play the Mahler...

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Everybody wants to get to heaven, but nobody wants to go today...

One of the certainties of life, along with taxes. Is it uncomfortable to talk about? Usually. But does it have to be? Not really.

We're joined by guest Tim Jones, owner and president of N-Tune Music, as he and Mike share their experiences with helping others through the process of making sure they have plans in place for all the things.

Your people need you to plan and make things clear for them. It's a good thing. Also, watch Mike and Tim call out Derrick... good times.

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After Mike and Derrick get through debating whether people work their way to talent or they are born with it, Mike has some great points from “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle. Mike walks us through deep practice habits, ignition points, and master coaching.

It is an amazing thing as an educator to see young people hit their ignition points and become excited to reach for their potential! And no one has to be left behind, everyone can be successful.