In this first episode of Backstage: The Hidden Workload of the Performing Arts, a special mini-series of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest equity gaps in our schools—the overwhelming administrative burden placed on music educators.

While teachers in other subject areas are supported by district-approved AI tools, performing arts teachers are still stuck drowning in logistics, trip planning, budgets, late-night emails, and endless paperwork. Lesley shares why this isn’t just a teacher problem, but a support problem—and how music supervisors can make a real difference without adding to their own plates.

You’ll learn:

• Why “I love my job, but it’s killing me” is such a common refrain among music teachers
• How administrative overload leads to burnout and turnover
• Why AI solutions designed specifically for performing arts educators (like Backstage Buddy) are game-changing for districts
• What supervisors can do to retain staff, reduce overwhelm, and finally give music educators the support they deserve

If you’ve ever wondered how to be the hero your music teachers need while lightening your own load, this episode will show you what’s possible.

In this moving episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes longtime New York band director and debut author Lindsey Williams. Together, they explore themes of resilience, loss, recovery, and mentorship through the lens of Lindsey’s powerful new book, Where the Valley Widens—a collection of 40 stories inspired by her first group of students who journeyed with her from pre-K to high school graduation.

Lindsey opens up about the unexpected challenges she faced, including the loss of her school and teaching materials to a flood and the heartbreak of pandemic-era graduations. She shares the emotional story of her mentor’s lasting influence, how a file folder became a lifeline, and how her book ultimately became a legacy box of memories and encouragement for others.

Whether you're a veteran teacher, a new educator, or someone looking for a reminder of why this work matters, this episode offers heartfelt insight and uplifting takeaways. Lindsey’s reflections are a tribute to the teaching profession, the power of mentorship, and the importance of preserving the meaningful moments that sustain us through tough times.

Connect with her at lindseywilliamsmusic.com.

Instagram: @LindseyWilliamsMusic

Facebook: facebook.com/LindseyWilliamsMusic/

Link to Bookshop Order Page:

Link to Amazon Order Page:

In this inspiring episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes singer-songwriter, TEDx speaker, and youth empowerment coach Emma G. Her story is nothing short of remarkable—born with hydrocephalus and having undergone 23 brain surgeries, Emma found healing and purpose through songwriting. Now she helps others do the same.

Lesley and Emma dive into:

• How music supported Emma’s physical and emotional healing
• Why songwriting is such a powerful tool for student expression, especially post-COVID
• The neuroscience behind music’s ability to rewire the brain
• Emma’s experience working with students (including Lesley’s!) to help them process emotions through music
• Tips for band directors and music teachers to bring songwriting into the classroom—even without a formal songwriting background

If you’ve ever watched a student struggle with big emotions or felt your own burnout creeping in, this episode will renew your belief in the transformative power of music. Plus, Emma shares actionable steps to start songwriting and discusses her new book Mental Health Sounds Like This.

Learn more at emmagmusic.com and connect with her on all socials @emmagmusic.

In this heartfelt and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by Jeanette Mihalchik, host of The Happy Music Teacher podcast and YouTube channel. Jeanette shares her journey from total overwhelm and burnout—sitting on the classroom floor wondering if she could keep going—to becoming a thriving, joy-filled educator committed to helping others rediscover their spark.

Together, Lesley and Jeanette explore:

• The realities of entering teaching through the “back door” and learning on the fly
• What to do when the job feels unsustainable—even if you love the kids
• Why movement, brain breaks, and student-led moments make a difference
• How mindset shifts and small pivots can turn exhaustion into engagement
• Concrete strategies for making teaching feel easier and more joyful at any grade level

You’ll leave this episode with renewed hope and a few easy-to-implement tools to bring more energy, balance, and student connection into your classroom.

Learn more about Jeanette’s resources and sign up for her free weekly “Happy Highlights” at thehappymusicteacher.com/lesson-plan-sampler

Her website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15mAFiMcPk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappymusicteacher/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehappymusicteacher?

In this revealing episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat welcomes Megan Cooney, Director of Athletic Bands at Rowan University, to share the behind-the-scenes reality of starting a collegiate band program from scratch. From budgeting to branding to building leadership, Megan walks us through the surprising and often overlooked responsibilities of life as a college band director.

You’ll learn:

• Why collegiate band directors operate more like small business owners than conductors
• The difference between high school and college support systems (no band boosters!)
• The logistical demands of designing uniforms, managing million-dollar budgets, and insuring equipment
• How student leadership becomes essential—and why she pays her leaders
• Why game day is a 14-hour marathon that requires hydration planning, mental prep, and physical stamina
• The call for collaboration: Megan invites other collegiate directors to help create resources for those entering this unique career path

If you're curious about the college track—or helping others succeed in it—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and a passionate call to support the next generation of music educators.

In this heartfelt episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley reconnects with longtime friend and veteran educator Glenn Williams to talk about three transformative books that every music teacher should consider reading—or rereading. With decades of experience leading high school bands, mentoring student teachers, and shaping music education culture, Glenn shares how these books shaped his career and can help you recharge, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The power of The Last Lecture and defining your “dash”
• Why The Art of Possibility can reshape your classroom culture (yes, even rule #6!)
• How A Guide to Student Teaching in Band offers timeless teaching wisdom—even for seasoned educators
• Plus: Glenn breaks down the 7 Norms of Collaboration and offers practical tools to build healthier, more effective school teams.

Whether you’re heading into summer or back to the podium, this episode offers reflection, inspiration, and the kind of perspective that only comes from a career well-lived—and deeply loved.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with Don Crafton, founder and CEO of Sight Reading Factory, to explore how this innovative platform helps band directors save time, reduce stress, and build stronger music literacy in their students.

Don shares how his own frustrations as a band director led him to create a customizable, algorithm-based tool that allows for fresh sight reading exercises every time. You’ll learn how Sight Reading Factory:

• Eliminates the chaos of paper sight reading materials
• Makes daily sight reading realistic and time-efficient (even just 5 minutes!)
• Offers auto-assessment and instant visual feedback for student growth
• Supports differentiation, SPED, and ELL learners with built-in data collection
• Reinforces concepts alongside method books—even for beginners
• Provides powerful data for teacher evaluations and administrative conversations

Whether you're new to tech or a seasoned pro, this episode will show you how to use sight reading not just to prep for performance, but to foster independence and confidence in every student.

https://sightreadingfactory.com

In this energizing and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by fitness expert Jonathan Simos, who shares easy, sustainable strategies for weaving exercise into even the busiest teaching schedule. Jonathan opens up about his journey from injury-prone teenager to Guinness World Record holder and certified trainer—showing how fitness transformed his body, mindset, and life.

Lesley and Jonathan dive into the parallels between building a healthy body and teaching music: mastering fundamentals, staying consistent, and doing things the right way to prevent damage. Whether you are brand new to exercise or struggling to stay consistent during concert season chaos, you’ll walk away with doable tips to improve your physical and mental wellness.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to break down effective full-body workouts into simple, time-saving routines
• Why fitness is a “keystone habit” that benefits every part of your life
• Ways to stay active even when your schedule is packed to the max
• Lesley’s personal push-up journey and how tiny consistent actions lead to transformation
• How to find movement you enjoy—so you’ll actually stick with it

You’ll also hear about Jonathan’s upcoming fitness venture, why coaching matters, and how building strength can help you show up stronger for your students and yourself. This episode is your reminder that taking care of your body isn't selfish—it's essential for a sustainable, joyful teaching career.

Guest Info:

Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @jonathan.simos

Check out his upcoming program and community: neuxist.com

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Bill Kennelly of Kennelly Keys Music—a longtime friend of music education and sponsor of Season 4—to talk about how relationships with independent music stores can transform your program, reduce your workload, and support your students in meaningful ways.

Lesley and Bill discuss how music stores can be more than just suppliers—they can be true partners. From picking up and repairing instruments, to sponsoring festivals, to showing up at school board meetings to advocate for music education, the support goes far beyond sales. Bill shares heartfelt stories of growing up in the industry, honoring his father's legacy, and how mentorship and service have driven his success.

Listeners will walk away with a renewed appreciation for the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep music education thriving, along with specific ideas for how to build or strengthen these vital community relationships.

In this energizing episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat sits down with M.J. Robinson—band director, mom, and President-Elect of Women Band Directors International—to discuss how managing your energy can transform not only your teaching but your entire life.

M.J. shares her journey from quiet wallflower to confident educator and leader, crediting the power of community, mentorship, and intentional mindset work. This episode is packed with practical strategies for navigating toxic work environments, setting energetic boundaries, and reclaiming joy in the classroom. M.J. opens up about the importance of resetting throughout the day, using music as a form of emotional processing, and building resilience without burning out.

You’ll also hear about simple tools like affirmation apps, running, and self-talk that help M.J. stay grounded, focused, and full of genuine positivity—even in tough situations. Whether you're feeling stuck, overstimulated, or just need a spark of inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.