Music Ed Insights

Alan and Steve tackle one of the toughest parts of the job: responding to upset parents by email, text, phone, or conference. They walk through how to move emotional conversations to the right channel, listen and summarize without getting defensive, name a shared goal for the student, set clear boundaries around what you can and can’t do, and know when to loop in administrators—so advocacy becomes partnership instead of combat.

Alan and Steve question the classic slogan “attitude is everything” and explain why it can unintentionally shame students who are already having a rough day. Instead of trying to “fix” someone’s mindset, they suggest a more practical approach: focus on observable behavior, name its impact on the ensemble, and make clear, doable requests. The result is a healthier culture where students can have imperfect feelings and still show up with meaningful effort.

Alan and Steve respond to a listener question about ensemble pride and dig into the fine line between healthy confidence and toxic hubris in competitive groups—whether it’s show choir, marching band, jazz band, or orchestra. They connect ideas like humility, empathy, narcissism, the Dunning–Kruger effect, and imposter syndrome to the way we talk about our own programs and other ensembles, offering practical questions directors can use to check the culture they’re building.

Alan and Steve dig into why writing program notes matters more than you think—not just for the audience, but for you and your students. They share practical tips on researching and personalizing notes, avoiding jargon, highlighting student performers, deciding when to speak from the stage, and even using ChatGPT to draft print and spoken versions that match the quality of your ensemble’s performance.

Alan and Steve draw on Alan’s 19 years in the classroom and 15 years in the corporate world to reframe how music educators advocate for their programs. Instead of leaning on “we work nights and weekends,” they suggest focusing on what’s truly unique about teaching—rigid schedules, limited autonomy, and underfunded programs—and how to talk to administrators, board members, and community leaders in the language of investment and student outcomes.

As we head into concert season, we want to make sure our new listeners hear this classic episode with Dr. Travis Cross who, among other gems, lays out the case for the large ensemble. Whether you need inspiration for the next stretch, more ideas for advocacy, or you’re just a fan of the brilliant Dr. Cross - this episode is a classic for a reason. Enjoy Part 2.

As we head into concert season, we want to make sure our new listeners hear this classic episode with Dr. Travis Cross who, among other gems, lays out the case for the large ensemble. Whether you need inspiration for the next stretch, more ideas for advocacy, or you’re just a fan of the brilliant Dr. Cross -- this episode is a classic for a reason. Enjoy.

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.

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.

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.