In this episode of That Music Podcast, we're talking all about microphones for the elementary music classroom. Vocal health is crucial for music teachers, and using a mic can help you protect your voice while keeping your students engaged. Bryson walks through his favorite picks, the pros and cons of each, and why embracing your “inner pop star” might just be the vocal health hack you need!

If you're listening to this episode, you may want to check out the video version on YouTube! Seeing the microphones Bryson discusses might make it easier to follow along. Click here to watch now!

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

3:25 Finding the Right Classroom Mic Setup

5:50 A Teacher Mic with Popstar Vibes

7:31 Alvoxcon Wireless Lapel Microphone 

10:54 Budget-Friendly Mics & Admin Support

11:42 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

*Note: The link for the microphone is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it—at no extra cost to you! Thanks for supporting the podcast!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

As music teachers, we use our voices constantly—but are we taking care of them the way we should? In this episode of That Music Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Whitehead, a vocal health expert and professor at Ohio Wesleyan University, to talk about how teachers can protect their voices, avoid vocal fatigue, and develop habits that support long-term vocal wellness.

We discuss everything from warmups and cool-downs to the hidden impact of stress and classroom acoustics. Plus, Dr. Whitehead shares practical tips for navigating high vocal loads, managing vocal strain when you’re sick, and knowing when it’s time to seek professional help.

Whether you’re a trained vocalist or an instrumentalist who “fell into” teaching general music, this episode is packed with insights to help you keep your most important teaching tool—your voice—strong and healthy for years to come.

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:23 Why Vocal Health Matters for Teachers

9:24 Understanding Vocal Fatigue and Strain

14:45 Daily Habits for a Healthier Voice

20:58 Hydration, Diet, and Your Voice

25:46 What to Do When You’re Sick

28:09 The Role of Stress in Vocal Health

38:58 When to Seek Professional Help

44:42 Final Tips for Protecting Your Voice

49:46 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

*Note: The link for the microphone is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it—at no extra cost to you! Thanks for supporting the podcast!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Ever feel like your piano skills (or lack thereof) are holding you back as a music teacher? You’re not alone! In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson gets real about his struggles with piano—including failing class piano twice—and shares the strategies that helped him thrive in the classroom despite not being a pianist.

From choral rehearsals to accompanying students, Bryson breaks down practical tips for making music without being glued to the keyboard. Whether it’s simplifying accompaniments, using your voice as your strongest tool, or selecting music that works for you, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel more confident leading your students.

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

3:39 Embracing Your Strengths in Choir Directing

7:52 Building on Existing Musical Foundations

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

When it comes to teaching choir, should we focus on rote learning or reading notation? The answer might be a little bit of both! In this episode, Bryson unpacks the benefits and challenges of teaching by rote and by note in a choral setting. Drawing from his own experience launching a sixth-grade choir, he shares practical strategies for meeting students where they are, building musical literacy, and keeping the joy of music-making at the center. Whether you're working with young singers or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with ideas to help you strike the right balance in your choir rehearsals.

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction 

2:17 Blending General Music and Choir

7:53 The Balance of Rote and Note

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Before- and after-school ensembles are a fantastic way to give students more musical opportunities—but are they truly accessible to all? In this episode, Bryson dives into an often-overlooked barrier to participation: transportation.

Many students rely on school buses or have caregivers with tight schedules, making early-morning or late-afternoon rehearsals difficult—or even impossible. While no solution is perfect, Bryson explores practical ways to make these ensembles more equitable, from adjusting policies to partnering with PTOs for carpool solutions.

Tune in for an honest conversation about accessibility, flexibility, and ensuring every student who wants to make music has the chance to do so!

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:50 The Challenge of Transportation in Ensemble Participation 

3:00 Exploring Alternative Solutions  

7:32 Making Performances More Accessible 

9:05 Rethinking the Purpose of Participation

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Choral music is about so much more than just singing, and in this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson sits down with Debbie O’Shea to explore the magic of choir. They dive into what makes a great rehearsal, how to build community in your ensemble, and the secret to keeping singers engaged—even with tricky repertoire.

Debbie also shares a sneak peek into her upcoming That Music Teacher Community masterclass, where she will explore the "why" behind choir, effective warm-ups, and repertoire selection - all with the goal of inspiring and engaging choirs.

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:30 Differences Between Music and Choir Classrooms

3:45 Creating a Sense of Belonging and Teamwork

9:09 Engaging and Motivating Students

11:02 Balancing Fun and Effectiveness in Rehearsals

16:23 The Purpose of Choir and Its Value Beyond School

24:59 Defining Success in Rehearsals

27:47 Debbie's Upcoming Master Class

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

This week on That Music Podcast, we’re bringing you a special replay from the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh! 

Join a panel of experienced music educators as they dive into practical strategies for developing and refining your music curriculum. In this insightful discussion, you’ll hear valuable tips on creating engaging, standards-based lessons that support diverse learners. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas or ways to fine-tune your approach, this replay is packed with inspiration to help you strengthen your curriculum!

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Not all professional development is created equal! In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson explores the crucial difference between PD that helps you check off boxes for license renewal and PD that actually enhances your teaching. From content-specific training to choosing the right master's program, Bryson shares insights on how to make the most of your professional learning—no matter what season of life you're in.

Tune in for practical strategies to advocate for relevant PD, seek out high-quality learning experiences, and ensure you're growing as an elementary music educator in a way that truly benefits you and your students.

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

Teaching is an ever-evolving journey, and in this week’s episode, Bryson shares his thoughts on how professional growth helps us stay flexible and relevant in the ever-changing world of music education. From navigating systemic challenges like limited access to content-specific PD to finding creative ways to upskill—think online resources, state conventions, or even a good podcast (wink, wink)—he’s here to remind us all that growth doesn’t have to mean perfection.

Plus, hear about the incredible power of community in professional learning and how sharing your strengths with others can ignite your passion for teaching all over again. Join us for this short but powerful episode and take the first step toward reinvigorating your teaching practice. Because your students deserve your best—and so do you!

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:35 Overcoming Systemic Challenges

4:14 Embracing a Growth Mindset

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!

In this thought-provoking episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into a topic that’s as vital as it is sometimes challenging: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the music classroom. Sharing from his perspective as a cis white male, Bryson acknowledges the discomfort many educators may feel discussing DEI and emphasizes the importance of starting—and continuing—this essential conversation.

Bryson unpacks misconceptions about DEI, reframing it not as a controversial agenda, but as a commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success. This episode challenges you to think critically about your teaching practices and take intentional steps to better represent the diversity of our students and the world around them. Whether you’re just beginning to explore DEI or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is an invitation to reflect, learn, and grow.

Episode Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:44 What is DEI

4:58 The Role of DEI in Elementary Music

6:48 Overcoming Challenges in DEI Implementation

Links and Resources: 

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!