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Packing up your classroom? Whether you’re switching schools, transitioning into retirement, or just heading to a new room down the hall, this episode is packed with practical tips to help make the move a little less overwhelming. Bryson walks you through how to label what’s yours vs. what belongs to the school, strategies for organizing your materials, and how to pack in a way that sets you up for success in your new space. From labeling tricks to storage container suggestions, this episode is your go-to guide for a smoother classroom move—no matter what’s next.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:20 Label What’s Yours (and What’s Not)
• 2:30 What to Ditch, What to Keep, and How to Label It
• 6:55 Have a Game Plan for Your New Space
• 7:49 Communicating Between Schools or Admins
• 8:39 Stick to the System That Works for You
• 9:35 Preparing for the Emotional Side of the Move
• 11:41 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

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

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Feeling the end-of-year burnout creeping in? In this episode, BethAnn Hepburn joins Bryson to share simple, creative ways to keep your music classroom feeling joyful and energized—especially when testing is over and attention spans are short.

BethAnn shares how movement, outdoor learning, and playful music-making can help match students’ energy and keep things fun all the way through the last week of school. From singing games to drum circles, her ideas are practical, adaptable, and rooted in her rich background in Orff and general music education.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration (and permission to keep it light), this conversation is full of reminders that music can still be meaningful—even in May.

 

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 4:29 Beating the May Slump with Movement
• 10:21 Navigating End-of-Year Challenges
• 15:51 Using Movement as a Teaching Tool
• 28:07 Sneak Peek: BethAnn’s Upcoming Masterclass
• 32:55 Takeaways 

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

 

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

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

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Movement in the music room doesn't have to be chaotic, and it definitely shouldn't start with a complex folk dance if your students have never done movement before! In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson breaks down a more intentional and developmentally appropriate approach to introducing movement in your classroom.

You'll learn how to scaffold movement experiences so that your students can grow in confidence and coordination over time. From unstructured exploration to guided movement and finally structured activities, Bryson shares practical strategies to help students feel successful every step of the way. Whether you're new to using movement or just looking for a smoother process, this episode will help you set your students up for success, without the chaos.

Episode Chapters:

 

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:04 The 3 Steps Toward Structure
• 8:23 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

 

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

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

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Ever wonder if that movement activity you’re planning is the right fit for your students? In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into what it really means for a movement song to be “appropriate.” Tune in for real talk about making thoughtful repertoire choices that support your students, avoid chaos, and create meaningful musical experiences. Whether you’re rocking a parachute or breaking out the scarves, this one’s packed with things to keep in mind as you plan your next movement moment!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

   

• 2:06 Choosing Developmentally Appropriate Songs

   

• 3:52 Vocal Considerations

   

• 4:44 Keeping Kids Safe While They Learn

   

• 7:35 Being Culturally Respectful in Song Choices 

   
• 8:49 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

 

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

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

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Ever felt hesitant to bring movement props into your music room? You’re not alone. In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson opens up about his journey from movement prop skeptic to full-on scarf enthusiast. Bryson explores the sensory, motor, and musical benefits of incorporating props, how they can help students feel more confident, and why movement can deepen your students’ understanding of musical concepts like tempo and dynamics. From stretchy bands and parachutes to those magical scarves everyone raves about, we’re diving into why these tools are more than just classroom extras—they're powerful teaching aids.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

   

• 5:08 Using Movement Props to Reinforce Musical Concepts

   

• 8:05 Movement Props Beyond Scarves

   
• 9:29 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

 

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

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

Send us a text

We’re bringing back a fan-favorite episode that’s more relevant than ever! Movement is a game-changer in the music classroom, helping students develop motor skills, deepen musical understanding, and stay engaged. In this episode, Bryson dives into why movement is essential—especially for younger learners—and how you can make it a natural part of your teaching.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

   

• 1: 44 The Role of Movement in Early Childhood Development

   

• 3:58 How To Use Creative Movement For Musical Learning

   

• 7:55 How To Make Movement More Fun

   

• 10:37 The Power of Storytelling In Movement

   

• 12:19 Making Movement Inclusive

   

• 13:42 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

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

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In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson sits down with Leanna O’Brien to dive into the power of movement in the music classroom. Leanna shares her journey from a struggling first-year teacher to discovering how meaningful movement can transform student learning. They chat about why movement is essential, how to make it work with older students, and practical ways to bring musical concepts to life through physical engagement. Plus, Leanna gives a sneak peek into her upcoming masterclass inside That Music Teacher Community, where she’ll share even more ideas on using movement to boost learning, reduce stress, and improve classroom management. Whether you're brand new to teaching or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to help you bring more movement into your music classroom!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 7:29 Why Movement Matters
• 13:25 Overcoming Resistance
• 19:57 The Key to Successful Movement Activities
• 25:31 Practical Strategies
• 31:55 Teaching Musical Concepts Through Movement
• 36:06 Leanna's Master Class
• 38:24 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community
• Connect with Leanna

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

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

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What if you could teach without saying a word? In today’s episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson Tarbet explores the surprisingly effective technique of a "silent rehearsal" and how it can transform your classroom dynamics. From preserving your vocal health to resetting student focus, Bryson shares how this quiet method can encourage mindfulness, engagement, and creativity in your students.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:06 What a Silent Rehearsal Looks Like
• 4:55 Breaking The Pattern
• 6:27 Key Considerations for Silent Rehearsals
• 8:17 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

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

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

Send us a text

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives further into vocal health and shares practical strategies for getting your students' attention without straining your voice. Whether you're tired of shouting over the noise or simply looking for ways to improve classroom management, Bryson covers several non-verbal tricks that will help you maintain control while protecting your vocal folds. Bryson’s tips offer fun, engaging alternatives for bringing the class back into focus. Plus, get insight on when and how to use these attention-getting techniques for different age groups and classroom settings. Tune in for creative ways to keep your students engaged without raising your voice!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:53 A Fun Twist on an Old Classic
• 3:21 Fricative Sounds
• 4:22 The Stir Xylophone
• 5:15 Slowing Down the Energy
• 6:35 Visual Signals
• 7:10 Rest Positions
• 8:07 Lights Off, Attention On
• 8:48 When to Use Your Voice
• 10:25 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community

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

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

Send us a text

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: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community
• Alvoxcon Wireless Lapel Microphone

*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!

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