That Music Podcast: A Podcast for Elementary Music Teachers

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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

   
• 8:36 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 Fan Mail

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson sits down with Ashley Cuthbertson, founder of A. Cuthbertson Consulting, to talk about how culturally responsive teaching can transform your music classroom. Ashley shares her own journey—from feeling stuck and uninspired to becoming a leader in helping educators create inclusive and equitable learning environments. They discuss how understanding your students’ cultural identities can make music more meaningful and how even small shifts in your approach can create a big impact. If you’re ready to take your teaching to the next level and truly connect with your students, this episode is for you.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

   

• 6:19 Understanding Culturally Responsive Teaching

   

• 12:26 Shifting Your Mindset

   

• 22:34 Amplifying Student Voice in the Music Classroom

   

• 27:40 A Sneak Peek at Ashley’s Masterclass

   
• 30:43 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

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

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 Fan Mail

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into the power of proactive communication with parents, offering practical advice to foster trust and partnership with families. For music educators managing hundreds of students, Bryson breaks down how to make a big impact with small, thoughtful actions, from the initial welcome message to setting clear expectations for performances and events. Join in to learn how to build supportive relationships that smooth out tough conversations, reinforce positive student behavior, and create a stronger classroom community. This episode is packed with strategies that make communication easier and more effective—don’t miss it!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  1:54 Proactive Communication with New Families

   

• 4:55 Sending Positive Feedback

   

• 6:23 Effective Communication Around Performances

   

• 9:58 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 Fan Mail

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson tackles a common classroom challenge: what to do when things feel off in your classroom community. With relatable insights, he explores how a simple 'community reset' can bring students back on track, fostering empathy and refocusing their energy without derailing the lesson. Bryson shares his go-to methods for nurturing a collaborative atmosphere and navigating those tense moments with care. Tune in to discover practical, refreshing strategies for building a resilient and positive classroom atmosphere that keeps everyone learning together.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  2:27 The Concept of a Community Reset

•  4:59 Modeling Conflict Resolution

•  7:08 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 Fan Mail

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson is joined by Nick Dolan to explore the transformative power of community in the music classroom. Nick shares his journey from doing it all himself to empowering students as "little leaders," fostering responsibility, collaboration, and a deeper connection to music.

Together, they discuss practical ways to involve students in the music-making process and the impact these approaches have on building a strong classroom community. They also tackle the challenge of letting go of perfection and embracing the beautiful chaos that comes with student-driven performances.

Nick offers insights on engaging the broader school community—families included—in these collaborative experiences and previews his upcoming master class, where he’ll dive deeper into strategies for integrating leadership roles, enhancing collaboration, and aligning community-based practices with music standards.

Whether you’re looking to build stronger connections in your classroom or empower your students to take ownership of their learning, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  10:45 Strategies for Fostering Student Leadership in Music Education

   

• 17:43 Examples of Community-Based Music-Making for Early Learners

   

• 25:28 Key Takeaways from Dolan’s Masterclass

   
• 26:24 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Connect with Nick
• 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 Fan Mail

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into what he's most grateful for, sharing a heartfelt reflection on the incredible community of music educators and the journey of That Music Teacher. Tune in as he opens up about the rewarding—and sometimes challenging—path of supporting teachers both inside and outside the classroom. This candid, uplifting conversation is filled with encouragement and a reminder of the profound impact music teachers make every day.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  2:12 Reflecting on the Journey of That Music Teacher

•  5:30 Continuing the Impact Beyond the Classroom

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 Fan Mail

In this week’s episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into a practical conversation about finding and focusing on your non-negotiables. With a relatable, down-to-earth approach, he guides you through identifying those must-do tasks that keep us grounded, especially when the demands of teaching pile up. Bryson challenges you to cut through the noise and prioritize what truly matters—without sacrificing well-being in the process. Get ready to rethink how you spend your time and gain some insights on protecting your energy for the things that make the biggest impact in and out of the classroom.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  2:24 The Rocks Principle

•  5:36 Applying the Rocks Principle

•  7:00 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 Fan Mail

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson gets real about the challenges of balancing it all as a music teacher. He dives into the realities of burnout, offering refreshing advice on setting boundaries, focusing on what matters, and letting go of the pressure to be perfect. Tune in for an honest, empowering conversation on how to stay passionate about teaching without sacrificing your well-being.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  1:06 Let The Ball Drop

•  7:12 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Ready to thrive in the classroom and beyond? In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson welcomes teacher empowerment coach Grace Stevens for an inspiring conversation about achieving true work-life balance as an educator. Grace opens up about her path from corporate burnout to classroom fulfillment and shares practical tips to help you reclaim your time, reduce stress, and bring renewed energy to your teaching.

Together, they bust the myth of perfection and discuss how to make intentional choices, set boundaries, and integrate personal passions—all without sacrificing joy. Whether you’re looking to feel recharged or simply seeking a fresh perspective on your teaching career, this episode is packed with actionable steps and insights you won’t want to miss!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  4:24 Busting the Myth of Work-Life Balance

•  6:45 Common Misconceptions

•  11:48 Grace's Unique Approach to Finding Balance

•  15:41 The Power of Leaving Work at Work

•  22:34 Grace's Top 3 Tips for Taking Control

•  28:24 Takeaways

Links and Resources: 

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

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 Fan Mail

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson shares one of his favorite classroom hacks: a simple yet powerful 4-point rubric that he uses for every type of assessment in his music classroom. From vocal performance to rhythm and everything in between, this universal rubric helps him assess consistently and efficiently, all while gathering meaningful insights into student progress. Bryson explains how this streamlined system works, why it’s so effective, and how you can use it to simplify your assessments without sacrificing depth. He also offers tips on addressing administrator concerns and using the data to show how much your students are learning. If you’re looking for a way to make assessments easier and more impactful, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction

•  2:09 The Benefits of a Universal Rubric

•  2:54 Bryson’s Four-Point Rubric

•  4:33 Addressing Administrative Concerns

•  7:29 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!