Welcome to the first episode in an exciting three-part series on teamwork and collaboration in the music room! I’m thrilled to introduce our guest speaker, Carmen Forgan—a dynamic educator and leader who brings a wealth of expertise to our conversation. In this series, we’ll explore how fostering strong, collaborative teams can transform your teaching practice and your students’ learning experiences.

In today’s episode, we kick things off by defining what it means to be a TEAM. For us, it’s all about Communication, Support, Vision, Growth, and Optimism. Carmen will share her strategies for bringing these values to life, both when working with colleagues and when guiding students. We’ll dive into how effective communication—like using tools such as OneNote—can save time, streamline collaboration, and keep everyone on the same page.

Biography of Carmen Forgan:
Carmen began her music education journey in the Education Queensland Instrumental Music Program. After completing high school, Carmen gained a Bachelor of Music (majoring in Clarinet) and Bachelor of Education and took a position as an Instrumental Music Teacher in Mareeba, Far North Queensland in 2001. After 3 years in this position, she returned to the Ipswich area to teach High School Classroom Music. Combining her love of music and travel, Carmen then spent 1-year teaching music in Manchester, UK. On returning to Australia, she taught Instrumental Music in the Ipswich area as well as private woodwind tuition. 

Carmen is very passionate about music education. Currently Carmen works at The Gap State School and The Gap State High School as an instrumental Music instructor.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:
✏️ OneNote

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Welcome to the final episode of our 2024 podcast series!

Today, we're diving into a reflective look at some beloved resources that I, Debbie,  only began using this year: Blowing in the Wind, Grizzly Bear, and A Little Seed.

We’ll explore why these resources, though new to my repertoire, have made such an impact—how they connect with students, elevate the music room experience, and contribute to my goals of fostering musical literacy and engagement.

Let’s celebrate the power of trying something new and the magic these songs can bring!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:
💨 Blowing in the Wind Lyric Video
🐻 Grizzly Bear Notation (view HERE)
🌹 A Little Seed Notation (view HERE)

Crescendo Episodes with Stephanie Leavell - Music for Kiddos
🎧 Music as a Tool for Childhood Success (Part 1 and Part 2)
💻 Music as a Tool for Childhood Success (Vodcast Part 1 and Vodcast Part 2)


Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Welcome to Part 2 of Decluttering Made Easy, where we dive deeper into the practical aspects of mastering the decluttering process. Building on the foundational principles explored in Part 1, this section is designed to equip you with effective strategies and actionable steps to tackle clutter head-on.

Let’s embark on this next phase together and transform your home or classroom into the clutter-free sanctuary you’ve always wanted!

Stay in touch with Amy:

• Instagram 
• FB Group
• Podcast on Spotify
• Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Links Mentioned in this Episode:
🎧 Podcast for Teachers
📘 Simply Organised

Where to find me:
Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

In today’s fast-paced world, creating a serene and organized living space is essential. Decluttering Made Easy is your go-to guide for simplifying the decluttering process and transforming your environment.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter or just want to streamline your space, Amy offers practical tips and straightforward strategies to help you reclaim your home or music classroom. 

Join us on this journey toward a clutter-free life, where simplicity leads to peace and fulfillment. Let’s get started!

Biography:
Amy Revell is a seasoned Declutter Coach and Professional Organiser, as well as an accomplished author and industry leader. She frequently shares her expertise on TV, radio, print media, podcasts, and live events, and is available for media appearances or expert commentary.

As the founder of The Art of Decluttering, Amy pursues her passion for organisation and decluttering every day. Her business offers decluttering and organising services to NDIS clients and others who feel overwhelmed and frustrated by clutter in their homes.

The Art of Decluttering is Australia’s leading decluttering podcast, boasting over 4 million downloads.

Stay in touch with Amy:
Website - https://www.theartofdecluttering.com.au/
Social Media:

• Instagram  
• FB
• Podcast on Spotify
• Become a Supporter HERE

Links Mentioned in this Episode:
📘 Simply Organised

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea

Welcome to our Teaching Tips series! Today we’re diving into the vibrant world of Tika Tika dance and how it can energize your music room.

Tika Tika isn’t just a fun rhythm; it’s a powerful tool for teaching movement, coordination, and musicality in an engaging way. Let’s get moving and make music education an unforgettable experience for your students!

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Welcome back to the Teaching Tips Series, where we share practical ideas to elevate your classroom experience! Today we have a delightful and quirky tool that’s sure to add some fun to your music class: a stuffed pig!

Now, you might be wondering—how can a plush pig help teach pitch? Well, this isn’t just any ordinary stuffed animal. We’re diving into the concept of "Pitch Pig,” a creative and engaging method that helps students grasp the fundamentals of pitch recognition and ear training.

Join us as we explore how this playful companion can make learning about pitch an unforgettable experience.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
🐷 Pig Stuffed Animal - IKEA

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Welcome to our Teaching Tips Series with Debbie! Today, we're excited to explore the creative world of using dice in your music classroom. This versatile tool can add an element of fun and spontaneity to your lessons, while also reinforcing key musical concepts. Whether you’re looking to enhance rhythm practice, encourage improvisation, or engage students in composition, dice can provide endless possibilities.

Get ready to roll the dice and inspire your students in ways they’ll love!

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
🎶 Stuart Gillard Choral Music - Tititi Tum- Crazy Compound Time Capers

⭐️ Board Type Games:

• Rhythm Race Around the World (Forte)
• Rhythm Race Around the World (Fortissimo)
• Rhythm Race Around the World (Sforzato)

🎲 Roll the Dice Game 

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Welcome back to the Crescendo Education Podcast where we continue our captivating conversation with the acclaimed Australian composer and arranger, Joe Twist.

Get ready for another round of inspiring insights and behind-the-scenes revelations as we continue our exploration of Joe Twist’s remarkable musical world. Let’s dive in!

Biography:
Australian composer/arranger Joe Twist is one of the most ‘in demand’ composers in Australia and abroad (Limelight Magazine). Straddling film music and concert music arenas, his music crosses genres including ancient vocal music, opera, contemporary orchestral music, jazz, music theatre and cabaret. Twist has received wide acclaim for his music for film and television including the successful animated series Bluey, as well as arrangements and orchestrations for many major motion pictures produced in Hollywood. He has created music for many renowned international artists and ensembles such as Moby and The Wiggles, and his work have been performed and recorded by the world’s greatest orchestras, including collaborations with The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Hollywood Scoring Orchestra and all major Symphony Orchestras in Australia. Twist’s works appear on numerous commercial recordings including Twist’s own album Dancing With Somebody.

For full biography click HERE. 

Stay in touch with Joe:

• Website: https://joetwist.com/
• Facebook
• X
• Soundcloud
• YouTube
• Spotify

Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Grumpiest Boy in the World
SingScore - Joe Twist

Where to find me:
Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Joe’s music has left an indelible mark on both film and concert stages. You might know his work from the beloved animated series Bluey and The Strange Chores, or from his intricate orchestrations and arrangements in Hollywood’s major motion pictures. His versatility shines through in his collaborations with a diverse array of artists, from Moby to The Wiggles, and his compositions have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Today, we’ll explore Joe’s journey through film and concert music, delve into his creative process, and hear stories from his remarkable career. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we unravel the musical tapestry of Joe Twist.

Biography:
Australian composer/arranger Joe Twist is one of the most ‘in demand’ composers in Australia and abroad (Limelight Magazine). Straddling film music and concert music arenas, his music crosses genres including ancient vocal music, opera, contemporary orchestral music, jazz, music theatre and cabaret. Twist has received wide acclaim for his music for film and television including the successful animated series Bluey, as well as arrangements and orchestrations for many major motion pictures produced in Hollywood. He has created music for many renowned international artists and ensembles such as Moby and The Wiggles, and his work have been performed and recorded by the world’s greatest orchestras, including collaborations with The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Hollywood Scoring Orchestra and all major Symphony Orchestras in Australia. Twist’s works appear on numerous commercial recordings including Twist’s own album Dancing With Somebody.

For full biography click HERE. 

Stay in touch with Joe:

• Website: https://joetwist.com/
• Facebook
• X
• Soundcloud
• YouTube
• Spotify

Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Grumpiest Boy in the World
SingScore - Joe Twist

Where to find me:
Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Welcome back to part two of our conversation with the incredible Carol Fox! 

If you were inspired by part one, you won't want to miss this continuation as Carol shares more of her wisdom and practical advice for building confidence and achieving success. Let's get started!

Biography:
Carol is an accomplished leader and expert in the fields of elite sport performance, emergency services, and confident communication for leaders. With over thirty years of experience, Carol has worked with numerous organisations and individuals, guiding and inspiring them into effective, powerful, community-shaping action.

Carol is the co-author of the book Confident Communication for Leaders and the creator and founder of the program inspired by the book. Through her work, she helps leaders eliminate self-doubt and build more confidence, leading to positive interactions at work and successful outcomes.

Stay in touch with Carol:
FB
Instagram
Website

Links Mentioned in this Episode:
📕 Confident Communication for Leaders 

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb