Welcome back to our conversation with Laura Bartolomeo. In part one, Laura shared her journey, her teaching philosophy, and the heart behind her work. In this next segment, we shift into practical takeaways and big-picture thinking—the kind that sticks with you long after the episode ends.

This is our Nuggets of Fabulous section, where Laura shares simple ideas that create meaningful change in the music room. Small shifts. Big impact. The kind of advice every music teacher can use right away.

From there, we move into advocacy. Music educators often juggle tight schedules, limited resources, and a lot of responsibility. Laura offers grounded, realistic advice on how teachers can advocate for their programs and strengthen support—without adding more to their already-full plates.

And finally, we give Laura the floor for her soapbox moment. This is where she says the one thing she believes music educators most need to hear right now.

Let’s jump back in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻 Oodles of Music Website 

💻 Crescendo Music Education Website 

📘 Artful - Playful - Mindful by Jane Frazee

📘 The Kodaly Method by Lois Choksy

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

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Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Laura Bartolomeo, a veteran elementary music teacher with nearly 40 years of classroom experience. Laura is the creator of Oodles of Music, a trusted resource for elementary music educators looking for practical, time-saving lessons.

Laura focuses on Orff-inspired teaching that keeps students moving, creating, and making music together. She helps teachers plan faster, teach with confidence, and build lessons that work in real classrooms.

Through Oodles of Music, Laura shares ready-to-use activities, instrument-based lessons, and flexible teaching strategies. Her work supports sustainability, creativity, and joy in the music room.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻 Oodles of Music Website 

💻 Crescendo Music Education Website 

📘 Artful - Playful - Mindful by Jane Frazee

📘 The Kodaly Method by Lois Choksy

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

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In Part 1, Debbie and Beth shared the personal journeys behind their books. In this episode, the focus shifts to real-world impact and practical takeaways. This conversation centres on what happens after the book is written — when readers begin to change, reflect, and take action.

Using the same “my turn, your turn” format, Debbie and Beth respond to three powerful questions. They share reader stories that stopped them in their tracks. They reflect on the practices that matter most. They also discuss what they wish they had known before writing.

As always, each question ends with one clear takeaway. One small action you can take this week.

This episode delivers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas for music educators, creatives, and anyone working toward sustainable wellbeing. Small steps still matter. The ripple effects are real.

Let’s jump in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Crescendo Music Education Podcast Episodes with Beth Duhon: 

• 🎙️ Intro to "The Wellbeing Series"
• 🎙️ Rest and Recharge
• 🎙️ The Commute
• 🎙️ Fuel Your Body
• 🎙️ Vocal Health
• 🎙️ Movement
• 🎙️ The Comparison Trap

💻 Principal Lamb

📘 Happier Music Teacher: 50 Days to Being a Happier Music Teacher at Home and at School - by Beth Duhon

📘 Stalagmite Effect by Debbie O'Shea

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

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Today on the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, Debbie welcomes music educator, author, and wellbeing advocate Beth Duhon for Part 1 of a special two-episode series.

Beth brings more than 20 years of experience teaching early childhood, elementary, and secondary music, along with private instruction. She is the creator of Self Care for the Music Educator, the host of the Happier Music Teacher Podcast, and the author of Happier Music Teacher. Listeners may also recognise Beth from episodes 83 to 87, where we explored the wellbeing pillars of her book in depth.

This two-part series features an honest, “my turn, your turn” conversation between two music educator authors. Each episode focuses on three intentional questions. Both hosts answer each question. The format keeps the conversation clear, focused, and practical. Every question ends with one key takeaway: What’s one small action you can take this week?

In Part 1, Debbie and Beth share the personal stories behind their books. They reflect on the moments that led them to write. They discuss vulnerability, wellbeing, and the small choices that create lasting change. The conversation also explores how consistent action creates unexpected ripple effects over time.

This episode offers reflection, encouragement, and practical insight for music educators and creatives. Small steps matter. Growth starts there.

Let’s dive in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Crescendo Music Education Podcast Episodes with Beth Duhon: 

• 🎙️ Intro to "The Wellbeing Series"
• 🎙️ Rest and Recharge
• 🎙️ The Commute
• 🎙️ Fuel Your Body
• 🎙️ Vocal Health
• 🎙️ Movement
• 🎙️ The Comparison Trap

💻 Principal Lamb

📘 Happier Music Teacher: 50 Days to Being a Happier Music Teacher at Home and at School - by Beth Duhon

📘 Stalagmite Effect by Debbie O'Shea

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

Support the show

Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Today, we’re continuing our conversation with Ann Kay in Part 2 of this important discussion on early childhood music education.

In Part 1, Ann shared the research, results, and philosophy behind daily singing and musical fitness for young learners. In this episode, we shift the focus to advocacy, collaboration, and what it really takes to create lasting change. Ann and Debbie explore how music educators, classroom teachers, therapists, and parents can work together to make music a natural part of everyday life — not an add-on.

You’ll hear about Ann’s vision for a Musical Fitness Movement, the role of simplicity and consistency in music education, and why small habits, repeated daily, can transform classrooms, communities, and children’s lives.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education, literacy, and helping every child experience the joy and benefits of music, this conversation will inspire and energise you.

Let’s jump back in with Ann Kay.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

🎙️ Episode 48 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 1

🎙️ Episode 49 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 2

💻 Ann Kay’s Website and Resources:

• Rock ‘n’ Read Project
• Musical Fitness Assessment

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

Support the show

Today on the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, Debbie is joined by the inspiring Ann Kay for a rich conversation about early childhood music education, brain development, and the power of daily singing.

Ann is the author of A Song a Day and Brain Prep for Pre-Readers, and her work focuses on one powerful idea: small, consistent music-making habits can create extraordinary outcomes for young children. Drawing on research and real-world results, Ann shares how daily singing supports musical development, strengthens reading readiness, and rebuilds the nursery culture many children have lost.

In this episode, Debbie and Ann explore the connection between music, literacy, and brain development, reflect on successful early childhood initiatives like Rock and Read and Head Start, and discuss practical ways classroom teachers, music educators, and parents can bring singing back into everyday routines. 

This conversation is filled with insight, encouragement, and a shared belief that music isn’t an extra — it’s essential.

Let’s dive in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

🎙️ Episode 48 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 1

🎙️ Episode 49 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 2

💻 Ann Kay’s Website and Resources:

• Rock ‘n’ Read Project
• Musical Fitness Assessment

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

Support the show

Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Today, we’re continuing our conversation with the incredible Emma Dean in Part 2 of our Crescendo Chat.

In our first episode, Emma shared her journey as a musician, composer, choir leader, and creativity coach — and explored how music, community, and personal expression shape the work she does. In this episode, we go even deeper.

Part 2 dives into creative confidence, advocacy, and the role music educators play in creating spaces where every voice belongs. Emma shares practical insights, powerful reflections, and a few moments that will really stay with you — especially if you’re passionate about community singing, creativity in the classroom, or helping others find the courage to use their voice.

If you’re looking for inspiration, reassurance, or a reminder of why music matters so deeply, this conversation delivers.

Let’s jump back in with Emma Dean.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻  Rainbow Bop

Stay in Contact with Emma:

• Website - https://www.emmadean.com/
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Email - [email protected]

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

Support the show

Today on the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Emma Dean.

Emma is an award-winning Australian musician, composer, choir leader, and creativity coach whose work lives at the powerful intersection of music, community, and personal expression. Known for her genre-defying songwriting and compelling storytelling, Emma’s career spans performance, recording, theatre, and large-scale community singing — always with heart and purpose at the centre.

She is the founder of Cheep Trill, a wildly popular community choir movement creating joyful, inclusive spaces where people can sing together with no auditions, no pressure — just connection. Alongside her own albums and creative projects, Emma has recently contributed as a songwriter and vocalist to the globally loved children’s series Bluey, bringing warmth, musicality, and emotional depth to a show that has resonated with families around the world.

Emma is also a certified coach, supporting creatives to find confidence, clarity, and courage — both on stage and in life. Her work reminds us that creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about permission, belonging, and voice.

Emma, we’re so excited to have you with us today. Welcome to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻  Rainbow Bop

Stay in Contact with Emma:

• Website - https://www.emmadean.com/
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Email - [email protected]

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

Support the show

Welcome back to the show! Today, Aileen sits down with Debbie O’Shea for a powerful and inspiring conversation about her brand-new book, The Stalagmite Effect. Debbie shares the story behind the metaphor, the experiences that shaped the book, and how slow, steady growth can transform both teachers and students.

If you already know Debbie from her “Manipulatives in the Music Room” podcast, you’re going to love this deeper look into her thinking and the reflections that led her to write The Stalagmite Effect.

We also mention a few helpful links in this episode:

• “Manipulatives in the Music Room” podcast with Debbie O'Shea
• Register for “Together Sing”
• “The Stalagmite Effect” book
  • Buy on Balboa Press
  • Buy on Amazon

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

Support the show

In this episode, we’re diving into Part 2 of my conversation with the wonderful Daria — world music performer, educator, and cultural bridge-builder who has been sharing songs and traditions from around the globe for over four decades.

If you tuned into Part 1, you’ll remember we explored how music is learned in traditional cultures — how it’s woven into everyday life, passed down through families, stories, and community rituals. Today, we’re taking that conversation even further.

We’ll talk about what modern educators can learn from these natural, immersive approaches to music learning — how to bring more authenticity, inclusion, and connection into our classrooms. Daria also shares her thoughts on advocacy, representation, and how we can empower students to see themselves in the music they make.

It’s a rich, inspiring conversation that reminds us why music education matters — not just in the classroom, but in the heart of every community.

So let’s jump right in. Here’s Part 2 of my chat with Daria.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

🎙️ Episode 138 and 139

🎶 Bate Bate Chocolate

💻 Sign up HERE for Daria's Newsletter

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

Support the show