December is a glorious mess of holiday festivities mixed with crazy busy schedules. So, how can you stay sane in the middle of it all? Listen in as I describe what works best for me and how I fit breaks in.

We can learn a lot by the things that go right AND the things that go wrong. Through trial and error, you learn a lot about being flexible, what to do better for next time, and all about improving your leadership skills. In this episode, we'll unpack that a bit more to help you understand there are no perfect days or moments.

What does the word curriculum really mean? If I told you it's not just about the stuff, but about the how and why behind it, would you believe me? In this episode, we dive into not only what curriculum is, but also what it isn't. Take a listen and let's redefine the way you might view what curriculum is.

Where have I been the last 6 months? Listen in to find out what's been going on in my life and how I'm pivoting in my business and with this podcast.

This episode provides you practical advice on how to maximize the summer break. We discuss the importance of planning and scheduling activities, professional development opportunities, vacations, and even downtime.

You'll also learn the benefits of balancing work and relaxation, and the importance of personalizing your summer plans based on your needs and preferences. Tune in to get fresh ideas for your summer work and life balance!

In this candid episode, I share my insights and experiences of teaching music in your 40s. Drawing from my own journey, I shared very important lessons and how I've became more relaxed, learned to let go of others' opinions, and how I now view challenges as learning opportunities rather than failures.

I also talk a little bit about the differences between teaching in my 20s and now, offering valuable lessons for young teachers and those considering getting into teaching later in life. Listen in for an honest, encouraging discussion about growth, change, and staying true to yourself in your teaching journey.

In this episode, I discuss the challenges and successes I've faced, my strategies for assessing students' musical understanding, and how I plan to improve my lesson planning and execution for the next school year.

I also provide you with advice on self-assessment and dealing with perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of viewing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Tune in for practical tips and encouragement on your music teaching journey.

In this episode, we delve into the rich connections between Jamaican music and the Orff approach, with our guest, Javel Perriel.

Javel shares his unique journey of integrating these elements in his music teaching practice. From discussing how he uses reggae music in his Orff instruction to explaining the creation of his book, which beautifully merges STEM science, technology, engineering, and math with music and literacy, Javel provides valuable insights. He also offers advice to music teachers on incorporating cultural music into their classrooms and incorporating STEM into their music lessons.

This is a must-listen for teachers seeking innovative ways to enrich their music classrooms.

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In this episode, I go a little bit anecdotal and take you on a reflective journey through this school year. Throughout the episode, I discussed strategies that worked well in my music teaching, from integrating various teaching methods to building strong relationships with students, as well as the importance of planning and how it contributes to smoother lessons and performances.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for music teachers like me out there looking for practical tips and inspiration for their next school year.

In this episode of The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast, we have a fun and educational chat with Jesse Mell and Travien Bryson about the awesome and effective music teaching method of bucket drumming.

The discussion covers the ins and outs of their unique teaching method, using food rhythms to teach complex syncopation to beginners, and the importance of tactile learning experiences. They also explore their new book and curriculum, which brings bucket drumming into classrooms, community centers, and churches, opening up an exciting new pathway for both music teachers and non-music teachers alike.

Our guests are two veteran Philadelphia school district teachers - Jesse Mell and Travien Bryson - who joined forces in 2021 to create a math learning system that would help Black and Brown kids close the achievement gap. Food bEatz is a proprietary learning system that helps kids master addition and multiplication with rapping, beat-making, and competitive game play.

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