FVPC 202 | Early Childhood Music with Ben Bowen {fullvoicemusic.com}

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/202/ ⭐

In episode 202, Nikki Loney welcomes award-winning childhood music educator and composer Ben Bowen to discuss the life-long impact of music education. This conversation explores the benefits of music for all ages and how Ben’s pop, rock, folk, and jazz melodies inspire and connect singers of every generation.

You’ll hear about Ben’s unique approach to creating music that resonates across all age groups, get a sneak peek at some of his favourite tunes (including never-before-heard songs), and discover how music education can uplift and enrich lives for a lifetime.

🔹 [12:30] The importance of early childhood music

🔹 [27:30] Creatively fulfilling kids' music, lyric discovery, and helping parents sing to their kids

🔹 [41:40] Ben's new album and the recording process

🔹 [55:12] Facilitating the creative process with your students

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Waiting for the Moon https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/waiting-for-the-moon/

🔗 Summer Samba https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/summer-samba-by-ben-bowen/

🔗 Ben’s Music on Bandcamp https://mrben.bandcamp.com/

⭐ MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

All Songs composed and performed by Ben Bowen

▶️ Sing

▶️ Waiting for the Moon

▶️ Snowball Fight

▶️ Here Comes the Train

▶️ Dinosaurs

⭐ SPECIAL OFFERS:

Save 20% off all FULL VOICE Online Courses with code: PODCAST https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/online-courses/

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Ben has been working with kids for 30 years and running preschool music classes since 2009. He has released seven full-length albums, the most recent of which was nominated for Best Children's Album at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Last year, he won a City of Hamilton Arts Award, was invited to join the Recording Academy (the Grammys), and served on the jury for the CFMAs. He performs at venues and festivals all year and is slated to release his eighth studio album this year.

🔹website: www.mrbensmusic.ca

🔹instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbensmusic

🔹Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrbensmusic

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MrBensMusic

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

⭐ Discover Ben’s Music in the FULL VOICE Song Library: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/songs/?_song_page_search=Ben+Bowen

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released Jan 31, 2025

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

In this special year-end episode, Nikki Loney welcomes back Steve Ferrell, a therapeutic counsellor, meditation expert, and yoga instructor, to discuss self-care strategies for busy educators. This conversation explores the distinction between soothing activities (that temporarily distract) and restorative practices (that truly replenish). You’ll gain practical tips for weaving moments of restoration into your day, even amid a packed schedule.

3:00 – How can we keep ourselves healthy while holding space for others?

13:30 – Meditation practice, grounding yourself

19:57 – Dealing with frenetic student energy, being an empathetic helper, bypassing vs. “that’s not mine.”

27:20 – Tools to use for perspective-shifting

33:28 – Regulating your nervous system

40:52 – Learning to offer tools rather than blanket prescriptions

56:16 – Emotional Intelligence

1:06:13 – Burnout, self-care, and recovery vs. soothing

This year-end episode is a must-listen for any teacher seeking balance, resilience, and joy in their teaching journey. Let’s close the year by prioritizing ourselves so we can show up fully for our students and loved ones in the new year.

**About our Guest:**

Steve is a Therapeutic Counsellor and yoga/Meditation/Mindfulness teacher who works in Hamilton, Ontario, as well as nationally and internationally. He is a Husband to one and a father to two. He has a passion for all things physical and mental health. @movewellfeelgood

**Links Mentioned in this Episode**

Yoga Nidra

https://youtu.be/3bMP0NSwPgw?si=Glnl9XW8jrs-UmG4

Non-Sleep Deep Rest protocol

https://youtu.be/KHIbgSN2qAU?si=rMZdsDD0rJ6TOmGz

RULER brochure

https://www.rulerapproach.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RULER_Brochure.pdf

Share your teaching success stories: [email protected]

Looking for a challenging exercise? (Not for your students, but for you?) Business Expert Michelle Markwart Deveaux takes us through an essential training strategy to help you discover (or rediscover) the "WHY" in your business.

What is Institutional Memory?

Often informal and intangible, organizational memory constitutes the body of knowledge and know-how an organization has accumulated throughout its history. It is a repertoire of collective knowledge found in an organization's functioning, practices, events, decisions, and interpretation models, which ensures its harmonious and efficient functioning. To this end, title represents essential capital.

Why is Institutional Memory important?

Intention, intention, intention.

Self-awareness.

Better decision making.

Culture building, brand building

**Key takeaway:** More money with less anxiety.

About our guest:

Michelle Markwart Deveaux uses her background as a performer and director to make business less annoying. As a facilitator, coach, and consultant, she helps those in decision making roles re-discover their generosity and playfulness, while maintaining high standards of integrity, inclusivity, and sustainable business practice. Michelle has taught workshops and delivered keynotes for places such as University of Utah, New England Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, The Women’s Networking Alliance, and the National Association of the Teachers of Singing. She is the founder of The SpeakEasy Cooperative®, a company dedicated to teaching artists how to own businesses in a culture of on-demand entertainment and embarrassingly awful residuals. Michelle and her husband are raising their two amazing kiddos to be deep thinkers and strong leaders through careful study of The Fugees, Star Trek, and the MCU.

Find and Follow Michelle

https://www.facebook.com/thespeakeasycooperative

https://www.instagram.com/thespeakeasycooperative

Thank you to all our listeners! Without you, we would have NEVER made it to episode 200.

😄

In Episode 199 of the FULL VOICE Podcast, Dr. Jenevora Williams joins us to discuss her upcoming book, "Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults," releasing in late November. We'll explore her research and practical approach to vocal pedagogy for young singers. A must-listen for voice teachers and music educators looking to deepen their understanding of working with developing voices.

In our first interview of Season 9, Donna and Nikki discuss all things Christmas and Winter concert related. From when to start planning, tips for successful first performances, Donna and Nikki’s favourite songs, and even ideas for teachers who don’t like planning concerts, this episode is brimming with repertoire and planning ideas! Composer and music educator Donna Rhodenizer brings her sage advice and gentle, creative spirit to the Full Voice Podcast.

🎶 Music Mentioned In This Episode

👼 Christmas - Sacred

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

“Silent Night”

🎅 Christmas - Secular

“Hey Santa, Ho Santa!”

“It’s A Busy Busy Time of Year”

“Mister Santa, I’ve Been Good”

“Peace On Earth”

☃️ Winter

“It’s Snowing (Oh Yes!)/(Oh No!)”

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/its-snowing-oh-yes-oh-no-by-donna-rhodenizer

“Four Snow Friends”

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/four-snow-friends-by-donna-rhodenizer

“When Winter”

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/when-winter-changing-seasons

“Hot Chocolate Warmup Song”

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/hot-chocolate-warm-up-print

“Snowflakes”

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/snowflakes-by-donna-rhodenizer-2

“Skating”

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/skating-by-donna-rhodenizer

“Winter Fantasy” - Jill Galina

https://www.jwpepper.com/Winter-Fantasy/1427228.item?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjNS3BhChARIsAOxBM6rxtCEw0ve688xfAQG8PiuUoqz09hasAGhz6tTf5Cwg0kfd6Qngk8oaAo7iEALw_wcB

🌵 Honourable Mention

“Cactus Song”, "Itty Bitty Pretty Kitty Unicorn", and "Waiting for the Moon" on the Full Voice website

“Someone Like Me” from Blue Skies and Pirates song collection (watch on YouTube)

“It’s Raining Cats and Dogs”

🎻 Composers and Performers

Donna & Andy’s new CD!

https://donnaandandy.com/product/a-jolly-bunch-are-we-donna-andy-cd/

Theresa Jennings Music K-8 https://www.musick8.com/

The FULL VOICE Podcast with Nikki Loney offers voice pedagogy, business strategies, and best practices for professional voice teachers. The season eight recap episode highlights inspirational teacher takeaways from last season. Season Nine begins September 27th, 2024

Are You Inspired or Tired? In the season eight finale of the FULL VOICE Podcast, we explore the journey of building a business you love. Nikki offers personal and professional development tips to help teachers enhance their businesses and achieve a better work/life balance. Tune in for inspiration, considerations, and practical advice to end your season on a high note.

Thank you for tuning into the FULL VOICE Podcast! Stay tuned for season nine, launching in September 2024.

Links mentioned in this episode:

⌚Live Office Hours

A monthly Q&A for voice teachers. Watch recorded episodes on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4wQD9rI8P8xP3Wu14W980A

Questions for Voice Teachers:

What were the highlights of your teaching year?

What were the challenges in your teaching year?

Do you need to raise your rates? (probably!)

(Bethany DOUBLED her rates:

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/187 )

What are your numbers?

⭐Training and Professional Development

July 1st to 15th - Save 20% off of online courses and workshops

🎁 Use the coupon code: FVLEARN https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/on-sale

Ultimate Music Theory

https://ultimatemusictheory.com/

FREE/Low-Cost Professional Development

Podcasts

The Voice Culture

https://open.spotify.com/show/3wB0NFJ4N0oNatrZtBd2kB

This is a Voice - Jeremy Fisher and Dr Gillyanne Kayes

https://vocalprocess.co.uk/this-is-a-voice-podcast/

Substack (Newsletters)

https://substack.com/

Books

Day Trading Attention by Gary V

https://garyvaynerchuk.com/attention/

Online Courses

FULL VOICE Music Online Courses

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/online-courses

Dr. Shannon Coates Voice Ped Learning Library

https://drshannoncoates.com/the-voiceped-101-library/

The Speakeasy Cooperative

https://thespeakeasycooperative.com/

Teach Music Online community with Carly Walton

https://www.teachmusic.online/

⭐Free Webinar with Carly

https://www.teachmusic.online/challenge

Systems and Software for Teachers

Scheduling software:

MyMusicStaff https://www.mymusicstaff.com/

Acuity https://www.acuityscheduling.com/

Fons

https://fons.com/

Personal Artistic Development

Jessica Baldwin

https://truecolorscreativity.com/the-singers-guide

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/172-creativity-coaching

Sarah Rockwood

https://www.rockwoodalchemy.com/

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/189/

Work/Life Balance

Death to the 30-minute Lesson (Blog)

Want more life/work balance?

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/death-to-the-30-minute-private-lesson

National Association of Teachers of Singing

NATS https://www.nats.org/

Voice Teachers for Young Singers Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/VoiceTeachersforYoungSingers

Thank you for listening - Season Nine of the FULL VOICE Podcast returns in September 2024

Social media expert Karen Michaels shares the latest updates on social media platforms. This conversation covers the new "pay-to-play" features for authenticating Meta accounts, Social Media Optimization (SMO), Substack, and inspirational best practices for teachers using social media to promote and celebrate their businesses.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Registration for the 2024 NATS Convention in Knoxville, Tennessee, June 28th to July 2nd, 2024

Hurry! Registration deadline June 3rd

https://www.nats.org/knoxville2024.html

FULL VOICE Music Live Office Hours - Introducing Vocal Jazz Music to Singers with Mim Adams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFEoCxkVncY&t=916

New! Introductory Jazz Workshops - July 15th and 22nd

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/workshops/

Substack https://substack.com/

Find and follow Karen on IG

https://www.instagram.com/socialbutterflygroup/?hl=en

Frustrated teachers, this one's for you. In episode 194, we're addressing the ongoing challenges of practice and turning them into opportunities. We'll explore ways to enhance our instruction, improve communication with families, and create more inclusive spaces.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Tera Sumpter

https://www.instagram.com/terasumpter_slp/

Episode 169 | Happy Hormones for Learning with Dr. Jenevora Williams

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/169-happy-hormones-for-learning/

Free Teacher Workshops (Live Office Hours)

Sign up for the VIP Teacher Newsletter and be the first to know about new releases, and sign up for Live Office Hours

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/about-us/vip-newsletter-signup/

Our special guest is Amelia Carr, an accomplished performer, vocal coach, and singing teacher based in London, UK. Amelia focuses on guiding children and young singers in the professional musical theatre industry. With a specialized emphasis on performance anxiety, she brings forth a wealth of experience in this field, having recently concluded extensive research on the subject. In episode 193, Amelia identifies key insights from her research, sharing practical strategies for managing performance anxiety. Additionally, she offers valuable insight into maintaining optimal vocal health for young performers navigating the demands of the industry.

About our Guest

Amelia is a vocal coach specializing in working with young voices in the professional musical theatre industry. Amelia has a keen interest in performance skills and recently completed a vast research project resulting in strategies for helping young performers with Performance-related Anxiety. Amelia is about to embark on a Medicinal Herbalist course, hoping to integrate another of her passions into her teaching practice. When outside of work in the real world, Amelia uses her newly acquired super skills to play the best role yet, Mumma to wee Hamish and enjoys exploring nature when taking time out.

Find and Follow Amelia

https://www.ameliacarrvoice.com/

@AmeliaCarrVoice on Insta and Facebook

FULL VOICE Music: Teacher Workshops in April 2024

Be sure to register for our upcoming teacher training workshops in April. Hurry! They do sell out.

Play-based Learning, Engagement, and Lesson Pacing in the Voice Studio

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/play-based-learning-engagement-and-lesson-pacing-workshop/

Vocal Growth and Change in Kids and Teens with Dr. Jenevora Williams

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/voice-growth-and-change-in-kids-and-teens-with-dr-jenevora-williams/