3 Ways to Fight Exhaustion in the Music Classroom

Are you ready to fight exhaustion in the music classroom and reclaim your energy? In this episode, we tackle a common dilemma faced by music teachers: how to manage the overwhelming demands of teaching up to 16 classes a day without completely burning out. From constant student interactions to endless lesson planning, the challenges can feel insurmountable. But don’t worry—help is here! I’m sharing three practical and effective tips that will empower you to prioritize your well-being while maintaining a positive and productive classroom environment.

Discover how brain breaks can re-energize both you and your students, why taking a real lunch break (yes, away from your classroom!) can make a huge difference, and how you can draft other people to teach your class (really but not the way you think) and lighten your teaching load without compromising quality. These strategies are all about helping you fight exhaustion in the music classroom so you can continue doing what you love with joy and energy. Tune in for actionable advice and a refreshing perspective on navigating the busiest days with ease! 🎶

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What We Talked About:

Curriculum Map Guide - Musical Maps

Quaver - digital resources

MusicPlay Online - digital resources

Microphone for your classroom

Mr. Henry's Music World YouTube Channel

George Meets the Orchestra

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/academy

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

🎶 Running Your Elementary Choir - 3 Mistakes Music Teachers Make 🎶

In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, Jeanette teams up with Bethany Main to tackle the chaos of running your elementary choir. Drawing from years of trial and error, they share the top three mistakes music teachers often make—and how to fix them. From not keeping rehearsals moving to showing up without a plan, these missteps can leave you (and your choir) feeling frustrated. And let’s not forget the challenge of choosing music that’s both doable and exciting for your students.

Jeanette and Bethany also talk about how to use the same strategies and tools that work in the general music classroom to bring structure and success to your choir rehearsals. Spoiler alert: neither of them had it all figured out in the beginning, and that’s okay! Their journey of learning through trial and error inspired their upcoming workshop, Keeping the Harmony in Your Choir Rehearsal, where they’ll share actionable tips, tricks, and resources to help you skip the trial-and-error phase entirely.

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What We Talked About:

Sign up for our workshop, Keeping the Harmony in Your Choir.

Interview with Bethany Main

Bethany’s picture book, Our First Day of Music

Message Bethany on her Instagram Account

Message Jeanette on her Instagram Account

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Links to grab FREEBIES & Ways to Work with Me:   

Curriculum Map Guide - Musical Maps

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/academy

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Winter Storybooks for the Music Classroom

In this brand-new monthly episode, I’m sharing my favorite winter-themed books and how you can use them to inspire meaningful lessons in your music classroom! This month, I’m highlighting The Mitten, The Snowy Day, and Owl Moon—each paired with creative activities that help students explore music concepts in an engaging, hands-on way. These ideas are perfect for sparking your students’ imaginations while teaching essential music skills.

Learn how Owl Moon can help you teach the concept of loud and soft while incorporating movement that brings the story to life. Dive into The Mitten to introduce instrument exploration and proper playing techniques, making your classroom a place of discovery and wonder. And don’t miss how The Snowy Day can encourage your students to explore dynamics by imitating the different sounds snow makes. Get ready for lesson ideas that blend music, storytelling, and winter magic in this cozy and creative episode! 🎶

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What We Talked About:

January’s Storybook recommendations (Winter Theme)

The Mitten, by Jan Brett

The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats

Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen

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Links to grab FREEBIES & Ways to Work with Me:   

Curriculum Map Guide - Musical Maps

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/academy

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Storybook Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

Follow me on TikTok: @thehappymusicteacher

These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Ready to hit the reset button and kick off your new semester with clarity and creativity? This episode of The Happy Music Teacher podcast is all about giving you the tools to refresh your curriculum and lesson plans so you can tackle the second half of the school year like a pro. We'll dive into how reflecting on the past semester can help you refine your teaching approach and align your lessons with big-picture goals, music standards, and your students' needs. Plus, you'll learn how to identify the key skills and concepts to focus on and create a flexible roadmap that breaks your semester into engaging themes and units.

In the second segment, I’ll take you step-by-step through the art of lesson planning. From crafting the perfect warm-up to delivering new material in a way that truly resonates, you’ll learn how to keep your students engaged and excited. We'll cover how to incorporate hands-on practice, wrap up with meaningful closure, and use reusable frameworks like Orff and Kodály to streamline your planning. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just looking for a fresh start, this episode is packed with practical tips to make your life easier and your classroom more vibrant. Don't miss it! 🎧✨

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What We Talked About:

Curriculum Map Guide - Musical Maps

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/academy

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Are you ready to enjoy your holiday break while actually feeling rested? In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we’re exploring how savvy music teachers actually get rest during their holiday break. Let’s face it: as teachers, it’s all too easy to let work, family obligations, and last-minute to-dos fill every moment of our break. But rest is crucial—not just for your well-being, but for your students who rely on you to be energized and inspired when you return.

Discover three simple yet effective strategies to protect your time and create space for relaxation. We’ll cover how to set clear boundaries, pick activities that truly recharge you, and even squeeze in a little low-pressure prep for the new year. These are practical tips designed to help you enjoy your holiday break without guilt or stress. Tune in and learn how savvy music teachers make the most of their time off!

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What We Talked About:

Mr. Henry Activities for the last week before your break:

Rudolph Bucket Drumming

Moana Music Adventure

The Elf Rap

Four Corners Holiday Edition

Get help planning with our curriculum map guide, Musical Maps

 Storybook Spotlight Club for Teachers who want to integrate music with literacy skills.  2 whole weeks of done-for-you activities centered around a fantastic storybook.

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/academy

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

🎄 Holiday Tips for Music Teachers: Surviving the Season with Joy and Ease! 🎶

The holiday season is a whirlwind for music teachers, filled with concerts, rehearsals, and endless to-dos both at school and at home. In this episode, I’m sharing essential holiday tips for music teachers to help you stay organized, reduce stress, and find joy amidst the chaos. From clever scheduling solutions to tech tools that simplify rehearsal prep, you’ll discover strategies to lighten your workload and make the season more manageable.

But let’s not forget the heart of it all—bringing joy to your students and their families! Learn how to keep your students engaged with meaningful music choices and fun rehearsal techniques while staying focused on the true spirit of the season. Whether you’re navigating tight schedules, holiday shopping, or preparing for the big performance, these holiday tips for music teachers will empower you to balance it all with ease and confidence. 🎤✨

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The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/academy

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Time-Saving Strategies for Planning Your Music Activities

Transform your planning process with time-saving strategies for planning your music lessons! 🎶 In this episode, we focus on two essential tools to help music teachers stay organized and efficient: time blocking and task prioritization. Discover how creating a structured weekly or monthly calendar can help you carve out uninterrupted planning time and reduce stress. By taking a proactive approach to your schedule, you’ll have more time to focus on what matters most—your students and their musical growth.

We also explore the "top three" method, which encourages you to focus on the three most important tasks each day. Whether you’re choosing repertoire, organizing instrument rotations, or refining classroom routines, these time-saving strategies for planning your music lessons will make your workload feel more manageable and your planning process more effective. Tune in for actionable tips that will simplify your teaching and leave you feeling more confident and prepared! 🎵

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What We Talked About:

Musical Maps Curriculum Maps

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

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These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Streamline your music classroom planning with this insightful podcast episode designed to help music teachers tackle the unique challenges of lesson preparation. In this episode, we discuss why having a structured plan for planning is essential to reducing stress and saving time throughout the school year. From defining your teaching vision to setting clear student goals, you’ll learn how to create a foundation for effective and impactful lessons. Discover how to align your objectives with actionable tasks and measurable outcomes, empowering both you and your students to achieve success.

We also dive into the critical process of organizing your planning with strategies like time blocking and prioritizing tasks. Learn how to maximize your efficiency by focusing on the "top three" daily tasks that matter most in your music classroom. Whether you're new to planning or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers practical tools and tips to help you streamline your music classroom planning and set the stage for a smoother, more productive teaching experience. Tune in and transform the way you plan! 🎶

What We Talked About:

Musical Maps Curriculum Maps

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

Follow me on TikTok: @thehappymusicteacher

These show notes may contain Affiliate links to certain products.  The Happy Music Teacher receives a percentage of the sales of these products.

Holiday Stress Relief for Elementary Music Teachers

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for elementary music teachers, and the pressure of performances, rehearsals, and year-end activities can cause stress. In this episode, we explore simple, quick self-care practices that can help you stay calm and energized despite the chaos. From deep breathing techniques to mini desk stretches, we offer strategies that will fit into even the busiest days. These practices are designed to be easy to do in between classes or rehearsals and take only a few minutes to implement.

We also talk about the importance of resetting with activities like listening to your favorite song to quickly boost your mood and reduce stress. These techniques are perfect for music teachers who often feel overwhelmed during the holiday season, and they are effective in fostering better focus and relaxation. Tune in to discover practical ways to prioritize your well-being and maintain your energy levels, ensuring you finish the holiday season feeling refreshed and ready for the new year.

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What We Talked About:

Concert Season Playbook

Blog Concert Season Playbook - 7 Strategies to Simplify Your Holiday Prep

Podcast Concert Season Playbook - 7 Strategies to Simplify Your Holiday Prep

Another blog about concert season - Concert Crunch Time - 3 Strategies for the Elementary Music Teacher

Fun music playlist for your dance breaks.

Relaxing Music for additional stress relief

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is always open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

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Transcription:

Five Ways Music Help Kids Learn and Grow 

In this episode, we dive into how music impacts children’s learning and development. Music not only entertains but also strengthens cognitive abilities, enhances brain growth, and boosts focus. We explore how learning music encourages creativity, improves memory, and helps with language skills. By incorporating music into the classroom, teachers can unlock a wide range of benefits that extend far beyond just playing notes.

We also share expert insights, including research from renowned scholars such as Dr. Anita Collins, who highlights how music can increase student engagement and improve their overall academic performance. Through five practical ways that music helps kids learn and grow, you'll gain valuable tips for using music as a tool to support and enhance students’ educational experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the world of music education, this episode offers great takeaways to boost your classroom’s success.

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The Happy Music Teacher Academy is always open for new members! Learn more and join here: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy 

Send me an email: [email protected]

Visit my website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Sign up for my newsletter and receive THREE FREE Lesson Plans: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/lessonplansampler 

Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup

Follow me on IG: @thehappymusicteacher

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