Ever feel like the only teacher in the building who isn’t in the loop?

Connecting with colleagues and feeling respected as part of your school team can be a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I chat with Kurtis Hewson about how music teachers can play a key role in collaborative response teams and build stronger connections with their schools.

Learn how to get involved in school-wide discussions, share your unique insights, and gain the respect you deserve as an essential part of student success.

You’ll walk away with:

🎶 A clear understanding of what collaborative response teams do

🎶 Strategies for making your voice heard as a music teacher

🎶 Practical ways to connect with colleagues and advocate for your students

It’s time to move from feeling isolated to feeling valued! Listen now! 🎧

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What we talked about:

• Overview of Collaborative Response article - https://bit.ly/CR-overview
• Introductory Chapter of the book Collaborative Response - https://bit.ly/CR-intro

"Building a Culture of Collaboration" podcast. This podcast focuses on how to build, strengthen and sustain strong cultures of collaboration in their organizations.

How to get in touch with Kurtis: jigsawlearning.ca

The Happy Music Teacher Academy is now open for new members! Learn more and join here.

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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Check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Students bouncing off the walls? 🌸☀️

Keeping them engaged this time of year can feel like a losing battle, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back!

In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we’re diving into the best spring books to bring into your music classroom. These books aren’t just cute—they’ll have your students singing, moving, and actually paying attention (yes, really!).

Whether you need a fresh lesson idea or a way to calm the chaos, these books will be your new besties.

You'll discover some must-have titles that bring rhythm, movement, and musical connections to life, creative ways to use them beyond just reading, and easy activities that make your students excited to learn—without extra prep for you.

Tune in now and add some fresh energy to your music lessons this spring! Because let’s be real—you deserve a lesson that practically teaches itself! 🎶🌼

Ever wish you had a secret diary full of tried-and-true tips to make your music teaching life easier? What if you could get a bunch of them—all in one place?

Teaching music is an incredible job, but let’s be real—it can also be exhausting. Between lesson planning, classroom management, and keeping students engaged, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why, to celebrate my 100th episode, I asked tons of amazing music teachers to spill their best tips for staying happy, sane, and inspired in the classroom. And let me tell you, they delivered!

🎶 Creative, time-saving hacks that actually work (because who has time for fluff?)

🎶 Simple mindset shifts that will keep you loving your job, even on those days

🎶 Classroom-tested engagement strategies that make students and teachers happy

Hit play now and grab a notebook—you’re about to get a ton of brilliant ideas to make your music classroom a happier, more joyful place!

Teaching Tiny Musicians can be both adorable and overwhelming. Do you dread the days when PreK or Kinder walk through your door? I get it—I used to feel the same way until I figured out how to capture their attention and keep them engaged. In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, I’m sharing my top tips for making music magic with your littlest learners.

🎶 1. Use Your Kind Words: Compliment like it’s candy! Point out positive behaviors to reinforce them (e.g., “I love how Jaden is sitting up straight and tall. I can tell he’s listening!”).

🎶 2. Spend Less Time Talking: Long explanations lead to lost attention. Instead, model the activity while singing—it keeps them engaged and focused.

🎶 3. Keep Things Moving: Sing your transitions! Whether forming a circle or changing activities, singing instructions keeps students engaged and maintains the flow of the lesson.

Say goodbye to Sunday scaries! With these strategies, Teaching Tiny Musicians can become the highlight of your week. Tune in and learn how to create music magic every single time! 🎶

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What we talked about:

Alpaca Stretchy Fidget Toys

Long & Short stretchy activity video

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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 Spice Up Your Lessons for Big Kids in the Elementary Music Room

Want to spice up your music lessons for big kids but find that fun activities quickly turn into chaos? In this episode of The Happy Music Teacher, we’re tackling how to keep the excitement without losing control. Big kids can be a tough crowd, but with the right structure, you can make your lessons engaging while maintaining order. I’m sharing three simple strategies to help you set clear expectations so your students stay focused and respectful—even during the most exciting activities.

Here’s how to make it work:

🎶 Give clear rules – Keep it simple with two or three non-negotiable rules to guide behavior.

🎶 Set expectations – Let students know exactly what respectful participation looks like.

🎶 Follow through with consequences – Outline what will happen if students don’t meet expectations.

With these steps in place, you can spice up your music lessons for big kids while keeping the peace and making learning fun. Tune in to hear how to make it happen in your classroom! 🎧🎶

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What we talked about:

Online Time for Centers

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 

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Engage Your Music Class with Brain Breaks and Play-Alongs

Looking to revolutionize your elementary music classroom with more engaging activities and fun for everyone, even you? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Brielle D'Souza, the creative force behind the YouTube channel, Music with Brielle.  On her channel, Brielle creates engaging video play-alongs and brain breaks that transform how students experience music education. Discover how this innovative teacher has crafted resources that seamlessly blend movement, music, and mindfulness to keep young learners focused and energized throughout their lessons.

In this episode, Brielle shares her expert insights on implementing these dynamic tools in your own classroom, revealing how strategic brain breaks can actually enhance learning rather than interrupt it. She breaks down her most successful video play-alongs and explains how they've become game-changers for music teachers struggling with student engagement. Whether you're a seasoned music educator or new to the classroom, you'll walk away with practical strategies to create those magical moments where students are both having fun and deepening their musical understanding. Don't miss this chance to transform your teaching toolkit and bring fresh energy to your music room!

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Brielle’s YouTube Channel

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

Follow me on TikTok: @thehappymusicteacher 

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February Books for Music Class

In this episode, we're diving into three powerful storybooks perfect for February: Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli, My Heart by Corinna Luyken, and Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter. These stories beautifully connect with themes of kindness, fitting in, and resilience while offering creative ways to bring literacy and music together in your classroom. From Valentine’s Day lessons that celebrate love and connection to meaningful discussions about Black History Month, these books are the perfect way to foster both creativity and understanding.

You’ll hear lesson plan ideas that include a “tiny melody” and movement words to bring Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch to life, an improvisation activity inspired by My Heart to explore emotions and choices, and a thoughtful approach to teaching Follow the Drinking Gourd that ties in history, song, and purpose. These activities are designed to spark engagement and connect students to music in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to celebrate kindness, discuss historical topics, or inspire emotional growth, these stories have something for everyone. 🎵

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What We Talked About:

February Storybook recommendations 

Follow the Drinking Gourd, by Jeanette Winter

My Heart, by Corinna Luyken

Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch, by Eileen Spinelli

My original song, Love is Everywhere

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Links to grab FREEBIES & Ways to Work with Me:   

Join my email community & get three FREE lesson plans

 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 discover how to increase engagement in the music room? In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips for using friendly competition to spark excitement and participation among your students. We’ll dive into why competition works and explore strategies like gamifying your lessons, dividing students into groups, and even turning quizzes into fun musical challenges. Whether it’s “Me vs. Them” games, school-wide competitions, or behavior challenges that keep students focused and motivated, these ideas are perfect for creating a classroom environment where kids are excited to learn.

We’ll also talk about how to keep the competition friendly and low-pressure while still making it fun and impactful. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies for transforming your music room into a space where students thrive through collaboration, teamwork, and a little friendly rivalry. Don’t miss out on these actionable ideas that will help you engage your students like never before! 🎶

PS: Love this episode? Be sure to subscribe to The Happy Music Teacher podcast for more tips and tricks for your music classroom. 🎧

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What we talked about:  

Blog Posts about Friendly Competiton - 

How to Encourage Positive Behavior with a Solid System

Behavior Got You Down?

Link to ClassCraft (gamify your classroom with this Chrome Extension)

TPT Rhythm Games:

Rhythm Race

Rhythm Battle

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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

Follow me on TikTok: @thehappymusicteacher 

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

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.

🎶 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/ 

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.