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 

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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/ 

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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.

🎶 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

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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

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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/ 

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

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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

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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.

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/ 

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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 

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.