#MusicEdLove Podcast: Recent Episodes
Angela Ammerman
Looking for practical tips and tricks you can actually use tomorrow? Check out this music education podcast to hear what master educators all across this country are doing today!
Welcome to MusicEdLove! You know that feeling when something has GOT to change, but you don’t know exactly what or how just yet? Then this episode is for you. Award-winning composer Katie O’Hara LaBrie delves into life after the classroom, composing for school ensembles, the publishing industry, and her process as a composer.
Originally recorded in August of 2023, I am just now catching up on my podcasting game and cannot wait for you to read this one! Composer Katie O’Hara LaBrie is one of my dearest friends and one of the most inspiring music educators I have ever met. Take some time to listen to this one today. You will be so glad you did!
Be sure to also take a look at Katie’s career webinars!
Career webinars
Rhythms of Success: Charting Your Career Path in the Music World, Part One
Rhythms of Success: Charting Your Career Path in the Music World, Part Two
So, You Want to Be a Music Teacher? A Music Education Career Discussion with Katie O’Hara LaBrie
Career Blog:
Careers in Music: Following Your Passion to New and Exciting Places
https://www.makemusic.com/blog/careers-in-music-following-your-passion-to-new-and-exciting-places/
Katie O’Hara LaBrie (b.1982) is a conductor, composer, cellist, and clinician from Northern Virginia, most recently elected as President-Elect for the Virginia String Teachers’ Association. An educator at heart, Mrs. LaBrie spent the first 15 years of her career teaching orchestra in Fairfax County, Virginia. In her capacity as an orchestra director she enjoyed creating a variety of fulfilling experiences for her students, from Fiddle Days to Rock Shows, Summer Camps to Trips around the East Coast, performances at the Virginia State Music Educators Conference and in collaboration with the Detmold Jugendorchesterof Detmold, Germany. In 2022, she was honored as one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40,” for her action, courage, creativity, and commitment to growth in the music education field.
Mrs. LaBrie holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from St.Olaf College and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from George Mason University. Her primary conducting teachers include Anthony Maiello, Steven Amundson & Timothy Mahr, as well as David Carter on cello.
In addition to her love of teaching Mrs. LaBrie is a published composer and arranger, and is the editor for the Orchestra Division of Randall Standridge Music Publications. As a composer, Mrs. LaBrie enjoys creating new music with the goal of being educationally sound, pleasing to audiences, and above all, fun for the players. She finds inspiration from many sources, including family and nature, but primarily draws from her students and her own experiences as a music educator. Her compositions have received many accolades, including frequent selection as J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice, as well as performances at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Directors Clinic and at the American String Teachers Association National Conference.
Mrs. LaBrie is a member of NAFME, ASTA, and ASCAP. She is an active guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician. She has presented clinics on: New Music (VMEA 2015, VA DoE 2019), “Practicing with Purpose: What’s the Big IDEA?” (FCPS 2017, VMEA 2017, ASTA 2021, NCMEA 2022 Midwest 2022), and “How to Win Rehearsals & Influence Students” (ASTA 2022, MMEA 2022, NCMEA 2022, VBODA 2022).
Mrs. LaBrie is the founding conductor of the Fairfax Chamber Players and the co-creator of “the Big I.D.E.A.” practice method (www.PracticeWithPurpose.net). She lives in Fairfax with her husband Joe who is a middle school band director, and their budding musician, Liam.
In this episode of #MusicEdLove, Angela Ammerman chats with composer, educator, conductor: Adrian Gordon! Adrian shares about his process as a composer, his journey, and how he manages to be so phenomenally productive! This episode explores Adrian’s composing, writing, and productivity!
This episode is so great for anyone who aspires to do more with the gifts they are given. We just know you will gain inspiration and motivation from this wonderful episode!!!
Please remember to subscribe and leave us a review if you loved this episode!
Adrian Gordon is an active performer, composer, and music educator living in Charlotte, NC. His colorful compositions are captivating for musicians of all ages from very easy to advanced levels. Over the years Gordon has written several acclaimed works for string orchestra such as “Apocalypse” and “Song of the Ocean Winds” to name a few.
Adrian takes pride in creating music that is fun and pedagogically sound at all levels. Mr. Gordon currently serves as the orchestra director at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC. He received his B.A. in music from the University of Miami, and his Masters degree in Music Education at Florida International University.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Gordon is a composer with Alfred Music Publishing and the founder of Leap Year Music Publishing which, publishes string music for elementary, middle, and high school ensembles. Mr. Gordon’s compositions appear on the California, Florida, Texas, Maryland, and Georgia Orchestra Association Music Performance Assessment Lists. His compositions are distributed through JW Pepper and have been performed throughout the world. Adrian resides in Charlotte with his wife Kelly and their two sons.
I cannot wait for you to tune in to this SPECIAL collaboration podcast episode with the host of the music education podcast: Choralosophy! This episode delves into a few of the controversial truths within music education and explores the struggle to excel in a field that often boasts freedom of expression and creativity but often promotes its own brand of conformity.
If you have enjoyed this episode, please drop us a review and let your friends know!
This week, Angela interviews author, band director, speaker, and mom: Lesley Moffat! In this episode, Lesley shares how she transitioned from 14 medications to none, how she… Read more "From 14 Medications to None with Lesley Moffat"
"How am I going to do this for the rest of my life when I don't even like music anymore?"
Welcome to the #MusicEdLove Podcast. On this episode, hostess Angela Ammerman welcomes the accomplished music educator, innovator, conductor, and chapter contributor Angela Harman. The excitement is palpable… Read more "Recruitment with Angela Harman & the ZOMBIE Orchestra Takeover!"
It was so amazing to chat with music ed mama, business owner, philanthropist, ILLUSTRATOR and music advocate: Jenna Day on #MusicEdLove this week!!! In this episode, Jenna… Read more "Finding Your Joy & Paying it Forward with Jenna Day"
Non-Traditional uniforms, building a family of musicians, music assessment, and balancing it all with the AMAZING educator, conductor, and violist: Ben Pereyra! Check this one out today… Read more "We’re Kind of Like Your Tattoo with Ben Pereyra"
"I started out in the 'trash band...' but you know what? We have the best job in the world. We get to teach music!”
Take 5 minutes today to check out these simple tips for maximizing your rehearsal efficiency!
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You have GOT to check out this episode with Music Educator and Consultant: Ashley Cuthbertson! And WHEN you love it, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and to share this episode with your friends!
Ashley Cuthbertson (she/her) is the Founder, CEO & Principal Consultant of A. Cuthbertson Consulting, LLC, an educational consulting firm that partners with schools, districts, and organizations to help music educators center diverse, inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive pedagogical practices so they can ensure all learners have access to the high quality music education they deserve.
A Nationally Board Certified Teacher, Ashley holds a Master’s in Education, as well as certifications in the Kodály approach and Arts integration. Ashley has over thirteen years of experience in education as a general music & choral educator, an band educator, a K-12 musicianship instructor, a private lessons instructor, adjunct professor, speaker, clinician, and curriculum writer.
A dedicated music educator with a track record of success working with students in a wide variety of diverse communities and contexts, Ashley consistently received highly effective teacher ratings at the district level and consistently demonstrated the ability to move students’ musicianship skills forward as evidenced by yearly assessments.
A skilled curriculum designer, Ashley has written curriculum at the district level, as well as led curriculum teams for the Virginia Department of Education resulting in over 15 new general music units for the “Go Open VA” open educational resource database.
With over 9 years of experience as a teacher educator in the professional development and university sectors, Ashley consistently received above average university departmental student evaluation ratings.
Described as an engaging and charismatic teacher educator, Ashley has created and facilitated close to 100 professional development sessions for music educators across the U.S. and internationally on a variety of topics for music classrooms, including Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, Assessment, Arts Integration, and Learner Centered Instruction. 95% of workshop participants report that Ashley’s sessions are engaging and highly useful to their work in their music classrooms.
A passionate advocate for music education, Ashley currently serves the National Association for Music Education as a member of the Repertoire Diversity Task Force and the Virginia Music Educators Association as chair of the DEI Council.
A regular coach and consultant for schools, districts, and organizations across the U.S., Ashley supports music educators with professional learning, coaching, curriculum development, and music program design strategy to ensure all learners have access to the high quality music education they deserve.
Check out Ashley HERE or follow @acuthbertson10 !
Did you know we have a new book out? Here is how you can be entered for an AUTOGRAPHED giveaway of The Music Teacher’s Guide to Engaging English Language Learners:
- Write review of #MusicEdLove wherever you get your podcasts!
- Subscribe to my mailing list at www.angelaammerman.com
- I will email the winner the first week of July and then I will send you your very own autographed copy of The Music Teacher’s Guide to Engaging English Language Learners!
You. All… I cannot wait for you to hear this latest episode with Dr. Alice Hammel! Alice has been a huge inspiration for me and a role model from afar for a long time. It was so great to finally sit down and talk with her about how she has carved this unique mom-researcher-educator-GURU path out for herself. Alice’s story is so very inspiring and I can’t wait for you to hear more from her!
My apologies for the poor audio quality of this one. I was traveling at the time of the recording and my audio was not the best…
Dr. Alice M. Hammel, Virginia Music Educator Association Outstanding Educator (2018) and current President of the Virginia Music Educators Association, is a widely known music educator, author, and clinician whose experience in music is extraordinarily diverse. She is a member of the faculty of James Madison University, and has many years of experience teaching instrumental and choral music in public and private schools. Dr. Hammel has put these varied experiences to great use while compiling a large body of scholarly work. She is a co-author for four texts: Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs: A Label-free Approach, Teaching Music to Students with Autism, Winding It Back: Teaching to Individual Differences in Music Classroom and Ensemble Settings, and Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs: A Practical Resource. Dr. Hammel is Past-President of the Council for Exceptional Children—Divison for Visual and Performing Arts Education.
If you haven’t yet left a review, please follow the steps below to be entered into our giveaway for March!
MTGEELL Contest:
- Write review of #MusicEdLove
- Subscribe to my mailing list at angelaammerman.com
- I will email the winner in March and then I will send out the winner’s very own copy of The Music Teacher’s Guide to Engaging English Language Learners!
"Just in case anyone was under the illusion that people of color didn't write very much, or that it wasn't very good, it is a complete fallacy."
In this episode, we welcome homeschool music teacher, Amy Shirk, onto the podcast! Just a few weeks ago, I shared with you all how wonderful our first… Read more "Homeschool Music Ed in the Burg with Amy Brill Shirk"
“One of the best ways I do this is by using rhythmic speech, so when we are getting ready to brush our teeth, I simply put it into a little chant it doesn't even have to rhyme, But putting your words and instructions and praise into rhythm gives your children this sense of momentum forward momentum with whatever task they're doing, and it also allows them to start to really learn musical patterns and rhythmic patterns that will benefit them for the long haul!”
Dr. David Allen Ammerman, delves into pacing, building rapport, differentiation, gamification, repetition, and so much more!
"And so I let him borrow the cello and he started going back and forth, and he started his eyes started welling up with tears they started crying because he thought it was the most beautiful thing you've ever heard."
"If I could flip it a little bit and empower the kids and you know, intrinsically motivate them ... So the idea of shifting just a little bit of your thinking to you know, giving the kids a little bit more of the ownership of the learning. If we give them autonomy, mastery, and purpose... that's where they are intrinsically motivated and ready to you know take on their learning."
You spend and the goal really is to have an effective budget is you tell every single dollar what you want it to do for you. Right like if the goal is to pay off debt, then you need to assign that dollar to pay off debt!
"she said 'I'm sorry, you have no choice. You're playing violin. You are a violinist you just don't know it yet.' And that moment changed the trajectory of my life."
In this episode of #MusicEdLove, Dr. Linda Apple Monson shares strategies for memorizing music, overcoming significant obstacles, and recruiting international students. This episode is packed with helpful… Read more "What’s Your Journey? with Dr. Linda Apple Monson"
"We had something that I call the cup of doom, where we put all the kids names on the popsicle stick. I would alternate the test one week we would go Alphabetically you know by last name A to Z and then the next, it was random. But the kids they would start chanting 'Cup of Doom! Cup of Doom!', like they couldn't wait to take the playing tests!"
Monica Guido joins us on #MusicEdLove to share her suggestions for raising the bar, engaging ELLs, and stirring up the seating. Monica is also a contributor for… Read more "Toward Something More: Empowering ELLs with Monica Guido"
Using the child’s naturalistic way by bringing out their curiosity and playfulness to create a perfect atmosphere for them to explore, create and learn while being fully engaged and participate is something I strive to provide for my students including the ELLs.
I want to see that in your resume I want to see that youth, you know we're a camp counselor, for you know five year olds at a summer camp, I went to see that you taught private lessons I want to see experiences that reflect that in your in your resume.
I want you to take the opportunity to practice your interviews skills, by going on interviews, even if you think that you may not take the job, and you do have that right to to decline, a job if you don't feel like it's the right job for you.
From flutist to general music teacher to choir director! We LOVED talking with Jeanne Crowley about her wonderful work with students from all over the world. Jeanne… Read more "Come From Where They Are with Jeanne Crowley"
This week on #MusicEdLove, we welcome the winner of the Conquistador Award from El Paso, Texas, Ida Steadman onto the show! Ida taught orchestra for over 50… Read more "The Musical Conquistador with Orchestra Director: Ida Capshaw Steadman"
“Well, we are having this conversation right here and right now because of recent examples of classism. We wanted to have a discussion because most of our practices in music education have small examples of classism whether or not we realize it. But before we get into that, let’s talk about our value-systems.”
every morning when I woke up and I drove into work. I was like, man. How awesome is this. I'm getting paid to do this. And that's a magical feeling that when you're doing work, but it is fun work.
Welcome to our New Years Eve Special Episode with Dr. Blair Williams! Dr. Williams is Assistant Professor of String Music Education at Texas Tech University and Director/Master… Read more "Just Ask: Making Connections Where You’re Planted with Dr. Blair Williams"
Far too often, I have spent so much time drilling one section of an orchestra while the rest of the ensemble sits unengaged and bored. With my Round Robin Rehearsal techniques, you will save countless hours of unengaged time.
They discuss the credit hour myth in music, knowing your worth, the immense power of your studio professor, and provide suggestions as high school students begin the decision-making process of selecting a school of music.
This week, we meet with some music teachers who are also parents to chat about managing it all. Erin Stavropolous and Kelley McNamee discuss time management, recruitment,… Read more "Music Teacher Parents: It’s Okay to Say No"
I think people think of assessment as testing. But really, Assessment needs to be a culture, you know, it's about developing a culture in your in your class of of constant improvement you know and and just setting goals.
We are so excited about this episode of #MusicEdLove featuring Dr. Charles Laux! Dr. Charles Laux is the Director of Orchestras at Alpharetta High School where his… Read more "Teaching Orchestra in the Time of Covid with Charles Laux"
You can seriously do ANYTHING with a music degree. Rather than thinking of this degree as limiting, Dr. Ammerman recommends that you see all of the potential and flexibility of a music degree. Businesses across the country are actively seeking music majors as they are found to be disciplined, hard working, excellent thinkers, and creative.
it is the tension between spontaneity and premeditated planning that enables us to be the most creative and responsive to students musical needs.
This week, we welcome John Kilkenny onto #MusicEdLove. John Kilkenny is a leading performer, educator and artistic leader who is successfully forging a 21st-century career in the… Read more "Where is Your Blue Ocean? with John Kilkenny"
In this episode, I go over 8 SUPER EASY Hacks for drastically improving your virtually teaching! Like so many things in teaching, sometimes the simplest things can… Read more "8 Hacks for Virtual Teaching Breakthroughs!"
"Now that our entire structure for learning has completely and suddenly changed, we need to start thinking about what we CAN create online for students instead of what we can RECREATE online of what we already do."
Today it is our extreme pleasure to welcome Director of Music Education and Associate Professor at George Mason University: Dr. Charles “Chuck” Ciorba. In this episode, we… Read more "The Jazz Cat on Improvisation"
This week we interview Dr. Jordan Davidson from the Rappahannock Choral Society and Brooke Point High School. Enjoy this episode and don’t forget to subscribe and leave… Read more "Stronger than Your Strongest Excuse with Jordan Davidson"
Welcome to EPISODE 30 of #MusicEdLove! This episode is coming out via special request for those of you preparing for Assessment! Here are our 7 tips for… Read more "7 Tips for a SUPERIOR Assessment Season"
What a pleasure it was to have Anne Marie Patterson on the #MusicEdLove Observation Series! Anne Marie Patterson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from Washington… Read more "Batman, Baby Shark, and Binder Clips with Anne Marie Patterson"
We kick off our Observation Series with veteran music educator: Veronica Jackson! We hope you enjoy this look into one of her 7th grade orchestra classes as… Read more "Goin to Nashville with Veronica Jackson"
This episode is a reminder to everyone to do what you can to get out and observe REAL teachers with “Normal” students! It is the introductory episode… Read more "Get Out and Observe REAL Teachers!"
“If you see a student in your classroom who is willing to take on a leadership position, knows how to delegate, knows how to be in front… Read more "Music Teachers Needed! with Dr. Annalisa Chang"
Welcome back to an exciting new school year! In this podcast, we aim to get you off to a great start with a few overarching goals for… Read more "Spark Some Joy!"
"Inner city school added six hours of music a week for every student - school is now in top 10% nationally in reading writing and math; 74% of kids met nations reading standard, higher than national standard, "
Dian Eddleman has been teaching school music in public and independent schools for more than thirty years and is presently Choral Director at the University School of… Read more "Effective Leadership with Dian Eddleman"
If you are a music ed geek like we are, I just know you will LOVE this episode with Eric Branscome! He gives stellar advice for young… Read more "Episode 22 – Try the Chinese Food! with Eric Branscome"
Working with English Language Learners is one of my all time favorite things to do! In this episode, I give you a few tips for making your… Read more "No English, No Problem!"
This episode features Michael Chandler and his journey from organist to music education professor. Chock-full of great advice for young educators, Dr. Chandler discusses interview skills, life… Read more "Episode 18 – The Journey of a Music Educator"
In this episode, I talk about a few tips for recruiting and retaining student musicians. Enjoy!
This episode features the hopes, history, dreams, and goals of some of Brianna Hampton and Krista Mergen, two of our future music educators! These young students give… Read more "Episode 16 – Future Music Educators"
Yes, it’s important to talk about the syllabus and the handbook, and all of the other BORING things, but is this the kind of a tone you want to set for your students??? NO! So, start the class with music blaring from your room.
Good Day and Welcome to our 14th episode of the #MusicEdLove Podcast brought to you by the Music Education Department at the University of Tennessee at Martin. … Read more "Episode 14 – First Year Fortunes, Flops, and Fistbumps"
Consider a Well-Paced Classroom to be the DAILY VITAMIN your students need for optimal musicking.
Good Day and Welcome to our 12th episode of the #MusicEdLove Podcast brought to you by the Music Education Department at the University of Tennessee at Martin. … Read more "Episode 12: It’s All About the People with Scott Laird"
This episode of the #MusicEdLove Podcast is called “From Elite to Extinct” and deals primarily with that kid in the back of the ensemble. The kid who… Read more "Episode 11: From Elite to Extinct"
This episode features Steve Vutsinas, Brent Idleman, and myself in a Music Ed Would You Rather, an assessment chat, and random nuggets of knowledge. Enjoy and don’t… Read more "Episode 10: Nuggets of Knowledge Assessment Style"
Briana R. Priester, MT-BC is a seasoned music therapist and educator who specializes in early intervention, family coaching, and classroom inclusion. She received her music education degree from… Read more "Episode 9: Music Therapy with Briana Priester"
Last week, one of my music ed majors was in my classroom sobbing, trying not to call attention to herself. I approached her and asked what was… Read more "Episode 8: On Belonging with Kathy Augustine"
"You gotta draw the audience in… You're always going somewhere, You are the ocean, you are the waves, the tide never stops, if the tide stops, the world would fall!"
https://criticalpedagogyelectrified.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/episode-6-teaching-love-through-music-with-gayley-hautzenroeder.mp3
Today we welcome my own former music teacher, Mrs. Gayley Hautzenroeder. Mrs. H will talk about how to win over your administration, giving students responsibilities and roles within the classroom, and teaching love through music!
Mrs. H, winner of the Cincinnati USA Outstanding Educator Award, was one of the main reasons I became a music educator. She is retired from the Forest Hills and Northwest School Districts as an Orchestra Director and String Specialist for 35 years. She has also taught Music Education courses at Xavier and Miami Universities. She has been active for many years in O.O.S.T.A. and O.M.E.A. She has served O.M.E.A. in various offices. She is currently serving as the O.M.E.A. State Instrumental Advisor for Adjudicated Events and was recently the Coordinator of OMEA’s All-State Groups for the 2011 Professional Conference. In addition, she serves as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor. Mrs. Hautzenroeder plays in the West Chester Symphony and volunteers in several capacities for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, while teaching privately. She has co-authored the new supplemental string text, Developing Virtuosity, with Lynne Latham and Thom Sharp. Among her honors and recognitions, Gayley was the recipient of the 2004 OSTA Public School String Teacher Award, Ohio’s Best Practices Award in 1999 (for interdisciplinary teaching and curriculum), and the 2006 University of Cincinnati Outstanding Teacher USA Award.
If you would like to reach out to Mrs. H, please email her at: gayleyhautzenroeder@gmail.com and don’t forget to check out her new arrangement: Loch Ness!
https://criticalpedagogyelectrified.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/episode-5-boredom-busters-part-ii-round-and-round-and-round-we-go.mp3
This episode is called “Boredom Busters Part II: Round and Round and Round We Go” and today I will give you a few more ideas for building an invigorating and fast-paced rehearsal while maintaining high musical standards. In this episode, I share strategies such as Emerging Artwork and the Round Robin Rehearsal as well as others.Enjoy and don’t forget to leave us a review in iTunes! Happy Musicking Friends!