The Crescendo Music Education Podcast

Debbie O'Shea
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Supporting, connecting and inspiring music educators.

  1. Two Books, Two Teachers with Beth Duhon (Part 1) | 173

    2D AGO

    Two Books, Two Teachers with Beth Duhon (Part 1) | 173

    Today on the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, Debbie welcomes music educator, author, and wellbeing advocate Beth Duhon for Part 1 of a special two-episode series. Beth brings more than 20 years of experience teaching early childhood, elementary, and secondary music, along with private instruction. She is the creator of Self Care for the Music Educator, the host of the Happier Music Teacher Podcast, and the author of Happier Music Teacher. Listeners may also recognise Beth from episodes 83 to 87, where we explored the wellbeing pillars of her book in depth. This two-part series features an honest, “my turn, your turn” conversation between two music educator authors. Each episode focuses on three intentional questions. Both hosts answer each question. The format keeps the conversation clear, focused, and practical. Every question ends with one key takeaway: What’s one small action you can take this week? In Part 1, Debbie and Beth share the personal stories behind their books. They reflect on the moments that led them to write. They discuss vulnerability, wellbeing, and the small choices that create lasting change. The conversation also explores how consistent action creates unexpected ripple effects over time. This episode offers reflection, encouragement, and practical insight for music educators and creatives. Small steps matter. Growth starts there. Let’s dive in. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Crescendo Music Education Podcast Episodes with Beth Duhon:  🎙️ Intro to "The Wellbeing Series"🎙️ Rest and Recharge🎙️ The Commute🎙️ Fuel Your Body🎙️ Vocal Health🎙️ Movement🎙️ The Comparison Trap💻 Principal Lamb 📘 Happier Music Teacher: 50 Days to Being a Happier Music Teacher at Home and at School - by Beth Duhon 📘 Stalagmite Effect by Debbie O'Shea Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    35 min
  2. The Musical Fitness Movement: Advocating for Music in Every Child’s Day with Ann Kay| 172

    FEB 8

    The Musical Fitness Movement: Advocating for Music in Every Child’s Day with Ann Kay| 172

    Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Today, we’re continuing our conversation with Ann Kay in Part 2 of this important discussion on early childhood music education. In Part 1, Ann shared the research, results, and philosophy behind daily singing and musical fitness for young learners. In this episode, we shift the focus to advocacy, collaboration, and what it really takes to create lasting change. Ann and Debbie explore how music educators, classroom teachers, therapists, and parents can work together to make music a natural part of everyday life — not an add-on. You’ll hear about Ann’s vision for a Musical Fitness Movement, the role of simplicity and consistency in music education, and why small habits, repeated daily, can transform classrooms, communities, and children’s lives. If you’re passionate about early childhood education, literacy, and helping every child experience the joy and benefits of music, this conversation will inspire and energise you. Let’s jump back in with Ann Kay. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 🎙️ Episode 48 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 1 🎙️ Episode 49 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 2 💻 Ann Kay’s Website and Resources: Rock ‘n’ Read ProjectMusical Fitness AssessmentWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    43 min
  3. A Song a Day: How Daily Singing Shapes Young Brains with Ann Kay | 171

    FEB 1

    A Song a Day: How Daily Singing Shapes Young Brains with Ann Kay | 171

    Today on the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, Debbie is joined by the inspiring Ann Kay for a rich conversation about early childhood music education, brain development, and the power of daily singing. Ann is the author of A Song a Day and Brain Prep for Pre-Readers, and her work focuses on one powerful idea: small, consistent music-making habits can create extraordinary outcomes for young children. Drawing on research and real-world results, Ann shares how daily singing supports musical development, strengthens reading readiness, and rebuilds the nursery culture many children have lost. In this episode, Debbie and Ann explore the connection between music, literacy, and brain development, reflect on successful early childhood initiatives like Rock and Read and Head Start, and discuss practical ways classroom teachers, music educators, and parents can bring singing back into everyday routines.  This conversation is filled with insight, encouragement, and a shared belief that music isn’t an extra — it’s essential. Let’s dive in. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 🎙️ Episode 48 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 1 🎙️ Episode 49 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 2 💻 Ann Kay’s Website and Resources: Rock ‘n’ Read ProjectMusical Fitness AssessmentWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    36 min
  4. Singing Without Fear: Creativity, Coaching, and Community with Emma Dean (Part 2) | 170

    JAN 25

    Singing Without Fear: Creativity, Coaching, and Community with Emma Dean (Part 2) | 170

    Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Today, we’re continuing our conversation with the incredible Emma Dean in Part 2 of our Crescendo Chat. In our first episode, Emma shared her journey as a musician, composer, choir leader, and creativity coach — and explored how music, community, and personal expression shape the work she does. In this episode, we go even deeper. Part 2 dives into creative confidence, advocacy, and the role music educators play in creating spaces where every voice belongs. Emma shares practical insights, powerful reflections, and a few moments that will really stay with you — especially if you’re passionate about community singing, creativity in the classroom, or helping others find the courage to use their voice. If you’re looking for inspiration, reassurance, or a reminder of why music matters so deeply, this conversation delivers. Let’s jump back in with Emma Dean. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 💻  Rainbow Bop Stay in Contact with Emma: Website - https://www.emmadean.com/FacebookInstagramEmail - em@emmadean.comWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    26 min
  5. Singing Without Fear: Creativity, Coaching, and Community with Emma Dean (Part 1) | 169

    JAN 18

    Singing Without Fear: Creativity, Coaching, and Community with Emma Dean (Part 1) | 169

    Today on the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Emma Dean. Emma is an award-winning Australian musician, composer, choir leader, and creativity coach whose work lives at the powerful intersection of music, community, and personal expression. Known for her genre-defying songwriting and compelling storytelling, Emma’s career spans performance, recording, theatre, and large-scale community singing — always with heart and purpose at the centre. She is the founder of Cheep Trill, a wildly popular community choir movement creating joyful, inclusive spaces where people can sing together with no auditions, no pressure — just connection. Alongside her own albums and creative projects, Emma has recently contributed as a songwriter and vocalist to the globally loved children’s series Bluey, bringing warmth, musicality, and emotional depth to a show that has resonated with families around the world. Emma is also a certified coach, supporting creatives to find confidence, clarity, and courage — both on stage and in life. Her work reminds us that creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about permission, belonging, and voice. Emma, we’re so excited to have you with us today. Welcome to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 💻  Rainbow Bop Stay in Contact with Emma: Website - https://www.emmadean.com/FacebookInstagramEmail - em@emmadean.comWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    34 min
  6. Aileen and Debbie Explore “The Stalagmite Effect” | 168

    12/07/2025

    Aileen and Debbie Explore “The Stalagmite Effect” | 168

    Welcome back to the show! Today, Aileen sits down with Debbie O’Shea for a powerful and inspiring conversation about her brand-new book, The Stalagmite Effect. Debbie shares the story behind the metaphor, the experiences that shaped the book, and how slow, steady growth can transform both teachers and students. If you already know Debbie from her “Manipulatives in the Music Room” podcast, you’re going to love this deeper look into her thinking and the reflections that led her to write The Stalagmite Effect. We also mention a few helpful links in this episode: “Manipulatives in the Music Room” podcast with Debbie O'SheaRegister for “Together Sing”“The Stalagmite Effect” bookBuy on Balboa PressBuy on AmazonWhere to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    59 min
  7. How Music is Learned in Traditional Cultures with Daria (Part 2) | 167

    11/30/2025

    How Music is Learned in Traditional Cultures with Daria (Part 2) | 167

    In this episode, we’re diving into Part 2 of my conversation with the wonderful Daria — world music performer, educator, and cultural bridge-builder who has been sharing songs and traditions from around the globe for over four decades. If you tuned into Part 1, you’ll remember we explored how music is learned in traditional cultures — how it’s woven into everyday life, passed down through families, stories, and community rituals. Today, we’re taking that conversation even further. We’ll talk about what modern educators can learn from these natural, immersive approaches to music learning — how to bring more authenticity, inclusion, and connection into our classrooms. Daria also shares her thoughts on advocacy, representation, and how we can empower students to see themselves in the music they make. It’s a rich, inspiring conversation that reminds us why music education matters — not just in the classroom, but in the heart of every community. So let’s jump right in. Here’s Part 2 of my chat with Daria. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 🎙️ Episode 138 and 139 🎶 Bate Bate Chocolate 💻 Sign up HERE for Daria's Newsletter Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    29 min
  8. How Music is Learned in Traditional Cultures with Daria (Part 1) | 166

    11/23/2025

    How Music is Learned in Traditional Cultures with Daria (Part 1) | 166

    I’m absolutely thrilled to be joined once again by the wonderful Daria. Many of you will remember her from our earlier conversations in Episodes 138 and 139, where she shared her deep passion for world music and for teaching children through authentic, hands-on musical experiences. Today, we’re exploring a topic that I think will really strike a chord — how music is learned in traditional cultures. In many parts of the world, music isn’t something that’s formally taught — it’s something that’s lived. It’s woven into daily life, passed down through songs, stories, and community. Children grow up surrounded by it, absorbing rhythm, melody, and meaning simply by being part of the music-making around them. In this episode, Daria and I will dive into what that looks like, the beautiful ways children learn through immersion, and how we as educators can bring some of that same authenticity and community spirit into our classrooms. So settle in, and get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with stories, songs, and insights from around the world. Here’s my chat with Daria. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 🎙️ Episode 138 and 139 🎶 Bate Bate Chocolate 💻 Sign up HERE for Daria's Newsletter Where to find me:  Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

    37 min
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5
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2 Ratings

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Supporting, connecting and inspiring music educators.

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