The Happy Music Teacher

Jeanette Shorey
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Feeling alone in the craziness that is your classroom? Looking for someone to rescue you from the exhaustion and overwhelm of your everyday music teacher life? Hi, I'm Jeanette. A passionate music teacher with over 2 decades of experience working with students, balancing the mayhem, and helping educators like you navigate the chaos. Join me as we explore what makes teaching general music so darn hard, tackle the unique challenges we face, and transform our music teacher lives so that every day brings happiness to our music classrooms.

  1. 4D AGO

    Drum It Up, Strum It Up, and Mix It Up: Creative Music Activities for Elementary Music with Sandy and Gretchen

    What happens when two legendary music educators join forces for nearly four decades? You get a wealth of knowledge, a library of must-have resource books, and a unique perspective on co-teaching that is rarely seen in our field. In this episode, Jeanette sits down with Sandy Lantz and Gretchen Wahlberg to discuss their incredible journey from Florida classrooms to national Orff stages. They dive into their famous "Bits" series and share how they’ve spent 30 years training the next generation of music teachers. In this episode, we cover: The Power of Longevity: How Sandy and Gretchen have sustained a 38-year career in elementary music.Collaboration in Action: Lessons learned from 30 years of co-teaching Orff Level 1 courses and national workshops.The "Bits" Series: The inspiration behind Creative Bits with Children’s Lit, Drum It Up, Strum It Up, and more.Leading the Way: Their experience conducting inaugural All-State and Regional Orff Ensembles across the country.Practical Creativity: Tips for using literature and instruments to engage every student in the room. Connect with Sandy & Gretchen: Books: Drum It Up, Creative Bits with Children's Lit, Strum It Up, S'more Bits with Children's Lit, and Mixin' It Up (Available through various music retailers). ______________________________________________ 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Curriculum Guide: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/... 💠 Free Storybook Lesson Plans: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/...

    30 min

  2. MAR 25

    High Engagement, Low Energy: Planning music activities for after spring break that won't drain your battery

    If you’ve walked back into your classroom after spring break and felt like you’ve hit a wall, you aren't alone. Between testing season, gorgeous weather, and "May-grade" behavior, the struggle is real. In this episode, Jeanette shares her "Golden Rule" for the end of the year and how to use a "Fluffy Toolbox" to keep your students engaged while protecting your own energy. In this episode, we discuss: The Reality Check: Why it’s okay to feel "done" and why your students are feeling it too.The Golden Rule: Why Jeanette advocates for no new concepts after spring break.Mastery Over Novelty: Moving from the conscious to the subconscious mind through repetition and review.The Fluffy Toolbox: Redefining "fluffy" as high-engagement, low-stakes, and happiness-focused lessons.The "Yes, But" Strategy: How to protect your boundaries and say no to end-of-year projects that drain your battery.Strategic Resets: Using GoNoodle, the Mirror Game, and student leaders when the class (or the teacher!) needs a brain break. Activities available in the Happy Music Teacher shop: Showdown Symphony BundleThe Llama Who Rocks in Her Polka Dot SocksHoney Bee & the Robber (a Fast & Slow Activity)Do Not Take Your Dragon on a Field Trip (a recorder adventure)Choose Your Own Adventure BundleLove Runs Out BundleClassical Music Fun Outdoor Games Music BundleCrab Rave Bundle __________________________________________ 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Curriculum Guide: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/... 💠 Free Storybook Lesson Plans: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/...

    16 min

  3. MAR 18

    Drip by Drip: Overcoming Perfectionism and Burnout with Debbie O’Shea

    Does the pressure to be an "Instagram-perfect" music teacher have you feeling like you’re constantly falling short? In this episode, Jeanette welcomes back her long-time friend and colleague, Debbie O’Shea, to discuss her brand-new book, The Stalagmite Effect. Debbie shares how a simple cave analogy can transform the way we look at our careers and our lives. Instead of looking for "quick fixes," we explore how small, consistent "drips" of goodness build something extraordinary over time. In this episode, we dive into: The Stalagmite Effect: Understanding how cave structures grow and how it applies to your professional journey.Overcoming Teacher Perfectionism: Why we don’t feel "comfortable in our skin" for the first five years, and why that’s okay.The "One Drip" Strategy: How to start small with one singing game or one 10-minute walk to avoid overwhelm.Checking Your Ego: The bravery of asking for help and the power of admitting when you don’t know the answer.Together Sing: The story of how a small idea in a motel room turned into a global advocacy movement.Grabbing the Glimmer: How to find (and give) gems of encouragement in your daily life. Connect with Debbie O'Shea: Book: The Stalagmite Effect (Available on Amazon and Balboa Press)Website: Crescendo Music Education ____________________________________________________ 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Curriculum Guide: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/... 💠 Free Storybook Lesson Plans: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/...

    29 min

  4. MAR 11

    The Steady Beat Dilemma: Why kids can’t keep a steady beat (and how to fix it)

    Have you noticed that your upper elementary students are struggling with skills that used to be second nature? Specifically, the ability to keep a steady beat? You aren’t imagining it, and more importantly, it isn't your fault. In this episode, I dive into the "why" behind the steady beat crisis and provide a practical roadmap to fix it—even with your older students. In this episode, we cover: The "Device" Shift: Why a lack of outdoor play and gross motor movement has directly impacted children’s internal metronomes.Why Steady Beat Matters Beyond Music: The surprising connection between steady beat and math patterns, reading cadence, and fine motor skills like using scissors.The Power of Observation: Using your "Teacher Spidey Senses" to identify vestibular and proprioceptive development issues.Bringing the Outside In: Why we must start with large muscle groups (walking, stomping, padding) before we ever pick up a mallet.The "Follow the Leader" Strategy: How to use games, tempo variations, and student leadership to make steady beat practice high-engagement for big kids.Mindset Shift: Why backing up to review "basic" skills is the highest form of teaching. Resources Mentioned: YouTube Recommendation: Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms (perfect for practicing tempo changes!) Standard Outro: 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Curriculum Guide: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/... 💠 Free Storybook Lesson Plans: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/...

    17 min

  5. MAR 4

    Systems for Success: Organizing the Music Room with Pam Wilson

    Are you tired of feeling like you’re just "surviving" the music room? In this episode, Jeanette sits down with Pam Wilson, the founder of Harmony Classroom and the "Centers Queen," to discuss how to move from chaos to calm. With a background ranging from the Navy to desktop publishing, Pam brings a unique, systematic perspective to the elementary music world. In this episode, we discuss: The "Back Door" to Teaching: How Pam’s windy road to the classroom shaped her approach to mentoring.The Three Pillars of Teacher Success: Why every educator (new or veteran) needs to master behavior management, intentional lesson planning, and organizing the music room.The Power of Centers: How activity centers can provide a deeper, more engaging experience for students.The Clutterbug System: How understanding your specific organizational style can transform your teaching space.Mentorship & Community: Why having a private, safe space to share challenges is vital for longevity in this career. ____________________________________________________ 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Curriculum Guide: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/... 💠 Free Storybook Lesson Plans: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/...

    29 min

  6. FEB 25

    Permission to Simplify Why Modifying Music for Student Success is Better for Everyone

    Does a complex Orff arrangement ever give you a sense of dread? In this episode, Jeanette gives you the ultimate permission slip to ditch "Instagram-perfect" expectations and prioritize student joy over complexity. Key Takeaways: The Reality Check: Why published arrangements often don't fit the "once-a-week" teacher’s schedule.The Comparison Trap: Why a 30-second TikTok clip shouldn't define your classroom's success.3 Ways to Simplify:Strip the Rhythm: Go back to the steady-beat "heartbeat."Reduce the Notes: Use drones and chordal borduns.Scaffold: Give complex parts only to students who are ready.The Golden Rule: You are the expert. If the struggle is killing the joy, it's time to simplify. Remember: A simple part played perfectly feels better to a child than a complex part played poorly. ____________________________________________________ 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Curriculum Guide: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/... 💠 Free Storybook Lesson Plans: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/..

    19 min

  7. FEB 18

    The Power of the Arts: Three Ways to Grow Creativity

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Phyllis E. Johnson Porter, founder of Transformative Music Education Consulting. Together we explore how to elevate the status of music education in our schools. We discuss: The Transformative Approach: Using literature and STEAM to bridge the gap between music and other subjects like ELA and Science.Effective Lesson Planning: Why outlining your standards and resources is vital for gaining administrative respect.Essential Questions: Moving beyond 'yes or no' to provoke deep thought in students.Community Engagement: How to bring in local stakeholders (and even some hubcaps!) to enrich the learning environment." ____________________________________________________ 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Curriculum Guide: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/... 💠 Free Storybook Lesson Plans: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.kit.com/...

    28 min

  8. FEB 11

    Dealing with Teacher Exhaustion: The February Slump

    February is the "longest" short month of the year. In this episode, we tackle the reality of the mid-winter wall and provide a much-needed reality check for music educators. We dive into the 'Sick Day Guilt Trip,' the stress of writing sub plans when you’re unwell, and how to fight the discouragement that comes from the 'Valentine’s Day Extravaganza' comparison trap. Learn the 'Low-Bar Strategy' for dealing with teacher exhaustion, including the concept of the 'Minimum Viable Lesson' to help you find small wins when your energy is at zero. You don’t have to be a superhero this month; you just have to be present. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out my Black History Month lesson plan bundle: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/product/black-history-month-storybook-lesson-bundle/ 💠 Website: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/ 💠 TikTok: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 Instagram: 👉 / thehappymusicteacher 💠 The Music Teacher Group 👉 / themusicteachergroup 💠 FREE Music Teacher Resources: 👉 https://thehappymusicteacher.com/free

    16 min
See All (100)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Feeling alone in the craziness that is your classroom? Looking for someone to rescue you from the exhaustion and overwhelm of your everyday music teacher life? Hi, I'm Jeanette. A passionate music teacher with over 2 decades of experience working with students, balancing the mayhem, and helping educators like you navigate the chaos. Join me as we explore what makes teaching general music so darn hard, tackle the unique challenges we face, and transform our music teacher lives so that every day brings happiness to our music classrooms.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeanette Shorey
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jeanette Shorey
  • Show Website
    The Happy Music Teacher

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