Common Time Podcast

Common Time Podcast

Bringing world-class professional development for music educators straight to your phone! Tune in for insights, strategies, and inspiration from the best in the business. Elevate your ensemble, one episode at a time.

  1. 3D AGO

    Linda Pulley on Common Time Podcast

    In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with Linda Pulley for a powerful conversation about building strong program culture and how to manage high expectations in a way that supports both excellence and student growth. Linda shares concrete strategies music educators can use immediately to establish clarity, consistency, and trust within their programs. We talk about how culture shapes rehearsal efficiency, student buy-in, and long-term success, as well as how directors can set ambitious goals without burning themselves—or their students—out. This episode is packed with practical ideas for aligning expectations, communicating standards clearly, and creating an environment where students feel both challenged and supported. Whether you’re wanting to make changes or reflecting on your program’s direction, this conversation offers tools you can put into practice right away. Connect with Common Time Podcast: Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast Join our community focused on growth here: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/commontimecollective Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7 Fill out our anonymous listener survey: 🔗 https://forms.gle/E6VBNH2f4bWYNPFM8 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going! Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

    54 min
  2. FEB 2

    Gary Lewis on Common Time Podcast

    In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we’re joined by Gary Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about music education. We also explore how partnerships with local professional musicians can make a huge difference, not just for students, but for teachers, schools, and the broader arts community. Gary shares insight into how directors can begin building relationships with professional ensembles, what opportunities often exist, and how orchestras and educators can support one another in powerful ways. This episode is full of perspective for band and orchestra directors who are looking to enrich their students’ musical experiences and engage more deeply with the arts community around them. Whether you’re in a large metro area or a smaller region with limited access to professional ensembles, this conversation will help you think differently about collaboration, advocacy, and opportunity in music education. Connect with Common Time Podcast: Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast Join our community focused on growth here: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/commontimecollective Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7 Fill out our anonymous listener survey: 🔗 https://forms.gle/E6VBNH2f4bWYNPFM8 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going! Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

    50 min
  3. JAN 26

    Rebecca Warren on Common Time Podcast

    In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Warren, a small-school band director from North Dakota and a founding member of the National Association of Small School Bands. This conversation is all about the realities—and strengths—of teaching in small school band programs. We talk candidly about finding mentors when you may be the only director in the building, setting meaningful standards with limited resources, and building a strong program culture regardless of size. Rebecca shares practical strategies and perspective that remind us small programs are not “less than”—they’re simply different, and often incredibly impactful. Whether you teach in a rural district, a small enrollment school, or are supporting colleagues who do, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and ideas you can implement right away. Connect with Common Time Podcast: Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast Join our community focused on growth here: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/commontimecollective Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7 Fill out our anonymous listener survey: 🔗 https://forms.gle/E6VBNH2f4bWYNPFM8 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going! Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

    58 min
  4. JAN 20

    Michael Gaines on Common Time Podcast

    In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Gaines, a renowned program designer known for his thoughtful, student-centered approach to ensemble design.  Our conversation explores the philosophy behind strong program design, how directors can align design choices with their students and resources, and the importance of clarity, communication, and intentionality throughout the process. Michael also discusses collaboration between designers and directors, long-term planning, and how great design supports—not overshadows—student growth. Whether you’re designing a marching band program, refining your indoor shows, or simply looking to bring more purpose to your planning, this episode offers insights that will help you think more deeply about how design impacts both performance and people. Connect with Common Time Podcast: Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast Join our community focused on growth here: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/commontimecollective Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7 Fill out our anonymous listener survey: 🔗 https://forms.gle/E6VBNH2f4bWYNPFM8 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going! Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

    56 min
  5. 12/08/2025

    Season 3 Finale of Common Time Podcast

    In this special Season 3 wrap-up episode of the Common Time Podcast, we’re closing out another incredible semester of conversations, learning, laughter, and community. Today, the hosts sit down together to revisit the biggest moments of the season, answer listener-submitted questions, celebrate outstanding educators, and share a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 4. This episode also features a special Standing Ovation recognizing Michigan educator David Uhrig, whose work in the Rochester HS band program continues to inspire students and colleagues alike. The hosts reflect on their top lessons from the season, highlight standout moments and advice from this season’s guests, and hand out a few fun Common Time Awards. From the hardest we laughed to the insights that stuck with us, it’s a warm celebration of the music educators who joined us and those who listen every week. Thank you for being part of our community. We’ll be back soon with more conversations to support, challenge, and inspire music educators everywhere. Connect with Common Time Podcast: Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7 Fill out our anonymous listener survey: 🔗 https://forms.gle/E6VBNH2f4bWYNPFM8 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going! Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

    47 min
  6. 12/01/2025

    Sarah McKoin on Common Time Podcast

    In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sarah McKoin to unpack the world of graduate studies in conducting and music education. Whether you're considering a master’s or DMA,  or simply curious about what advanced study can offer, this conversation is full of clarity and practical guidance. We discuss the graduate school application process, how to evaluate programs thoughtfully, and what to expect from the day-to-day experience once you're in. Dr. McKoin also shares red flags and green flags to watch for when visiting campuses, meeting faculty, and comparing programs. From professional growth to artistic development to the realities of ensemble leadership at the graduate level, this episode provides an honest and helpful look at what graduate study can—and should—offer emerging conductors and educators. Dr. McKoin brings years of experience leading one of the country’s respected conducting programs, and her perspective will be valuable for anyone looking to take the next step in their musical journey. Connect with Common Time Podcast: Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going! Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

    1h 4m
  7. 11/24/2025

    Miguel Retto on Common Time Podcast

    This week on the Common Time Podcast, we’re hearing from a new perspective — a student. Our guest, Miguel Retto, is a senior from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, studying Industrial and Operations Engineering with a minor in Music at the University of Michigan. A four-year member of the Michigan Marching Band, Miguel has served as a Rank Leader, Section Leader, and Fanfare Band Conductor for the tenor saxophone section. In this episode, Miguel shares what made his high-school music experience so formative and how those moments inspired him to continue with music into college. We talk about the impact of strong teachers, the power of culture, and how meaningful connections through music have shaped his leadership and personal growth. Whether you’re a music educator hoping to understand your students’ experiences more deeply or a student finding your place in the ensemble world, this episode offers genuine insight into why music education matters, and how it changes lives long after the final performance. Connect with Common Time Podcast: Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going! Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

    39 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Bringing world-class professional development for music educators straight to your phone! Tune in for insights, strategies, and inspiration from the best in the business. Elevate your ensemble, one episode at a time.