That Music Podcast: A Podcast for Elementary Music Teachers

Bryson Tarbet, M.M.Ed.
  • 4.5 (29)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

This show will deliver tips and tricks for elementary music teachers looking to create high-quality musical experiences for students in the general music classroom.This show will provide answers to questions like:*How do I create an inclusive music classroom?*How do I sequence my elementary music lessons?*How to teach elementary music?*What songs should I use in my general music classroom?*How do I balance work and life as a music teacher? 

  1. Feb 25

    218 | Using Technology to Communicate with Families Without Sacrificing Your Time

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into how technology can strengthen communication with families while still protecting your time and energy. He shares why visibility matters in the music classroom—not just for concert reminders, but for advocacy, relationship-building, and helping families truly understand the learning happening behind the fun. When used thoughtfully, simple digital tools can create a powerful window into your classroom and build trust before you ever need to have a hard conversation. But this conversation isn’t just about what to use—it’s about how to use it well. Bryson unpacks the importance of following district policies, communicating in equitable ways, and most importantly, setting clear boundaries so you’re not available around the clock. If you’ve been looking for ways to improve family communication without feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you think strategically about what’s worth your time and what’s not. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:24 Staying Compliant with District Technology Policies2:25 Using Social Media Pages & Private Groups Effectively5:40 Announcements & Schoolwide Communication Tools6:53 Setting Boundaries Around Parent Communication8:22 Why Newsletters Still Work (Digital + Print)9:56 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    13 min

  2. Feb 18

    217 | The Technology Debate in the Elementary Music Classroom

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson tackles a heated debate he witnessed in an elementary music Facebook group: does technology belong in the music classroom? Instead of picking sides, he unpacks the real concerns and challenges teachers to think beyond the noise. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about what someone on the internet says. It’s about what works for you and the students in front of you. Bryson shares practical examples of how technology can expand creativity, increase accessibility, amplify authentic voices, and even unlock musical potential in students who may not thrive in traditional performance settings. This episode isn’t about going all-in on tech or throwing it out completely; it’s about using it purposefully, strategically, and always as a tool, not the teacher. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:59 Concerns About Using Technology in the Music Classroom4:51 Tech Challenges: Wi-Fi, Support & Backup Plans6:39 Screen Time vs. Active Learning: Is Tech Too Passive?8:33 The Benefits of Technology for Creativity & Accessibility10:46 Using Technology Purposefully (Not as a Replacement)13:58 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    17 min

  3. Feb 11

    216 | 5 Effective Ways to Teach a Song in Elementary Music

    Send us Fan Mail In this vault episode, Bryson goes all the way back to one of the most impactful conversations from early in the podcast and brings it back with a fresh perspective. Teaching songs is something we do constantly as elementary music teachers—but doing it the same way every time can limit engagement, reach, and musical understanding. This episode revisits five effective ways to teach a song and explores how changing your approach can completely transform how students experience repertoire in your classroom. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:22 Teaching by Rote6:21 Teaching with Motions7:48 Ask Guided Questions9:22 Teach with a Game (An Upper Elementary Favorite!)11:07 Teach Through Storytelling13:18 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    16 min

  4. Feb 4

    215 | Does Technology Belong in Elementary Music? Tools That Make Teaching Easier with Amy Burns

    Send us Fan Mail Feeling stuck in the mid-year slump and wondering if technology is just one more thing to manage? In this episode, Bryson is joined by veteran music educator and technology expert Amy Burns to talk about how tech can actually make your life easier in the music classroom, not harder Together, they unpack common misconceptions about music technology, explore how tech can enhance (not replace) music-making, and share realistic ways to use digital tools even if you don’t have 1:1 devices. From engaging reluctant learners to saving serious time on lesson planning, file conversions, and daily workflows, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can use right away without overhauling everything you already do. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t add one more thing,” this episode might just change your mind. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:12 Why now is the right time to add a new tech tool2:46 Does technology belong in the elementary music classroom? (common misconceptions)5:17 Making tech work without 1:1 devices (accessibility & equity)9:55 Favorite go-to tools for music teachers13:25 Why versatility matters when choosing tech tools19:34 How technology can actually save you time25:07 Amy’s Masterclass (what teachers will take away)27:32 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    29 min

  5. Jan 28

    214 | Engaging the Reluctant Learner: 5 Ways to Reach Unmotivated Music Students

    Send us Fan Mail We all know that student, the one who shows up to music because they have to, sits with arms crossed, and makes it very clear they’re not impressed. In this episode, Bryson digs into what’s really going on beneath that disengagement and why most “reluctant learners” aren’t trying to be difficult; they just haven’t found their way in yet. You’ll explore five common reluctant learner archetypes and practical ways to connect with each one. This episode will challenge you to look at engagement through a new lens and walk away with small, doable shifts that can help more students feel seen, valued, and genuinely connected to music class. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:48 The Pop-Culture Enthusiast5:07 The Digital Native6:40 The Silent Observer8:26 The Cultural Disconnect10:23 The Socially Distracted11:39 Common Questions & Solutions13:14 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    15 min

  6. Jan 21

    213 | Calling Home About Student Behavior (A Framework for Difficult Conversations)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson tackles one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of teaching: calling home or having difficult conversations about student behavior. Specifically through the lens of music teachers, this episode addresses how being a specialist can complicate communication with families, classroom teachers, and administrators, and why avoiding these conversations often makes things worse. You’ll walk away with the CALM framework: a practical, four-step approach to behavior-related conversations that helps you stay professional, reduce emotional escalation, and keep the focus on student learning. This episode is packed with realistic strategies you can use immediately to support classroom management, protect your well-being, and confidently navigate tough conversations without dread. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:53 The CALM Framework - C3:09 The CALM Framework - A4:24 The CALM Framework - L5:46 The CALM Framework - M6:21 Helpful tips7:49 Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    12 min

  7. Jan 14

    212 | Are Things Really Working? A Classroom Self-Audit for Music Teachers

    Send us Fan Mail Two weeks into January, the “new year energy” can already feel like it’s fading. Routines that felt solid in August may suddenly feel clunky or exhausting, and it’s easy to blame student behavior when things start to feel off. In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson invites you to pause and ask an important question: are things actually working? Instead of adding more to your plate, this episode guides you through a simple mid-year self-evaluation to help you uncover which classroom routines and planning systems are quietly draining your energy. Through reflective prompts and practical insight, Bryson helps you identify small, meaningful shifts that can reduce chaos, increase efficiency, and help you reclaim your focus for teaching music and taking care of yourself. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction1:50 Question 12:12 Question 22:28 Question 32:43 Question 43:00 Routine Audit Takeaways4:08 Question 54:36 Question 64:52 Question 75:23 Question 85:39 Final Takeaways Links and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    8 min

  8. Jan 7

    211 | January Reset: Managing Classroom Behavior After Winter Break

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson reframes January as an opportunity, not to overhaul everything, but to reset with intention. Instead of reacting to behaviors or doubling down on consequences, he shares three small but powerful mindset shifts that help you increase engagement, reduce chaos, and set your classroom up for success for the rest of the year. You’ll hear how simple adjustments can transform the way your classroom feels, without adding more to your plate. If January feels heavy, overwhelming, or just plain exhausting, this episode will help you reset in a way that feels realistic, supportive, and sustainable for you and your students. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction2:06 Embrace the Power of Pacing4:29 From Correction to Clarity6:17 Granting Implicit Permission8:41 TakeawaysLinks and Resources:  The Elementary Music Summit®Elementary Newbie GuideDisabilities GuideSteady Beat Survival GuideJoin Elementary Music EDGE™Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    11 min
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4.5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

This show will deliver tips and tricks for elementary music teachers looking to create high-quality musical experiences for students in the general music classroom.This show will provide answers to questions like:*How do I create an inclusive music classroom?*How do I sequence my elementary music lessons?*How to teach elementary music?*What songs should I use in my general music classroom?*How do I balance work and life as a music teacher? 

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