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. 5D AGO

    Saying No with Courage: How to Find Peace in the Music Room with Cindy Brockman

    We’ve all been there: running on fumes, doubling up classes because "they’re just singing anyway," and feeling like our only breaks happen once a year during summer vacation. But what if you didn’t have to wait for July to feel human again? I know what it’s like when the "giving heart" starts to crumble and you feel like you're just a passenger in your own classroom. Today, I’m joined by Cindy Brockway, founder of The Courage Hub. With decades of experience in special education and teacher mentorship, Cindy is an expert in preventing teacher burnout by shifting from a "directed" life to a "creative" one. She shares her "Secret Sauce" for rebuilding your life through self-leadership and using the very thing we teach—music—as a tool for a nervous system reset. In this episode, we discuss: The Burnout Reality: Cindy’s personal journey of pushing through exhaustion and how it led to her "Self-Expansion" philosophy.How to Find Peace in the Music Room: Why 30 seconds of a rhythmic cue or an affirmation song is more effective than another cup of coffee.The Art of "Self-Leadership": Learning how to say "no" (or "yes, but...") without the crushing weight of teacher guilt.Transitions That Heal: Practical ways to reset your energy in the 45 seconds between one class leaving and the next one arriving.Expanding the Frame: How to change your response to circumstances you can’t control—like schedules, administrators, and high-stress seasons. Connect with Cindy Brockway: Facebook Group: Essentials for Peace and BalanceFree Resource: Tranquil Solutions WorkbookSpecial Offer: Clarity Kickstart Gift (Free 20-minute mini-session for educators!) _______________________________________________ 💠 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

  2. APR 22

    Stopping the Mean Kid Cycle: Managing Mean Behavior in the Music Room

    Have you ever had that one class? The one where the snickering, eye-rolling, and quiet meanness feel like a constant background hum? Music is a high-risk, vulnerable subject. When students don't feel safe, they won't sing, they won't dance, and they certainly won't create. In this episode, Jeanette dives into the "Music Room Bubble"— managing mean behavior in the music room and create a space where meanness is simply not an option. From immediate interventions to modeling the "Moral Compass," Jeanette shares practical strategies to move your students from a social hierarchy to a musical ensemble. In this episode, we cover: The Vulnerability of Music: Why singing and dancing require a "Safe Space" and what happens to the music when that trust is broken.Voices as Tools, Not Weapons: The defining phrase Jeanette uses to shut down meanness immediately.The Teacher as the Thermostat: Why our own tone (and avoiding sarcasm) sets the kindness level for the entire room.Immediate Intervention: How to address name-calling and snickering with a "30-second reset" without the long lecture.The "Caught Being Kind" Strategy: Why calling out organic moments of support is more powerful than any punishment.Shared Success: Using games and teamwork to foster a "we’re in this together" mentality. Episode Takeaway: You might not solve the "Mean Kid" cycle in the whole school, but you can ensure it stops at your door. __________________________________________ 💠 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

  3. APR 15

    The Creative Act: Staying Inspired in the Music Room with Matt Shea

    Have you ever wondered how to keep the "magic" alive in your teaching year after year? Today’s guest, Matt Shea, is a master of joyful, movement-based instruction who believes that our own creativity is the best tool we bring to the classroom. From his roots as a bassoonist to his transformative experiences at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria, Matt shares how he leverages children’s literature, Dalcroze Eurythmics, and personal hobbies (like sewing 100 bee costumes!) to stay inspired. Whether you are a first-year teacher or a 25-year veteran, this episode is a "warm hug" for your creative soul. In this episode, we cover: Finding Your People: Matt’s journey from band director aspirations to falling in love with the "magical experiences" of elementary music.The Salzburg Connection: What it’s really like to study at the Orff Institute in Austria and the power of international musical sharing.Literature as Inspiration: How Matt uses books like What the Road Said and Harold and the Purple Crayon to anchor high-level musical programs.The Dalcroze Difference: Exploring Eurythmics and how whole-body movement changes the way students (and teachers) process music.The "Creative Act": A deep dive into Matt’s favorite books for teacher development, including Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act.Hobbies Outside the Room: Why sewing and swimming lessons actually make Matt a better music educator. Connect with Matt Shea: Instagram: @MattSheaMusic ______________________________________________ 💠 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/...

    38 min

  4. APR 8

    How to Master 5th Grade Music Classroom Management: Don't Lose Your Mind...Gain Control

    If your 5th graders have gone from "adorable and eager" to "too cool for school," you aren't alone. In this episode, Jeanette tackles the "5th Grade Pivot"—that moment when social survival kicks in and your go-to teaching strategies start to flop. We’re moving away from the "police officer" mindset and toward becoming a "facilitator of social energy." Jeanette shares 5 actionable strategies to help you stop fighting the 5th-grade impulse and start designing a classroom container that actually works for big kids with big energy. In this episode, we discuss: The Mindset Shift: Why their "push back" isn't a personal attack—it's a social survival mechanism.Strategy 1: Lean Into the Chaos: Why "quiet" doesn't always mean "engaged" and how to give them a musical reason to talk.Strategy 2: The Active Defense Lesson Plan: How to eliminate the 10-second gaps that lead to classroom "stampedes."Strategy 3: The Grounded Leader: Using the "Silent Magnet" and soft-voice techniques to recalibrate the room.Strategy 4: Choice and Creative Control: Giving 5th graders the autonomy they crave (and how it transformed Jeanette's "too cool" 4th-grade class).Strategy 5: The Guilt-Free Wrap-Up: Why a "failed" lesson plan isn't a reflection of your worth as a teacher. Episode Takeaway: 5th grade isn't about controlling the chaos; it’s about designing the container. Resources Mentioned: Love Runs Out Lesson Plan: https://thehappymusicteacher.com/product/loverunsoutbundle/ ______________________________________________ 💠 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/...

    27 min

  5. APR 1

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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

You Might Also Like