Music Inspires: A Look At Music Education in Rural America

Cory Canan

An in depth look at what it is like creating, teaching, and learning music in a rural area. What options can and do educators make available to their students with the resources they have  access to.

Episodes

  1. Jun 15

    Small Schools, Big Farms!...Welcome back Sara!

    In this 6th episode of Music Inspires, I welcome back friend of the podcast, Sarah Novak. Today we get into some tips, tricks, successes, and failures that we have run into along our journey. While not all of this is exclusive to music education in rural America, for many of you who are in the same boat as Sarah and I, I think you will find much of it very familiar and relatable.

  2. May 19

    View from the Top: Administrative Expectations - Part 2

    Welcome to Part 2 of my Administrative Expectations interviews. On this episode I meet with 7-12 high school principal, Lee Morris as we discuss the ins and outs his job and what it's like being a principal in small school, rural America.

  3. May 3

    View from the Top: Administrative Expectations - Part 1

    On episode #4 Part 1, I interview district superintendent, Josh Sagester, and get his take on music expectations, what it takes to build a comprehensive teaching team, setting high standards, and the importance of marketing yourself. Thanks for listening!

  4. Apr 24

    A Student's Perspective

    On episode #3 of Music Inspires I get to discuss some ins, outs, ups, and downs of music education in a small rural school. This is by no means a comprehensive deep dive, more of a glimpse. Enjoy!

  5. Apr 19

    Small Schools, Big Farms!

    Welcome to Small Schools, Big Farms, episode two of Music Inspires! On this episode, I get to interview friend, colleague, and fellow band director, Sarah Novak. We discuss everything from teaching to having a family all while being a band director at a small, rural school.

  6. Apr 5

    Welcome To Wherever You Are!

    Welcome to Music Inspires: A Look At Music Education In Rural America. On this first episode I share my experiences. From growing up in a small rural school to, attending a relatively small college, to teaching at a very small, very rural school. I appreciate you starting this podcast journey with me!

  7. Season 1 Trailer

    Music Inspires - Teaser Trailer

    Finally, a music education podcast that discusses the obstacles that educators and students face when living in rural America. How do we substitute and/or make up for a lack of musical opportunities and experiences? Such as access to a theatre for musicals or symphony performances, availability of private instructors, or just general challenges that being part of a small school present. Hopefully you'll find some tips and ideas as we journey through this first season.

  • 1 Trailer
    6 Episodes

Trailer

About

An in depth look at what it is like creating, teaching, and learning music in a rural area. What options can and do educators make available to their students with the resources they have  access to.

Information

  • Creator
    Cory Canan
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Music Inspires: A Look At Music Education in Rural America