Play Now, Play for Life

West Music

For music educators, by music educators: Play Now, Play for Life is a podcast by West Music, hosted by Aaron Hansen, a former music educator for 29 years. Each episode, Aaron talks to a new music expert and dives into their tried-and-true ways, insights, and tips for the classroom. Tune in for a breath of fresh air for your lessons so you can empower the next generation of musicians.

Episodes

  1. 04/01/2025 ·  VIDEO

    Episode 7: The Summer PD Survival Guide Every Music Teacher Needs

    In this episode of Play Now, Play For Life, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Judy Pine and Tereasa Evans from West Music’s national events team to talk all things summer professional development. From Orff and Kodály to World Music Drumming and Drums Alive, they walk through the many opportunities available for music educators—plus practical tips for choosing the right fit, navigating time and budget constraints, and even finding scholarships. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation offers guidance, encouragement, and a few laughs to help you feel confident and excited about growing your skills this summer. Apply for the Jeanna McGlaughlin scholarship (applications close April 15, 2025): https://www.westmusic.com/jeanna-mcglaughlin-scholarship Here are links to all of the organizations discussed in this episode!American Orff Schulwerk Association: https://aosa.org/Organization of American Kodály Educators: https://www.oake.org/World Music Drumming: https://www.worldmusicdrumming.com/Drums Alive: https://www.drums-alive.com/Dalcroze Society of America: https://dalcrozeusa.org/ Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlifeSign up for West Music emails for exclusive content and discounts! https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife/emailsignup Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/ Follow us on social media!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany   Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic   Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany   X: www.twitter.com/westmusic   Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic

    59 min
  2. 02/18/2025 ·  VIDEO

    Episode 4: Lauren Hirsh on Building Musical Foundations with the Kodály Approach

    How can the Kodály approach help students develop lifelong musical skills? In this episode of Play Now, Play for Life, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Lauren Hirsh, Executive Director of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), to explore Kodály-inspired strategies that engage students in active music-making, build musical literacy, and support general music teachers. Lauren shares her personal music education journey, insights on bridging elementary music to ensemble success, and tips for integrating Kodály principles into your classroom. Tune in for inspiration, practical ideas, and a deeper understanding of this powerful approach! Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) website: https://www.oake.org/OAKE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakeorgOAKE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakenationalLearn more about the OAKE conference and get a template for asking for support from your district here: https://www.oake.org/conferences/ Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/ Follow us on social media!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany   Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic   Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany   X: www.twitter.com/westmusic   Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic

    56 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

For music educators, by music educators: Play Now, Play for Life is a podcast by West Music, hosted by Aaron Hansen, a former music educator for 29 years. Each episode, Aaron talks to a new music expert and dives into their tried-and-true ways, insights, and tips for the classroom. Tune in for a breath of fresh air for your lessons so you can empower the next generation of musicians.