That Music Podcast: A Podcast for Elementary Music Teachers

Bryson Tarbet, M.M.Ed.
  • 4.5 (28)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
That Music Podcast: A Podcast for Elementary Music Teachers

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. 22 HR. AGO

    162 | What Are YOUR Non-Negotiables?

    In this week’s episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into a practical conversation about finding and focusing on your non-negotiables. With a relatable, down-to-earth approach, he guides you through identifying those must-do tasks that keep us grounded, especially when the demands of teaching pile up. Bryson challenges you to cut through the noise and prioritize what truly matters—without sacrificing well-being in the process. Get ready to rethink how you spend your time and gain some insights on protecting your energy for the things that make the biggest impact in and out of the classroom. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  2:24 The Rocks Principle  5:36 Applying the Rocks Principle  7:00 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community   Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    8 min

  2. NOV 13

    161 | Let the Ball Drop (Sometimes you have to choose NOT to be perfect)

    In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson gets real about the challenges of balancing it all as a music teacher. He dives into the realities of burnout, offering refreshing advice on setting boundaries, focusing on what matters, and letting go of the pressure to be perfect. Tune in for an honest, empowering conversation on how to stay passionate about teaching without sacrificing your well-being. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  1:06 Let The Ball Drop  7:12 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community

    8 min

  3. NOV 6

    160 | Finding Work-Life Balance with Grace Stevens

    Ready to thrive in the classroom and beyond? In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson welcomes teacher empowerment coach Grace Stevens for an inspiring conversation about achieving true work-life balance as an educator. Grace opens up about her path from corporate burnout to classroom fulfillment and shares practical tips to help you reclaim your time, reduce stress, and bring renewed energy to your teaching. Together, they bust the myth of perfection and discuss how to make intentional choices, set boundaries, and integrate personal passions—all without sacrificing joy. Whether you’re looking to feel recharged or simply seeking a fresh perspective on your teaching career, this episode is packed with actionable steps and insights you won’t want to miss! Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  4:24 Busting the Myth of Work-Life Balance  6:45 Common Misconceptions  11:48 Grace's Unique Approach to Finding Balance  15:41 The Power of Leaving Work at Work  22:34 Grace's Top 3 Tips for Taking Control  28:24 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community Connect with Grace   Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    31 min

  4. OCT 30

    159 | The Universal Rubric (The 4-point Scale I Use On Everything)

    In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson shares one of his favorite classroom hacks: a simple yet powerful 4-point rubric that he uses for every type of assessment in his music classroom. From vocal performance to rhythm and everything in between, this universal rubric helps him assess consistently and efficiently, all while gathering meaningful insights into student progress. Bryson explains how this streamlined system works, why it’s so effective, and how you can use it to simplify your assessments without sacrificing depth. He also offers tips on addressing administrator concerns and using the data to show how much your students are learning. If you’re looking for a way to make assessments easier and more impactful, this episode is a must-listen! Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  2:09 The Benefits of a Universal Rubric  2:54 Bryson’s Four-Point Rubric  4:33 Addressing Administrative Concerns  7:29 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community   Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    9 min

  5. OCT 23

    158 | Live Q&A Replay: Expert Answers From The Middle School Music Summit

    This week’s episode features a replay of the live Q&A panel from the Middle School Music Summit. Bryson is joined by fellow music educators, Alessandra Santaguida and Amy Burns, to dive into the top challenges middle school music teachers face today. The panel discusses strategies for engaging reluctant learners, incorporating non-vocal activities, and using technology effectively in resource-limited settings. The conversation also touches on AI’s role in music education, differentiating instruction for diverse classrooms, and even offers tips for band teachers transitioning to a singing-focused curriculum. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas or practical advice, this episode has something for every middle school music educator. Grab The All-Access Pass Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  3:02 Engaging Reluctant Learners  8:10 Assessing and Building on Prior Student Knowledge  13:37 Incorporating Non-Vocal Activities in the Music Classroom  18:07 Leveraging Technology with Limited Resources  21:16 Addressing the Role of AI in Music Education   28:20 Differentiating Instruction for Middle School Students  31:58 Transitioning to a Singing Focus as a Band-Trained Teacher  35:03 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community   Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    36 min

  6. OCT 16

    157 | Project-Based Learning in the Middle School Classroom with Alessandra Santaguida

    In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson Tarbet chats with the amazing Alessandra Santaguida about the transformative power of project-based learning in the middle school general music classroom. Alessandra shares her incredible insights on how project-based learning can engage even the most challenging middle schoolers, making them active participants in their own education. She breaks down what project-based learning really means and how it fosters student autonomy, competence, and a sense of connection—all vital ingredients for boosting intrinsic motivation. Get ready for a sneak peek into one of Alessandra's favorite projects: a music-themed podcast where students explore topics they’re truly passionate about! She also offers practical tips for educators eager to dive into project-based learning, including how to start small, set clear expectations, and navigate the dynamics of the classroom. This episode is a must-listen for any elementary or middle school music teacher looking for fresh, student-centered strategies to reinvigorate their curriculum. Don’t miss Alessandra's upcoming presentation on project-based learning at the Middle School Music Summit—you won’t want to miss it! Click Here To Get Your Free Ticket Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  2:42 Understanding the Struggles of Middle School General Music Teachers  7:01 How Project-Based Learning Can Help  11:20 Practical Tips for Teachers  21:16 The Middle School Music Summit™  22:40 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Connect with Alessandra Join That Music Teacher Community The Middle School Music Summit™   Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    25 min

  7. OCT 9

    156 | Classroom Storage Tips & Tricks For Centers & Manipulatives

    In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson tackles one of the biggest challenges for music teachers – classroom storage! From keeping track of all those manipulatives to making sure your space stays functional and clutter-free, Bryson’s sharing his go-to strategies for organizing your hands-on resources. Whether it’s affordable plastic bins or scrapbook boxes, he’s got tips to help you sort by concept, keep centers prepped, and, most importantly, actually find what you need when you need it! Packed with practical ideas, this episode is all about making your classroom storage work for you. Get ready to declutter and get organized! Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  2:47 Shoebox Storage for Centers  3:55 Scrapbook Boxes for Organization  5:45 Bonus: Dry-Erase Protectors  6:22 Craft Boxes for Manipulatives  7:49 Bonus: Developing a Storage Strategy  8:59 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community Scrapbook Case Craft Box   Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    10 min

  8. OCT 2

    155 | Simplifying Centers with Becca Davis

    In this episode of That Music Podcast, we're diving into the world of centers in the elementary music classroom with special guest Becca Davis. Becca shares her go-to strategies for using centers to engage students, differentiate instruction, and—let’s be honest—give us teachers a little breather during lessons. We’ll chat about the big benefits of centers, how to keep students on task, and tips for managing all the prep and organization. Becca also tackles one of the toughest parts: letting go of control and trusting students to work independently. If you’ve ever been curious about trying centers in your classroom, this conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement to give it a go. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction  4:10 Defining Centers in the Music Classroom  10:04 Benefits of Using Centers  13:43 Addressing Common Challenges  30:38 Becca’s Masterclass on Centers  32:01 Takeaways Links and Resources:  Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Watch on Youtube 128 | 7 Minutes 97 | Engaging Upper Elementary Students with Becca Davis Connect with Becca Join That Music Teacher Community   Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

    34 min
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4.5
out of 5
28 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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