The Music Education Advocate Podcast

National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
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  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Music educators witness the needs of our students firsthand; yet often, we don’t feel fully equipped to advocate for our students effectively. Join music educator turned advocate, Jazzmone, and other music education advocates to hear their stories and reflections on how to make advocacy actionable. We can’t promise that we have all the answers, but we can learn from each other and grow together. *Music provided by Skilsel. © 2023 The National Association for Music Education

  1. APR 15

    I Believe I Belong

    In this heartfelt conversation, Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Franklin Willis, joins host Jazzmone Sutton to revisit a 2024 student project that grew far beyond its original vision, earning national recognition for the district’s music programs. What began as a simple call for students to create a song inspired by the district mantra “Every Student Known” evolved into a fully student-produced album, “I Believe I Belong,” and an Emmy-winning documentary. Franklin highlights how bold creative asks, intentional partnerships, and student-centered storytelling can bolster music education advocacy efforts. He reflects on the importance of taking risks and embracing rejection to unlock meaningful opportunities for students. Ultimately, he exemplifies how investing in student creativity can not only transform their futures but elevate programs, strengthen communities, and build lasting support for the arts along the way. Check out the district’s original song, full album, and Emmy-winning documentary: https://www.mnps.org/departments/arts/i-believe-i-belong

    42 min

  2. APR 1

    Proactive Advocacy

    Listen as Laura Arthur, Public Policy Chair for the OregonMusic Education Association, joins host Jazzmone Sutton to discuss why advocacy in music education must be proactive, not just reactive. Drawing on her transition from the classroom to policy work, Laura highlights both the challenges and opportunities of building sustainable, system-level advocacy. She introduces the concept of a “fire suppression system”for advocacy, emphasizing the importance of having strategies in place that help prevent issues before they arise. From asking the right questions and aligning with standards to defining clear, data-driven asks, Laura shares practical ways educators can take small, intentional steps to strengthen their programs. She stresses the value of staying proactive, reminding us that effective advocacy is less about grand gestures and more about consistent, thoughtful actions that center student impact. As mentioned in the episode, OMEA's advocacy toolkit is available here: https://oregonmea.org/advocacy/advocacy-toolkit/

    47 min

  3. MAR 18

    The Importance of Community

    Tune in as Amy Schendel, a Montana-based music educationadvocate and Fine Arts Coordinator for Billings Public Schools, joins host Jazzmone Sutton to explore the power of community-building in advocacy. Amy emphasizes that by contributing in small but meaningful ways in their own communities, educators can create ripple effects that demonstrate the value of their music programs, deepen local relationships, and lay the groundwork for lastingadvocacy. Drawing on her experience teaching in rural Montana, sheshares how music educators across the state sustain advocacy efforts and mentorship, even when many work in siloed roles and often travel hours away to connect with the nearest peer. She reflects on how the state’s annual conference serves as a vital gathering point where shared experiences, intentional connection, and mutual support strengthen both mentorship and statewide advocacy.

    44 min

  4. MAR 4

    Working with Admin

    In this episode of The Music Education Advocate Podcast, host Jazzmone Sutton sits down with Debbie Martinez, Nebraska Music Education Association Immediate Past President, for a candid conversation about working effectively with school and district administrators. Debbie shares practical tips for building trust, aligning your music program with school priorities, and navigating conversations around budgets, staffing, and scheduling. From strengthening everyday communication to positioning music education as essential to student success, this episode offers down-to-earth advice to help educators approach admin as partners in advocacy—not obstacles.

    33 min

  5. FEB 18

    Becoming a New Leader

    In the season two premiere, West Virginia Music EducatorsAssociation Advocacy Chair Genesis Tomalko joins host Jazzmone Sutton for an inspiring conversation about stepping into advocacy leadership as a young musiceducator. From discovering her passion for music education toembracing advocacy early in her career, Genesis shares how mentorship, storytelling, and transformative Hill Day experiences shaped her leadership journey. She reflects on finding the confidence to claim her seat at the table, helping expand advocacy efforts across West Virginia, and why new leaders don’t have to have all of the answers to make a lasting impact.

    30 min

  6. 11/08/2023

    Engaging the Community to Expand Opportunties

    Join the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Christy Todd, and host Jazzmone Sutton as they discuss how to expand community engagement to meet the needs and goals of the students that we serve. Episode Resources: Story Arts  Hall Pass Entertainment  Share your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment below, in the NAfME Amplify or send Jazzmone an email at advocacy@nafme.org. © 2023 National Association for Music Education

    45 min

  7. 05/18/2023

    Federal Landscape Update Part 2

    Join Amanda Karhuse, NAfME Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy and Public Policy; Zachary Keita, NAfME Advocacy and Public Policy Communications Manager; and podcast host Jazzmone Sutton, NAfME State Advocacy Engagement Manager, as they provide an update on federal education legislation and appropriations. Show Notes: Support Federal Funding Campaign- Add your voice to the national call to support federal funding for programs impacting music education Federal Funds Survey Results Letter to support Non Defense Funding *Music provided by Skilsel. © 2023 National Association for Music Education

    23 min

  8. 05/04/2023

    The Mindset of an Advocate

    Join, James G. Daugherty, Arts Education and a Digital Learning Specialist for Davidson County Schools in Lexington, NC and host Jazzmone Sutton as they discuss developing an advocate mindset to advance music education.   Share your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment below, on Amplify or send Jazzmone an email at advocacy@nafme.org. © 2023 National Association for Music Education

    51 min
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Trailer

About

Music educators witness the needs of our students firsthand; yet often, we don’t feel fully equipped to advocate for our students effectively. Join music educator turned advocate, Jazzmone, and other music education advocates to hear their stories and reflections on how to make advocacy actionable. We can’t promise that we have all the answers, but we can learn from each other and grow together. *Music provided by Skilsel. © 2023 The National Association for Music Education

Information

  • Creator
    National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
  • Show Website
    The Music Education Advocate Podcast

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