Send us a text

Learning student names isn’t just a classroom management strategy; it’s a powerful way to build trust, connection, and community from day one. In this episode, Bryson shares five practical, low-stress ways to confidently learn student names, even when teaching hundreds of kids each week. It’s all about starting strong and showing students they matter, one name at a time.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:34 Seating Chart with Pictures
• 4:16 Name Tags
• 5:58 Name Games
• 7:58 Direct Name-Learning Activities
• 9:00 Use their name whenever possible
• 9:55 Takeaways

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™
• Download Idoceo

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

Season 7 kicks off with a fresh invitation to pause, reflect, and set meaningful intentions for the school year ahead. In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson shares six thoughtful reflection prompts designed to help music teachers process last year’s highs and lows, from student breakthroughs to classroom challenges and personal wellbeing.

Listeners will walk away with actionable ways to build on their successes, learn from missteps, and bring more joy and intention into their teaching. Whether tuning in during a commute or a planning break, this episode offers a grounded, encouraging start to a new season of teaching.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:02 A student moment that stuck with you (and why)
• 3:09 Reflecting on a teaching challenge and what it taught you
• 4:06 Where your students grew, and how you helped
• 4:25 What gave you energy last year? What drained you?
• 5:54 Non-teaching routines that helped you feel renewed
• 6:46 Your one word or phrase for the school year
• 7:34 Why this kind of reflection matters
• 8:30 Takeaways

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

In this season finale of That Music Podcast, Bryson reflects on the journey of the show from its early days to now, sharing his excitement for what’s ahead in Season 7. He highlights how the podcast has grown alongside his transition out of the classroom and how the addition of YouTube has opened new ways to connect. Bryson thanks listeners for their support and feedback this season, inviting the community to share ideas, guest suggestions, and topics they want explored in the upcoming season. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the show, this episode offers a heartfelt wrap-up and a look forward to continuing the conversation about transforming elementary music education.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:21 Reflecting on the Podcast’s Growth and Impact

Links and Resources:

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community
• The Elementary Music Summit®

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

The Elementary Music Summit® is back for its fourth summer, offering five days of content-specific professional development tailored for elementary music teachers. Bryson shares all the exciting details about this year’s event, happening July 7–11, including 28 expert speakers, live sessions with 24-hour replay access, and new features. Whether you attend for free or upgrade to the All Access Pass, the Summit provides practical, accessible ideas to help you create engaging, joyful, and balanced music classrooms. Tune in to discover why this Summit is Bryson’s favorite event of the year and how it can support your growth as an elementary music educator.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:51 What to Expect This Year
• 3:32 How the Summit Grew — And Why It Matters to You

Links and Resources:

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community
• The Elementary Music Summit®

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

Not all PD is created equal—and if you’ve ever sat through a session on a math curriculum you don’t teach, you already know that. In this episode, Bryson breaks down why content-specific professional development is a must for music teachers and how to start advocating for it in your district. He shares three key reasons why general PD often misses the mark for music educators and offers actionable steps for finding, requesting, and justifying music-focused learning—especially with the support of national organizations and case studies. Whether you're tired of irrelevant sessions or looking for ways to stay current and inspired, this episode will help you build the case for PD that actually speaks your language.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 3:01 3 Concrete Reasons Why Content-Specific PD Matters
• 6:04 How to Advocate Effectively
• 7:52 Where to Start Taking Action
• 9:10 Breaking Out of “Music Teacher Island”
• 11:22 Takeaways

Links and Resources:

• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join That Music Teacher Community
• The Elementary Music Summit®

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson sits down with David Bedard—educator, preschool teacher, and longtime advocate for inclusive music education. You may remember David from his energetic presentation at the Elementary Music Summit, and in today’s conversation, he brings that same heart and insight to a discussion centered on accessibility in the music classroom.

Together, David and Bryson explore the barriers students face in traditional music education, the importance of student agency, and how educators can begin to shift their mindset toward more inclusive, empowering practices. David shares how his work at Daniel’s Music Foundation and as a preschool teacher continually reinforces the transformative power of music, no matter a person’s age or ability.

You’ll leave this episode inspired and equipped with new perspectives to serve all learners in your classroom better.

This conversation is just the beginning! David will be leading a masterclass inside That Music Teacher Community, where he’ll go even deeper into strategies for accessible and inclusive music teaching.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 5:08 The Biggest Barriers Students Face in Traditional Music Education
• 9:32 What Sparked David’s Passion for Accessibility in the Music Classroom
• 13:19 Small Shifts, Big Impact: Creating a More Inclusive Environment
• 18:26 Practical Ways to Adapt Music Activities for Students with Disabilities
• 23:18 Debunking Common Myths About Accessibility in Music Education
• 27:56 A Sneak Peek at David’s Masterclass for That Music Teacher Community
• 31:39 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!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into the exciting yet sometimes nerve-wracking process of preparing for a music teacher interview. Whether you're fresh out of college or exploring new opportunities, Bryson has tons of advice to help you stand out and land that dream job. With insights from his own experience and tips from serving on hiring committees, this episode is packed with useful ideas to help you feel more confident and prepared. Whether you're wondering how to present your teaching style or what key questions to ask, Bryson’s got you covered!

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:29 Bryson’s Experience with Interviews & Hiring Committees
• 3:42 What to Know Before the Interview
• 5:15 What to Expect During the Interview
• 6:13 Bonus Tip for First-Time Interviewees
• 6:52 Questions To Ask The Interviewer
• 7:41 How a Teaching Portfolio Can Leave a Lasting Impression
• 9:44 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!

Send us a text

In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson dives into a question that many educators face: When is the right time to tell your principal that you're job-searching? Whether you're looking for a new position, interviewing, or planning to leave, this conversation is packed with insights on handling these delicate situations.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:42 Bryson’s Personal Insights & Experiences
• 5:08 Asking for a Reference
• 7:00 Next Steps: How to Handle the Transition Smoothly
• 9:42 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!

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!