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PODCAST

Music Ed Insights

Dr. Steve Shanley and Alan Feirer

Dr. Steve Shanley, Alan Feirer, and national thought leaders explore current issues in music education, with practical application for K-12 music educators.

education performing arts

All Episodes

11:04

Quick Pro Tip: Pride, Hubris, and Your Ensemble Culture

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/12/18

Alan and Steve respond to a listener question about ensemble pride and dig into the fine line between healthy confidence and toxic hubris in competitive groups—whether it’s show choir, marching band, jazz band, or orchestra. They connect ideas like humility, empathy, narcissism, the Dunning–Kruger effect, and imposter syndrome to the way we talk about our own programs and other ensembles, offering practical questions directors can use to check the culture they’re building.

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5:50

Quick Pro Tip: Make Your Program Notes Do More Work

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/12/08

Alan and Steve dig into why writing program notes matters more than you think—not just for the audience, but for you and your students. They share practical tips on researching and personalizing notes, avoiding jargon, highlighting student performers, deciding when to speak from the stage, and even using ChatGPT to draft print and spoken versions that match the quality of your ensemble’s performance.

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9:15

Quick Pro Tip: Smarter Advocacy Without Sounding Like...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/12/01

Alan and Steve draw on Alan’s 19 years in the classroom and 15 years in the corporate world to reframe how music educators advocate for their programs. Instead of leaning on “we work nights and weekends,” they suggest focusing on what’s truly unique about teaching—rigid schedules, limited autonomy, and underfunded programs—and how to talk to administrators, board members, and community leaders in the language of investment and student outcomes.

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27:51

Why Have Ensembles in Schools? With Travis J. Cross...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/11/24

As we head into concert season, we want to make sure our new listeners hear this classic episode with Dr. Travis Cross who, among other gems, lays out the case for the large ensemble. Whether you need inspiration for the next stretch, more ideas for advocacy, or you’re just a fan of the brilliant Dr. Cross - this episode is a classic for a reason. Enjoy Part 2.

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26:06

Why Have Ensembles in Schools? With Travis J. Cross...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/11/17

As we head into concert season, we want to make sure our new listeners hear this classic episode with Dr. Travis Cross who, among other gems, lays out the case for the large ensemble. Whether you need inspiration for the next stretch, more ideas for advocacy, or you’re just a fan of the brilliant Dr. Cross -- this episode is a classic for a reason. Enjoy.

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44:38

Unleashing Creativity: Accessible Music Education for...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/11/11

Steve and Alan have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Rhoda Bernard, Founding Managing Director of the Institute for Accessible Arts Education. Rhoda shares groundbreaking insights into creating inclusive music classrooms. She discusses the challenges educators face in reaching students with diverse learning needs, offering practical strategies to remove barriers and unleash creativity. From understanding processing differences to implementing peer-assisted learning, Bernard provides a

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4:40

Bonus Quick Pro Tip - What is the Grand Master Scale?

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/11/07

Alan referenced the Grand Master Scale in our last Quick Pro Tip, and a listener wrote in to ask “What IS the Grand Master Scale and how do you implement it?” Alan answers those questions here.

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9:13

Quick Pro Tip: The Macro-Rehearsal Structure That...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/11/03

Steve asks Alan about a rehearsal strategy that works especially well for students with anxiety, ADHD, or autism—and Alan explains why a clear and consistent rehearsal structure actually helps all students thrive. This tip sets the stage for our upcoming full episode with Dr. Rhoda Bernard, who will explain how universal design in music education lifts the floor for everyone, not just those who need accommodations.

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24:50

Creativity in Teaching: Innovative Strategies for...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/10/27

In this enlightening episode, Steve and Alan talk with veteran music educator Mary Cogswell. She shares transformative insights into music education that transcend ensemble size and experience level. Join us as we explore innovative strategies for incorporating creativity, diversity, and meaningful musical experiences into band programs. From finding diverse repertoire to introducing composition techniques and addressing creative standards, Mary offers practical, actionable advice that will inspire

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6:37

Quick Pro Tip: How to Stop Making the Same Mistake...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/10/20

As marching band festival and competition seasons wrap up, and the show choir season starts to get rolling, Alan and Steve share a powerful strategy for turning this year’s struggles into next year’s strengths. Learn how to capture the “we can’t fix it now” feedback, avoid repeating programming mistakes, and set yourself—and your future ensembles—up for success.

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32:17

The Adaptive Music Teacher with Elisa Janson Jones:...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/10/13

In this episode, Alan and Steve talk with music education expert Elisa Janson Jones, who offers a roadmap for K-12 music teachers seeking to thrive in a rapidly changing educational landscape. Drawing from her extensive experience as an educator, podcast host, and researcher, Elisa provides actionable strategies for integrating emerging technologies, advocating for program resources, and personal professional growth. Listeners will discover innovative approaches to navigating AI tools, expanding

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4:54

Quick Pro Tip: Clarifying Concert Streaming Rules...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/10/06

Last week, we discussed the legalities of sharing concert recordings, and today we're back with important clarifications! In this follow-up episode, Alan and Steve break down a key question from listeners: Do schools need a license to live-stream a concert while it's happening? The answer is nuanced, but the good news is there are legal, free ways to livestream—as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.Steve shares updates from NAfME and NFHS (with the usual legal disclaimers) and

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20:40

Recording and Streaming: The Latest on What's Legal...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/09/29

Join Alan and Steve with Brenna Horn-Cronin, who demystifies the complex world of music licensing for K-12 schools, offering practical insights on how educators can legally stream recordings and archive their performances while respecting copyright laws.

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2:55

Quick Pro Tip: Keep Your Feedback Musical for Everyone

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/09/22

Too often, some of our students - think percussionists and color guard -get comments only about equipment, logistics, or behavior—while wind and string players - and singers - hear about tone, balance, and musicianship. Alan and Steve challenge directors to rethink this dynamic and offer musical feedback to every section—especially the ones we tend to overlook.

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25:30

The Power of Parents in Their Children's Musical...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/09/15

In this episode of Music Ed Insights, we shift the spotlight from students and teachers to the often-overlooked role of parents and guardians in music education. Guest Michael Hemsworth joins Alan and Steve to discuss why parent involvement is critical, how it can transform music programs, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies for empowering families to support their child’s musical journey. Whether you’re a music teacher or a parent, you’ll find actionable insights to help every child

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3:02

Quick Pro Tip: Start Your School Year by Throwing...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/09/08

In this quick—and actually short—pro tip, Steve shares a small habit that makes life easier for your future self and your family: decluttering one item a week from your home and school office. It’s not about minimalism. It’s about easing transitions and clearing space—for peace of mind, for family, and for music.

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08:02

We’re Back! Reflections and Fresh Energy for Season Four

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/08/25

After a summer hiatus, Alan and Steve return to the mic to share what they’ve been up to, what they’ve learned, and what’s coming in Season Four. From hikes in Scotland to arranging jazz charts, AI to acoustic concerts, youth leadership to professional rejuvenation—this is a relaxed and insightful welcome-back chat.

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08:26

Summer Strategies: Combating Loneliness and...

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/06/02

In this episode, Steve and Alan explore meaningful ways to spend summer break. They discuss combating isolation by nurturing friendships, pursuing personal interests, and providing support to new teachers. Their conversation offers practical insights into maintaining connections and finding purpose during the break, with a focus on professional and personal well-being.

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43:32

How to do a Conference with Dr. Rodney Dorsey LIVE

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/05/19

Recorded in front of a live audience at IBA, Alan and Steve talk with Dr. Rodney Dorsey about maximizing the conference experience, work-life balance, and other lessons learned from a lifetime in music education.

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09:13

Quick Pro Tip: The Value of Bringing in Outside Voices

Music Ed Insights ·

2025/05/12

Longtime listener and educator Kyle Engelhardt joins Alan and Steve to talk about the power of bringing in outside clinicians. From leadership development to jazz programming, Kyle shares how working with trusted experts helped elevate his students and strengthen his program. Whether you're a veteran or new to the profession, this is a great reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone.

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133 results

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