Tune Me In

In today's episode, I have a chat with ex-Spotify employee and author of the book, You Have Not Yet Heard Your Favourite Song: How Streaming Changes Music, Glenn McDonald. In our conversation, we dig into the dreaded algorithm and how it actually makes recommendations and much, much more. Glenn McDonald is a former employee of Spotify who was responsible for grouping and naming genres at the company. Often described by media as a "data alchemist", he created the music discovery

In today's episode, I chat with renowned educator Peter O'Connor. Peter is a professor of education and director of the Centre for Arts and Social Transformation at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. He is a passionate advocate of the arts and arts education. In our conversation, we dig into the challenges music and the arts are currently facing. Peter is 100% authentic and doesn't pull his punches, but he does leave us with hope. This episode is one of my favourites. Let

In this episode, I talk music education with Digital Technology in Education specialist Dr Martin Emo. Dr. Martin Emo is a Lead Adviser for Learning Design in the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education, where he serves as Learning Area Lead for Arts, Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education. Based in sunny Whakatū (Nelson), Martin brings over two decades of expertise in curriculum development, assessment, pedagogy, and digital technology in music education.Music and education have been

In this episode, I chat with the fabulous Jeni Little. Jeni Little has been teaching music for 38 years and has had the pleasure of teaching students at all levels, from early childhood through to tertiary education. She is passionate about community music - specialising in singing groups including Heaven Bent, One Voice, and currently Local Vocals. Currently, the Learning Area Lead of Performing Arts at Hobsonville Point Secondary School, she is dedicated to innovative and inclusive music

In this episode, I talk with educators Ginnie Thorner and Duncan Ferguson about their work co-writing "The Aurora Stone" with their students.Ginnie Thorner thoroughly enjoys working in all aspects of drama. For the past30 years she has been engaged in drama practice of one kind or another as an educator. She is a specialist dance and drama teacher in Christchurch, working with students aged 5-18 years, and also works with teacher trainees at NZGSE. Ginnie's work focuses on drama for

In this launch episode, I introduce the Tune Me In Podcast and share the vision behind New Zealand's first subject association podcast. The episode features voices from the recent MENZA conference, where attendees share the intentions and whakataukī that guided them through the gathering. These brief, heartfelt reflections offer a snapshot of the music education community's values, aspirations, and the cultural wisdom that informs their practice, setting the tone for meaningful conversations to come

In this episode, I have two short discussions. First up, I talk indigenous teaching and learning with Emily Wilson. Next, I have a chat with Wiremu Sarich about play and indigenous games as a powerful tool for teaching and learning.