The Crescendo Music Education Podcast

32:17

Making Music Matter: Practical Ideas and Advocacy for...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/10/04

Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I’m Debbie O’Shea. Today, we’re continuing my conversation with musician, educator, and Education on Fire podcast host Mark Taylor. In Part 1, Mark shared his journey from discovering percussion at school to becoming a professional musician, educator, and podcaster. Now, we turn our attention to the music classroom. Mark shares practical ideas for making music part of everyday life in primary schools. We explore how rhythm and percussion ...

en-us

22:56

From Percussion to Podcasting: Finding Your Path...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/09/27

Welcome to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I’m Debbie O’Shea, and I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I’m joined by fellow podcaster, musician, and educator Mark Taylor. Mark is a professional percussionist with more than 25 years of experience. He’s also the Vice Chair of the National Association for Primary Education in the UK. And he’s the founder and host of the Education on Fire podcast, which has now shared more than 500 conversations with educators from around the world. Mark believ...

en-us

41:25

Building Community and Advocating for Music Education...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/09/20

Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. If you haven't listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Michael Jones, I encourage you to go back and start there. We explored Michael's journey into music education and the experiences that have shaped his career. In Part 2, we continue the conversation. We dive into building strong music programmes, creating professional communities, and advocating for music education in our schools. Michael also shares practical advice for classroom ...

en-us

34:32

Creating Opportunity Through Music Education | 203

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/09/13

Welcome to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. I'm Debbie O'Shea, and I'm so glad you're here. Today, I'm joined by Michael Jones. Michael is the Director of Music at Villanova College in Queensland. He's also the Artistic Director of the Queensland Catholic Colleges' and Schools' Music Festival and the founder of both the Queensland Catholic Music Education Conference and the Catholic Music Directors' Network. Michael has spent more than 20 years creating opportunities for young people th...

en-us

15:36

Tried & True: 2 MORE Rhythm Games | 202

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/09/06

Welcome to the podcast! I'm Debbie O'Shea, and I'm so glad you've joined me. This podcast is all about supporting, encouraging, and inspiring music educators with practical ideas you can use in your classroom straight away. Whether you're a beginning teacher or have years of experience, my hope is that each episode leaves you with something new to try and reminds you why music education is such a rewarding profession. Today, we're talking about one of my favourite teaching tools: rhythm games...

en-us

20:51

Tried & True: 2 AMAZING Rhythm Games | 201

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/08/30

Welcome to the podcast! I'm Debbie O'Shea, and I'm so glad you're here. Whether you're a brand-new music teacher or you've been in the classroom for years, this podcast is designed to support, encourage, and inspire you with practical ideas you can use right away. Each episode is packed with strategies, teaching tips, and real classroom experiences to help make your music lessons more engaging, more effective, and more joyful—for both you and your students. Today, we're kicking things off wit...

en-us

28:25

200 Conversations, 65 Years and the Next Chapter with...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/08/23

Welcome to a very special milestone episode of the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Today, we're celebrating 200 episodes of conversations with passionate music educators from around the world. Over the past several years, this podcast has become a place to share ideas, celebrate successes, explore challenges, and highlight the incredible work happening in music classrooms every day. For this special episode, we're doing something a little different. The microphone is being handed over once...

en-us

30:11

Music Education, Democracy & the Skills We Build...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/08/16

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Joe Elefante. In Part 1, Joe shared his journey as a professional musician, educator, and author. We explored why music education deserves to be valued for what it truly is — not simply as an activity, but as a powerful way to develop thoughtful, creative, and engaged human beings. In this episode, we take a deeper look at the connection between music education and the skills needed in a thriving community. Joe shares how ...

en-us

22:25

Music Education, Democracy & the Skills We Build...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/08/09

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat — the podcast for primary music teachers who believe music has the power to shape not only musicians, but confident, creative, and connected human beings. Today, I’m joined by Joe Elefante — a pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, band leader, and music educator from New Jersey. Joe’s journey through music is a fascinating one. He has performed professionally as a musician, led ensembles, composed and arranged music, and now brings that wealth of experience ...

en-us

31:31

The Art of Session Etiquette with Tara Conahan (Part...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/08/02

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Tara Conahan. In Part 1, Tara introduced us to the rich tradition of Irish music sessions and explained how the unwritten customs of these gatherings help create communities where music can flourish. We also explored why stepping into an unfamiliar musical environment can feel both exciting and intimidating. In this episode, we take those ideas even further. Tara shares fascinating insights into the psychology of belonging...

en-us

33:51

The Art of Session Etiquette with Tara Conahan (Part...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/07/26

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat — the podcast for primary music teachers who want to inspire a lifelong love of music in every child. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Tara Conahan, an internationally respected traditional fiddle player from Donegal, Ireland. For more than 35 years, Tara has been immersed in Irish traditional music. She is a founding member of the acclaimed She Fiddlers group and has dedicated her career to performing, teaching, and preserving Ireland's rich musical heritage. Mor...

en-us

30:54

The Upbeat Teacher: Mindset, Leadership & Wellbeing...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/07/19

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is the final episode in my conversation with Dr. Matthew Arau. Over the last two episodes, we've explored mindset, purpose, leadership, and the choices we make each day as educators. In this final chapter, we focus on something that resonates deeply with so many music teachers: wellbeing and sustainability. Music educators are passionate people. We care deeply about our students, our programs, and our communities. Yet that same passion can sometimes leave ...

en-us

29:14

The Upbeat Teacher: Mindset, Leadership & Wellbeing...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/07/12

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Matthew Arau. In Part 1, Matthew shared his journey and introduced us to the Upbeat philosophy — a powerful framework for approaching life and teaching with intention, optimism, and purpose. In this episode, we dive deeper into leadership. But not the kind of leadership that's based on titles or authority. Instead, we explore servant leadership, relationship-building, and the role music educators play in shaping the li...

en-us

25:33

The Upbeat Teacher: Mindset, Leadership & Wellbeing...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/07/05

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat — the podcast for primary classroom music teachers who want to do their best work, love what they do, and keep showing up for their students every day. Today's guest is someone who has inspired thousands of music educators around the world through his message of mindset, mindfulness, and leadership. Recently, I had the privilege of hearing him speak in person, and I can honestly say the energy in that room was unforgettable. I'm delighted to welcome Dr. Matthew ...

en-us

36:50

AI in Music Education: Why Teachers Don’t Need to Be...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/06/28

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 3 of my conversation with Katie Argyle. Over the last two episodes, we've explored the role of artificial intelligence in music education. We discussed why AI doesn't replace great teaching, looked at practical tools music educators can use right now, and unpacked ways technology can help reduce workload and create new learning opportunities. In this final episode, we turn our attention to the future. Katie shares her thoughts on AI-powered video e...

en-us

40:50

AI in Music Education: Why Teachers Don’t Need to Be...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/06/21

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Katie Argyle. In Part 1, we explored the big picture of artificial intelligence in music education. Katie shared why music teachers don't need to fear AI and explained how these tools can support teaching while preserving the human connection at the heart of music-making. In this episode, we get practical. Katie takes us inside some of the AI tools and music technology platforms that are already helping teachers save time,...

en-us

34:21

AI in Music Education: Why Teachers Don’t Need to Be...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/06/14

Today on Crescendo Chat, I’m joined by Katie Argyle for the first episode in a special series on artificial intelligence and music education. If the words AI and education make you feel excited, curious, overwhelmed, or even a little nervous, you’re not alone. AI is everywhere right now, and many music teachers are wondering what it means for their classrooms, their workload, and even the future of teaching itself. Katie brings a refreshing and practical perspective to the conversation. She o...

en-us

37:02

Finding Purpose in Music Education with Chris Munce...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/06/07

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Chris Munce from Choralosophy. In Part 1, Chris shared his journey through choral education and unpacked the deeper philosophy behind why music — and especially singing together — matters so much in the lives of young people. In this episode, we move into the practical side of teaching while still keeping that big-picture lens front and centre. Chris shares insights on assessment, rehearsal priorities, student engagement, ...

en-us

35:01

Finding Purpose in Music Education with Chris Munce...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/05/31

Today on Crescendo Chat, I’m joined by Chris Munce — choral conductor, educator, and host of Choralosophy, one of the world’s top music education podcasts and a leading voice in global choral education. Chris has spent more than 20 years as a choral director at Lee's Summit High School. He also directs Kantorei KC, a professional choir based in Kansas City. Alongside that work, he’s built Choralosophy into a space where educators explore the philosophy, purpose, and humanity behind music educ...

en-us

32:20

Why Story Matters in Music Education with Kate Albury...

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast ·

2026/05/24

Welcome back to Crescendo Chat. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Kate Albury. In Part 1, Kate shared her journey as a choral educator and unpacked the power of storytelling in helping students connect to music in authentic and lasting ways. In this episode, we turn toward the bigger picture of music education within school culture. Kate shares practical insights from her work at Brisbane Boys' College, where she bridges classroom learning with co-curricular music programs and broader cr...

en-us

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Edutainment Learning

Ralph Krauss

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Education Futures

Svenia Busson & Laurent Jolie

Out In The Hall

NHSA