The Anacrusic Podcast
Anne Mileski
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Anne Mileski from anacrusic.com engages in meaningful conversations about music and music education. Following the mantra "purposeful, sequential, joyful" each episode highlights different topics elementary music teachers face each and every day in their school classrooms. The Anacrusic Podcast is a chance to put your arm around another music teacher buddy and start discovering your most joyful music teacher heart.
Available episodes
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Nov 12, 2023
TAP 140 - I want to be a better music teacher, but where do I start?
"I know this could be better."
I know we've all had that thought. It's easy to go down that whole rigamarole of feeling like you're not living up to your potential in the music classroom, and to spiral down the different ways you could be doing things better.
First things first: you're a caring, thoughtful teacher. You wouldn't be here if you weren't, am I right? But when we get in these cycles of criticizing our practice, it's important to find a place to start. It's important to find that ONE thing.
Here's a few things that I talk about on today's episode:
* Why it's important to focus on one thing at a time when it comes to changing or refining your teaching.
* A couple different ways I've seen too much happen when teaching a song by rote.
* Three things to consider when you want to improve your teaching and are ready to focus on one thing.
Here are a few links mentioned in today's episode:
* Teaching Music Tomorrow - Transitions
* The Anacrusic Podcast - 7 Ways to Teach a Song
*If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @**annemileski** on instagram!*
*If you’re looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, **CLICK HERE for your FREE download**.*
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Jan 1, 2023
TAP 139 - 4 Ways to Use Ostinato in Elementary Music
Ostinato is not just a concept on your curriculum map to check off... in fact, it's much like all of the other things listed on that curriculum, it comes back again and again! But ostinati are special. They are not only a pathway to partwork, they are also opportunities for student choice, creativity, and independent musicianship.
*Today I'm sharing 4 ways that I use ostinato in my classroom, including:
*
* The easiest way to extract and create an ostinato with a game you're already doing in your classroom.
* How to highlight a rhythmic or melodic concept while also creating opportunities for student choice.
* How to use ostinati as a scaffold for improvisation
*Click here to check out the new podcast, Teaching Music Tomorrow, with myself and my good friend Victoria Boler.
*
*If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @**annemileski** on instagram!*
*If you’re looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, **CLICK HERE for your FREE download**.*
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Nov 21, 2022
TAP 138 - How to Break Down Activities Over Multiple Elementary Music Lessons
Something that I consistently hear from both practicing teachers and student teachers alike is "what is the best way to break down activities over multiple lessons?" It feels a little like you should be able to just sing the song and play the game. And yes, absolutely that is the goal for our students! But what if it's something a little more advanced, or we simply want to stretch the good stuff over multiple lessons?
Today I'm sharing how to find natural stopping points and build lesson segments from one big activity with many layers. Here are a few of the things we talk about on today's podcast:
* What exactly is a lesson segment and why is it even a thing in lesson planning?
* How to find natural stopping points by identifying the different music making skills for your students within the activity.
* A complete example using Tideo so you can start implementing this right away!
Find the notation to Tideo here via the Holy Names Song Collection.Click here to check out the new podcast, Teaching Music Tomorrow, with myself and my good friend Victoria Boler.
If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!
If you’re looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.
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Nov 14, 2022
TAP 137 - Should I Script My Elementary Music Lessons?
I recently received a piece of feedback that "scripting wasn't working for them." they felt like trying to create exactly what they would say in front of a group of students without actually being in front of that group felt really in authentic and not right.
My response was, "well of course not." You would never want to read a prescribed script to your students in your classroom. That would not allow for the opportunity to change things on the fly, take feedback from your students, and change things accordingly... But also, that's not really on the point of scripting. It's not about giving you your lines for Tuesday at 9:00. It's something a bit more nuanced.
*Today on the podcast, I'm talking about what scripting is and isn't, and why you might want to give it a try. Here are some things we talk about on the podcast:*
* What is scripting, and why should you do it even if you've been teaching for MANY years?
* How scripting actually allows for more student successes, rather than being tied into a prescriptive sequence.
* What to script today to make your lesson more successful.
*If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @**annemileski** on instagram!*
*If you’re looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, **CLICK HERE for your FREE download**.*
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Nov 7, 2022
TAP 136 - Getting Started with Creativity in Elementary Music
Creativity is a BIG word. But getting started doesn't have to feel quite so hairy scary. Why? Because it really comes down to one thing: student choice.
Today I'm talking about how to implement a few strategies to begin offering your students choice and facilitate creativity in your elementary music classroom *today*.
*Here are some of the things we talk about:*
* *Convergent vs. Divergent thinking and why both have a place in the classroom.*
* *How to start giving students choice and using creativity without it feeling scary (to you OR them!)*
* *The first steps you need to get your students improvising.*
*Links mentioned in today’s episode:*
* *TAP 089: Why You Should Improvise Earlier than You Think*
* *TAP 090: Improvisation: The Path to Musical Fluency*
*If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @**annemileski** on instagram!*
*If you’re looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, **CLICK HERE for your FREE download**.*
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Sep 13, 2021
TAP 135 - 3 Ways to Jumpstart Your Music Class
Having an opening routine in your music class is a surefire way to get students primed and ready to go when they first walk into your classroom. It's no secret that I think having an intentional beginning sequence to your lessons is important--we've talked about it on a couple of podcasts so far (and are linked down below)
I've even gone so far as to share what I do with my younger students, think Kindergarten through 2nd grade, to have a fairly established routine that they come to expect, and stays the same week to week. But what about those older students? What about the upper elementary or even middle school students who might find a "hello" song or echo singing to be a bit too baby-ish? (even though it's not, but that's a topic for another day).
Today on the podcast, I'm going to give you 3 surefire ways to jumpstart your music class.
*Here are some of the things we talk about:*
* The overall goals of an opening routine, whether it’s the same week to week or constantly evolving.
* Ways to engage your students as they are literally walking into your classroom.
* How to tap into students’ independent musicianship in the first 10 minutes of your music lesson.
*Links mentioned in today’s episode:*
* TAP 131: All About Opening Routines
* TAP 126: How to Create an Opening Routine
If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!
If you’re looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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Aug 30, 2021
TAP 134 - Tea with V: How Children Learn Music Best
Aside from the ordering of concepts and skills we teach in our music classrooms, there’s this whole other side of “stuff” that we need to figure out in order to teach our children music effectively. How children learn music best is one of those big, “can of worms” types of questions that can easily leave you wondering even more than that first original question.
Today on the podcast, my friend Victoria Boler is back to chat about music teacher philosophy and how we both have discovered that children learn best.
*Here’s a little bit about what we talk about in this week’s conversation:*
* The importance of music literacy and fluency
* What active music making really means
* Why having multiple pedagogical tools and musical media is so essential to your music classroom.
*Links mentioned in today’s episode:*
* TAP 103: What is Active Music Making?
* TAP 022: Kodály Inspired Teaching with Brent Gault
If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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Aug 23, 2021
TAP 133 - Tea with V: What to Expect in your Kindergarten Music Class
Kindergarten is one of those very very polarizing topics. It’s either that it’s completely your jam (raise your hand if you’re with me there!) or something that you completely dread. Odds are, the reason it feels either anxiety inducing or the most fun ever is because honestly? Kindergarten music is 100% it’s own animal.
Today on the podcast, I’m back with my friend Victoria Boler to chat about all things Kindergarten.
*Here’s a little bit about what we talk about in this week’s conversation:*
* What to actually expect in those first weeks of Kindergarten.
* The high energy and quality of teacher demeanor it takes to keep your early childhood music classroom moving forward.
* What the main goals in Kindergarten, whether they are overtly tied to musical concepts or skills, or a more holistic approach to community music making (psst! It’s both!)
If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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Aug 16, 2021
TAP 132 - Tea with V: Pre-Assessment in the General Music Room
The first week of school is tricky. Alongside opening routines, we’re also trying to figure out, quite literally, what to do with our kids for the rest of the year. What do they know? What can they demonstrate? And how are we going to continue to make music for the rest of the year?
Well, today on the podcast, you're in luck because we are having our another "Tea with V" episode with Victoria Boler, where you get to listen in on a conversation we had all about pre-assessment
Here's a little bit about what we talk about on this week's episode:
* How to figure out where your kids are in your curricular sequence and what they are ready for next.
* How to actually do the pre-assessment things, and what to do with the information.
* What to do when you don’t have a sequence and what you should be assessing and how to make meaningful next steps.
If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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Aug 9, 2021
TAP 131 - Tea with V: All About Opening Routines in the Music Room
Back to school season is in FULL swing. Whether you've gone back to your classroom or are just prepping to do so, I'm willing to bet that you've been thinking a LOT about rules, procedures, and routines that you'd like to get rocking and rolling this year. Especially when it comes to opening routines.
Well, today on the podcast, you're in luck because we are having our very first "Tea with V" episode with Victoria Boler, where you get to listen in on a conversation we had all about opening routines.
*Here's a little bit about what we talk about on this week's episode:*
* The 2 main goals you should set for an opening routine
* The role of student choice and improvisation in the opening routine
* Why it's so important to be clear on your lesson's learning target for the day, particularly when it comes to creating an opening routine.
If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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May 17, 2021
The 4 Hardest Things about Being a Music Teacher
*Ready to **finally** streamline and simplify your lesson planning? Sign up for my upcoming FREE workshop here: annemileski.com/workshop
*Riddle me this: have you ever had a conversation with another teacher and tried to explain what you really do in your music classroom day in or day out? Or have you ever tried to really use words to describe the types of experiences that you facilitate in your classroom? It's not easy to put into words. It's something that is almost exclusively indescribable, unless you've experienced it yourself.
There's so much that goes into what we do as teacher musicians, and not a whole lot of it is easy. I've been thinking about this a lot. So in this week's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, we're talking about the 4 hardest things about being a music teacher
Here's some things we're talking about in today's episode:
* the sticking points in your #musicteacherlife
* why remembering why you teach is so important
* how to find out more about how to get…
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May 13, 2021
Creating Transitions in the Music Room
We’ve already talked about the benefits to using transitions in your music classroom: how it keeps things flowing, provides opportunities for quick assessments, and genuinely just makes everything about your music classroom more intentional and purposeful. But what about the actual stuff, the actual things that you do to make transitions happen in your classroom?
There’s really three big categories of transitions that will help you get your foot in the door when it comes to making transitions happen in your music lesson plans. Today on the podcast, I’m sharing specific examples about how to start using these types of transitions in your classroom today.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* The three main types of transitions to use and how to make them successful.
* Why having a solid behavioral objective makes it so much easier to create transitions in your classroom.
* How transitions truly are the secret sauce to everything in your lessons bein…
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May 10, 2021
All About Transitions
Transitions are one of those things that (1) seems awfully intimidating at the beginning, and (2) turns into an absolutely essential part of your music teaching once you see the magic they can create.
So if you’ve ever wanted to know more about transitions in your music lesson plan and why you should make them a part of your planning process, today’s podcast episode is 100% for you. We aren’t just talking about what transitions are, but how they can help your lesson truly flow.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* What transitions actually are
* The 5 different ways transitions can help your music lessons
* The three things you should include in a successful transition.
Ready to finally streamline and simplify your lesson planning? Sign up for my upcoming FREE workshop here: annemileski.com/workshop
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join…
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May 6, 2021
How to Create a Closing Routine
In this episode, we’re going to piggyback off of TAP 126 and talk about all things closing routines..
Now admittedly, this will be a little bit more freeform than our opening routines and rely completely on how your lesson went and what your kids need from you. But just like the opening routine, we have two big overarching goals that we want to focus on in a closing routine.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* The two biggest goals you should have with an closing routine
* How to make assessment a realistic part of your closing routine
* The end of the “tell them” sandwich
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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May 3, 2021
How to Create an Opening Routine
An opening routine is one of those game changers in your music teacher life. It’s one of those not so little things that make a huge difference for both you and your kids and the ultimate flow of your music lesson. If you’ve never thought about how to incorporate a fluid and flexible opening routine, this is the episode for you.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* The two biggest goals you should have with an opening routine
* Actual examples I’ve used in my own classroom
* The secret of the “tell them” sandwich
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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Apr 26, 2021
What’s in a (Pedagogy) Name?
Way back in the day, I made a pretty embarrassing life choice. I took a picture (2 actually) with literal labels stuck to my head with different pedagogical approaches on them. The second picture just said “music teacher.”
The pictures… definitely not the best choice, but I DO still stand behind the point. Rather than being focused on having the absolute perfect picture of “fill in the bank” style of teaching, I’m much more interested in having and using the tools in my toolbox to teach my children how to be fluent music makers. That’s what today’s episode is all about.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* Why we should soak up as many pedagogical tools as possible.
* The importance of language when we talk about teaching styles and interpretations.
* Where to look and how to feel inspired as a music educator who is looking for more.
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strat…
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Apr 19, 2021
What Grade Level is This Good For?
I was having a conversation with my good friend, Victoria Boler about the conversations we have with other music teachers we’re working with in our programs or chatting to on instagram. And THIS is the one that comes back again and again. I’m sure you’ve asked yourself the same, because I know I definitely have!
It’s not a bad question. The intention behind the question is to figure out what certain songs, games, and activities are appropriate for which students. But instead of focusing on grade level, there are better questions we can ask that get to the root of the issue.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* Why the question “what grade level is this good for” is a tricky one to answer.
* The five questions you should ask yourself instead.
* How to start back at square one if you’ve seen an ending “big picture” that you think would be a cool experience for your kids.
To listen to last week’s episode, How to Teach a Singing Game Pa…
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Apr 5, 2021
How to Teach a Singing Game Part II
Today on the podcast, we’re taking the next step towards the best way to teach a singing game in your classroom. Last week was all about the things you think about before kids ever come into your classroom: the planning, their experience, and how you can build off of it. And today is all about what to do with kids actually in the room.
In this episode, I’m walking you through how I teach three of my favorite singing games in my music classroom. The big takeaway? It’s so important to have a sequence for everything. Do you have to do things exactly the way that I’ve outlined here today? Absolutely not. But you do need to think about what will make your students feel most successful and most like independent musicians as you walk them through a new music making experience.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* Whether or not you should teach the song first (and the things to keep in mind either way)
* How to break things down in digestible chunks and…
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Mar 25, 2021
How to Teach a Singing Game Part I
You don’t really think about it until you’re in it. It’s like teaching a song to your students. Since you know how it goes, and can sing, say and play upside down with your eyes closed… it seems almost inherent.
But just like teaching a song, teaching your students a new singing game requires a very specific sequence. And there are a lot of things you have to think about before you start teaching kids, and honestly? Before you even put your teaching sequence together.
That’s what today’s podcast is all about. We’re diving into exactly how to teach a singing game.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s episode…*
* Whether you should teach the song before or during the game
* How to get kids to successfully choose partners and get to their spots to play
* A couple things to think about when you consider taking turns.
To listen to the episode on 7 ways to teach a song, click here.
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, T…
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Mar 18, 2021
What to do when a Music Lesson Flops
It’s seriously one of the most frustrating experiences you can have as a teacher. You feel like you’re hitting your head against the whiteboard, saying things as many different ways as you possibly can, and the kids just aren’t getting it.
We’ve all been there. Either the kids are off catching stars instead of being truly engaged in our lessons, or they are doing exactly what we’re telling them to do... but it’s not even close to what we really meant. It’s so tricky, and you can literally hear Ross from Friends yelling “PIVOT!” But you have no idea which way to turn or which step to take to get the stupid couch up the stairs.
And that’s exactly it. What direction do we take? Which step do we need? And how do we get our foot centered squarely on the step to keep ourselves grounded, and you know, restore balance in our classrooms.
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we’re talking what to do when your music lesson flops.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s…
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Feb 25, 2021
How I Teach vs. How I Was Taught
What is your earliest memory of music making? I have these memories of really organic, joyful music making with my family. We were always singing, my dad was always creating, and my mom was always there to dance and smile and sing along with us.
My earliest memories of music making in a "formal setting"? Well, that was a little bit different. I was thinking about this a lot the other day, after a call with the members inside of The Sequencing Solution, as they often spark these thoughts and ideas that make their way onto the podcast... but the thought that I had was, how is the way that I teach music different from the way I was taught music?
Today on the podcast, I'm talking about exactly that. Here are a few things I share:
* What those early memories of elementary music meant to me
* The things my most impactful teachers made sure of
* How my own music education influences my teaching style today
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The P…
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Feb 11, 2021
The Music Teacher Burnout is Real
I'm not okay.
I hit a MAJOR wall this week. We had a massive home improvement project finally wrap up after six months (YES, seriously), and half of our house is boxed up... yes with two toddlers running around.
I started a new collaborative project which took up way more of my time and energy than I expected it to (which is classic Anne, by the way, total recovering people pleaser over here).
And then to top it all off... our beloved dog of 12 years died.
I'm not okay.
There is SO MUCH going on right now. Even if there's light at the end of the tunnel, it's still a lot. It feels insanely... heavy.
So today, music teacher friend, I wanted to take a quick moment to say I'm not okay. And you know what? I haven't said that out loud yet... have you?
On today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, we're going to talk about the music teacher burnout. It's very real. The importance of acknowledging it. And what moving forward really means.
*Here’s a few things we discuss on today’s e…
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Feb 4, 2021
Active Embedded Assessment with Victoria Boler
Assessment is one of those things that I really really struggled with when I first started teaching. I think I mostly didn’t have a lot of knowledge about how assessment in the music room relates to assessment in other subjects, whether it should be the same or different, and how it could fit in the same box as the other grades my students are receiving on a report card.
I’ve learned over time a couple of things: (1) active assessment is embedded and inherent in what we do in our music classrooms, as long as we are intentional about our lesson objectives; and (2) although our classrooms function differently than a grade level classroom, we are consistently making observations, gathering data, and adapting our instruction based on what our students need—all of which, I might argue, are at the very heart of what assessment truly is.
Today, I’m talking with my good friend, Victoria Boler, all about how she approaches active, embedded assessment in the music classroom. Victoria i…
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Jan 27, 2021
Start with Music Making
I don't know how to start.
If you've ever thought this to yourself, you're not alone. As a matter of fact, it's one of the first places we go, our default, if you will, when it comes to trying new ideas and incorporating new approaches to our teaching practice.
It's something I often hear when I share an activity at a workshop, or I'm sharing different modes of active music making that may feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable to those who have never experienced them, let alone have never taught them to kids.
The answer is simple. It doesn't feel easy, but it's simple. Just Start. And start with with the music. And today's conversation is all about how to start with active music making... instead of starting with notation.
*Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:*
* Why your curriculum isn't really the notation
* How to cast a big picture vision that is actually doable
* What you need to do to finally just start
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FR…
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Jan 14, 2021
A Community Conversation About Intentional Teaching
If I could count the number of times I've been influenced on Instagram... oh boy. There's a reason that influencer marketing is so effective. We can see the change in people's lives, see how they can be transformed... whether we're talking about a new vacuum cleaner or a meal delivery service.
Why is this important? Because I could tell you about a million different times, a million different ways how The Sequencing Solution can totally transform your music teacher life. But until you hear it from other community members firsthand, who have used this system and seen massive results in their teaching, it won't make sense.
So today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm sharing a conversation I had in June with two community members of TSS.
*Here's what we discuss in today's episode:*
* The importance of community
* What being a member of The Sequencing Solution has done for their classrooms
* How YOU can truly get unstuck and start choosing intentional teaching
*The doors to my signat…
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Jan 12, 2021
My 5 Best Tips for Music Lesson Planning Magic
Okay, real talk... do you feel like you have this lesson planning thing completely mastered? There's no doubt that whether you just started teaching this year, or you've been doing this for what feels like a thousand, I'll bet you're looking for a few tips to shape up and refresh your teaching practice.
Well, this past weekend, I did a series of free workshops called, "the ultimate music lesson planning roadmap" and inside of that workshop I shared the 4 pillars to completely simplify and streamline your music lesson planning once and for all... with a not so little bonus at the end.
I absolutely adore giving workshops like this and sharing with members of the music teacher community, but there's a good chance that a few of you either missed the workshop or just couldn't seem to make it work. And since it's been a while since I've done this particular workshop, and I'm not 100% when I"ll do it again. I wanted to share just a quick rundown of some of the things that we talked about.…
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Jan 7, 2021
Technology for Student Engagement with Jennifer Timidaiski
Truth be told, even in the midst of pandemic teaching, I am not the most tech savvy person on the block. As a matter of fact, I have really resisted implementing it in my classroom, because I was under the false assumption that if I was using tech in my classroom, I was forgoing active music making opportunities that my students need to really live and breathe music fluency and literacy. You know, that whole when you choose to include something, you choose to exclude something else?
Well... I was wrong. Yes, I'm admitting it, right here and right now. Because as I'm learning as I talk to members of the community, and specifically today's guest, technology can be a really useful tool in our classrooms, particularly when it comes to student engagement, differentiation, and assessment... all within the learning sequence framework.
Today on the podcast, I'm talking with community member Jennifer Timidaiski all about technology for student engagement.
*Here's what Jennifer and I talk abo…
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Jan 5, 2021
REAL Assessment for the Music Room
It's a word that strikes fear into the heart of teachers everywhere. Okay, maybe just me.... assessment.
Yes, assessment. This is a word that used to totally send me running for the hills. I thought it was a trap for music teachers. Like, how on earth are we supposed to collect data and give tests for a thing that is so un-test-able?
Well, that's what I used to think. I used to think that assessment was a gotcha, or this impossible task that required all sorts of prepping and planning and extra stuff... but it's not. It's an integral, informative, and pretty simple part of our entire teaching process.
Today on the podcast, we're talking about REAL assessment in the music room.
*Here's what I’m sharing on this week’s podcast:*
* Why you aren’t “behind” this year
* The #1 thing you need for assessment
* How to write your lesson objectives for student success
* The keys to making it a part of your active music making classroom
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podca…
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Dec 31, 2020
Creating Goals for 2021
I know I talked last episode about how resolutions aren't my jam... but I'm fan of the idea of resolutions. It's like, taking out a clean sheet of paper to rewrite your list because the first one wasn't clean enough... and if there was ever a year to start fresh, this is it.
But notice, I said "re-write" or maybe a better word is "re-frame". I'll bet that you made some resolutions or goals for 2020, and then 2020 happened. But I'm also willing to bet that those were sound goals. Things that meant a lot to you and many you were still able to carry out, just maybe in a re-written form that you weren't expecting and definitely didn't ask for.
So that's what we're going to talk about today. Creating YOUR goals for 2021.
*Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:*
* Why you need to take consistent action
* The importance of environment
* The impact of life-long learning
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE workshop, The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning…
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Dec 29, 2020
Not “Next Year,” But Right Now
It felt tricky to figure out exactly what to say for this episode. It's one that I've done each year in some shape or form since I've started this podcast.
I've thought about different titles like, "reflecting on the past year" or "my goals for the new year" and none of that really seems to fit. I've seen the memes on the interwebs. Everything from "nobody claim this 2021 as your year" to "don't breathe, don't touch anything."
It's no doubt that we're all happy to see 2020 close its door. It's no doubt that it has been A YEAR. And it's no doubt that things seem to finally be taking a turn toward progress, and a light at the end of the tunnel. But nothing magical is going to happen on January 1st. Because it's not about next year, it's about right now. Whatever and whenever that might be.
*Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:*
* Where to shift your focus for 2021
* What made my most favorite team work so well together
* How to simplify your music teacher life
Today's e…
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Dec 24, 2020
Unleash Your Teacher Musicianship
On the last episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I talked all about the importance of seeing yourself as a teacher musician instead of just a music teacher. This is such an important distinction, because it puts the emphasis of the label we use for ourselves on our intention.
It's my musicianship that makes me an amazing teacher for my students. It's my musicianship that brought me to my teaching practice, and it's my musicianship identity that I put before everything (you know, other than wife and mother) about how I define myself in my professional life.
So today, on another Anacrusic in Action episode, I’m sharing some actionable ideas for how to truly unleash your own teacher musicianship.
*Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:*
* How to sink into truly caring, even when you just aren’t feeling it
* What we GET to do each and every day
* Why it’s so important to keep creating as a teacher musician
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE…
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Dec 22, 2020
What is a Teacher Musician?
When I first made the transition from being a music "performer" to a music educator, it was... interesting.
I had a lot of weird feelings about the fact that I was giving up what I had spent my entire life working toward, winning an audition for a full time performing ensemble. After hours of orchestra rehearsals, brass quintet recording sessions, banging my head against a wall in the practice room, and a handful of recitals I worked my behind off for, was I really just going to stop?
Well... no. Because, as one of my mentors told me, it all applies. And as my daddy likes to say, things have a way of working out exactly the way they are supposed to. Today on TAP, I’m talking about what being a Teacher Musician really means.
*Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:*
* How I found peace leaving the performance world
* The “three Cs” of Teacher Musicianship
* Why you are more than “just” a music teacher
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my F…
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Dec 17, 2020
{AIA} Engaging Students in the Music Classroom
Guess what...? It's another Anacrusic in Action Episode, where I give you specific, actionable steps you can use in your classroom to apply the things we talk about here on the Anacrusic Podcast.
And this week, we are continuing on from Tuesday's episode, where we talked all about how to increase engagement in your lessons. So today, on The Anacrusic Podcast, we are going to take a peek at truly engaging your students in the music classroom... in action.
When it comes to increasing student engagement, this is a tricky thing to discuss because all of our lessons, now more than ever, are incredibly time bound, situational, and especially in 2020, always changing. So for the sake of trying to find ways to help everyone (or as many teacher-musicians as possible) apply these strategies, I'm going to talk through both an in person learning example, as well as a virtual learning example.
Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:
* A quick recap of the three strategies to increase stud…
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Dec 15, 2020
3 Strategies for Increasing Student Engagement in Music
There's no doubt that music teaching right now is just plain hard. Whether you are in person with masks and socially distanced, teaching virtually, or doing a mix of all the things, there are new challenges and things to figure out way beyond what we are already used to as educators.
And perhaps, one of the biggest, is to find new ways to engage with our students in meaningful ways that allows them to continue to be the center of our music classroom universe. Today on the podcast, I'm sharing 3 strategies for increasing student engagement.
*Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:*
* The difference between participation and engagement
* Why your students need more opportunities to practice making choices
* The importance of pacing for promoting student engagement
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other m…
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Dec 10, 2020
Older Beginners in the Music Room (Anacrusic in Action)
Something that I’ve been thinking a lot about is how I can make what I share with y’all on the Anacrusic Podcast into something much more actionable. Like a thing or two that you could literally drag and drop and use in your classroom right now. Something that highlights a process, gives a concrete example, and illustrates exactly the type of processing I use in my music classroom. Well today, I'm sharing the first "Anacrusic in Action" episode, and I this is the beginning of what I think could be the solution.
Here's what you'll hear on this week's episode:
* A quick review of the 5 steps or tips for working with older beginners in the music room.
* Exactly how I would use those with a new class of third graders who have never had me as a music teacher.
* How layers are really the key to making magic happen with your older beginners.
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningpl…
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Dec 6, 2020
5 Music Sequencing Tips for Older Beginners
If I had to rank questions I get from the Anacrusic community... well there's always a few that come back again and again. And one of them is always from eager new teachers or teachers new to sequencing who are like, "this is amazing!!... but how do I do it with the older kids?" And y'all, get it. When you first start to implement a meaningful scope and sequence, it's easy to get your feet off the ground with the itty bitties, because you quite literally start at the very beginning (because it is a very good place to start, thank you Maria Von Trap).
But perhaps one of the trickiest questions, you know along side "how do you solve a problem like Maria?" is how do you do this with the big kids? Today, on The Anacrusic Podcast we're talking all about sequencing for older beginners.
Here's a little bit of what you'll hear on this episode:
* Why you shouldn't use the same songs for the same concept across grade levels.
* How to "level up" basic or foundational concepts in the older…
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Dec 3, 2020
3 Things I'm Grateful For in 2020
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm a liiiiittle bit late to the Thanksgiving party. Yes, it's a week after Thanksgiving here in the United States, but I'm still taking advantage of the spirit of the season to share three pretty big things I'm grateful for.
Here's a peek at what I'm sharing this week:
* The new ways we all have to create communities with music teachers from around the world.
* How technology has influenced our classrooms--for the better and maybe more permanently than we thought.
* The magic of collaborating even in trying times, when we all have the same access to professional development no matter where we are.
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/com…
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Nov 18, 2020
How to Differentiate Active Music Making
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm sharing about Active Music Making and how you can make it work for your classroom, even in the midst of pandemic teaching . I don’t know what I was expecting out of this year, but I do know this: the only constant is change. And so today on the podcast, I’m going to chat with you a little bit about all things change—how to stay focused when you literally have no idea what your teaching situation could look like tomorrow, how to plan the most meaningful musical experiences for your kids, and how to keep creating lessons that put active music making at the forefront no matter how you need to differentiate for distance learning and social distancing.
*Here are some of the things I’m sharing on this week’s episode:*
* What Active Music Making is
* The 5 media you can use in your classroom (yes, even in pandemic times)
* The number one obstacle in your classroom (it starts with an S and ends with a PACE!)
Today's episode of The Anacrusi…
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Nov 12, 2020
Why You Need The Learning Sequence Framework
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm sharing all about The Learning Sequence Framework and how I know it can make a difference in your teaching. I didn't create this because I thought we needed another "thing" in music education, but instead I share it with teachers like you because I know it can 100% be the catalyst for change in your teaching.
*Here are some of the things I’m sharing on this week’s episode:*
* Why the Learning Sequence Framework is so important to me
* What IS the Learning Sequence Framework
* The 5 ways it can completely revolutionize your teaching
Want to know more about the LSF? Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community
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Nov 5, 2020
Finding Joy in the Margins
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we are kicking off season 6 with a little mindset refresh. This is the perfect time to reframe our teaching practice and get grounded on what the rest of 2020 and 2021 are going to look, feel, and mostly think like for us.
*Here are some of the things I’m sharing on this week’s episode:*
* My journey with virtual youth chorus (it's not all sunshine and rainbows...)
* Why I reject the idea of “Covid Babies” or “Covid Teachers"
* How to find joy in the margins
Want to grab a copy of the book I mentioned in today’s episode? Click here for Emily Ley’s “Grace, Not Perfection.” (affiliate link)
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybook
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusi…
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Sep 10, 2020
The 100th Episode
*It's the 100th Episode of The Anacrusic Podcast!!*
Today on TAP, I'm celebrating 2.5 years and 100 episodes (with a few bonuses too...) of sharing teacher tips and cultivating community and collaboration. This episode is full of a few of the most meaningful snippets from the last 99 episodes, going all the way back to the beginning.
*PLUS, did you hear about the BIG GIVEAWAY?!
*If you are an avid listener of the podcast and take the time to leave a review wherever you're listening, you can enter to win one of the following prizes:
* *$50 Amazon Giftcard + Anacrusic Teacher-Musician Tee (1 Grand Prize Winner)*
* *$10 Starbucks Giftcard (3 Winners)*
* *Anacrusic Teacher-Musician Tee (5 Winners)*
All you have to do is leave your review, take a screenshot, and email It to anne@anacrusic.com. *Winners will be chosen on Thursday, September 17th at 4PM Pacific!
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*Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your…
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Sep 3, 2020
Social Emotional Learning with Allison Schnier
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking with my friend Ally all about Social Emotional Learning in the music classroom. This is one of those hot topic issues in education and music education right now, and for good reason! In the midst of teaching in a pandemic, and especially teaching music in a pandemic, incorporating social emotional learning strategies into our lessons in meaningful ways is one of the best things we can do for our kids. Lucky for us, today Ally breaks it down in a way that is a 100% natural extension of what we’re already doing in the music classroom.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll hear on today’s podcast:
* Ally’s background in music pedagogy and social-emotional learning (this girl knows her stuff!)
* The five competencies that make up social-emotional learning and how to implement them into your teaching, right now
* Where to start if you’re looking to start incorporating SEL strategies in your own teaching.
Click here to follow Al…
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Aug 27, 2020
3 Steps for Music Lesson Planning in a Pandemic
There are so many unknowns in our music teacher lives and our world right now. Today on the podcast, I'm sharing a few ways to recenter yourself in thinking about the things that you can control, especially when it comes to lesson planning.
In this episode, I share my three tips for planning whether you're teaching virtually, in person, or using a hybrid model. Here's a peek at what you'll learn:
* The starting place for any music lesson you teach
* Why the STUFF you put in your lessons matters more than you think
* How to break down a lesson to make it digestible for kids
* A BONUS tip about recording lessons in a way that is a natural extension of your music teaching, not extra stuff.
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Doors are open NOW!! Click here to sign up and get started ASAP.
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and s…
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Aug 19, 2020
Teaching Music Virtually with Michelle Rose
This week on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking with my good friend and virtual music teaching expert, Michelle Rose. Michelle has been playing this virtual music teacher game since before the rest of the world took the plunge. She has tons of advice for music teachers who are navigating this new-to-us space, and I know you’ll gain so much from this episode, whether you’re teaching in real life, virtually, or in another form of music teaching delivery.
*Three things you’ll learn from Michelle on today’s episode: *
* *Why you should only focus on one new thing at a time, especially with tech *
* *Creating boundaries between work and personal life when you’re teaching from home *
* *Trusting your musicianship, no matter how you’re being asked to teach*
Click here to follow Michelle on Instagram —> http://instagram.com/the_musical_rose
Click here to snag Michelle’s new book —> https://fflat-books.com/product/teaching-music-online-a-comprehensive-guide-for-k-1…
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Aug 13, 2020
Inspiration, Laughter, and Activism with Darlene Machacon
Today on the podcast, I am thrilled to be chatting with a fellow podcaster, The Sequencing Solution member, and my friend Darlene Machacon. In this interview we talk about all the things: instagram, the podcast she co-hosts Coloring the Melody, and her journey in music education.
Darlene is one of the bubbles on instagram stories that always makes my heart jump a beat, because I know she's going either going to inspire me, make me laugh, or make me think. I'm pretty sure that throughout today's episode, she'll do the same for you.
Click here to follow Darlene on Instagram
Click here to listen to the Coloring the Melody Podcast
Click here to follow the Coloring the Melody Podcast on Instagram
Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Click here to sign up and be the first to know when the doors are open.
For today's full episode notes, click here.
To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas a…
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Aug 6, 2020
Research, Practice, & Publishing with Sarah Gulish
Today on the podcast I’m talking with Dr. Sarah Gulish, PhD of FFlat-books about all things research, practice, and publishing. I loved this conversation with Sarah because I identify with her on so many points, from thinking about how teachers should be sharing their work and being in community with one another, as well as how we wish music education research was more accessible to music teachers in the classroom. The work that she’s doing with her company, FFlat, is truly inspiring, and I know you’ll enjoy listening to her journey and her “why” as much as I loved talking to her about it. To check out more information about Flat and the resources they provide for teachers, as well as their upcoming summit, click the links in today’s show notes.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
* Sarah’s story and why she started her company, F Flat Books
* Why there’s a disconnect between research and practice
* The importance of honoring and caring for authors who are shar…
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Jul 30, 2020
A Letter to First Year Music Teachers
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing a letter I wrote to all first year music teachers. But if you’ve tuned into this week, and you are not a first year music teacher, I want you to stop. Collaborate. And listen. AND YES, I”m serious.
We’re all first year teachers. Because, yes, we were thrown into the ring last spring with all the distance learning and all the things that happened in what seemed like overnight, and we were literally surviving. It was our first taste of adapting and innovating and doing a complete 180 from what we’re used to, and now… we’re back. In whatever capacity it may be, we’re back for more of the unknown, the unexpected, and most importantly, providing our kids with what they need now more than ever: music making.
So yes, while it’s important for us all to love on our first year teachers who definitely, undoubtedly had something completely different in mind for this year, I’m willing to bet that you did too. You probably had the best ideas fo…
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Jul 23, 2020
Advice for Music Teachers for Fall 2020
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we are talking about all things Fall 2020. It’s no doubt that with COVID-19, this year is going to look, feel, and function completely differently then anything we’ve ever done before, whether you’re a first year teacher or a thirty year teacher.
I’ve asked a few of my friends to leave a message for you to consider as you get ready to head back to school, whether it’s your live, in person classroom, or a virtual classroom, some combination of the two, or something completely different. I know you’ll leave this episode feeling encouraged and knowing that we’ve got this together.
Here are some of my friends that you’ll hear from today:
* Katie Wonderly from Mrs. Wonderly Makes Music
* Jane Marsilio from Silly O Music
* Beth Philemon from Choir Baton
* Jessica Grant from Afternoon Ti
* Jessica Peresta from The Domestic Musician
* Lindsey Schroder from Lyrics by Linds
* Charissa Duncanson from Music with Mrs. Dunc
* Melissa…
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May 27, 2020
TSS Member Spotlight: Teacher Talk with Kristen Sotero
Today on the podcast, I’m talking about my signature program, The Sequencing Solution, and it’s exactly what you need in your music teacher life right now. Yes, even though the world is bananas, even though there are tons of things that we don’t know and are out of our control, the absolute most important thing for us to do is focus on what we can control and concentrate on music making experiences first and foremost.
Here’s what’s happening on this week’s episode:
* Why now is the most important time to focus on your teaching practice, even though there are so many unknowns.
* A conversation with Kristen Sotero, a member of my signature program. She shares her story about how it really and truly transformed her music teacher life.
* A special opportunity for you to join The Sequencing Solution, before the doors close on Sunday, May 31st.
To check out the full show notes and transcript for today's episode, head to anacrusic.com/92
PS. Still have questions about jo…
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May 21, 2020
The Secret to Music Lesson Planning
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing my experience with wanting to do all the things in my music classroom, falling flat on y face when I tried to do it all without a process, and how I finally made the magic happen. (Spoiler alert: it’s all about being purposeful, sequential, and joyful… shocker, I know!) Here’s what you can listen for in this week’s episode:
* Things you should think about as you’re choosing activities for your lessons.
* How you can actually find freedom and flexibility within an overall structure for your lesson planning.
* Why it’s so important to remember yourself as not just a teacher, but a teacher-musician.
To check out the full show notes and transcript for today's episode, head to anacrusic.com/91
If you want to know more about my planning process, and specifically and how I use it through the learning sequence framework for everything and anything I teach In the classroom, check out my upcoming FREE Music Teacher Workshop: The Ultimate M…
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May 13, 2020
Improvisation in Practice: The Path to Musical Fluency
Today on the podcast, I'm giving you Part II from TAP 089: Why You Should Improvise Earlier Than You Think. Today's episode Is all about seeing improvisation in action, and I'm giving you some real strategies to make magic happen in the music room, so that your students can be both literate and fluent musicians. Today on the podcast, you'll hear:
* Why you should always start with your voice, no matter the concept you're exploring with your students.
* How to use different modes of active music making in your improvisational sequence.
* How to lead composition activities both with and without notation.
To check out the full show notes for today's episode, head to anacrusic.com/90
Links mentioned on today's podcast:
* TAP 089: Why You Should Improvise Earlier Than You Think
* TAP 027: Orff-Schulwerk with Julie Scott
* A Composition Sequence for the Elementary Music Classroom (Blog Post)
* Apple Tree Improvisation Manipulatives
If you want to know more about improvisat…
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May 6, 2020
Why You Should Improvise Earlier Than You Think
Improvisation used to be one of those really hairy scary words for me. But then I finally got a handle on what it really Is and why it's so important to do early and often. Today on the podcast, you'll hear:
* My college horror story about being asked to improvise for the first time... (yes, in COLLEGE!!)
* How I define improvisation and how it can empower you to own it for both yourself as a teacher-musician and your student-musicians.
* Why improvisation is essential for music language learning--early and often.
Tune in to next week's episode for some actionable steps on making improvisation work for your music classroom, even with your youngest kiddos.
Check out the FREE guide and full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/89
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE Music Teacher Guide, How to Teach Everything & Anything in the Music Classroom. Head to anacrusic.com/howto to snag it!
You can also chat with your other music teache…
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Apr 29, 2020
TAP 088 - Music in Kindergarten
Today on the podcast, I’m going to talk about music in kindergarten and why it is 100% it’s own beast. It’s a friendly beast that you want to kind of cuddle up with and spend a little bit of extra time with inside of your classroom but it’s definitely it’s own animal when it comes to what concepts to teach how to sequence and this whole idea of setting the foundation for what we’re doing in kindergarten and beyond kindergarten.
Check out the FREE guide and full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/86
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE Music Teacher Guide, How to Teach Everything & Anything in the Music Classroom. Head to anacrusic.com/howto to snag it!
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the Anacrusic Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/anacrusicinsiders
Come chat with me on Instagram here → instagram.com/annemileski
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Apr 23, 2020
TAP 087: How to Write a Learning Target
One of the most commonly asked questions I get in all of Anacrusic-land is about learning targets. It’s no doubt that learning targets, student objectives, behavioral objectives, or “I can” statements (whatever you like to call them!) are essential to your students’ success and YOUR success as a teacher. Not only does a learning target give students the opportunity to self assess and evaluate their own progress, but it gives you as the teacher the opportunity to (1) focus your lesson on a specific, observable musical concept or skill, and (2) create activities that support and illustrate the target inside of your lesson. Today’s episode is all about how to write meaningful learning targets for your music classroom, and includes a special FREE guide to help illustrate the action steps!
Check out the FREE guide and full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/87
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE Music Teacher Guide, How to Teach…
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Apr 16, 2020
TAP 086: Connecting with Students Virtually
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing how I’ve connected and shared a music making idea with my students in our local youth chorus. I realize that so many of us are in different situations with our teaching and what is expected of us, but I know we all want to be connected with our students in a meaningful way. Hopefully today’s episode will help you feel connected with your kiddos and confident that you are helping them to create meaningful musical experiences!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/86
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE Music Teacher Guide, How to Teach Everything & Anything in the Music Classroom. Head to anacrusic.com/howto to snag it!
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the Anacrusic Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/anacrusicinsiders
Come chat with me on Instagram here → instagram.com/…
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Apr 2, 2020
TAP 085: Imagine Something More
“Dream with me folks. You never thought your current reality would be possible right? Why not use some of this time you’re stuck in the house to imagine something more?”
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing my newly adopted mindset with all the crazy in the world. It’s inspired by an article that I found on Angela Watson’s blog. And although she is not a music teacher, and the context is a little different, there were lots of hard hitting points for me that just made me THINK.
Today, I’m sharing with you why I think it’s important that we take this opportunity to better ourselves, to think more intentionally about how we’re planning, and to stay true to our purpose and our mission for being teachers: to create meaningful music making with and for children, no matter the way in which we’re being asked to teach.
Ready to take the next step? Join Powerhouse Planning here---> https://anacrusic.com/plan
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcas…
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Mar 26, 2020
TAP 084: Where Are You Right Now?
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE Music Teacher Challenge, Power UP Your Lesson Planning--5 Secrets in 5 Days to Music Lesson Magic. Head to anacrusic.com/challenge to sign up!
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing why I decided to push forward with the lesson planning challenge, even though we are in C-R-A-Z-Y times. I realized that so many of us are in different situations with our teaching and what is expected of us, and I wanted to honor everyone’s journey. This episode is about identifying where you are, and what’s possible.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/84
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the Anacrusic Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/anacrusicinsiders
Come chat with me on Instagram here → instagram.com/annemileski
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Mar 19, 2020
TAP 083: Take a Deep Breath and Sing
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE Music Teacher Challenge, Power UP Your Lesson Planning--5 Secrets in 5 Days to Music Lesson Magic. Head to anacrusic.com/challenge to sign up!
Whew. What a crazy couple of weeks. Today on the podcast, I’m really sharing what’s on my heart with all the things happening in our world and how it’s impacting the music education community overall. The big takeaway? I’m here for you, so you can be here for KIDS.
Need to know a little bit more about learning sequence framework? Snag the free guide here → anacrusic.com/howto
Need a lesson flow template?? Snag mine here → anacrusic.com/lesson
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/83
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the Anacrusic Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/anacrusicinsiders
Come chat with me on Instagram here →…
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Mar 12, 2020
TAP 082: How to Plan a Lesson in 4 Simple Steps
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE Music Teacher Challenge, Power UP Your Lesson Planning--5 Secrets in 5 Days to Music Lesson Magic. Head to anacrusic.com/challenge to sign up!
It’s really difficult to talk about lesson planning without talking about curricular planning or learning sequence framework. But we need to start SOMEWHERE. This episode will get you on your way to mastering your lesson planning flow in 4 easy steps.
Need to know a little bit more about learning sequence framework? Snag the free guide here → anacrusic.com/howto
Need a lesson flow template?? Snag mine here → anacrusic.com/lesson
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/82
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
Come chat with me on Instagram here → instagram.com/annemileski
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Mar 5, 2020
TAP 081: 7 Ways to Teach a Song
There have been a handful times I’ve just wanted to *sing the darn song and plan the darn game.* In those cases, I have to admit, I have made my children victims to lining out a song.
I know, I know. Did you shudder at the mere mention of the good ol’ “your turn, my turn”? I mean, to be honest, if you need to teach a song swiftly, it’s not a bad method. And truth be told, no matter which approach you take in introducing new song material to your students, lining out will probably be a (hopefully small) portion of it.
But in the hopes of keeping your classroom alive and engaging, for both you and your students, today I’m sharing seven other ways to teach a song. Don’t forget to head to the show notes on the Anacrusic website to snag your FREE cheatsheet.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/81
Today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is brought to you by my FREE lesson guide, “Creating a Lesson Flow.” If you are ready to streamline…
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Feb 27, 2020
TAP BONUS: My Why - The 3 Pillars of Anacrusic
I felt really called to share all of this with you today because it seems like there are lots of new people popping up on social media, in groups, and elsewhere who are creating resources and inspiration for music teachers. Aren’t we so lucky to have this community? It’s amazing!
I've always wanted to share and help teachers. It started with collaborating in my district, to going on to do doctoral work, then to share in person at trainings and workshops. But when it came to who really needed something to make their classrooms and teaching come alive, I knew there were teachers out there who couldn’t necessarily get there, wherever that was. Sometimes geography and finances makes it really, really difficult to get to trainings. Anacrusic is my way of sharing and a place where everybody has access and I love that so much, that is so important to me.
So since I know there's so many wonderful places to draw inspiration from, and the numbers continue to grow (again lucky us!) I just…
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Jan 16, 2020
TAP 080: The Plug + Play Formula for Intentional Music Teaching
Register for my signature program, The Sequencing Solution, here→ anacrusic.com/tss (Don't wait, doors close Sunday, January 19th @ 9 PM PST!!)
Today on TAP, I'm sharing why you need a plug + play formula for everything you teach. And here's a hint: it's because you are an intentional music teacher, who cares, and who deserves to conquer the overwhelm once and for all. Don't just take it from me, also take a listen to what Kristin Sotero, a member of The Sequencing Solution, had to say about being a part of the program.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/80
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsi…
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Jan 9, 2020
TAP 079: The Five Things You Need in Your Music Teacher Life
Register for my FREE Music Teacher Workshop, “The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap: How to Plan the Perfect Lesson Without the Overwhelm” → anacrusic.com/workshop
Today on TAP, I’m chatting about the five things you need to make 2020 your best year yet, and really just in your music teacher life in general… and psst! This is a sneak peek at this weekend’s workshop and all the juicy stuff we’ll be chatting about starting January 11th. Head to anacrusic.com/workshop to sign up for one of 3 days and times to attend!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/79
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/gro…
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Jan 2, 2020
TAP 078: How to Make 2020 Your Best Year Yet
Register for my FREE Music Teacher Workshop, “The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap: How to Plan the Perfect Lesson Without the Overwhelm” → anacrusic.com/workshop
If you’re wondering what your music teacher secret sauce is, and are ready for your custom ingredients list, take the quiz here → anacrusic.com/quiz
Today on TAP, I’m chatting about the one thing you need to make 2020 your best year yet. It’s not a magic pill, or a quick fix, but if you buy-in to this one idea, you’ll completely change your music teacher life.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/78
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebo…
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Dec 26, 2019
TAP 077: Reflecting on the Past Year
Have you checked out my brand new, free resource?? Click here to download How to Teach ANYTHING & EVERYTHING: a Guide to Sequencing Musical Concepts→ anacrusic.com/howto
If you’re wondering what your music teacher secret sauce is, take the quiz here → anacrusic.com/quiz
In the last episode of 2019, I’m sharing some of my thoughts as I look back on the past year and make plans for 2020. After all of my brainstorming and reflecting, I realized that most of my resolutions for the new year are because I fall into 4 personas here and there with my teaching: Rookie of the Year, Jackie of All Trades, The Passionate Professional, and The Queen of Routine.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/77
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties…
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Dec 19, 2019
TAP 076: Building Community Support with Abbie Hunter
Have you checked out my brand new, free resource?? Click here to download How to Teach ANYTHING & EVERYTHING: a Guide to Sequencing Musical Concepts→ anacrusic.com/howto
Today in our last interview of the season, I’m chatting with Abbie Hunter all about building community support. This episode pairs perfectly with our conversation from last week, where Abbie shares her experiences with cultivating a culture of appreciation and excitement when it comes to music teaching and learning. I know you’ll love her optimistic attitude and practical tips for advocating for your program!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/76
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TA…
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Dec 12, 2019
TAP 075: Cultivating a Culture of Music Appreciation with Rainy Barton
Have you checked out my brand new, free resource?? Click here to download How to Teach ANYTHING & EVERYTHING: a Guide to Sequencing Musical Concepts→ anacrusic.com/howto
Today on the podcast I’m talking to Rainy Barton all about cultivating a culture of music appreciation. In today’s chat, Rainy shares exactly what music teachers can do to help educate students, parents, administrators and the community to help them understand what it is that you do inside of the music room and why it is important.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/75
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
Th…
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Dec 5, 2019
TAP 074: 1 to 1 in the Music Classroom with Katie Miller
Have you checked out my brand new, free resource?? Click here to download How to Teach ANYTHING & EVERYTHING: a Guide to Sequencing Musical Concepts→ anacrusic.com/howto
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m chatting with Katie Miller about her experience at a campus with 1-to-1 technology--yes, even in the music classroom! Since this topic is outside of my expertise, I am so thrilled to have Katie not only share her experiences as a 1-to-1 music teacher, but also how we can meaningfully incorporate technology into our music classrooms if we aren’t at a 1-to-1 school.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/74
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders…
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Nov 28, 2019
TAP 073: Teaching Music Internationally with Justin Hockey
Have you checked out my brand new, free resource?? Click here to download How to Teach ANYTHING & EVERYTHING: a Guide to Sequencing Musical Concepts→ anacrusic.com/howto
Today on TAP, I have the great privilege to talk to Justin Hockey all about his experience teaching (and learning about!) music outside of the United States. Justin has a slightly different point of view than the episode earlier this season about teaching internationally, because he is a native Australian. It was so incredibly interesting to talk to someone who has literally lived and breathed music outside of The United States, the way the schools function, and how all of that has impacted his role as a music teacher.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/73
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also ch…
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Nov 21, 2019
TAP 072: Work-Life Balance with Jessica Peresta
Today on the podcast, I have a LONG overdue interview with my friend Jessica Peresta. Jessica is really and truly a breath of fresh air. I love our honest and raw conversations and I am so glad to share one of them with you today on the podcast! Jessica shares her story and actionable tips about how to make life work as a music teacher. I know you’ll enjoy listening in on our conversation as much as we had chatting with one another!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/72
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development P…
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Nov 14, 2019
TAP 071: Social and Emotional Learning with Ally Schneier
Today on the podcast I am so pumped for the community to hear from Ally Schneier all about Social and Emotional Learning in the Music Classroom. At the time we recorded this interview, Ally had just finished up her coursework for her Masters degree, where her research was on this very topic! She shares lots of applicable tips and resources for us music teachers to make sure we are appealing to the needs of all our students and all the ways that they should be learning in our classroom.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/71
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast…
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Nov 7, 2019
TAP 070: Coffee Chat with Anne
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m sharing a little life update with all of you!! Yes, I just had my second baby girl, and it has been wonderful, but it’s also been HARD. Today I’m sharing some of my thoughts about change and how it pertains to us as music teachers. What I’ve noticed, what has been helping, and how I think it can help you! (*disclaimer: this episode is super conversational and totally “Anne.” No heavy edits or polishing here!!)
Join The Sequencing Solution Waitlist here → https://anacrusic.com/tss
Join The Powerhouse Planning Waitlist here → https://anacrusic.com/powerhouseplanning
Check out the FREE lesson planning guide here → https://anacrusic.com/lesson
Want more information about the resources mentioned inside of this episode? Check out the full show notes here!—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/70
Don’t forget to sign up to become an Anacrusic Insider, to be the first to find out about new podcast episodes and resources designed just for…
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Oct 31, 2019
TAP 069: Technology in the Music Room with Taylor Middleton
Today on TAP, I’m chatting with Taylor Middleton all about her experience using technology in the music classroom. In our chat, Taylor shares all of her real life experiences implementing and supplementing her elementary curriculum with technological enhancements. And bonus--she has tips to help you do the same!!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/69
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music ed…
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Oct 24, 2019
TAP 068 - Teaching Middle School with Abby Pagryzinski
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking with Abby Pagryzinski all about life as a middle school choir director. Now, hold the phone, music teacher friends! Even if you don’t teach middle school (and Lord know, I don’t!) our conversation was full of tips and tricks that I KNOW you will find valuable and meaningful for your classroom. Abby and I chat about all the things, including selecting repertoire, programming concerts, structuring rehearsals, and how to click with those older kiddos.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/68
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrus…
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Oct 17, 2019
TAP 067: Vocal Health with Nancy Killoran
Today on the podcast I’m talking with Nancy Killoran all about her first year of teacher and the impact it had on her vocal health. Nancy shares her difficult experience and offers tips to music teachers about how to nourish (and legit SAVE!) your instrument that you use each and every day for every part of your teaching.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/67
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for…
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Oct 10, 2019
TAP 066 - Building Classroom Culture with Lindsey Schroder
Today on the podcast, I’m talking with my friend and fellow member of the TpT Music Crew, Lindsey Schroder, all about building classroom culture. I absolutely loved getting a chance to talk with Lindsey, particularly about this topic, because her passion for people and community is absolutely bursting at the seams. I know you’ll love her energy and her approach to building a classroom culture. Spoiler alert: it starts with you!!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/66
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podc…
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Oct 3, 2019
TAP 065: Teaching Music Internationally with Angela Staron
Today on the podcast, I’m chatting with Angela Staron about her experience as a music teacher teaching outside of the United States. Angela shares some great tips and thoughts for any music teachers who might be interested in living that adventurous lifestyle overseas, and share a few things that reminds us that no matter where we are, we all face the same joys and challenges as music teachers!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/65
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provi…
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Sep 27, 2019
TAP 064: Special Learners in the Music Classroom with Bryson Tarbet
Today on TAP, I’m chatting with Anacrusic community member Bryson Tarbet about Special Learners in the Music Classroom. This is a topic that is pertinent to all of us as music teachers, since we so often see everyone in our building, and only for a limited amount of time. Bryson has some great tips for how to accommodate all of our students to make sure they have a fulfilling and meaningful musical experience--something that you can tell he is incredibly passionate about!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/64
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud m…
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Sep 19, 2019
TAP 063: Chatting About Kodály with Kami Nelson
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m chatting with my friend Kami all about her experience as a Kodály-inspired teacher. This is obviously a topic very near and dear and close to my heart, and Kami and I talk all things training, teaching practice, and how other pedagogical approaches really work together with Kodály-inspired teaching to create a comprehensive toolkit for music teaching.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/63
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides su…
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Sep 12, 2019
TAP 062: Setting Up Your Classroom for Success with Cat Woo
Today on the podcast I’m chatting with Cat Woo all about setting up your classroom for success. Even as we’re already a couple of weeks (or months!) into the school year, I know that this conversation with Cat will give you some amazing points to think about as you start getting into the groove of the new school year.
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/62
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for m…
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Sep 5, 2019
TAP 061 - These Are the People in Your Neighborhood
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we are kicking off Season 4 with a BANG!! This season is all about community, and I can’t wait for you to hear the inspiring stories from music teachers just like you who are all a part of The Anacrusic Community. Make sure that you join the TAP Insiders Group on Facebook to interact with all of your amazing colleagues throughout our next several weeks together. After all, these are the people in your neighborhood!
Check out the full show notes here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/61
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher…
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Aug 15, 2019
TAP 060: Jumpstart Your School Year
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m keeping things short and sweet (I mean, for real this time) as we wrap up Season 3 and look ahead to the new school year. I’m sharing some exciting announcements, a brand new FREE resource for your lesson planning, and my favorite TAP episodes to jumpstart your school year!
Check out the FREE lesson planning guide here → https://anacrusic.com/lesson
Want more information about the resources mentioned inside of this episode? Check out the full show notes here!—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/60
Don’t forget to sign up to become an Anacrusic Insider, to be the first to find out about new podcast episodes and resources designed just for you!--> https://anacrusic.com/newsletter
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Develo…
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Aug 8, 2019
TAP 059: The Ultimate Back to School Checklist Part II
Today on TAP, I’m sharing Part II of The Ultimate Back to School Checklist for Music Teachers. If you haven’t listened to Part I, that is a great place to start (click here to listen→ https://anacrusic.com/podcast/58) Today we’re wrapping up the rest of the things you should be thinking about as the school year kicks off again. We’ll chat setting up your classroom for active music making, planning for the whole year at a glance, and improving parent communication.
Want more information about the resources mentioned inside of this episode? Check out the full show notes here!—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/59
Don’t forget to sign up to become an Anacrusic Insider, to be the first to find out about new podcast episodes and resources designed just for you!--> https://anacrusic.com/newsletter
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/group…
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Aug 1, 2019
TAP 058: The Ultimate Back to School Checklist Part I
Today on TAP, I’m sharing Part I of The Ultimate Back to School Checklist for Music Teachers. Now, this isn’t all about how to get your bulletin boards ready or what songs to do on the first day, but it is all about setting up systems to make your classroom successful in the new year. I’m chatting how to set up some rules & procedures, as well as your opening & closing sequences for your lessons.
Want more information about the resources mentioned inside of this episode? Check out the full show notes here!—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/58
Don’t forget to sign up to become an Anacrusic Insider, to be the first to find out about new podcast episodes and resources designed just for you!--> https://anacrusic.com/newsletter
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teac…
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Jul 25, 2019
TAP 057: 5 Questions for Selecting a Song
We’re coming off of two episodes where I shared some of my favorite resources for lessons, both curriculum guides and song collections, was well as some other things you can use to enhance your lessons by way of manipulatives, story books, and other little somethings to give it pizazz.
But the question still remains: how do you choose what songs to put into your lessons? How do you sift through all the things and pick the very best? And how do you ensure that your choices align with your school community and teaching philosophy? Today I’m going to share the 5 criteria I use when selecting a song and deciding whether or not it is the magic sauce for what I’m looking to cultivate in my music classroom.
Click here to get your FREE guide to selecting songs based on this episode—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/57
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> face…
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Jul 18, 2019
TAP 056: My Favorite Things - Part II
Today on the podcast, in part II of this two part series, I’m chatting all about where to find STUFF for your music classroom. If you’re looking for some great ways to include lesson enhancements and make your teaching come alive, this is the place to be!! Today I’m sharing all about manipulatives, technology, and some additional teaching resources you might not have thought of before.
Check out the show notes page for more tips, tricks, and LINKS mentioned in this episode. —> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/56
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
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Jul 11, 2019
TAP 055: My Favorite Things - Part I
Today on the podcast, I’m chatting all about where to find STUFF for your music classroom. If you feel like you don’t have a good library of resources to create meaningful and engaging lessons for your students, today’s episode is for you! I’m sharing my 10 favorite printed resources (of the moment) for all things active music making in the elementary general music classroom. Everything from song collections, listening lessons, movement ideas, and instrument activities are on the list. These are resources I’m currently loving and using with my own students in my own teaching.
Check out the show notes page to grab your FREE resource list —> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/55
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed netwo…
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Jun 26, 2019
TAP 054: Take a Freaking Break
On today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking all about why you need to take a break this summer. So much of our identity as music teachers is wrapped up in what we do, and while it’s important to grow professionally and musically in the summer, it’s also important to take a moment to breathe while we have the chance. Today’s chat is your signed permission slip to chill out a little bit this summer.
EXCITING NEWS: If you've ever wanted to chat with me on an episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, this is your chance!! Season 4 is going to be ALL about #musicteacherlife and I want to feature YOU!! Apply here → http://anacrusic.com/tapfeature
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/54
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You…
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Jun 20, 2019
TAP 053: The First Year of Teaching with Alicia McCormick
On today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m chatting with Alicia McCormick all about her first year as an elementary music teacher. Whether you are a first year teacher, a fifth year teacher, or have been teaching for many many years, I have no doubt that her optimism and excitement for teaching and getting intentional about what happens in the music classroom will inspire and motivate you.
EXCITING NEWS: If you've ever wanted to chat with me on an episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, this is your chance!! Season 4 is going to be ALL about #musicteacherlife and I want to feature YOU!! Apply here → http://anacrusic.com/tapfeature
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/53
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with yo…
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Jun 13, 2019
TAP 052: Secondary General Music with Jessica Grant
On today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m with my friend, Jessica Grant, from the Afternoon Ti Podcast. Jessica is a fabulous general music teacher, who just so happens to teach general music in middle school. You better believe that she has all the tips on developing relationships and making magic happen inside of the middle school music room.
Check out Jessica’s podcast here→ http://afternoonti.blogspot.com/
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/52
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here —> facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member o…
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Jun 6, 2019
TAP 051: The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap
Did you hear? The doors to my program, The Sequencing Solution are open for a limited time! Click here to join today → anacrusic.com/tss
Today I’m sharing my 5 Tips for Lesson Planning. This past week, I hosted a Free Music Teacher Workshop, “The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap.” But in case you missed it, I wanted to make sure all the TAP listeners had a chance to get a little peek inside.
If you feel like you have been riding the hamster wheel of planning, and things are just a little too spur of the moment week to week, then this podcast episode is for you. In this workshop you’ll learn why having a template for the way you structure your lessons will free you from wonder, “What should I teach in 1st grade today?” and give you the confidence of knowing what comes next. The outcome? Planning more efficiently and effectively.
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/51
Click here to follow m…
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May 30, 2019
TAP 050: Q&A Coffee Chat
PSST!! Have you signed up for my FREE lesson planning workshop yet? It’s the ultimate music lesson planning roadmap: how to plan the perfect lesson without the overwhelm. Snag your seat here→ anacrusic.com/lesson
Today on the podcast I’m answering questions from YOU, the Anacrusic community. These are questions that have been submitted via the Anacrusic Facebook page, the TAP Insiders Group on Facebook, or through Instagram. Here are some of the questions you asked, and I’m answering today.
* Do you have any resources for end of the year procedures?
* How do you keep students from being crazy during self directed activities?
* How do you approach getting kids to enjoy music when they’ve not liked it before?
* What is the most difficult part of planning for you?
* What are of education practice do you feel you are still growing in?
* What are some of your career goals, dreams, and aspirations?
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episo…
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May 23, 2019
TAP 049: 5 Times You Should Give Yourself Some Grace
On today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking about five times we need to give ourselves grace as music teachers. And trust me, there are WAY more than five.
Music teachers are perfectionists. Take a moment and let that sink in, because odds are it is 100% the truth. (Or, you know, at least 80%). I saw this meme on Facebook the other day that said something about rewriting something on a new piece of paper because the first time wasn’t neat enough… this is literally my life.
But over the last couple of years, with the age of reading lots and lots of personal development books and, honestly, becoming a mother, I’ve learned to let this perfectionism thing go, at least as much as my Type A brain will let me. Because the truth is, perfectionism isn’t real. And striving for it will only burn us out faster and faster as teachers who strive for awesomeness and care so much about what we do.
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here…
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May 16, 2019
TAP 048: Transitioning to a New Campus with David Row
On today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m chatting with the fantastic David Row. If you don’t know David from his wonderful blog, podcast, or weekly facebook lives, you are in for a complete treat. Aside from being a terrific Orff-inspired pedagog, David is one of the friendliest people I have ever had the pleasure of interviewing on the podcast. Today, we talk candidly about what it’s really like moving to a new campus (something we’ve both done a TON of), and why you shouldn’t feel guilty about making the move.
Check out more from David on his website here→ makemomentsmatter.org
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/48
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and g…
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May 9, 2019
TAP 047: Planning & Assessment with Victoria Boler
Today on TAP, I’m chatting with my friend Victoria Boler of We Make the Music about all things planning and assessment. When I first came across Victoria (on Instagram, of course), I felt like we were music teacher kindred spirits--and after talking with her more, I know that we are. The way she thinks so beautifully about sequencing and big picture music teaching is 100% my jam. Today she’s sharing some of her process for planning and how assessment is all tied in.
Check out more from Victoria on her website here→ wemakethemusic.org
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/47
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP…
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May 2, 2019
TAP 046: All About Children’s Choir Part 2
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we’re continuing our conversation all about children’s choir. This time, my good friend and all things choir guru, Beth Philemon, is joining the conversation. She’s sharing some super important tips about why you should start a choir, auditioning, and thinking about meaningful repertoire for your students.
Check out the full show notes & resources mentioned inside this episode here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/46
If you loved talking to Beth today, check out her other appearance on The Anacrusic Podcast in Episode #37: Bridging the Gap → https://anacrusic.com/podcast/37/
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and tricks, subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter by clicking here —> anacrusic.com/newsletter.
You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode inside of the #TAP Insiders Facebook Group. Join here…
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Apr 25, 2019
TAP 045: All About Children's Choir Part 1
Today on TAP, I’m chatting about one of the areas that I LOVE, but one that I’m still learning about and growing in myself—the children’s choir. In this series of episodes, all about back to basics, I think it’s important to share those things that are (or once were!) outside of my comfort zone. Conducting a choir? It used to be one of them. But I realize now, several years and choirs later, that leading a choir is still teaching music. And THAT, I was called to do.
On today’s part one of two episodes, I’m sharing all I’ve learned about choosing repertoire, structuring rehearsals, and planning performances. And, spoiler alert, it’s a lot of the same mindset stuff I talk about each and every episode: keeping it purposeful, sequential and joyful.
Check out the full show notes & your FREE PDF GUIDE to rehearsal planning here—> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/45
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside…
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Apr 18, 2019
TAP 044: Tips for the Traveling Music Teacher
On today’s episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking about one of the most common, but most dreaded circumstances in all of music teacher land… the traveling teaching assignment. But don’t fret! Because today, I’m going to share with you how to not only survive, but thrive as a traveling teacher.
Whether you are traveling between two campuses, in a temporary structure because of construction, or forever destined to be on a cart, there are three categories that are essential for your success: (1) Sanity (2) Community; and (3) Organization.
Although it’s so hard sometimes, it’s so important to remain positive! Whether it’s for a couple of weeks on a cart, a full year assignment at 4 campuses (yup, been there), or a permanent contract between two schools, remember the reason that you became a music teacher in the first place. Odds are it had nothing to do with the cinder block walls you’d get to make the music in, but rather make the music.
Check out the full show…
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Apr 11, 2019
TAP 043: Active Assessment in the Elementary Music Classroom
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing how to use the learning sequence framework to facilitate active assessment inside of the elementary music classroom. The whole point of today’s episode is to make assessing and data collection part of the learning process so you don’t have to stop everything and teach.
I’ll talk you through the learning sequence framework, how to know when your kids are ready to move on to the next step, and give you the tools you need to assess on a regular basis to improve your teaching practice. Get your FREE PDF download with the tools and tricks here —> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/43
Not sure what a learning sequence is? Listen to TAP 021: All About Learning Sequences here —> https://anacrusic.com/podcast/21/
Read my original blog post and watch the video about circle charts here —> https://anacrusic.com/active-assessment/
Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you NEVER miss an episode! To make sure you get all my inside tips and trick…
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Apr 4, 2019
TAP 042: Student Teaching in the Elementary Music Room with Lisa Beyer
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking with my good friend, Lisa Beyer, all about her elementary music student teaching experience. This is a special conversation, because it just so happens that Lisa student taught with me when I was still teaching in the DFW area. But don’t worry, I ask her to be super candid and honest inside our interview, and she shares lots of great inside tips for those of you who are about to student teach or have student teachers—both of which she has done!
Before my conversation with Lisa, I start out this episode by sharing 5 Tips for Mentor & Student Teachers in the Elementary Music Classroom. These are important points I think both parties should consider as you start your relationship as mentor and mentee. To help facilitate useful discussion and make the most out of the experience, I’ve put together a FREE PDF download of these five action steps for you to reference. You can access that resource by clicking here—> anacrusic.com/podcast/42…
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Mar 28, 2019
TAP 041: Advice to the First Year Music Teacher
Today we’re kicking off Season 3 of the podcast (affectionately themed “back to basics”) with advice to the first year music teacher.
But, hold the phone if you aren’t a first year teacher, because odds are you need this advice just as much as I do on LITERALLY a daily basis. And it all aligns with this theme: take it one day at a time.
Special thanks to all of my friends and community members on Instagram, Facebook, and in the TpT Music Crew for contributing to this episode!
Links mentioned in this episode:
TAP 018 - 5 Things I’d Tell My First Year Teacher Self
>>https://anacrusic.com/podcast/18/<<
Follow Anne on Instagram
>>https://www.instagram.com/anacrusic/<<
Follow Anne on Facebook
>>https://www.facebook.com/anacrusic/<<
Join the TAP INSIDERS FB Group
>>https://www.facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/<<
Join the Music Crew Collaborative
>>https://www.facebook.com/groups/musiccrewcollaborative/<<
Check out theTpT Music Crew
>>https://tptmusiccrew.com/<<
Liste…
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Mar 12, 2019
TAP BONUS: The Sequencing Solution with Kristen Sotero
Today on this special BONUS episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m chatting with The Sequencing Solution member, Kristen Sotero. She shares why she decided to join the program and how it’s changed her teaching.
The Sequencing Solution is my signature program for music teachers just like you to discover the plug + play formula to simplify and streamline your planning.
Get more information & register for The Sequencing Solution here —> anacrusic.com/tss
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
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Mar 7, 2019
TAP 040: Stop Filling Time + Find Your Secret Sauce
Today on the podcast, we’re wrapping up Season 2 by chatting all about the 2 BIGGEST secrets to finding joy in your music teacher life: (1) STOP filling time & (2) FINDING your secret sauce.
Here’s another short and sweet episode that wraps up this three-part mini-series. If you want to know more, check out my FREE workshop: http://anacrusic.com/5simpleshifts
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB Group --> https://www.facebook.com/groups/TAPinsiders/
Click here to subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter --> https://anacrusic.com/newsletter
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Jan 24, 2019
TAP 039: It's Not You, It's Me
Today on the podcast, I'm talking all about why you should adopt the attitude, "it's not you, it's me." Stay with me here, this one is a quick and easy one, but the message is SO important.
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB Group | Click here to subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter
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Jan 17, 2019
TAP 038: The Real Reason You Became a Music Teacher
Today on TAP, I’m talking all about the real reason we became music teachers. Or rather, the things that keep me going back to work each and everyday. It has very little to do with the things that consume a lot of our headspace, and everything to do with music making and kids.
Here are some of the reasons that I’ll bet you became a music teacher...
* You love music, it touches something deep inside of you
* Music is an essential part of your life
* You want to share music with others
* You love seeing the joy of music making in the hearts of children and adults
* You love feeling creative and inspired, and you can’t imagine doing anything else.
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB…
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Jan 10, 2019
TAP 037: Bridging the Gap with Beth Philemon
TAP 037: Bridging the Gap with Beth Philemon
Today on TAP, I’m talking with my friend Beth Philemon all about making connections between elementary and secondary education. Join Beth and I for our conversation about pedagogy, using social media, and why every teacher has something to share.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Beth’s Website | Follow Beth on Instagram | Check out Beth’s New Podcast Here
Choir Baton Website | Follow Choir Baton on Instagram | Follow Anne on Instagram
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB Group | Click here to subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter
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Jan 3, 2019
TAP 036: My Top 5 Goals for 2019
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing my New Year’s Resolutions for 2019. And no, it’s not to finally loose the baby weight, or to read a book a week (although those are both on my personal list), but I’m talking about some things that directly apply to my music teacher life.
Here are my Top 5 Goals for 2019
* Stop Worrying About Being Perfect
* Try Something New Everyday
* Hone My Own Musicianship
* Make a New Music Teach Friend
* Say No
Links Mentioned in this Episode: Pitch Publications - Rainbow Ukulele | Derek Sivers “If it’s not a Heck Yes, it’s a no” | Tim Ferriss - Tools of Titans
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB Group | Click here to subscribe to the Anacrusic N…
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Dec 20, 2018
TAP 035: Orff-Schulwerk with Michael Chandler
Today on the podcast, I’m talking with my good friend, Michael Chandler all about Orff-Schulwerk. I first met Michael when he was my Level 1 recorder teacher at the Orff-Schulwerk Certification Course at Southern Methodist University. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Michael as a brilliant musician, thoughtful pedagog, and just a genuine human being. I hope you enjoy our conversation about music and music education as much as I did!
Originally from McKenzie, Tennessee, *Michael Chandler* taught music and movement to elementary school children in Texas public schools for 16 years, most of them in the Lewisville Independent School District, where he was named Teacher of the Year at two campuses. In 2005, 2007, and 2013 his student ensembles were selected to perform at the TMEA Clinic and Convention in San Antonio. Dr. Chandler has presented workshops in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico for TMEA, TCDA, AOSA, and numerous state MEA organizations. He has ta…
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Dec 13, 2018
TAP 034: Dalcroze Eurhythmics with Marla Butke
In this episode of TAP, we’re continuing our conversations about active music making approaches. Today I talk with Dr. Marla Butke, current president of the American Eurhythmics Society, about using Dalcroze in the general music classroom.
Marla Butke, Ph.D., directs the Women's Chorale at Otterbein University and teaches Choral Methods at Capital University. She has previously taught at Ashland University, Xavier University, The Ohio State University, and Ohio Wesleyan University. She holds degrees from Miami University, Wright State University and The Ohio State University. She is a Master Teaching Artist with the American Eurhythmics Society, serves as the president of the board of AES, and is on the board of the Ohio Choral Directors Association. Dr. Butke regularly presents workshops throughout the United States on Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Dr. Butke has been published in General Music Today, TRIAD, Update, The Orff Echo, and Enrollment Management. Her book, co-authored by Dr. Davi…
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Dec 6, 2018
TAP 033: Music Learning Theory with Cynthia Crump Taggart
Today on TAP, I’m talking with Dr. Cynthia Crump Taggart all about Music Learning Theory. MLT is an approach that I’m not as familiar with as others, and to be blunt, one that I still have a lot of questions about. This conversation with Dr. Taggart shed a lot of light on the philosophical underpinnings of Music Learning Theory, and, once again, how there are many more similarities to other pedagogical approaches than what I may have originally thought.
Cynthia Taggart is professor of music education at the Michigan State University College of Music. She received her B.M. and M.M. in Music Education from University of Michigan and her Ph.D. in Music Education from Temple University. In addition to being a faculty member, she is immediate past president of the College Music Society. Taggart directs and teaches in the Early Childhood Music Program of the MSU Community Music School. She received the prestigious MSU Teacher-Scholar award. Prior to teaching at MSU, she taught for four…
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Nov 29, 2018
TAP 032: My 7 Takeaways from AOSA 2018
In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing my 7 takeaways from the American Orff-Schulwerk Association National Conference. And these might not be exactly what you think. No lesson plans or sequencing for body percussion here. This episode is all about why it's important to attend any conference, workshop, or seminar. It all comes down to community and continuing education.
Links mentioned in this episode:
American Orff-Schulwerk Association
Organization of American Kodály Educators
National Association for Music Education
The Music Crew on TpT
Take a peek at Anne's 2019 Workshops here.
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB Group | Click here to subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsletter
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Nov 15, 2018
TAP 031: Stories That Have Shaped Me
In today's episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a few stories that have shaped me as a musician, a music teacher, and a person overall. This episode was inspired by a recent podcast I was a guest for, The Musicality Podcast. In this interview, Christopher asked me some really specific questions about my musical life and experiences that have shaped me. I surprised myself by a few of the memories that flooded back into my brain without trying very hard. I decided to sit down and write about as many as I could think of, and it only felt natural to share a couple with you today.
If you want to know more, check out TAP Episode 002, Anne's Story, where I talk all about my winding pathway through the world of music and music education. Also check out my interview on The Musicality Podcast: Designing for Joyful Learning with Anne Mileski.
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand…
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Nov 8, 2018
TAP 030: Q&A Coffee Chat
Today on the podcast, I’m answering 7 questions I’ve gotten from the Anacrusic Tribe over the last few weeks. These questions come from folks who are podcast listeners, newsletter subscribers, Instagram peeps, and everything in between. These are quick answers that might help you with those burning questions that have been firing up your brain.
Here are the questions I'm answering today:
(1) What are your must-do Thanksgiving games or activities?
(2) How do you plan intention, sequenced lessons with it taking FOREVER.
(3) When do you start using a five line staff? Why use a 4 line staff for do-re-mi-so-la?
(4) What is your favorite and least favorite lesson or concept?
(5) How do I put together meaningful, artful programs for my 3 and 4 year old students.
(6) How do I handle lesson expectations from non-music administrators fairly and graciously?
(7) I wasn’t planning to to teach elementary, what do I do.
Links mentioned in this episode:
-TAP 010: Q&A Coffee Chat (the O…
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Nov 1, 2018
TAP 029: 3 Rules I Almost Always Break
Today on the podcast I’m sharing the 3 rules I almost always break in my teaching, plus 1 that I almost never break. Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably a HUGE rule follower. It is not in my normal nature to break rules, but I have forced myself to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable, because I know that is where the magic is. So today, here are a few things that I think you should infuse a bit more of *you* into your teaching, so you can feel inspired and feel music, so you can better help your kids become their most musical selves.
Past TAP episodes mentioned today: TAP 005: Why You Should Get Comfortable with Getting Uncomfortable & TAP 021: All About Learning Sequences
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a m…
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Oct 25, 2018
TAP 028: Paths to Musical Fluency
Today on the podcast, I’m putting all four active music making approaches we’ve been discussing into the framework of a learning sequence. Kodály-inspired teaching, Orff-Schulwerk, Dalcroze Eurhtyhmics, and Gordon Music Learning Theory all have the common goal of music fluency. Since all the pathways are sequential, I’m breaking down my definition of a learning sequence from each pedagogical perspective, to shed light on how I interpret these different approaches and the tools they bring to my teaching practice.
Good teaching is good teaching. Regardless of approach, media, or repertoire, as long as your teaching ispurposeful, sequential,andjoyful, you are likely doing everything your children need and more. Thank you for being an intentional teacher! Please note, this document is not intended to be a comprehensive explanation of different pedagogical approaches. This is simply my experience, and how I have assimilated the information and education I have received. I encourage…
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Oct 18, 2018
TAP 027: Orff-Schulwerk with Julie Scott
Today I am overjoyed to have my great mentor Dr. Julie Scott on the podcast to talk about Orff-Schulwerk. Julie is quite literally one of the reasons I am a music teacher today. While I was working on a masters in trumpet performance, I was assigned to the music education department for my work study. It was there that I met Julie, and our conversations about music education and early childhood music sparked my interest in becoming a music teacher.
On this episode of TAP, Julie and I are talking all about Orff-Schulwerk. The philosophy, the pedagogy, and a few of the misconceptions about what Orff-Schulwerk teachers do and don’t do, quality materials, and how our bodies are our first instruments.
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to l…
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Oct 11, 2018
TAP 026: Kodály with Kathy Kuddes
Today I am beyond thrilled to have my great friend and mentor Kathy Kuddes on the podcast to talk all about her experience with Kodály. Our conversation goes beyond what you might expect from a stereotypical “Kodály” interview, and we talk about all things training programs, historical context, and the upcoming teacher’s tour to Hungary. Kathy’s thoughts on quality and authenticity still have me thinking critically about what I’m choosing to include in my classroom, after all, only the best is good enough.
Check out the Kodály teacher’s tour by clicking here. | Find out more about Kathy here.
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB Group | Click here to subscribe to the Anacrusic Newsle…
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Oct 4, 2018
TAP 025: Dalcroze Eurhythmics with David Frego
Today’s episode is all about Dalcroze Eurhythmics, with Dr. David Frego. David is a Dalcroze practitioner and teacher trainer, and has developed materials for children and teachers to implement meaningful movement in the various settings. He is an incredibly joyful and intentional pedagog, and in this interview we discuss some of the main tenants of Dalcroze inspired teaching.
You can find out more about how to contact Dr. Frego here | Learn More about the American Eurhythmics Society Here | Click here for Creating Artistry Through Movement: Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the Choral Setting DVD | Click here for Meaningful Movement: A Music Teacher’s Guide to Dalcroze Eurhythmics co-authored with Dr. Marla Butke
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Cli…
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Sep 27, 2018
TAP 024: MLT with Jennifer Bailey from Sing to Kids
Today on the podcast, I get to talk with the wonderful Jennifer Bailey of Sing to Kids. Jenn is an absolutely amazing pedagog, and is one of the kindest, most intentional teachers I think I've ever met. She helps talk me through some of the tenants of Gordon Music Learning Theory that still seem a bit mysterious or understood, and helps identify the approach as a sequential, joyful music making venture for students.
Make sure you check out Jenn's website & TpT Store! | We're both members of the TpT Music Crew, make sure to click here and out the crew website as well! | Click here for my FREE PDF all about Learning Sequences
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders FB Group | Click here to subscribe to th…
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Sep 20, 2018
TAP 023: Blurring the Lines - Beyond Pedagogy Labels
Today’s episode of the podcast is about blurring pedagogy lines and labels. Now, it may seem strange that after an episode about Kodály-inspired teaching, and an upcoming season full of interviews with experts from different pedagogical approaches that I’m choosing this as a topic. But my hope is that with this episode, and all the interviews this season, you will see that many of those boxes we force ourselves into can really be broken out of and work together for a common goal. So today, I’m reviewing a few of the approaches I am most familiar with, and sharing the things that resonate with me most about them.
Links mentioned in this episode:
-Rad Parenting
-TAP 006: Mythbusting Kodály-Inspired Teaching
__________
The Anacrusic Podcast is a proud member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at muted…
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Sep 13, 2018
TAP 022: Kodály-Inspired Teaching with Brent Gault
Today’s episode of TAP is going in the books as one of my favorites. I was lucky enough to speak with one of my mentors, Dr. Brent Gault, about Kodály-inspired teaching, and the book he co-edited with Dr. Carlos Abril, Teaching General Music. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation:
* The book Teaching General Music, and why he and Dr. Abril decided it was important to have a text like this.
* How he discovered Kodály and why he was drawn to the approach.
* The importance of musical fluency and how to incorporate it into your teaching.
* The issue of “quality” and how to decide what to include in your classroom.
* How world music and musics of different cultures apply to Kodály-inspired teaching.
I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation as much as I enjoyed having it!
If you want more information on how to contact Brent Gault, click here! | To get a copy of the book Teaching General Music, click here! | Click here to become a member of the TAP In…
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Sep 6, 2018
TAP 021: All About Learning Sequences
Welcome to the kickoff to Season 2 of The Anacrusic Podcast! Today on TAP is an episode all about learning sequences, a topic that has been a recent passion project of mine. Not sure what learning sequences are? You are 100% in the right place, because today I’m unpacking all of that for you.
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What I love about using learning sequences is that it’s not a method, or a prescription for the exact things you need to do in your class. It’s a framework for how to effectively facilitate instruction for your students so that they can be the most musical they can possibly be. It has nothing to do with a set of activities or required media by which to teach specific concepts, but rather a process that lives and breathes and allows for the flexibility on the part of the teacher to make decisions that will pave the best path for their students.
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If you want to known more, go ahead and head to the show notes where you can sign up for the PDF guide of everything I’ve talked about today…
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Jul 26, 2018
TAP BONUS #1: Behind the Music - Kodály Levels
Fresh off of teaching Kodály Levels at SMU in Dallas, in this bonus episode I give you some behind the music insight to what Kodály training is really like. If you’re interested in learning more about Kodály-inspired teaching, check out TAP 006 here.
If you’re interested in being a part of the exclusive #TAP Insiders book study, click here to join the FB group and get started!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
OAKE
SMU/Plano ISD Kodály Certification Course
Sail Away
150 American Folk Songs
An American Methodology
Subscribe to become an Anacrusic Insider here!
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Jun 28, 2018
TAP 020: Season 1 Wrap Up
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm talking about where Anacrusic has been, and how TAP has formed what's to come for me, the podcast, and Anacrusic.com.
If you're new, this isn't the best place to start. Check out episode 002 or 003 to get to know me and my mission a little bit better!
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders Group on FB. | Become an Anacrusic Insider here! | Follow me on Instagram
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Jun 21, 2018
TAP 019: Getting Started with Composition in the Elementary Music Classroom
Today on the podcast, I’m sharing how I approach composition in the music room. Spoiler alert: it’s part of a sequence, and improvisation is the main scaffold to get to all things composition. This episode was inspired by a blog post I wrote earlier this year. Check it out by clicking here.
Become an Anacrusic Insider Here | Join The Anacrusic Podcast Community Here
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Jun 14, 2018
TAP 018: 5 Things I'd Tell My First Year Teacher Self
Today on TAP, I’m sharing the 5 things I’d tell my First Year Music Teacher Self. There are about a million and one pieces of advice everyone spouts at you when you’re a first year teacher. Helpful hints about this curriculum, that activity, and the other classroom management plan you should definitely subscribe to that will magically fix your classroom. And while that’s all well and good, the things I would go back in time and tell myself has little to do with what curriculum or concept to use, and much more about how unexpected life as a first year teacher was. I was overcome with all of these changes, all these pattern shifts that I didn’t deal with well. Overtime, although these feelings haven’t gone away, I’ve found a few ways to cope and make things better.
Click here to become an Anacrusic Insider.
Join the TAP Facebook Community Here.
Check out the blog post that goes along with this episode here.
Get Rachel Hollis' awesome book here (affiliate link!)
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Jun 7, 2018
TAP 017: The Balanced Teacher Life with Kelli Wise
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I interview my good friend Kelli Wise about what it really means to have all the different areas of your life feel the way you want them to feel, no matter where you are in your personal life and your teaching. We talk all about balance and what that really means, if it really exists, and how Kelli gets a handle on all things teacher life.
Click here to check out Kelli's podcast, Chalk Full of Life.
Join the Rebalance Revolution: 5x Your Free Time & Still Rock at Teaching.
Click here to listen to Kelli's podcast on saying "no."
Click here to get the book "Essentialism" (affiliate link!)
Join the Anacrusic Podcast Facebook Community here
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May 31, 2018
TAP 016: Why I Teach
Today on the Anacrusic Podcast, I’m sharing an essay I recently came across that I wrote in 2012. Although this isn’t something I wrote recently, it’s still so much of what I believe in as a music teacher. I hope some of these thoughts resonate with you as the year comes to a close.
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders Group on FB.
Become an Anacrusic Insider here.
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May 24, 2018
TAP 015: All About Ukuleles with Shelley Tomich
On this episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I’m talking to my good friend Shelley Tomich all about how to get started with ukulele in the music classroom. Today on TAP, we’ll talk about:
* Why you should be using ukulele with your students
* Ideas and resources to purchase ukuleles in your classroom
* What a ukulele curriculum looks like
* How assessment works with ukulele
* And lots of other fun tips and tricks from the ukulele queen herself!
Make sure to check out Shelley’s website and resources for all things ukulele! Click below for all of the goodness!!
Shelley’s Website | Rainbow Ukulele Facebook Group | Rainbow Ukulele Curriculum | Rainbow Ukulele Free Starter Kit | Shelley's Blogs on Ukulele | Seesaw | Donors Choose | Music Crew Collaborative Facebook Group | #TAP Insiders Facebook Group
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May 17, 2018
TAP 014: Reflect, Reset, & Restore this Summer
This episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is about reflecting, reseting, and restoring this summer so that next year can be your very best year yet.
Today on TAP I’ll talk about
* Why it’s important to reflect on the school year now, instead of waiting until before school starts back up again.
* What “reset” really means when it comes to prioritizing the different roles you play in your life.
* How to restore your body, mind, and spirit when you (hopefully!) finally have the space to do so.
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders Group on FB.
Become an Anacrusic Insider here.
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May 10, 2018
TAP 013: Project Based Learning with Jessica Martin
On this episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, we are talking all about Project Based Learning, aka PBLs in the music room. Today on TAP, our special guest Jess (aka The Whimsical Teacher) shares:
* What PBLs are, and how they are different from any other project
* The 5 steps to creating a PBL
* Examples of PBLs she has done in her classroom
* Ideas for music teachers to incorporate Project Based Learning into our lessons
Visit the Buck Institute by clicking here.
Find Jessica on Instagram Here.
Click here to become a member of the TAP Insiders Group on FB.
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May 3, 2018
TAP 012: Program Planning: Why You Should Start Now
Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we’re talking all about why you should start program planning for next year, right now. This isn’t necessarily the podcast that tells you how to put a program together, but rather how and why to start planning and talking with people on your campus about what programs are going to look like for next year.
On this Episode of TAP, you’ll hear:
* Why you need to start thinking about performances now… or even yesterday.
* The three people you should talk to on your campus about programs for the next year.
* The four questions you’ll get answered by setting up these meetings.
* How to start planning for a performance, whether it’s a grade level demonstration, a pre-packaged program, or a special event.
Join the TAP Insiders Community on Facebook here!
Check out the Active Music Making Blog Series here!
Become an Insider and never miss a thing in the Anacrusic universe by clicking here!
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Apr 26, 2018
TAP 011: How to Engage Older Students with Michelle W
Today on TAP, I'm talking with Michelle from Music with Miss W all about how to engage and build relationships with your older kids. Michelle shares her experience in the secondary world and we talk about how you can front load classroom management strategies to create a positive and trusting learning environment.
Get Michelle's FREE exit tickets here.
Follow her on Instagram here.
Join the FREE #TAP Insiders community here.
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Apr 19, 2018
TAP 010: Q&A Coffee Chat
On this episode of TAP, I'm answering your questions from emails, instagram private messages, and comments from inside our FB Group. I do a rapid fire answer session with these six questions:
* What do I do if I can't take my levels this summer?
* What do you do for classroom management?
* How do you engage older students?
* How do you prepare for concerts?
* What do you do with your lessons when you miss a class?
* How do you balance it all?
I share a couple of things that got me thinking when answering these questions, like why I'm rejecting the word "management" and replacing it with "connections," mostly because of this story and what I really do for performances to minimize stress. I also hinted at a couple interviews that are coming up on the podcast and a little something I'm working on for the month of May.
Become an Anacrusic Insider here!!
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Apr 12, 2018
TAP 009: 5 Tips for Classroom Management
Today on TAP, I'm giving my 5 tips for Classroom Management. These tools are important for your music teacher toolbox if you want to keep your students motivated and participating in the Elementary General Music Classroom.
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Apr 5, 2018
TAP 008: Professional Development for Music Teachers
This week on TAP, I'm talking about all the things that have to do with professional development for music teachers. This episode is one of the longer editions of The Anacrusic Podcast, and even still is no where near comprehensive in giving you all the different ideas and options out there for music teacher PD. But if you're looking for some fresh ideas to reinvigorate and refine your teaching practice, this is the perfect place to get started.
Also, I have a SUPER fun announcement, so stay tuned until the end of the episode!
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Mar 29, 2018
TAP 007: What is Active Music Making?
In this episode I'm defining "active music making" and what it means for your teaching sequence and your students' experience. None of this belongs to just one pedagogical approach, but is a way of thinking and teaching that gets beyond covering concepts and enables your students to be active participants in your classroom.
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Mar 22, 2018
TAP 006: Mythbusting Kodály-inspired Teaching
Today on TAP we’re talking all about what it really means to be a Kodály-inspired teacher. I’m going to bust a few myths, give you my short and sweet elevator speech about what Kodály pedagogy really is, and give you an all around sneak peek inside my head space as a Kodály teacher and teacher educator.
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Mar 15, 2018
TAP 005: Why You Should Get Comfortable With Getting Uncomfortable
In today’s episode, I talk about why it’s so important to stretch yourself, step out of the box, and start trying new things. As I prepare for my workshop at this year’s OAKE conference, I share some of the ways you might incorporate new modes of music making into your classroom to ignite student curiosity and musicianship.
Check out the show notes at http://anacrusic.com/podcast
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Mar 10, 2018
TAP 004: Setting Intentions
What we do each and every day as music educators can be so incredibly taxing... if we let it. Today I'm talking about why and how I set intentions, and giving you some action steps to try today. Check out the show notes at http://anacrusic.com/podcast
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Mar 10, 2018
TAP 003: Three Little Words
Today I'm talking about my three favorite not so little words: purposeful, sequential, & joyful. I'll explain what they mean to me, and why they're at the core of everything I do. Check out the show notes at http://anacrusic.com/podcast
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Mar 10, 2018
TAP 002: The Relaunch - Anne's Story
In this episode, I relaunch The Anacrusic Podcast with my story. I tell you all about my own little music teacher journey, how I changed my mind... a lot, and found my true passion and path. Check out the show notes at http://anacrusic.com.
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Mar 8, 2018
TAP 001: Solo Singing in Kindergarten
Today I talk all about why I use solo singing right off the bat with my kindergarteners. I explain how I integrate solo singing into my classroom procedures and my three favorite songs for solo singing. Check out the show notes at http://anacrusic.com/podcast
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