I once gave out gobs of candy to students right before they were to perform. I don’t recommend that, but find out why I did that and join me as we explore the keys to creating a positive, productive, and inspiring environment for young musicians. From building trust and fostering teamwork to encouraging excellence and creativity, this podcast offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert advice for band directors at all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your program, join me as we uncover the strategies that turn band classrooms into thriving communities where music and growth go hand in hand.

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Episode 279 - Mastering Music Education: Is a Master's Degree Worth It for Teachers? Getting my master’s degree was one of the best things I did! I was about 14 years into my career. Some of my classmates had just completed their bachelor’s degrees. I don’t think they got as much out of it as I did (I could tell by their responses in class discussion). There are affordable options out there that will let you continue to teach full time. Mine cost me less than $9,000, and not, it wasn’t when dinosaurs ruled the earth. I completed it in 2012. Check out the summer program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Episode 278 - 7 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier In My Career Get To Know The Secretaries, Play Nice With Other Teachers,  Go Home At The End Of Your Contract Day; When a student quits, don’t take it personally; AND MORE

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Episode 277 - I Have My First Parade - What Do I Do

Whether it’s a Christmas parade or a parade next spring, these tips will help you train your band for that first parade.

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum FREE

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials

Resources…

Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes

Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here:  [email protected] or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. 

Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum

Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook

Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course

40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook

FREE Forgive and Live Workshop

Guitar Class Extension Materials