Make Moments Matter: A Music Education Podcast

In this episode I’m talking with Josh Southard about the world of Orff Schulwerk and the instruments often used in Orff classrooms. We talk about how to get kids started on the instruments, pitched percussion exploration, instrument tips and tricks, how many/what kind of instruments to purchase, some instrument care ideas, and lots more! Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Teaching With Orff: http://bit.ly/2pVegxK Instrument Repair Hospital with Lissa Ray: http://bit.ly/2uzSNPX Smoky Row Elementary Music Website: http://www.smokyrowmusicroom.org/ American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: http://AOSA.org

In this episode I get a chance to discuss everything recorder with my friend Natasha Thurmon. In this conversation we talk primarily about ways to approach teaching the recorder, some common practices, resources to consider, and more! Resources mentioned in this podcast: Music For Children CD Recordings (English): https://amzn.to/2pDMzJD Musica Poetica CD Recordings (German): http://bit.ly/2DSllU0 Recorder Resources -- Recorder Routes (Carol King): https://amzn.to/2pEcHnL Recorder Improvisation & Technique Bk 1 (Isabel McNeill Carley) : https://amzn.to/2DSlPJO Music for Children Vol. 1 (Orff & Keetman): https://amzn.to/2GavH3o American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: www.AOSA.org

In this episode I’m talking with Beth Melin Nelson about Orff Schulwerk. In our conversation we talk primarily about how movement and dance function as a part of the Orff approach and ways that you can incorporate movement into your lessons. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: www.AOSA.org David’s Twitter: @MakeMomentsMatt AOSA Twitter: @AOSA1968 Popular hashtags to follow #OrffSchulwerk #Orff #OrffPosse #elmusiced #musiced #musiceducation

In this episode I’m talking with Jennifer Donovan about the world of Orff Schulwerk. Our conversation centers around what it means to be an Orff teacher, ways to include pitched and nonpitched instruments into lessons, tips for teaching recorder, ideas about teaching on a cart, and lots more. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Windsongs Series Recorder Books: http://bit.ly/2FRbNO8 Chris Judah-Lauder Recorder Games: http://bit.ly/2pg2Wvh Everyday Recorder: Recorder Everyday: http://bit.ly/2FzgFIp Recorder Routes: http://amzn.to/2GpZKoU Creative Sequence by Tim Purdum: http://amzn.to/2HwI4Hk American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: http://AOSA.org

In this episode I’m talking with Tiffany English, current president of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. Our conversation is all about the world of Orff Schulwerk: what it is, what it isn’t, pedagogy, teaching ideas, what you can expect should you decide to do Orff levels training, why you should visit a local Orff chapter, and more. Resources mentioned in this podcast: American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: AOSA.org Links to your local Orff Chapter: http://aosa.org/chapters/

I’m sharing about one of the most famous Spanish-language folk songs: Los Pollitos Dicen. Tune in to get lesson ideas about this fun Chilean folk song, ways to include puppets in the lesson, vocabulary tips, and some ideas for movement/actions. I’ll also be talking about one of my favorite finger puppet tricks to save time and sanity! Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Los Pollitos Dicen Kit: http://bit.ly/LosPollitosFFS Around the World #1 Bundle: http://bit.ly/2BeYjWe My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv My Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy David’s Favorite Puppets (towards the bottom of the list): bit.ly/DavidsAmazon

Here’s another song that’s perfect for the weeks leading up to the Olympics: Cockles & Mussels (aka Molly Malone). Tune in to get lesson ideas about this Irish folk song, ways to include movement, and a fun connection with nonpitched percussion. I’ll also be talking about one of my favorite toys, the Pick Punch, and how to incorporate it into open house and parent teacher conference nights. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Cockles & Mussels Teacher Kit: http://bit.ly/CocklesMussels Around the World #1 Bundle: http://bit.ly/2BeYjWe Pick Punch Blog Post: http://bit.ly/ThePickPunch Pick Punch on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Blspai David’s Pinterest Page: http://bit.ly/2Bm1I5l

It's almost time for the Olympics so why not share some ideas for teaching music from around the world! Tune in to hear lesson ideas for the Brazilian folk song Samba Lelê as well as some handy tips and tricks for getting the most out of Pinterest! Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Helping Hands Music Teacher Matchup: http://bit.ly/2zbjTtY Samba Lele Kit: http://bit.ly/SambaLele Around the World #2: http://bit.ly/2EKqRcc Jennifer’s Blog about Vivaldi’s Winter: http://bit.ly/2Ddpkiu Paper Snowball Blog: http://bit.ly/2B4pZgi David’s Pinterest Page: http://bit.ly/2mzBkzH

In this episode you’ll get TWO different lesson ideas to use during the holiday season. I talk about several different ways to teach Jingle Bells so that you can use the carol with all grades and some lesson ideas for We Wish You a Merry Christmas. I’ll also talk about how I take my students caroling through the school and make a surprise visit to the front office. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Jingle All the Way Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2BRahWt Jingle Bells FFS Kit: http://bit.ly/2yWGtsV We Wish You/Caroling Through the School Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2ArYySh We Wish You FFS Kit: http://bit.ly/2C3Inrx General Winter/holiday Resources: http://bit.ly/2A8qKbe Holiday Songs Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/2knOqCx My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv My Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy

In this episode you’ll get TWO different lesson ideas to use during the holiday season. I talk about my movement lesson for primary students based around the “March” from the Nutcracker and then I share about how I teach the favorite carol “O Tannenbaum” and the movement ideas I’ve included with the song. As an added treat you get to hear me fail to pronounce both “Tchaikovsky” and also several German words and phrases. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  O Tannenbaum Teacher Kit: http://bit.ly/2A65bJu Holiday Song Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/2knOqCx Hilarious animated video for O Tannenbaum: http://bit.ly/2ntgUvY History of the Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet): http://bit.ly/2jOJhzC General Winter/holiday Resources: http://bit.ly/2A8qKbe My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv My Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy

This episode includes five different ideas to use with the folk song “Over the River and Through the Woods” including some movement ideas, rewriting the lyrics, nonpitched percussion, and more. I’ll also talk a little bit about how you can add a giving opportunity to your concerts to help connect your audience with your school community! Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Over the River Teaching Kit: http://bit.ly/2zqKxj2 Over the River Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2Bp25gH General Winter/holiday Resources: http://bit.ly/2A8qKbe My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv My Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy

This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “Five Fat Turkeys” including some new and hilarious extension ideas for dancing kiddos and falling turkeys. I’ll also talk a little bit about your chance to connect with another music educator through the “Music Teacher Matchup” I’m hosting on my blog. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Helping Hands Music Teacher Matchup: http://bit.ly/2zbjTtY Blog Posts about Fall Songs: http://bit.ly/2zgNcwB Fall Song Resources: http://bit.ly/2y5QSjq

I’m so excited to welcome Eric Litwin, the author of the original four Pete the Cat books, to the podcast to discuss his newest book Groovy Joe Dance Party Countdown. We chat about Eric’s experience as a teacher, what inspired him to write, and everything that’s included in his new book. Eric even takes us through how he would teach the book with kids and some tips for how to integrate Groovy Joe into your classroom. Listen to the end to hear about how you can win Eric Litwin’s newest book for FREE in a giveaway! Resources mentioned in the podcast:  www.EricLitwin.com Groovy Joe Songs and Downloads: http://bit.ly/2y1aLuF Groovy Joe Book Giveaway: http://bit.ly/2xhlv94 Groovy Joe/Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xi9Cel Fantastic Scholastic Book Parade: http://bit.ly/2xhmA0A The Learning Groove (Eric’s FREE Songs): http://bit.ly/2xh2G62 PaperBackSwap: http://bit.ly/2xSdirk

Watch out for BEARS! I'm singing my favorite bear song: "Grizzly Bear, oh Grizzly Bear, sleeping in a cave" and talking about the different games you can use with it. I also give a few tips and ideas about how to set up a music teacher web page/blog and what items you might want to include. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Teacher Website Blog Post: http://bit.ly/2h5tI91 Blog Post about teaching the four voices with puppets: http://bit.ly/2h5plr3 Forest Animal Vocal Explorations: http://bit.ly/2xoqB1Z My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv

One song, multiple dances, lots of options for lessons! Check out this episode to learn about 15 different ways to teach the song "Tideo" also known as "Pass One Window." I'll also talk about one of the ways that I divide up classes into teams/families. Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bMm9bD Instrument Families for Classroom Management: http://bit.ly/2gfUtau Folk Song Set for Tideo: http://bit.ly/2wgq5AN Rob Amchin’s Video for Tideo: http://bit.ly/2iALcKV Anthony Meehl’s video for Tideo: http://bit.ly/2w9R2I1 My Facebook Page: bit.ly/2kliYEv

It’s Back to School season! This episode includes a variety of ideas to use during your first few weeks back including some “name games” and tips to help you get started and organized. Resources mentioned in the podcast: My website: http://bit.ly/DavidRowMMM My Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy My Facebook “Videos” Page: http://bit.ly/2pz95SM

This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “Alabama Gal.” I’ll sing through the song, talk about how you might teach the folk dance, and give ideas for extension and “next step” activities. You won’t want to miss my teacher tips/rant about the “Magic of Mallets.” I hope to give you some ideas about how to incorporate mallets for day-to-day use in your classroom. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Alabama Gal FREE Folk Song Set: http://bit.ly/2p2uCCs My Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lLe6Wy My Facebook “Videos” Page: http://bit.ly/2pz95SM

This episode talks all about “The Instrument Bunny” and a ton of fun activities that can connect with this silly little rabbit! I’ll take you through my lesson and give some ideas for extensions activities. I’ll also share some great ideas to use with pool noodles (they’re on sale right now!) in the music classroom! Resources mentioned in the podcast:  Pool Noodles ideas from Tracy King: http://bit.ly/2oPDizE My blog about the Instrument Bunny: http://bit.ly/2ofywrY My Easter/Bunny resources: http://bit.ly/2piyoHt Angie Kelton’s awesome Rabbit Rhythm resources: http://bit.ly/2oPxF4m

This episode includes a variety of ideas to use with the folk song “John the Rabbit.” I’ll sing through the song, talk through some variations and adaptations you could make, and give ideas for extension and “next step” activities. I’ll also share about a fun, easy, and FREE manipulative you can make when teaching young kiddos steady beat: “Magic Snowballs” Resources mentioned in the podcast: Snowball Steady Beat blog post: http://bit.ly/2nSoJH5 John the Rabbit Favorite Folk Song Kit: http://bit.ly/2mFDYlm Folkmanis Dutch Rabbit Puppet: http://amzn.to/2nG9d1o

In this episode I share some lesson ideas to teach the silly song "I Caught a Leprechaun.” This is a great song for K-1 and provides an easy way to add finger cymbals! I’ll also share my favorite (and FREE) video to use when teaching piano and forte! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Videos for students page: http://bit.ly/2mkYSHW Bjork’s Video: http://bit.ly/1gvAOHG My blog post about the Leprechaun Song: http://bit.ly/2m15QQK