Synopsis
I love teaching music to kids! I am a certified Orff Schulwerk teacher and plan to share lessons about singing, playing instruments, recorder technique, creative movement, improvisation, guided listening, any other techniques that will help you teach music better! Find more information and ideas on my blog: www.MakeMomentsMatter.org
Episodes
-
End of Semester Q&A Spring 2025
06/05/2025 Duration: 22minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 5/5/25. This week I talked through many of your questions about teaching elementary music. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Three New Books to Check Out for Now or Later!
29/04/2025 Duration: 22minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 4/28/25. This week I shared about three books that I recently came across that you should check out. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
What to do for an out-of-cycle day! - How to Lesson Plan for Odd Moments
22/04/2025 Duration: 24minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 4/21/25. This week I shared about what I taught on a recent "out-of-cycle" day when I needed a quick and easy lesson for multiple grades. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
Nonpitched Percussion In Daily Learning - How to Sneak It In in meaningful ways!
15/04/2025 Duration: 27minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 4/14/25. This week I shared about how I try to include nonpitched percussion instruments in a variety of ways in my lessons. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
Black Snake Song Teaching Process
08/04/2025 Duration: 21minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 4/7/25. This week I shared about how I scaffold out and teach the song "Black Snake" with a circle game and option for instruments. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
Student-led Recorder Echo and Improvisation
01/04/2025 Duration: 23minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 3/31/25. This week I shared about how I scaffold out a lesson including student-led recorder improvisation and echoing on BAG. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
The Big Corral - Song Process and Lesson Ideas
25/03/2025 Duration: 22minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 3/24/25. This week I shared about how I teach the song "The Big Corral" and adaptations I'm using to make it work for my upcoming program. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
I Let Her Go Go - Song Process and Lesson Ideas
18/03/2025 Duration: 21minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 3/17/25. This week I shared about how I teach the song "I Let Her Go Go" and scaffold in the group dance moves. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
Exploring Eighth and Sixteenth Note Combinations
11/03/2025 Duration: 35minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 3/10/25. This week I shared about how I explore sixteenth and eighth note combinations with my older grades. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
The Day the Crayons Quit Concert Recap
04/03/2025 Duration: 41minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 3/3/25. This week I shared about my most recent concert based on the book The Day the Crayons Quit. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
Adapting an Orff Schulwerk Piece for a Concert
25/02/2025 Duration: 25minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 2/24/25. This week I shared about how I adapted a piece from the Rhythmische Übung for my upcoming 2nd Grade Concert. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video.
-
Improvising in Pentatonic Modes with Older Grades
11/02/2025 Duration: 35minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 2/10/25. This week I shared about how students have been improvising in the pentatonic modes on the pitched percussion and recorder. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Simulating Rain with Body Percussion and Hand Drums
04/02/2025 Duration: 13minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 2/3/25. This week I shared about how I plan to simulate rain with body percussion and hand drums for my upcoming concert. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Teach, Improvise, and Explore with Nursery Rhymes
28/01/2025 Duration: 31minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 1/27/25. This week I shared about how I teach, improvise, and explore pitched percussion instruments with nursery rhymes. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Body Percussion Piece Scaffolding and Improvisation
21/01/2025 Duration: 26minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 1/20/25. This week I shared about how I teach a body percussion piece from the Rhythmische Übung with a chance for improvisation. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
End of Semester Q&A Fall 2024
26/11/2024 Duration: 33minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/25/24. This week I talked through many of your questions about teaching elementary music. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Dancing the Tinikling Book
19/11/2024 Duration: 20minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/18/24. This week I shared a new book about Tinikling and some resources you might use with it. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Fall Food-Themed Rhythms for Small Groups and Centers
12/11/2024 Duration: 24minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/11/24. This week I shared about using a fall food themed rhythm center in a new way! If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Finding My Dance - Books for Native American Heritage Month
05/11/2024 Duration: 23minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/4/24. This week I shared some books that I'll be using for Native American Heritage Month. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video
-
Vocal Exploration with Kinders Three Ways - Song, Movement, and A Book!
29/10/2024 Duration: 30minThis episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 10/28/24. This week I shared about how I do vocal exploration three ways with my kindergarteners. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I share links to resources and ideas mentioned in the video