Musicast

It's the FINAL EPISODE of Musicast, season four! Wow. It's hard to believe that we've had four seasons of engaging conversations on music and music education. In this final episode of Musicast, I sit down with my brother David (co-founder of F-flat Books) to talk about the next season of F-flat. Listen and learn about: 🎸The why behind our new children's book (Rosie Rocks!!)🎸 How we decided to move into print and wider distribution 🎸 The process of learning new things while trying to stay true to the F-flat values of equitable practices. Huge shoutout to @vickyweberbooks who has been FULLY INSTRUMENTAL in helping us make this big, scary leap in our business. Vicky has made this process so much easier. Second huge shoutout to @fwillismusic . "Edward's Rhythm Sticks" was the first children's book we ever created in 2020, and his willingness to take a chance on our tiny company changed the trajectory of our work forever. We are closing the door on our first year of running F-flat Books full-time and couldn't be more excited about what's coming. So, if you've been supporting our journey and our work, YOU HAVE MADE THIS POSSIBLE!! Thank you. Resources mentioned in this episode: Order our book! https://fflat-books.com/featured-titles/rosie-rocks/# Learn more about Vicky Weber: https://www.vickyweber.com/ Learn more about Franklin Willis: https://www.fwillismusic.com/ Learn more about our mom's business! https://www.facebook.com/Petghans/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

It’s the second to last Musicast episode for the 2023-2024 school year! In this episode, I sit down with music educator, Adam Chitta. Adam is the founder of “The Chitta Sound,” an organization that provides tools and professional development for teachers to help better reach their deaf and hard of hearing students. After receiving a hearing loss diagnosis as a child, Adam was able to become a successful musician (alongside his twin brother!), music educator, and advocate for students like him. In this episode, he shares his story and how he had to advocate for himself in order to pursue a career in music. You can learn more about Adam at his website: https://thechittasound.com/ And, if you're in Texas, check out his workshop this summer through TBA: Friday, July 26th from 5:00-6:00 PM. Deaf Students CAN be Successful in the Band Classroom and Marching Field!  Finally, Adam provides in-person and virtual visits to observe and discuss DHH accommodations for students. He also provides professional development through his website. Use the contact form on there to get in touch! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this fun episode, Musicast creator, Marissa Guarriello, sits down with students from Freedom High School to talk about a class they are enrolled in. “Marking Musikfest” is a unique way to connect students with music industry skills.  Students used Sonic Bids and chose 10 different bands. Then, they selected favorites and offered them contracts for Musikfest, the largest free music festival in the United States. Listen to the students share about their process, the artists they booked, and listen to the music throughout the episode.  If you’re an educator and you want to learn more about connections between education and industry, consider visiting the “Musikfest Industry and Education Conference” on August 1st and 2nd in Bethlehem, PA.  You can learn more at the link below!  https://www.musikfest.org/lineup/musikfest-music-industry-and-education-conference/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

Some of the best teaching ideas stem from identifying problems or gaps in current methods. In this podcast episode, Crystal Boyack talks about just that! Through struggling to find a beginning method that worked for her string players (including her own daughter), she decided to create her own, and "Wee Violin" was born! Crystal describes her approach to learning to play and love music, and how she incorporates a variety of musical cultures from day one. You can learn more about Crystal's work below: https://www.crystalboyackmusicstudio.com/ Grab her books here: https://www.crystalboyackmusicstudio.com/weeviolin And, follow her on instagram: @crystalboyackmusicstudio --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

I don't know about you, but this is the time of year when I feel overwhelmed with digital clutter and need to do some serious spring cleaning! Enter Theresa Hoover. Last summer, Theresa delivered an incredible workshop at our annual symposium. She provided ideas for using Google Apps to enhance and streamline teaching. All of us were furiously taking notes and asking for more! In this episode, I sit down with Theresa to discuss her history with tech, how she became part of #teamgoogle, and learn more about her workshop series, which debuts on April 26th. You can learn more about Theresa's work here: https://offthebeatenpathinmusic.com/ https://passthebatonbook.com/ Grab her book here: https://fflat-books.com/product/empowering-ensembles-with-technology/ And, learn more about her PD sessions on our Learn Site: https://learn.fflat-books.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, we sit down with musician, author, educator, and all-around incredible human Ashley Shabankareh. Ashley shares about her life and work and how she collaborated on our latest release with longtime friend Mia Ibrahim.  Mia tragically lost their life in December 2023 and “Embracing Arabic Popular Music” is a resource that honors and celebrates their work in music education. Learn more about how this project developed and how Ashley and others are continuing to find ways to encourage culturally responsive teaching that honors and elevates all cultures, not just a select few.  You can learn more about Mia and Ashley’s book on the F-flat Books website.  And, connect with Ashley here:  https://www.ashleyshabankareh.com/about --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Sarah sits down with author, musician, and educator: Yeshima! Yeshima has been an F-flat author for years and is currently doing some amazing work in the areas of project-based learning and therapeutic drumming. In this episode, Yeshima shares about their past experiences and how they started music as a clarinetist (and got kicked out of the band!!) and gradually found their way to percussion. Now, Yeshima has provided a ton of resources for teachers looking to connect students with work that impacts the world. You can learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode at the link below: Drum Smart Website: https://drumsmartllc.com/ Drum Smart Insta: instagram.com/drumsmart101 Project Based Learning Resource: https://fflat-books.com/product/project-based-learning/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode of Musicast, Sarah sits down with musician and educator, Jes Cleland. Jes is a bassist by trade and has spent years supporting young learners through her business, Music U, in Nashville. In this episode, she describes her journey to being an early childhood educator, how she approaches using literature with young children, and how her book “Get Out Beetle” was inspired by the kids she taught!  You can learn more about Music U here: https://www.musicunashville.com/ Shop "Get out Beetle" merch here: https://www.musicunashville.com/merch?category=Get+Out+Beetle Follow Music U on Instagram @musicuclass --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jeanette Shorey, veteran music teacher and promoter of joy in the classroom! Jeanette shares her story in music education and how she centers joy and stories in teaching young children. Listen to learn how community support and inspiration can help you keep the joy in teaching. You can learn more about Jeanette at the links below: https://storiesthatsing.net/ https://storiesthatsing.net/shop/ https://storiesthatsing.net/jointhehappymusicteacheracademy/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

How do we cultivate a sense of understanding and empathy among students? Can the music classroom be a space where we have hard discussions and unpack big emotions? In this episode, Daniel Rivera (author of "Empathy") describes his journey in music education and how his classroom has become a space to feel and share emotions: big or small. Listen and learn about the ways that you can help students learn to empathize with each other in tangible ways. Resources shared in this episode: You can find Daniel's book here: https://fflat-books.com/product/empathy/ Want to learn more about our writing cohort starting in March? Check it out: https://learn.fflat-books.com/writing-rescue-kidlit-lab/# And, if you haven't downloaded our Black History Month guide yet, you can still get it for free: https://fflat-books.com/product/black-history-month-heritage-month-guide-2024/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Sarah sits down with David Dockan: musician, educator, and Ph.D. student at the University of Kentucky. David shares about his history as a musician and why he centers social-emotional learning in his work as both a teacher of young children and a teacher of pre-service music educators. He also talks about the inspiration behind his new book, "Your Song," created with Angela Carter. You can learn more about David and his work at the F-flat Books site and at the link below: http://www.dockanmusic.com/home.html And, learn about the courses David shared in the episode: https://kentuckyorff.com/upcoming-workshops/ https://finearts.uky.edu/music/professional-development-and-summer-graduate-study --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Sarah continues to chat with Coty about the why behind the work. They talk about finding your purpose and pouring your energy into spaces that feel authentic while recognizing that what we share publicly is not often what we experience privately.  How do we return to the passion and joy found in music and the things that light us up as musicians? Listen and be inspired by Coty’s story and learn why she wrote “When I Grow Up” and how she’s actively advocating for children.  You can support Coty and learn about her book, “When I Grow Up,” here:  https://fflat-books.com/product/when-i-grow-up/ Check out Coty’s website:  https://www.cotyravenmorris.com/ You can get the free Black History Month Heritage Guide here:  https://fflat-books.com/product/black-history-month-heritage-month-guide-2024/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Grammy-nominated educator Coty Raven Morris in a powerful two-part series on the why behind our work as musicians and educators. In this first half, Coty breaks down why we need to examine barriers in music education and how we, as educators, can effort to meet the needs of more students. You can learn more about Coty at her website: https://www.cotyravenmorris.com/ And, check out Coty's book on the F-flat Books website: https://fflat-books.com/product/when-i-grow-up/ Grab the FREE Black History Month Heritage Guide here: https://fflat-books.com/product/black-history-month-heritage-month-guide-2024/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

What does research mean to you in your day to day practice? How does higher education fit into your professional and personal goals? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Schultz (F-flat author and host of the "Research to Practice" column) and Marissa Guarriello (F-flat author, PhD students, and founder of Musicast) to talk about all things higher education. In this inspiring episode, they tackle: How curiosity can drive research and why it matters to music education Imposter phenomenon and debunking stereotypes in academia Advice for anyone considering graduate school You can learn more about Liz and Marissa's work below. Read Liz's column on the F-flat website: https://fflat-books.com/tag/research-to-practice/ Check out Liz's book on navigating research: https://fflat-books.com/product/the-digital-companion-to-navigating-music-education-research/ Learn about Marissa's contributions on the F-flat site: https://fflat-books.com/authors/marissa-guarriello/ Do you have an idea for a guest or topic you want us to cover? Send an email to support@fflat-books.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

Many of us are approaching holiday breaks with MUCH NEEDED days off of teaching. But, how can we ensure that our time is spent in ways that are truly restorative and help us approach 2024 with a sense of grounding? In this episode, Sarah shares four things you can give yourself over winter break to find restoration. You can read the corresponding blog post to this episode here: https://fflat-books.com/last-minute-gift-guide-for-the-overwhelmed-music-teacher/ Also, this is the LAST Musicast episode for 2023! Thank you so much for listening and being part of this community. Is there a topic you'd like us to cover in 2024? Or, a person we should interview? Please send ideas and nominations (including yourself!) to sarah@fflat-books.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode of Musicast, Sarah sits down with Charlie Edmonds, PhD student, music educator, and entrepreneur. Charlie is the Founder of "Pocket Methods," a method for beginning band and orchestra students that centers black Gospel music. Listen in to learn about Charlie's journey to becoming a researcher and entrepreneur and how she is changing the world of music education, one student at a time. To sign up for the Pocket Methods newsletter, visit the website and add your email in: https://www.pocketmethods.com/ Stay in touch online: Instagram: instagram.com/Pocketmethods LinkedIn URL: www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-edmonds-36570b8a Pocket's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocket-methods-llc/?viewAsMember=true  Email Address: pocketmethods@gmail.com Charlie will also be creating a FB group for those interested in the method. Follow her work online to keep in touch! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode of Musicast, Sarah sits down with Claire of Musically Minted to share reflections on the AOSA conference in November. Both Sarah and Claire were exhibiting for the first time AND are running their businesses full-time after being in the classroom for years. Listen in to learn about the behind-the-scenes of conference exhibits, what it feels like to run a small business in music education, and their shared transition out of the classroom. You can learn more about Musically Minted here: https://musicallyminted.com/ And you can follow Musically Minted on Instagram: @musicallyminted --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Dr. Shane Colquhoun sits down with Jasmine Fripp to talk about two important areas of music education: finding our "why" and how to put in meaningful work that impacts many. This conversation is heartfelt, inspiring, and encouraging. You can learn more about Shane and his book, Producers of Pop, here: https://fflat-books.com/product/the-producers-of-pop/ And, learn about Jasmine Fripp's release, Carmine's Affirmations, here: https://fflat-books.com/product/carmines-affirmations-song-and-classroom-resources/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Sarah answers listener questions about entrepreneurship and F-flat Books' publishing platform. F-flat is opening submissions in just a couple of months (January 1st!). Listen in to learn more about how you can prepare your project for submission, how the F-flat Books team decides what to publish, and what you might not know about the publishing industry. You can learn more about the submission process here: https://fflat-books.com/documentation/author-packet/ And you can read through the F-flat Books culture deck at the bottom of our homepage: https://fflat-books.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

In this episode, Jessica Grant sits down to reflect on lessons she's learned during her 20+ year career as an educator. Whether you're a new teacher or have been in the classroom for years, Jessica's reflections are rooted in concrete ways to connect with care and community for sustenance in such a meaningful career. You can learn more about Jessica on her site: https://www.jessicagrant.org/ And you can read Jessica's book on wellness here: https://fflat-books.com/product/two-perspectives-on-health-and-wellness/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support