Music Teacher Coffee Talk

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #194: Deinfluencing Your Classroom Main Theme: Deinfluencing Your Classroom Carrie and Tanya discuss strategies for deinfluencing your music classroom by thinking carefully about the resources and materials you are bringing to your students and the things you are consuming as an educator. Things we mention in this podcast: American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA)  - check out their resource library for high-quality materials! Organization of American Kodály Educators  - look for online workshops or chapter workshops in your area Kodály Center - American Folk Song Collection  - great searchable database of folk songs for your classroom Katia Chesnok on Instagram Coda Carrie recommends the movie A Clüsterfünke Christmas Tanya recommends the book The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick   Did you enjoy this episode?  Consider buying us a coffee to thank us for our work.  Monthly Memberships are also available! Click the button bel...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #161   In this episode, we welcome Beth Duhon, the "Happier Music Teacher." Beth is passionate about music teacher self-care. She has presented on the subject for  the OAKE national conference, IAMEA, Musicplayonline.com, TMEA, TCDA and Houston Arts  Partners conferences. She has been a podcast guest on Mrs. Stouffer’s VIP Music Room Podcast,  Afternoon Ti, Musicast, The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast and The Music Room with Aileen  Miracle. Ms. Duhon’s Facebook group is “Happier Music Teachers.” She is the author of  “Happier Music Teacher: 50 Days to Being a Happier Music Teacher at Home and School” and  the host of the podcast “ Happier Music Teacher: Self-Care for the Music Educator.” Beth holds an undergraduate degree in music education from Illinois Wesleyan University and a  graduate degree in horn performance from the University of Houston. Beth has taught pre-K  classes, elementary music, mid...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #149: New Year's Intentions Main Theme Happy New Year! In this episode, Carrie and Tanya talk about their intentions for the New Year, both at home and at school. Things we mention in this episode: Headspace  guided meditations 10% Happier  app and podcast Calm for sleep and meditation Coda Tanya recommends  More Happier podcast with Gretchen Rubins   Carrie recommends watching The Crown on Netflix Did you enjoy this episode?  Consider buying us a coffee to thank us for our work. Click the button below!  

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #131: Subbing for Yourself   Upcoming Events: Tanya will be presenting a workshop titled "How Can I Keep Them Singing: Singing Games and Activities for Older Students" on Saturday, April 22 for the Plains States Kodály Organization (PSKOR) in Kearney, Nebraska. Get more information here! Main Theme Carrie and Tanya talk about lesson ideas and activities for when you are subbing for yourself, meaning you are not feeling well or have low energy, but you still need to teach. Here are some ideas for lessons where students are still actively making or responding to music, but you are preserving your health, energy, and sanity. Ideas and resources we mention:  YouTube play along videos Musication Ready Go Music Independent instrument practice time (recorder, ukulele, keyboards, etc) Stations or centers (only if students have done them before) Music listening, appreciation, and responding Individual listening (give choice when possible) Read-along ...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #128: Sunday Scaries and How to Tackle Them   Upcoming Event: We will be presenting at the Organization of American Kodály Educators National Conference on Saturday, March 18 at 10:15 am. Our session is titled "Bright Ideas for New Performance Traditions." We'd love to see you there! Main Theme: The Sunday Scaries and How to Avoid Them Things we mention in this episode: Atlantic Article: "Why People Get the 'Sunday Scaries'" by Joe Pinsker Cube timer Meal planning magnetic board Headspace mediation Know Better, Do Better When thinking about having hard conversations with others, it's helpful to remember the "20-60-20" rule from Dr. Dolly Chugh from her book  The Person You Mean to Be . Dr. Chugh claims that 60% of people are "maliable" in their thinking and could be influenced by the 20% who are open and vocal about change. Work Smarter, Not Harder As discussed in Episode #125: Reseting the Yea...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #113: Summer Plans for Reflection and Renewal Main Theme: Summer Plans for Reflection and Renewal Reflection What is a success from this year? What was a struggle or failure from this year? What surprised you? What are you looking forward to next year? Renewal How do you renew your personal self over the summer? Family time Reading and vegging out Outdoor time, health, and exercise Travel Home organization How do you renew your professional self over the summer? Update concept plans and do light yearly/calendar planning Edit teaching materials and organize Take a break and set boundaries Read! It’s time for the 2022 Music Teacher Coffee Talk Summer Book Club! This year we will be reading Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain by Zaretta Hammond. Want to read and learn with us? Here’s how to join in! 1. Grab a copy and read! Or listen to the audiobook if that’s your preference. 2. Listen in to our episodes this summer where Carrie and Tanya...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #101: Dear Frustrated Teachers Main Theme In this episode, Tanya and Carrie discuss some thoughts and strategies to consider when you are feeling frustrated or burnt out in your teaching job. Thoughts to consider when you are feeling burnt out: Know yourself as a person: Know what makes you happy and brings you joy and bring those things into your life. Also know what your stress triggers are, physically and mentally. Know yourself as a teacher: Know what brings you join the workplace and how to have fun making music with your students. Complete the stress cycle: What can you do physically or mentally to help you get the stress out of your body? Be a goldfish: Let things go, especially things that are out of the sphere of your control. Also, look for ways to balance the negative moments with equally important positive ones. "You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It's a goldfish. It's got a 10 second memory. Be a goldf...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #81: Relaxation and Rejuvenation   In this episode, Tanya and Carrie share their top 3 plans for relaxation and rejuvenation over Winter Break. We also had a chuckle reviewing our "20 for 2020" lists that we wrote last year in January. We wish you all a very Happy Holiday season and a relaxing and peaceful Winter Break with your friends and family. Stay safe and healthy! Main Theme Carrie's plans: Cross stitch. Check out some great patterns at the SassiStitchBoutique on Etsy! Watch digital holiday concerts featuring local arts organizations Binge watch shows, especially on HBO Max Tanya's plans: Read! Tanya's latest read is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and she likes to track her books on Goodreads . Plan a virtual winter train trip with cozy activities for the family Reflect on the past year with grace and humor Coda Tanya recommends the NPR podcast "It's Been a Minute" with Sam Sanders Carrie recommen...