We’ve all had those days. You shut your classroom door at 3:15 PM, sink into your desk chair, and think: “I am terrible at this.” The truth is, you're NOT a bad teacher. Here's what I want you to know right off the bat: You are not alone—we all have dumpster fire...
You know the feeling: your lesson was planned to perfection, but the second you told your 4th graders to head to the xylophones, absolute chaos breaks out. Running ensues, instruments get bumped, and suddenly you’re shouting over the noise just to get their attention...
Every elementary music teacher knows the feeling: you pause for two seconds to check your lesson plan, and suddenly three kindergartners are rolling on the floor, two are making funny faces, and the entire room is in stitches. Early in my teaching career, silly...
Tuning Out School Toxicity and Protecting Your Peace with Dana Goodier Have you ever found yourself sitting in your car after a long school day, staring at the steering wheel, and wondering how on earth you’re going to do it all over again tomorrow? That’s why I...
Have you ever looked at a new software update and wanted to hide under your desk? That's why I recently spoke with Katie Argyle about using technology in the elementary music room. First of all, I know exactly what it's like when your schedule is packed, and you feel...
Have you ever stood at your door, watched a class come in hot, and felt your heart sink into your shoes? First of all, I know exactly what it is like when you are running on empty and you feel completely isolated on your own music teacher island. It is so easy to let...
Have you ever stood in front of your classroom, played a beautiful, clear note on the piano, and watched your students stare back at you with total confusion? First of all, I know exactly what it is like when a class comes in hot and you are trying your absolute best...
We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a beautiful Orff arrangement or a fun folk dance, and then you hear it—that sharp, quiet snicker from the back row. Or maybe you catch "the look" being passed between two students while a brave soul is trying to sing their...
Let’s dive into my “Secret Sauce” for 5th grade music classroom management so you can stop fighting the chaos and start leaning into it!
3 Winter Storybooks for Teaching Music Skills Winter is here, and what better way to embrace the season than with cozy, story-filled music lessons? Whether you’re navigating snowy days or just dreaming of them, I’ve got three winter storybooks for the music classroom...