Bonus Episode - Big Announcement. The book is here. So many have poured into my life. I look forward to helping new band directors learn from my mistakes. The book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band is finally finished. Order it here. Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Cont...
May 21, 2025•36 sec
Episode 295 - Eating Healthy - How I Lost 40 pounds I was just 40 years old. The doctor said he had never seen triglyceride levels that high. My glucose levels were very high, as was my cholesterol. He wanted to start me on medicine. Could it be the two packages of M&Ms I was eating DAILY. I did not want meds, so I started paying attention to what I ate and lost 40 pounds. Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost...
May 14, 2025•4 min
Episode 294 - When Students Misbehave For The Sub When I was in school, I hated it when the whole class was subject to punishment when only a few misbehaved. And to be honest, some subs are terrible or have not received proper training and support. In this episode I share 4 possible things you can do when it happens and 7 prevention tips. Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching...
May 07, 2025•7 min
Episode 293 - 8 Tips For Dealing With Students Wanting To Switch Instruments There are sometimes legitimate reasons for a student to switch instruments, but often that desire is due to hitting a plateau in their playing. In this episode I share 8 tips for how to handle the dreaded “I want to switch instruments” conversation. Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a q...
Apr 30, 2025•9 min
Episode 292 - Demanding Great Concert Behavior From The Audience and Your Students Is your audience rude and out of control? You can change that culture. Are your students rambunctious and inattentive when they’re not performing? You can change that. Here are some things that have worked for me. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the pod...
Apr 23, 2025•5 min
Episode 291 - What To Say At The Concert In short, keep it short. Much will depend on the culture and climate already at the school. Remember that you can help to change that culture. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. L...
Apr 16, 2025•4 min
Episode 290 - How Much Time Should You Spend On Fundamentals When I first started teaching, I thought I didn’t have time for fundamentals. Maybe I spent ten minutes of a 45 minute rehearsal on technique, scales, tone, tuning, arpeggios and long tones. Believe it or not, now I spend more than half our rehearsal time on those. I explain to the students that learning scales and other fundamentals makes more difficult and more interesting music attainable for us. They get it! When you explain the wh...
Apr 09, 2025•6 min
Episode 289 - Helping Students Play In Tune One of my biggest pet peeves is watching a director individually tune 80 band members on stage using the tuner! It doesn’t help! Maybe it makes that one note in tune, but tuning is a process that can be taught, even to young band students. Here are some tips. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for ...
Apr 02, 2025•4 min
Episode 288 - 6 Tips For Engaging Percussionists Often our percussion section can be our biggest headache, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Have you thought through some of the things that frustrate the percussionists? We can do things as directors to engage and motivate the percussionists. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podca...
Mar 19, 2025•6 min
Episode 287 - 13 Top Mistakes Directors Make Not planning enough - Lack of classroom management - Too lax (or too rigid) - Bringing Work Home - Taking Things Personally - Trying to be someone else - Over Programming - Ego Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: james...
Mar 12, 2025•15 min
Episode 286 - 16 Things I Wish I Knew About Festival Prep How do I use my time properly? When do I start my second song? What if the percussion equipment is not in the same place as in my room? What if my band doesn’t score “well”? Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me h...
Mar 05, 2025•14 min
Episode 285 - Marching Band Is Needed Now More Than Ever Before Controversial statement…I think every school should have a marching band. When I started one at a previous school, every single one of my colleagues thought I was crazy. I have come to the conclusion that - because many directors have been “abused” through marching band, or it was allowed to take on too much of a focus - many are against it. Here’s why I think it’s needed. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curr...
Feb 19, 2025•5 min
Episode 284 - Add Some Spice To Your Rehearsal I learned in the army that you can’t make bad food taste good simply by seasoning it (although you could sometimes cover over the bad taste with enough hot sauce). Spices take food that already tastes good and makes it even better. In this episode, I share eight “spices” - things you can do - to make for a tastier rehearsal. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book A...
Feb 12, 2025•5 min
Episode 283 - Eight Strategies For Surviving The Stress Bubble of Teaching From setting boundaries to reflecting on your priorities, in this episode I cover 8 tips that will help you avoid burnout. Learn from me rather than the hard way. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contac...
Feb 05, 2025•8 min
My first teaching job landed in my lap! It was easy to get. My neighbor was the principal for a small private school. They needed a band teacher, he asked me, I interviewed and was hired. The next three job hunts I had to use “Job Hunt Math.” Thirty applications equals six interviews equals three offers. This worked out pretty much every time. I see so many young people post, “I applied for my dream job. I haven’t heard back. Maybe I should leave the profession.” Maybe you should use Job Hunt Ma...
Jan 22, 2025•8 min
Episode 281 - When A Life Is Lost We lost three community members in a two month period! It was hard! It was difficult! The normal lesson plan went out the window. And one summer we tragically lost an entire family. Two of the kids were in my 20 piece orchestra. We were devastated. In this episode, I share some tips on how we got through that process. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’v...
Jan 15, 2025•7 min
I once gave out gobs of candy to students right before they were to perform. I don’t recommend that, but find out why I did that and join me as we explore the keys to creating a positive, productive, and inspiring environment for young musicians. From building trust and fostering teamwork to encouraging excellence and creativity, this podcast offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert advice for band directors at all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your p...
Dec 11, 2024•7 min
Episode 279 - Mastering Music Education: Is a Master's Degree Worth It for Teachers? Getting my master’s degree was one of the best things I did! I was about 14 years into my career. Some of my classmates had just completed their bachelor’s degrees. I don’t think they got as much out of it as I did (I could tell by their responses in class discussion). There are affordable options out there that will let you continue to teach full time. Mine cost me less than $9,000, and not, it wasn’t when dino...
Dec 04, 2024•6 min
Episode 278 - 7 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier In My Career Get To Know The Secretaries, Play Nice With Other Teachers, Go Home At The End Of Your Contract Day; When a student quits, don’t take it personally; AND MORE Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthediv...
Nov 20, 2024•10 min
Episode 277 - I Have My First Parade - What Do I Do Whether it’s a Christmas parade or a parade next spring, these tips will help you train your band for that first parade. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Get the book Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Spea...
Nov 13, 2024•8 min
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and ...
Nov 03, 2024•32 sec
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and ...
Nov 02, 2024•22 sec
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and ...
Nov 01, 2024•25 sec
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and ...
Oct 31, 2024•44 sec
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and ...
Oct 30, 2024•24 sec
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and ...
Oct 29, 2024•40 sec
Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook Complete Guide To Self-Publishing Your Book Course 40 Ways To Make Money as a Musician eBook FREE Forgive and ...
Oct 28, 2024•35 sec
Episode 276 - Three Ps To Keeping Order In Rehearsal Get off the Podium - Keep your Pacing fast and interesting - Insist on 100% Participation every student, every day. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curricul...
Oct 23, 2024•7 min
Episode 275 - How Can I Remember Everything I’m Supposed To Do - 2 minute episode It’s time to get organized! Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Contact me here: jamesthedivine@gmail.com or 719-238-4193. List of Speaking Topics. Check Out “Why Don’t They Teach That in School curriculum Ten Tips To Save 5 Hours This Week and Every Week eBook ...
Oct 16, 2024•3 min
Episode 274 - Work and Life Balance You CAN have a successful band program AND a balanced life. I married my HS sweetheart. We raised 4 kids while I was teaching band, and now we have 10 grandkids (and counting). We have been married 37 years. Join me as I share some ways you can achieve this balance. Resources… Jazz From The Start - Jazz and improvisation curriculum you can use as soon as students know 5 notes Have a question for the podcast? Need a presenter for professional development? Conta...
Oct 09, 2024•13 min
