Welcome back to Part Two of our inspiring chat with the wonderful Kate Schirmer —musician, singing teacher, conductor, and vocal pedagogy powerhouse. If you caught Part One, you already know Kate brings so much wisdom, warmth, and depth to the world of singing and music education. Today, we’re shifting gears just a little to talk about the music that moves her. In this episode, Kate shares some of her all-time favorite choral pieces and composers —the ones that speak to her soul, challenge her a...
Jun 29, 2025•38 min•Ep. 147
Hey everyone, and welcome back to the show! We have an absolute treat for you today—a conversation with someone whose passion for singing, teaching, and musical artistry runs deep. Today’s guest is Kate Schirmer —musician, vocal pedagogue, conductor, and passionate music educator. Kate holds a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland, and a Master of Music Studies in vocal pedagogy from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. She brings an incredib...
Jun 22, 2025•36 min•Ep. 146
Hey everyone, welcome back to the podcast! I’m so glad you’re here today because this episode is a little different—and a little special. It’s rooted in a phrase my father lived by, one that I’ve carried with me through so many moments in life and work. The phrase? “Moderation in all things, and in all things, moderation.” It’s simple. It’s classic. And yet, it carries a kind of quiet wisdom that’s more relevant now than ever. We live in a world of extremes. Hustle culture tells us to go harder....
Jun 15, 2025•14 min•Ep. 145
Today, we’re diving into one of my favourite mindset shifts—something simple, but incredibly powerful: “Bloom where you are planted.” This idea has carried me through so many moments in my career and life. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a job that’s not your dream role, living in a place you never thought you’d settle, or navigating a tough season—this episode is for you. We’re talking about how to thrive right where you are , even when the situation isn’t ideal. Because here's the truth: waiti...
Jun 08, 2025•15 min•Ep. 144
Today, I want to dive into a mindset that has made a massive difference in my teaching—and honestly, in the way I live my life: “You get what you expect.” It’s a phrase that has shaped how I approach my students, how I run my music room, and even how I challenge myself to grow as an educator. So in this episode, we’re going to unpack that idea, look at where it comes from, and explore how it plays out in real classrooms—and maybe even your own mindset. Why does this matter? Because expectations ...
Jun 01, 2025•16 min•Ep. 143
Hey everyone, welcome back to the show. I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I’m diving into a phrase that’s stuck with me through all kinds of moments—both the calm and the chaotic: “Keep your powder dry.” Now, I know—it sounds a bit old-school. And it is. But it holds some serious wisdom, especially if you’re someone juggling big decisions, leadership roles, creative projects, or just trying to navigate everyday life without burning out. So what does it actually mean? Why has it become a personal m...
May 25, 2025•17 min•Ep. 142
Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with Elisa Janson Jones — a true force in music education and an unwavering advocate for teacher empowerment. Elisa is the founder of the Music Teacher Guild, a vibrant community that provides mentorship, resources, and professional development tailored specifically for music educators. In addition to being a Certified AI Consultant, Elisa brings a forward-thinking approach to teaching, skillfully combining technology and creativity to help educators ad...
May 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 141
Today’s guest is Elisa Janson Jones — a powerhouse in the world of music education and a champion for teacher empowerment. Elisa is the founder of the Music Teacher Guild, a dynamic platform that supports music educators through mentorship, resources, and professional development. She's also a Certified AI Consultant, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with creative instruction to help educators thrive in a rapidly changing world. Author of The Music Educator’s Guide to Thrive and The M...
May 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 140
Welcome back to Crescendo Music Education Podcast! If you caught our last episode, you know we had the absolute pleasure of exploring the vibrant world of children’s music with internationally loved performer and educator DARIA —and we’re thrilled to have her back for Part 2 ! Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou has spent more than 40 years traveling the globe, using music as a bridge to connect cultures and communities. In our last chat, we explored her iconic songs like “ We’ve Got the Whole World in Ou...
May 04, 2025•49 min•Ep. 139
Welcome to Crescendo Music Education Podcast, where we dive into the stories, sounds, and sparks that inspire creativity and learning in the classroom and beyond. Today, we're taking a musical journey around the globe—and our tour guide is none other than world music children’s performer, DARIA ! For over four decades, Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou has been sharing the joy of music with families and classrooms across the U.S. and around the world. Her mission? To build bridges, celebrate culture, an...
Apr 27, 2025•31 min•Ep. 138
If you joined us for Part 1 of our conversation with Claire Hornagold, you know we explored the power of curiosity in the music room. But today, we’re shifting gears to talk about something just as important— collaboration . Teaching is so much more than just delivering a lesson plan. It’s about building relationships, working alongside other teachers, and creating meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond our own classrooms. Claire has a wealth of experience in working across subjects,...
Apr 20, 2025•35 min•Ep. 137
Claire is an incredible music educator who believes in the power of curiosity—both for us as teachers and for our students. How can we create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to wonder , explore , and ask questions about the music they hear and create? How can curiosity fuel deeper learning, creativity, and engagement? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. So, whether you’re driving to work, setting up your classroom, or just taking a well-deserved break, get ready f...
Apr 13, 2025•27 min•Ep. 136
Welcome back to The Crescendo Music Education Podcast! If you tuned in to Part 1 of our conversation with Miranda, you know we explored the joy of music education and how to embrace the journey. But today, we’re diving even deeper—into those unforgettable impactful teaching moments that remind us why we do what we do. Every music teacher has those moments—the ones that stick with us long after the lesson ends. Maybe it’s a breakthrough with a struggling student, a performance that gave everyone ...
Apr 06, 2025•33 min•Ep. 135
Welcome back to The Crescendo Music Education Podcast, the show where we dive into all things music education—tips, inspiration, and real conversations to help you thrive in the classroom. I’m Debbie O'Shea, and today, I have a special guest joining me: Miranda! Miranda is a passionate music educator who truly believes in embracing the journey, not just the destination, when it comes to teaching music. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, it’s easy to get caught up in the chall...
Mar 30, 2025•25 min•Ep. 134
Welcome back to The Crescendo Music Education Podcast, the show where we dive into all things music education, choral leadership, and the power of inclusive teaching. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome a very special guest—Elliot Rentoul! Elliot is a Brisbane-based composer, educator, and choral specialist who’s passionate about making music education accessible, engaging, and deeply connected to community. As an early-career music specialist with several Kodály levels under their belt, Elliot bring...
Mar 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 133
🎙️ Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation, we’re diving into the heart of music education—teaching tools. For me, the voice is my favorite and most versatile tool in the music classroom. It’s the instrument we all carry with us, and it opens endless opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning. Whether it’s singing, chanting, or exploring vocal games, the voice helps create a powerful and inclusive learning environment. I’ll also share how Judy Creen’s incredible resources have be...
Mar 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 132
Welcome to Kathryn’s Musical Heartbeat , where the rhythm of life and the melody of learning collide! From a grandfather who paid $100 for both a house and a piano, to a great-aunt honored in Edinburgh for her extraordinary contributions to singing, playing, and composing music—it seems music was destined to flow through my veins. After teaching as a classroom teacher for 10 years, I discovered just how deeply music and learning are intertwined. A life-changing 16-week in-service program sparked...
Mar 09, 2025•27 min•Ep. 131
Welcome to The Crescendo Music Education Podcast, where we explore the power of music to bring people together and celebrate diversity! In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Bryson—a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the music classroom. Bryson has dedicated his career to ensuring every student, regardless of ability, background, or learning style, feels seen, heard, and valued in the music room. If you’re ready to learn how to make your music classroom a space wher...
Mar 02, 2025•37 min
Today, we’re diving into Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with the incredible Ralph Hultgren. If you joined us last time, you know we explored Ralph’s passion for music education and his art of composing. In this episode, we’re shifting the spotlight to something truly vital: advocating for the child . Ralph shares his wisdom on why every decision we make as educators should start and end with the best interests of the child in mind. From fostering creativity to nurturing confidence, we’ll u...
Feb 23, 2025•37 min•Ep. 129
Welcome to this special episode of the podcast, where we’re thrilled to have the legendary Ralph Hultgren as our guest! Ralph is a celebrated composer, conductor, and educator whose music has inspired musicians around the globe. In this episode, we’ll dive into his incredible journey—from his early days discovering his passion for music to becoming one of the most respected composers in the industry. Ralph will also give us a behind-the-scenes look at his composition process. How does he bring a...
Feb 16, 2025•35 min•Ep. 128
Welcome to Part 3 of our inspiring conversation with David Law! This time, we’re exploring the heart of music education: students as music makers. From instruments to choir, David shares his thoughts on fostering collaboration and encouraging self-reflection. Get ready to feel inspired, motivated, and equipped with practical strategies to empower your students as music makers. Let’s dive in! 🎶 Biography of David Law: David Law has conducted the Wind Ensemble since 2009, starting his QYO journey...
Feb 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 127
Welcome to Part 2 of our chat with the incredible David Law! In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating relationship between classroom music and instrumental music. How do these two worlds intersect? What’s the philosophy behind creating a cohesive music education experience? Whether you’re a music educator, a band director, or just curious about the magic of music education, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss! Let’s get started! Biography of David Law: David Law h...
Feb 02, 2025•34 min•Ep. 126
Welcome to The Crescendo Music Education Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of music education and performance! Today, we have an extraordinary guest, David Law, who has dedicated his life to shaping the musical journeys of countless individuals. So, grab a seat and join us for an inspiring conversation with the incredible David Law! Biography of David Law: David Law has conducted the Wind Ensemble since 2009, starting his QYO journey as a member in 1997. He studied euphonium at Queensla...
Jan 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 125
Welcome to the third and final episode in our Instrumental Series with the incredible Carmen Forgan! Over the past two episodes, Carmen has shared practical tools and strategies for teamwork and communication that have inspired us to rethink how we approach the music room. Today, we’re wrapping up this series with a jam-packed conversation full of resources, tips, and ideas you’ll want to implement immediately. In this episode, we’re diving into tools like Tessitura Acapella and TETuner App —two...
Jan 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 124
Welcome back to the second episode in our Instrumental Series with the amazing Carmen Forgan! In part one, Carmen inspired us with her insights on teamwork and collaboration. Today, we’re talking about one of her favorite tools: the Communication Book . The Communication Book is more than a notebook. It’s a simple way to connect school and home. Carmen will explain how it helps teachers track what students are practicing. It also lets parents ask questions and stay involved. This system is easy ...
Jan 12, 2025•18 min•Ep. 123
Welcome to the first episode in an exciting three-part series on teamwork and collaboration in the music room! I’m thrilled to introduce our guest speaker, Carmen Forgan—a dynamic educator and leader who brings a wealth of expertise to our conversation. In this series, we’ll explore how fostering strong, collaborative teams can transform your teaching practice and your students’ learning experiences. In today’s episode, we kick things off by defining what it means to be a TEAM. For us, it’s all ...
Jan 05, 2025•30 min•Ep. 122
Welcome to the final episode of our 2024 podcast series! Today, we're diving into a reflective look at some beloved resources that I, Debbie, only began using this year: Blowing in the Wind , Grizzly Bear , and A Little Seed . We’ll explore why these resources, though new to my repertoire, have made such an impact—how they connect with students, elevate the music room experience, and contribute to my goals of fostering musical literacy and engagement. Let’s celebrate the power of trying somethin...
Dec 09, 2024•17 min•Ep. 121
Welcome to Part 2 of Decluttering Made Easy , where we dive deeper into the practical aspects of mastering the decluttering process. Building on the foundational principles explored in Part 1, this section is designed to equip you with effective strategies and actionable steps to tackle clutter head-on. Let’s embark on this next phase together and transform your home or classroom into the clutter-free sanctuary you’ve always wanted! Stay in touch with Amy: Instagram FB Group Podcast on Spotify P...
Nov 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 120
In today’s fast-paced world, creating a serene and organized living space is essential. Decluttering Made Easy is your go-to guide for simplifying the decluttering process and transforming your environment. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter or just want to streamline your space, Amy offers practical tips and straightforward strategies to help you reclaim your home or music classroom. Join us on this journey toward a clutter-free life, where simplicity leads to peace and fulfillment. ...
Nov 17, 2024•25 min
Welcome to our Teaching Tips series! Today we’re diving into the vibrant world of Tika Tika dance and how it can energize your music room. Tika Tika isn’t just a fun rhythm; it’s a powerful tool for teaching movement, coordination, and musicality in an engaging way. Let’s get moving and make music education an unforgettable experience for your students! Where to find me: Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.fa...
Oct 20, 2024•8 min•Ep. 118
