Best Classroom Composers Podcasts (2024)

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72. Dr. David Miller discusses his discovery of string teaching, the graduate opportunities at UK, his publications and research, and the string teacher shortage. 44:44

13d ago44:44

44:44

Check out this fantastic conversation with Dr. David Miller of the University of Kentucky. Dr. Miller discusses his discovery of string teaching (as a horn player growing up), the graduate opportunities at UK, his publications and research, and the string teacher shortage! -- David Miller is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the Universi…

1
71. Ron Castonguay discusses the Tik-A Tee Method, his new book "Rhythmic Sight Reading" and more! 30:27

1M ago30:27

30:27

An innovative music educator and accomplished musician, composer, conductor and performer, Ron Castonguay was named Director of the Arts and Music Director at The Frederick Gunn School in 2019. Ron teaches all levels of Vocal Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Concert Jazz Band as well as AP Music Theory and provides private music instruction. He is re…

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70. Jennifer Roig-Francolí discusses Alexander Technique, and principles of her book, "Make Great Music with Ease!" 46:43

2M ago46:43

46:43

Author of the book, 'Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life', Jennifer Roig-Francolí is an international award-winning violinist, double-certified Alexander Technique teacher, and creator of The Art of Freedom® Method for conscious living and masterful artistry. Jennifer’s inspir…

1
Live from the ASTA/SAA Conference 2024 16:08

2M ago16:08

16:08

This bonus episode contains a few brief, live interviews from the ASTA/SAA Conference in Louisville. March 21-22, 2024. The ASTA conference this year was absolutely fantastic! There was such a positive vibe and the energy was electric. The guests on this podcast include: Jean Lee from Michigan State University Eric McAllister from NV Dr. Mark Layco…

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The Impact of Timbre on Perceptions of Genre in Recorded Popular Music - Stefanie Bilidas & Grace Gollmar 49:08

2M ago49:08

49:08

In this week's episode, Stefanie Bilidas and Grace Gollmar discuss the role of timbre in the listener's perception of genre, focusing on cover songs and Massive Attack's discography as two case studies. This episode was produced by Jose Garza along with Team Lead Thomas Yee. SMT-Pod Theme music by Zhangcheng Lu; Closing music "hnna" by David Voss. …

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Agency and Practical Model Composition in the Music Theory Classroom - Brent Ferguson, Alani Pranzo, Carter Falkenstein, and Nykia Osborne 17:37

2M ago17:37

17:37

In this week's episode, Brent Ferguson talks about a pedagogical approach he implemented with his undergraduate students, an approach he calls the "buffet-style grading system." Let's begin with a student composition from this class. This episode was produced by Jennifer Beavers along with Team Lead Lydia Bangura. SMT-Pod Theme music by Zhangcheng …

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Three’s a crowd: Understanding the rise of two-chorus form in recent popular music - Jeremy Orosz 28:49

3M ago28:49

28:49

In this week's episode, Jeremy Orosz discusses a formal trend that's been emerging in pop and rock songs. In the last decade or so, a surprisingly high number of songs in verse-chorus form contain only two statements of the chorus as opposed to the typical three. Over the course of the episode, Orosz walks us through his detailed corpus-based study…

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“¿Somos la resistencia, no?”: Memory and Manipulation in Netflix’s La Casa de Papel - Tori Vilches 44:15

3M ago44:15

44:15

In this week’s episode, Tori Vilches delves into various adaptations of the Italian folk song “Bella Ciao” in Netflix’s La Casa de Papel, demonstrating its role in symbolizing resistance against oppressive structures and contributing to the humanization of the show’s anti-hero characters, ultimately fostering emotional connections between viewers a…

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“How do you color a sound?”: Hearing Afrofuturism in The 5th Dimension’s “Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” (1969) - Alejandro Cueto 31:22

3M ago31:22

31:22

This week’s episode will consider The 5th Dimension’s medley, “Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” (1969) in relation to its Vietnam War Era context and through the lens of Afrofuturism. This episode was produced by David Thurmaier along with Team Lead Richard Desinord. SMT-Pod Theme music by Zhangcheng Lu; Closing music "hnna" by David Voss. For …

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Playing With Ghosts: Timbre and the Chiptuning of Canon in the Bardcore Video Game Project - Brent Ferguson, George Reid, and Matthew Ferrandino 56:12

3M ago56:12

56:12

In this week’s episode, game designer Brent Ferguson and composers George Reid and Matthew Ferrandino discuss their chiptune rearrangements of canonical and marginalized composers’ music for the Bardcore video game project. This episode was produced by Zach Lloyd along with Team Lead Thomas Yee. SMT-Pod Theme music by Zhangcheng Lu; Closing music "…

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What if Octaves Aren’t Equivalent? A Composer’s Guide to Non-Octave-Repeating Scales - Thomas B. Yee 39:57

4M ago39:57

39:57

In this week’s episode, Thomas B. Yee discusses non-octave repeating scales, exploring precedents in the ideas of theorists from outside mainstream music theory and the application of non-octave repeating scales in the works of living composers. This episode was produced by Katrina Roush along with Team Lead Jennifer Weavers. Special thanks to Crai…

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Interrelating Concepts of Texture and Rhythm in Massive Textures and Beatless Rhythms - Nariá Assis Ribeiro & Luís Raimundo 37:36

4M ago37:36

37:36

In this week's episode, Nariá Assis and Luís Raimundo investigate sound masses. Their insightful analytical discussion touches on the intricate relationship between texture and rhythm, the historical evolution of the use of sound masses, and current applications in both modern and contemporary classical and electronic music. This episode was produc…

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69. Ryan Silvestri discusses his dissertation research about recruiting and retention, classroom teaching strategies, balancing personal and professional life, and more 35:49

4M ago35:49

35:49

Ryan Silvestri is in his twelfth year at Wando High School as Director of Orchestras. A native of Boardman, Ohio, Mr. Silvestri earned a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education from Florida State University and a master's degree in violin performance from UNC-Greensboro. He is currently pursuing a doctor of music education degree from Lib…

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Listening a Page at a Time - Stephen Rodgers 36:10

4M ago36:10

36:10

This episode introduces a simple, but powerful pedagogical exercise inspired by the short story writer George Saunders, which involves listening to a piece of music one segment at a time, describing what you noticed, and guessing what will happen next. This episode was produced by Jose Garza along with Team Lead Jennifer Weaver. SMT-Pod Theme music…

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Muito Beleza – Ana’s Hands: Postcolonial Gendered Legacies of the Viola da Terra - Abigail Lindo 21:17

5M ago21:17

21:17

This episode explores how women in the Azores, a Portuguese autonomous region in the North Atlantic Ocean, use their musical play on the viola da terra (a native Azorean chordophone) as a resource for postcolonial feminine performance. This episode was produced by David Thurmaier along with Team Lead Shannon McAlister. SMT-Pod Theme music by Zhangc…

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Analyzing Stravinsky - Introduction to Stravinsky’s 1911 Petrushka - Joseph Straus 17:27

5M ago17:27

17:27

This episode, introducing a new podcast by Joe Straus, is a deep dive into the opening measures of Stravinsky's ballet, Petrushka: a close analysis to hear what makes this music tick. Listen to the rest of Joe Straus's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kLhnp4GA2qJ5YX9lgMYcL This episode was produced by Katrina Roush along with Team Lead Lydia…

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Season 3 - Teaser Trailer 1:24

5M ago1:24

1:24

Season 3 of SMT-Pod launches on January 25, 2024. This preview highlights the variety of topics our authors will present this season. All episodes were chosen through an open collaborative peer review process. Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for the Season 3 launch! For more information, visit smt-pod.org.…

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68. Martha Mooke discusses multi-style string playing and a unique collegiate program while highlighting moments from her career 49:05

6M ago49:05

49:05

Martha Mooke is a Grammy nominated, pioneering electric violist/composer, highly regarded for her artistry, music advocacy, and innovative educational programs. She transcends musical boundaries, enhancing classical training with extended techniques, technology and improvisation. A Yamaha Artist and Eventide’s first Artist in Residence, Mooke is a …

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67. Jessica Billings-White discusses her itinerant string teaching position outside of Boston, MA 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

Ms. Billings-White is honored to be one of four the strings specialists in the Lexington Public Schools. She is currently the only itinerant teacher at the elementary schools, both middle schools and high School. Ms. Billings-White is an active director, strings teacher and performer in the Greater Boston area. She earned a Bachelors degree of Musi…

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66. Conversation with Heather Nieto of Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indiana 34:47

6M ago34:47

34:47

A graduate of Butler University in 2002, Heather Nieto is in her twenty-first year as a music educator. She started her career at Belzer Middle School in Lawrence Township, Indianapolis, Indiana, where she taught elementary and junior high string orchestra for eighteen years. Heather also served as the Belzer Middle School Performing Arts Departmen…

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65. Adrian Gordon speaks about his role as a conductor, author, composer, and educator 39:30

6M ago39:30

39:30

Adrian Gordon is an internationally performed composer and seasoned music educator. In addition to teaching, Mr. Gordon is a composer with Alfred Music as well as the founder of Leap Year Music Publishing, which publishes string music for elementary, middle, and high school ensembles. His compositions appear on the California, Florida, Georgia, Mar…

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64. Conversation with Dr. Rachel Dirks of Kansas State University about wellness, building community, and more 31:47

8M ago31:47

31:47

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast with Dr. Rachel Dirks (Ep. 64)Dr. Rachel Dirks, Director of Orchestral Studies at Kansas State University, is an active conductor, clinician, researcher, and teacher. In addition to her work with the K-State Symphony Orchestra, she teaches graduate and undergraduate string education and conducting courses, and applied …

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63. Rosie Riquelme talks about her new position and some creative teaching strategies 38:12

9M ago38:12

38:12

Rosie Riquelme Antunez, Director of Orchestras at Decatur High School, received her Bachelors of Music Education degree from Georgia College and State University where she was a student of Dr. Daniel Kaplunas. Rosie received her Masters of Music Education from the University of West Georgia through their online program and continued her own violin …

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62. Conversation with Jean Lee, Michigan State University 26:32

9M ago26:32

26:32

Jean Lee is the Instructor and Coordinator of String Music Education at the Michigan State University College of Music. She teaches string pedagogy and string methods courses while growing the string music education program through student recruitment and retention outreach programs. Lee is well-known throughout the Midwest as an accomplished clini…

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[Trailer] Back to School 2023, Your Back to School "To Do" List, Upcoming Guests Announced 8:45

9M ago8:45

8:45

I hope everyone is having a great back to school season! I know it's a crazy busy time for everyone with assigning instruments, open house, parent meetings, and more. I'm looking to compile a back to school checklist and would love your feedback. What's on your back to school list?? Reach out to me at charles@orchestrateacher.net and let me know yo…

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25. Setting up for Success: The First Weeks of School 38:57

11M ago38:57

38:57

Are you feeling overwhelmed thinking of all you have to do to get ready for the start of another school year? No need to stress! We've got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to start off your music classes on the right note! We are sharing everything you need to know about what to do during teacher prep week and in the first few week…

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24. The Band Director Teaching Strings 31:15

11M ago31:15

31:15

How can you successfully teach beginning strings when your background is in band? Teaching beginning strings requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. If you’re a band teacher teaching beginning strings, tune in as we dive into the world of teaching beginning strings. In this episode, we are breaking down the pros of teaching beginning strings…

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83. Literacy as liberation with Nikolai Pizarro of Raising Readers 50:53

11M ago50:53

50:53

How can education be a way to create more belonging and contribution for young people? Today, I have the delight of sharing Nikolai Pizarro of Raising Readers.For full show notes, visit: https://cohort21.com/teachingtomorrow/2023/07/17/episode83/By Celeste Kirsh

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61. Interview with Anne Marie Patterson, author of A Practical Guide to String Instruction 45:57

11M ago45:57

45:57

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast with Anne Marie Patterson (Ep. 61)Anne Marie Patterson is the Orchestra Director at Robert Frost Middle School in Fairfax, VA. She has been a private teacher and freelance violinist in the Washington, DC area for over 25 years, and has taught all levels of school orchestra in Charles County, MD. She directed the Charle…

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23. Connecting Sheet Music to Daily Warm-Ups and Drills 27:18

11M ago27:18

27:18

Are you using warm-ups and drills as a way to prepare your students to play sheet music? If not, you may be missing out on an incredible opportunity to help your students be more successful in band! Join us as we dive into the importance of utilizing warm-ups and drills to effectively teach and practice new concepts and skills. Hear how we use back…

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82. Critical media literacy in action with Erin Oxland 36:09

12M ago36:09

36:09

How might teachers respond when truth seems to be increasingly devalued in what young people read online? I am joined by Erin Oxland to discuss this question and many others along the way.Erin Oxland is the First Vice President, Lead Negotiator, and Grievance Officer for the Kawartha Pine Ridge Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario. Prior to st…

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22. Taking What Didn't Work This Year and Making it Work Next Year 38:14

12M ago38:14

38:14

All over, teachers are seeing challenging behaviors that we have not seen previously. We know that in order to best serve our students and run a successful band program we need to reflect on what is working and what is not working and adapt as needed. In this episode, we are diving into the 7 main issues we saw this past school year, what our updat…

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81. Teaching Writers Speak: Embracing Digital Multimodal Composing 55:01

12M ago55:01

55:01

This episode was originally published on the Teaching Writers Speak podcast—which is part of the Toronto Writing Project. I am a producer of this show and so it felt necessary to not only formally introduce Teaching Tomorrow listeners to the show, but also to transplant this conversation as a way to explain some of the questions behind the research…

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60. Katie Eakes of Anchorage, Alaska, discusses her busy life as a teacher and professional double bassist, and teaching beginning string players in Alaska 35:09

12M ago35:09

35:09

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast with Katie Eakes (Ep. 60)Katie Eakes is Alaskan native musician and educator. She recently completed her 17th year teaching in the Anchorage School District. She is a graduate of East High School in Anchorage and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where she received a bachelors degree in music education. At TTU, …

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59. Michael Boitz, Saratoga High School (CA), discusses programming and a very special orchestra culture at his school 58:20

12M ago58:20

58:20

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast with Michael Boitz (Ep. 59)Michael Boitz is Director of Orchestra and Band at Saratoga High School, Saratoga, CA, where he is serving in his 24th year, 20 years of which he served as Visual and Performing Arts Chair. After starting out as the single Instrumental Music Director at Saratoga HS in 1998 with a small number…

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58. Corie Benton, Pope High School in Marietta, GA, discusses time on the ASTA board, teaching and reaching students 50:13

12M ago50:13

50:13

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast with Corie Benton (Ep. 58) Corie Benton is the orchestra director at Pope High School in Cobb County, Georgia. Mrs. Benton received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Loyola University in New Orleans. After graduating from Loyola, she began her teaching career in Plano, Texas, moving to Georgia in 2000.Mrs. …

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57. Rebecca MacLeod, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, discusses research, pedagogy, ASTA, and more. 50:43

1y ago50:43

50:43

Dr. Rebecca MacLeod is Professor of Music Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she directs the string education program and conducts the UNCG Sinfonia. She is the author of Teaching Strings in Today’s Classroom and is published in Journal of Research in Music Education, International Journal of Music Education, Bulletin f…

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56. Discussing a successful first year teaching and transition to string teaching with Adam Gresham, Barber Middle School 1:05:47

1y ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Adam Gresham is a music educator and percussionist from Marietta, GA. He just finished his seventh year of teaching, and his first year as the Director of Orchestras at Barber Middle School in Acworth, GA. Prior to this position, he served as the Director of Bands at Richards Middle School in Lawrenceville, GA. Mr. Gresham has also served as the As…

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