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I love teaching music to kids! Make Moments Matter – A Music Education Podcast is the most recent attempt to share ideas, connect with other educators, and talk about what it’s really like to teach music to children. You can find new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you stream podcasts!

Below you’ll find a short synopsis about each episode I’ve published so far as well as links/notes for the episode. If you have questions or comments I’d love to hear them! Shoot me an email at MakeMomentsMatter@gmail.com. Don’t forget to share and rate the podcast in Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. This helps others find the podcast and join the community!

Scroll down to see all the episodes starting with the most recent.

Find the Podcast at any of these hosts!

Make Moments Matter Podcast

2023

February 8

Orff Schulwerk & Pitched Percussion with Guest Josh Southard

In this episode I’m talking with Josh Southard about the world of Orff Schulwerk and the instruments often used in Orff classrooms. We talk about how to get kids started on the instruments, pitched percussion exploration, instrument tips and tricks, how many/what kind of instruments to purchase, some instrument care ideas, and lots more! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Teaching With Orff: http://bit.ly/2pVegxK Instrument Repair Hospital with Lissa Ray: http://bit.ly/2uzSNPX Smoky Row Elementary Music Website: http://www.smokyrowmusicroom.org/ American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: http://AOSA.org

February 6

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 2/6/23. This week I shared about the dance “Pata Pata” and how to teach students to look for similarities and differences. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the…Read More

February 1

Orff Schulwerk & Recorder with Guest Natasha Thurmon

In this episode I get a chance to discuss everything recorder with my friend Natasha Thurmon. In this conversation we talk primarily about ways to approach teaching the recorder, some common practices, resources to consider, and more! Resources mentioned in this podcast: Music For Children CD Recordings (English): https://amzn.to/2pDMzJD Musica Poetica CD Recordings (German): http://bit.ly/2DSllU0 Recorder Resources: Recorder Routes (Carol King): https://amzn.to/2pEcHnL Recorder Improvisation & Technique Bk 1 (Isabel McNeill Carley) : https://amzn.to/2DSlPJO Music for Children Vol. 1 (Orff & Keetman): https://amzn.to/2GavH3o American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: www.AOSA.org

January 30

Using Visuals to Decode a Song or Melody

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 1/30/23. This week I shared about how to use visual aids to help students understand melodies and song form. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays…Read More

January 25

Orff Schulwerk & Movement with guest Beth Melin Nelson

In this episode I’m talking with Beth Melin Nelson about Orff Schulwerk. In our conversation we talk primarily about how movement and dance function as a part of the Orff approach and ways that you can incorporate movement into your lessons. I had a spelling error while recording the podcast so please see corrected hashtags to follow below! Also know that since 2018 many educators have stopped using the word “posse” and the AOSA hashtag has been changed from #OrffPosse to #OrffFam Resources mentioned in the podcast: American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: www.AOSA.org David’s Twitter: @MakeMomentsMatt AOSA Twitter: @AOSA1968 Popular hashtags to follow #OrffSchulwerk #Orff #OrffFam #elmusiced #musiced #musiceducation

January 23

Creating Rhythms and Poems for Children’s Books

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 1/23/23. This week I shared about how to create rhythmic poems and body percussion pieces to go along with books. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical…Read More

January 18

Exploring Orff Schulwerk with Guest Jennifer Donovan

What does it mean to be an “Orff teacher,” how can you include pitched and nonpitched instruments into lessons, what are tips for teaching recorder, how about ideas about teaching on a cart? I thought it would be fun to revisit a series of conversations I had with Orff specialists from 2018 where I explore those exact questions! In this encore episode, I’m talking with Jennifer Donovan about the world of Orff Schulwerk. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Windsongs Series Recorder Books: http://bit.ly/2FRbNO8 Chris Judah-Lauder Recorder Games: http://bit.ly/2pg2Wvh Everyday Recorder: Recorder Everyday: http://bit.ly/2FzgFIp

January 16

Week 2 – Children’s Books

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 1/16/23. This week I shared about how to find, choose, and use children’s books in your classroom. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page…Read More

January 11

Exploring Orff Schulwerk with guest Tiffany English

Have you ever wondered, “What is Orff Schulwerk? Should I do the summer training? How can I get started?” I thought it would be fun to revisit a series of conversations I had with Orff specialists from 2018 where I explore those exact questions! In this encore episode, I’m talking with Tiffany English, former president of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. Our conversation is all about the world of Orff Schulwerk: what it is, what it isn’t, pedagogy, teaching ideas, what you can expect should you decide to do Orff levels training, why you should visit a local Orff chapter, and more. Resources mentioned in this podcast: American Orff Schulwerk Association Website: AOSA.org Links to your local Orff Chapter: http://aosa.org/chapters/

January 9

Week 1 – Popsicle Sticks for Rhythm

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 1/9/23. This week I shared my lessons for using popsicle sticks for rhythm dictation. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays LIVE recap page where I…Read More

2022

December 12

Week 15 – Fourth Grade – Twelve Days of Christmas

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 12/12/22. This week I shared some of my lesson ideas for fourth grade and my process for teaching the song “Twelve Days of Christmas.” If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here…Read More

December 5

Week 14 – Focus on First Grade

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 12/5/22. This week I shared some of my lesson ideas for first grade with a focus on vocabulary, creating new lyrics, sequencing, and the book Hanukkah Hop. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on…Read More

November 28

Week 13 – Focus on Primary Grades

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/28/22. This week I shared some of my lesson ideas for primary grades with a focus on Nutcracker March and Food Rhythms. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see…Read More

November 21

Week 12 – Focus on Free Digital Resources Online

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/21/22. This week I shared some of my favorite free digital resources from symphonies and bands to enhance lessons. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see the Musical Mondays…Read More

November 14

Week 11 – Focus on Second Grade

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/14/22. This week I shared lesson ideas for second grade with Aiken Drum and a few ideas for books in primary grades. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see…Read More

November 7

Week 10 – Focus on 1st Grade

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 11/7/22. This week I shared first grade lesson ideas for the NEW Bingo song and using temple blocks for steady beat and creative movement. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here…Read More

October 24

Week 9 – Focus on 4th Grade Concert “Every State is Great!”

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 10/24/22. This week I shared a few ideas about concerts and gave details about my upcoming 4th grade concert about the 50 States. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to…Read More

October 19

The Itsy Bitsy Spider Lesson Scaffolding

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Moment LIVE video recorded on 10/19/22. I’m sharing about how I teach the Itsy Bitsy Spider, resources I use, theme and variation, and how we tie in some life lessons. These Musical Moment videos come to you LIVE (most often from my classroom) and give you some insight into how I organize my teaching space, my lesson plan structure, techniques that I use with my students, and lots more! This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Moment video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube.

October 17

Week 8 – Focus on Books

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 10/17/22. This week I shared a few ideas about books related to dance, the Nutcracker, and Thanksgiving to use in the classroom. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the archived video on YouTube. Click here to see…Read More

October 10

Week 7 – Focus On Primary Grades

This episode of the podcast is a replay containing the audio version of the Musical Monday LIVE video recorded on 10/10/22. This week I shared a few lesson ideas for Kdg, 1st, and 2nd with a focus on vocal exploration, “An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” and musical occupations. If you’re not familiar with musical Mondays, every Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time I go live on Facebook and Instagram to share about the lessons that I’m using in class with my students. I give a recap of my K-5 lessons and then do a deep dive about one grade level and share the books, instruments, songs, and process that I use to teach the lesson to kids. This podcast episode contains all the audio from the Musical Monday video, but if you’d like to see a replay of the video itself you can follow this link to the…Read More