The Anacrusic Podcast

In this episode, Anne discusses Self Determination Theory & Singing Games in the Elementary Music Classroom. This episode was inspired by some light research for improving students motivation and participation, particularly as students reach those upper elementary grades. By considering the three pillars of SDT: autonomy, competence, and relatedness, we can better promote student engagement in our classrooms. ⭐️ Full Show Notes for this Episode Here

"I know this could be better."I know we've all had that thought. It's easy to go down that whole rigamarole of feeling like you're not living up to your potential in the music classroom, and to spiral down the different ways you could be doing things better.First things first: you're a caring, thoughtful teacher. You wouldn't be here if you weren't, am I right? But when we get in these cycles of criticizing our practice, it's important to find a place to start. It's important to find that ONE thing.Here's a few things that I talk about on today's episode:Why it's important to focus on one thing at a time when it comes to changing or refining your teaching.A couple different ways I've seen too much happen when teaching a song by rote.Three things to consider when you want to improve your teaching and are ready to focus on one thing.Here are a few links mentioned in today's episode:Teaching Music Tomorrow - TransitionsThe Anacrusic Podcast - 7 Ways to Teach a SongIf you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!If you're looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.

Ostinato is not just a concept on your curriculum map to check off... in fact, it's much like all of the other things listed on that curriculum, it comes back again and again! But ostinati are special. They are not only a pathway to partwork, they are also opportunities for student choice, creativity, and independent musicianship.Today I'm sharing 4 ways that I use ostinato in my classroom, including:The easiest way to extract and create an ostinato with a game you're already doing in your classroom.How to highlight a rhythmic or melodic concept while also creating opportunities for student choice.How to use ostinati as a scaffold for improvisationClick here to check out the new podcast, Teaching Music Tomorrow, with myself and my good friend Victoria Boler.If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!If you're looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.

Something that I consistently hear from both practicing teachers and student teachers alike is "what is the best way to break down activities over multiple lessons?" It feels a little like you should be able to just sing the song and play the game. And yes, absolutely that is the goal for our students! But what if it's something a little more advanced, or we simply want to stretch the good stuff over multiple lessons?Today I'm sharing how to find natural stopping points and build lesson segments from one big activity with many layers. Here are a few of the things we talk about on today's podcast:What exactly is a lesson segment and why is it even a thing in lesson planning?How to find natural stopping points by identifying the different music making skills for your students within the activity.A complete example using Tideo so you can start implementing this right away!Find the notation to Tideo here via the Holy Names Song Collection.Click here to check out the new podcast, Teaching Music Tomorrow, with myself and my good friend Victoria Boler.If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!If you're looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.

I recently received a piece of feedback  that "scripting wasn't working for them." they felt like trying to create exactly what they would say in front of a group of students without actually being in front of that group felt really in authentic and not right.My response was, "well of course not." You would never want to read a prescribed script to your students in your classroom. That would not allow for the opportunity to change things on the fly, take feedback from your students, and change things accordingly... But also, that's not really on the point of scripting. It's not about giving you your lines for Tuesday at 9:00. It's something a bit more nuanced.Today on the podcast, I'm talking about what scripting is and isn't, and why you might want to give it a try. Here are some things we talk about on the podcast:What is scripting, and why should you do it even if you've been teaching for MANY years?How scripting actually allows for more student successes, rather than being tied into a prescriptive sequence.What to script today to make your lesson more successful.If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!If you're looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.

Creativity is a BIG word. But getting started doesn't have to feel quite so hairy scary. Why? Because it really comes down to one thing: student choice.Today I'm talking about how to implement a few strategies to begin offering your students choice and facilitate creativity in your elementary music classroom today. Here are some of the things we talk about:Convergent vs. Divergent thinking and why both have a place in the classroom.How to start giving students choice and using creativity without it feeling scary (to you OR them!)The first steps you need to get your students improvising.Links mentioned in today's episode:TAP 089: Why You Should Improvise Earlier than You ThinkTAP 090: Improvisation: The Path to Musical FluencyIf you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!If you're looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.

Having an opening routine in your music class is a surefire way to get students primed and ready to go when they first walk into your classroom. It's no secret that I think having an intentional beginning sequence to your lessons is important--we've talked about it on a couple of podcasts so far (and are linked down below)I've even gone so far as to share what I do with my younger students, think Kindergarten through 2nd grade, to have a fairly established routine that they come to expect, and stays the same week to week. But what about those older students? What about the upper elementary or even middle school students who might find a "hello" song or echo singing to be a bit too baby-ish? (even though it's not, but that's a topic for another day).Today on the podcast, I'm going to give you 3 surefire ways to jumpstart your music class. Here are some of the things we talk about:The overall goals of an opening routine, whether it's the same week to week or constantly evolving.Ways to engage your students as they are literally walking into your classroom.How to tap into students' independent musicianship in the first 10 minutes of your music lesson.Links mentioned in today's episode:TAP 131: All About Opening RoutinesTAP 126: How to Create an Opening RoutineIf you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag @annemileski on instagram!If you're looking for more information on lesson planning, and exactly what to teach when, CLICK HERE for your FREE download.For today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community

Aside from the ordering of concepts and skills we teach in our music classrooms, there's this whole other side of “stuff” that we need to figure out in order to teach our children music effectively. How children learn music best is one of those big, “can of worms” types of questions that can easily leave you wondering even more than that first original question.Today on the podcast, my friend Victoria Boler is back to chat about music teacher philosophy and how we both have discovered that children learn best. Here's a little bit about what we talk about in this week's conversation:The importance of music literacy and fluencyWhat active music making really meansWhy having multiple pedagogical tools and musical media is so essential to your music classroom.Links mentioned in today's episode:TAP 103: What is Active Music Making?TAP 022: Kodály Inspired Teaching with Brent GaultIf you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Kindergarten is one of those very very polarizing topics. It's either that it's completely your jam (raise your hand if you're with me there!) or something that you completely dread. Odds are, the reason it feels either anxiety inducing or the most fun ever is because honestly? Kindergarten music is 100% it's own animal.Today on the podcast, I'm back with my friend Victoria Boler to chat about all things Kindergarten. Here's a little bit about what we talk about in this week's conversation:What to actually expect in those first weeks of Kindergarten.The high energy and quality of teacher demeanor it takes to keep your early childhood music classroom moving forward.What the main goals in Kindergarten, whether they are overtly tied to musical concepts or skills, or a more holistic approach to community music making (psst! It's both!)If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

The first week of school is tricky. Alongside opening routines, we're also trying to figure out, quite literally, what to do with our kids for the rest of the year. What do they know? What can they demonstrate? And how are we going to continue to make music for the rest of the year?Well, today on the podcast, you're in luck because we are having our another "Tea with V" episode with Victoria Boler, where you get to listen in on a conversation we had all about pre-assessmentHere's a little bit about what we talk about on this week's episode:How to figure out where your kids are in your curricular sequence and what they are ready for next.How to actually do the pre-assessment things, and what to do with the information.What to do when you don't have a sequence and what you should be assessing and how to make meaningful next steps.If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Back to school season is in FULL swing. Whether you've gone back to your classroom or are just prepping to do so, I'm willing to bet that you've been thinking a LOT about rules, procedures, and routines that you'd like to get rocking and rolling this year. Especially when it comes to opening routines.Well, today on the podcast, you're in luck because we are having our very first "Tea with V" episode with Victoria Boler, where you get to listen in on a conversation we had all about opening routines.Here's a little bit about what we talk about on this week's episode:The 2 main goals you should set for an opening routineThe role of student choice and improvisation in the opening routineWhy it's so important to be clear on your lesson's learning target for the day, particularly when it comes to creating an opening routine.If you loved today's episode, make sure to take a screenshot and tag both @victoriaboler and @annemileski on instagram!Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: annemileski.com/playbookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Ready to finally streamline and simplify your lesson planning? Sign up for my upcoming FREE workshop here: annemileski.com/workshopRiddle me this: have you ever had a conversation with another teacher and tried to explain what you really do in your music classroom day in or day out? Or have you ever tried to really use words to describe the types of experiences that you facilitate in your classroom? It's not easy to put into words. It's something that is almost exclusively indescribable, unless you've experienced it yourself.There's so much that goes into what we do as teacher musicians, and not a whole lot of it is easy. I've been thinking about this a lot. So in this week's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, we're talking about the 4 hardest things about being a music teacherHere's some things we're talking about in today's episode:the sticking points in your #musicteacherlifewhy remembering why you teach is so importanthow to find out more about how to get passed the tricky parts about being a music teacherFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

We've already talked about the benefits to using transitions in your music classroom: how it keeps things flowing, provides opportunities for quick assessments, and genuinely just makes everything about your music classroom more intentional and purposeful. But what about the actual stuff, the actual things that you do to make transitions happen in your classroom?There's really three big categories of transitions that will help you get your foot in the door when it comes to making transitions happen in your music lesson plans. Today on the podcast, I'm sharing specific examples about how to start using these types of transitions in your classroom today.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…The three main types of transitions to use and how to make them successful.Why having a solid behavioral objective makes it so much easier to create transitions in your classroom.How transitions truly are the secret sauce to everything in your lessons being tied back to your main purpose for that specific class at that specific time.Ready to finally streamline and simplify your lesson planning? Sign up for my upcoming FREE workshop here: annemileski.com/workshopFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Transitions are one of those things that (1) seems awfully intimidating at the beginning, and (2) turns into an absolutely essential part of your music teaching once you see the magic they can create.So if you've ever wanted to know more about transitions in your music lesson plan and why you should make them a part of your planning process, today's podcast episode is 100% for you. We aren't just talking about what transitions are, but how they can help your lesson truly flow.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…What transitions actually areThe 5 different ways transitions can help your music lessonsThe three things you should include in a successful transition.Ready to finally streamline and simplify your lesson planning? Sign up for my upcoming FREE workshop here: annemileski.com/workshopFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community

In this episode, we're going to piggyback off of TAP 126 and talk about all things closing routines.. Now admittedly, this will be a little bit more freeform than our opening routines and rely completely on how your lesson went and what your kids need from you. But just like the opening routine, we have two big overarching goals that we want to focus on in a closing routine.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…The two biggest goals you should have with an closing routineHow to make assessment a realistic part of your closing routineThe end of the “tell them” sandwichFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

An opening routine is one of those game changers in your music teacher life. It's one of those not so little things that make a huge difference for both you and your kids and the ultimate flow of your music lesson. If you've never thought about how to incorporate a fluid and flexible opening routine, this is the episode for you.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…The two biggest goals you should have with an opening routineActual examples I've used in my own classroomThe secret of the “tell them” sandwichFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Way back in the day, I made a pretty embarrassing life choice. I took a picture (2 actually) with literal labels stuck to my head with different pedagogical approaches on them. The second picture just said “music teacher.”The pictures… definitely not the best choice, but I DO still stand behind the point. Rather than being focused on having the absolute perfect picture of “fill in the bank” style of teaching, I'm much more interested in having and using the tools in my toolbox to teach my children how to be fluent music makers. That's what today's episode is all about.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…Why we should soak up as many pedagogical tools as possible.The importance of language when we talk about teaching styles and interpretations.Where to look and how to feel inspired as a music educator who is looking for more.For today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

I was having a conversation with my good friend, Victoria Boler about the conversations we have with other music teachers we're working with in our programs or chatting to on instagram. And THIS is the one that comes back again and again. I'm sure you've asked yourself the same, because I know I definitely have!It's not a bad question. The intention behind the question is to figure out what certain songs, games, and activities are appropriate for which students. But instead of focusing on grade level, there are better questions we can ask that get to the root of the issue.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…Why the question “what grade level is this good for” is a tricky one to answer.The five questions you should ask yourself instead.How to start back at square one if you've seen an ending “big picture” that you think would be a cool experience for your kids.To listen to last week's episode, How to Teach a Singing Game Part I, click hereFor the New England Dance Masters' Website, click here.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Today on the podcast, we're taking the next step towards the best way to teach a singing game in your classroom. Last week was all about the things you think about before kids ever come into your classroom: the planning, their experience, and how you can build off of it. And today is all about what to do with kids actually in the room.In this episode, I'm walking you through how I teach three of my favorite singing games in my music classroom. The big takeaway? It's so important to have a sequence for everything. Do you have to do things exactly the way that I've outlined here today? Absolutely not. But you do need to think about what will make your students feel most successful and most like independent musicians as you walk them through a new music making experience. Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…Whether or not you should teach the song first (and the things to keep in mind either way)How to break things down in digestible chunks and scaffolds for your kids to feel successful playing a new game.How to sneak in “keeping track of turns” through assessment opportunitiesTo listen to last week's episode, How to Teach a Singing Game Part I, click hereFor the New England Dance Masters' Website, click here.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

You don't really think about it until you're in it. It's like teaching a song to your students. Since you know how it goes, and can sing, say and play upside down with your eyes closed… it seems almost inherent.But just like teaching a song, teaching your students a new singing game requires a very specific sequence. And there are a lot of things you have to think about before you start teaching kids, and honestly? Before you even put your teaching sequence together.That's what today's podcast is all about. We're diving into exactly how to teach a singing game.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…Whether you should teach the song before or during the gameHow to get kids to successfully choose partners and get to their spots to playA couple things to think about when you consider taking turns.To listen to the episode on 7 ways to teach a song, click here.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

It's seriously one of the most frustrating experiences you can have as a teacher. You feel like you're hitting your head against the whiteboard, saying things as many different ways as you possibly can, and the kids just aren't getting it.We've all been there. Either the kids are off catching stars instead of being truly engaged in our lessons, or they are doing exactly what we're telling them to do... but it's not even close to what we really meant. It's so tricky, and you can literally hear Ross from Friends yelling “PIVOT!” But you have no idea which way to turn or which step to take to get the stupid couch up the stairs.And that's exactly it. What direction do we take? Which step do we need? And how do we get our foot centered squarely on the step to keep ourselves grounded, and you know, restore balance in our classrooms.Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we're talking what to do when your music lesson flops.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…Why it's important to think about your classroom as your laboratoryThe truth about your kids' responsesWhat to do next time your lesson flopsToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

What is your earliest memory of music making?  I have these memories of really organic, joyful music making with my family. We were always singing, my dad was always creating, and my mom was always there to dance and smile and sing along with us.My earliest memories of music making in a "formal setting"? Well, that was a little bit different. I was thinking about this a lot the other day, after a call with the members inside of The Sequencing Solution, as they often spark these thoughts and ideas that make their way onto the podcast... but the thought that I had was, how is the way that I teach music different from the way I was taught music?Today on the podcast, I'm talking about exactly that. Here are a few things I share:What those early memories of elementary music meant to meThe things my most impactful teachers made sure ofHow my own music education influences my teaching style todayToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

I'm not okay.I hit a MAJOR wall this week. We had a massive home improvement project finally wrap up after six months (YES, seriously), and half of our house is boxed up... yes with two toddlers running around.I started a new collaborative project which took up way more of my time and energy than I expected it to (which is classic Anne, by the way, total recovering people pleaser over here).And then to top it all off... our beloved dog of 12 years died.I'm not okay.There is SO MUCH going on right now. Even if there's light at the end of the tunnel, it's still a lot. It feels insanely... heavy.So today, music teacher friend, I wanted to take a quick moment to say I'm not okay. And you know what? I haven't said that out loud yet... have you?On today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, we're going to talk about the music teacher burnout. It's very real. The importance of acknowledging it. And what moving forward really means.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode…You are not aloneYou are enoughHow to move forward

Assessment is one of those things that I really really struggled with when I first started teaching. I think I mostly didn't have a lot of knowledge about how assessment in the music room relates to assessment in other subjects, whether it should be the same or different, and how it could fit in the same box as the other grades my students are receiving on a report card.I've learned over time a couple of things: (1) active assessment is embedded and inherent in what we do in our music classrooms, as long as we are intentional about our lesson objectives; and (2) although our classrooms function differently than a grade level classroom, we are consistently making observations, gathering data, and adapting our instruction based on what our students need—all of which, I might argue, are at the very heart of what assessment truly is.Today, I'm talking with my good friend, Victoria Boler, all about how she approaches active, embedded assessment in the music classroom. Victoria is an absolute master pedagog and an expert in how to seamlessly integrate meaningful assessment opportunities into your active music making classroom, based on the intentional activities you are likely already incorporating into your lessons.Victoria Boler is a leading elementary general music educator and curriculum designer. In addition to general music, Victoria has taught orchestra, choir, and percussion ensembles. In an administrative role, Victoria has served as Fine Arts Coordinator, leading band, orchestra, choir, general music, and musical theater at the programmatic level. With Orff certification in all 3 levels, and a masters in music education, Victoria is also in the process of completing her Kodaly training. She publishes general music curriculum and instructional materials at victoriaboler.com, where she serves and collaborates with educators in their journey to create grounded and artistic music curriculum for their unique teaching scenarios.Here's a few things we discuss on today's episode:How assessment functions in an overall philosophy of music teachingHow to keep up with regular assessments as a natural part of the lesson planning processHow you can learn more about active embedded assessment, and specifically, how you can work with Victoria on this very topic.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

I don't know how to start.If you've ever thought this to yourself, you're not alone. As a matter of fact, it's one of the first places we go, our default, if you will, when it comes to trying new ideas and incorporating new approaches to our teaching practice.It's something I often hear when I share an activity at a workshop, or I'm sharing different modes of active music making that may feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable to those who have never experienced them, let alone have never taught them to kids.The answer is simple. It doesn't feel easy, but it's simple. Just Start. And start with with the music. And today's conversation is all about how to start with active music making... instead of starting with notation.Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:Why your curriculum isn't really the notationHow to cast a big picture vision that is actually doableWhat you need to do to finally just startToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

If I could count the number of times I've been influenced on Instagram... oh boy. There's a reason that influencer marketing is so effective. We can see the change in people's lives, see how they can be transformed... whether we're talking about a new vacuum cleaner or a meal delivery service.Why is this important? Because I could tell you about a million different times, a million different ways how The Sequencing Solution can totally transform your music teacher life. But until you hear it from other community members firsthand, who have used this system and seen massive results in their teaching, it won't make sense.So today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm sharing a conversation I had in June with two community members of TSS. Here's what we discuss in today's episode:The importance of communityWhat being a member of The Sequencing Solution has done for their classroomsHow YOU can truly get unstuck and start choosing intentional teachingThe doors to my signature course, The Sequencing Solution are OPEN!! To snag your seat before the doors close again on January 17th, head to anacrusic.com/tssFor today's full show notes, or to watch a video of the conversation on today's episode, click here.To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Okay, real talk... do you feel like you have this lesson planning thing completely mastered? There's no doubt that whether you just started teaching this year, or you've been doing this for what feels like a thousand, I'll bet you're looking for a few tips to shape up and refresh your teaching practice.Well, this past weekend, I did a series of free workshops called, "the ultimate music lesson planning roadmap" and inside of that workshop I shared the 4 pillars to completely simplify and streamline your music lesson planning once and for all... with a not so little bonus at the end.I absolutely adore giving workshops like this and sharing with members of the music teacher community, but there's a good chance that a few of you either missed the workshop or just couldn't seem to make it work. And since it's been a while since I've done this particular workshop, and I'm not 100% when I"ll do it again. I wanted to share just a quick rundown of some of the things that we talked about.Here's what I'm sharing in today's episode:the 4 planning pillars that make magic happen in the music rooma not-so-little bonus tip that ties it all togetherhow you can make this process your own, right nowThe doors to my signature course, The Sequencing Solution are OPEN!! To snag your seat before the doors close again on January 17th, head to anacrusic.com/tssFor today's full show notes, click here.To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Truth be told, even in the midst of pandemic teaching, I am not the most tech savvy person on the block. As a matter of fact, I have really resisted implementing it in my classroom, because I was under the false assumption that if I was using tech in my classroom, I was forgoing active music making opportunities that my students need to really live and breathe music fluency and literacy. You know, that whole when you choose to include something, you choose to exclude something else?Well... I was wrong. Yes, I'm admitting it, right here and right now. Because as I'm learning as I talk to members of the community, and specifically today's guest, technology can be a really useful tool in our classrooms, particularly when it comes to student engagement, differentiation, and assessment... all within the learning sequence framework.Today on the podcast,  I'm talking with community member Jennifer Timidaiski all about technology for student engagement.Here's what Jennifer and I talk about on this week's episode:How NearPod can be used as a tool for differentiation and assessmentHow using this tool in her classroom has helped Jennifer increase student engagement--both in person and virtually.How she's been using this technology to enhance the Learning Sequence FrameworkToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE workshop, The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap. Snag your seat here: anacrusic.com/workshopFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

It's a word that strikes fear into the heart of teachers everywhere. Okay, maybe just me.... assessment.Yes, assessment. This is a word that used to totally send me running for the hills. I thought it was a trap for music teachers. Like, how on earth are we supposed to collect data and give tests for a thing that is so un-test-able?Well, that's what I used to think. I used to think that assessment was a gotcha, or this impossible task that required all sorts of prepping and planning and extra stuff... but it's not. It's an integral, informative, and pretty simple part of our entire teaching process.Today on the podcast, we're talking about REAL assessment in the music room.Here's what I'm sharing on this week's podcast:Why you aren't “behind” this yearThe #1 thing you need for assessmentHow to write your lesson objectives for student successThe keys to making it a part of your active music making classroomToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE workshop, The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap. Snag your seat here: anacrusic.com/workshopFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

I know I talked last episode about how resolutions aren't my jam... but I'm  fan of the idea of resolutions. It's like, taking out a clean sheet of paper to rewrite your list because the first one wasn't clean enough... and if there was ever a year to start fresh, this is it.But notice, I said "re-write" or maybe a better word is "re-frame". I'll bet that you made some resolutions or goals for 2020, and then 2020 happened. But I'm also willing to bet that those were sound goals. Things that meant a lot to you and many you were still able to carry out, just maybe in a re-written form that you weren't expecting and definitely didn't ask for.So that's what we're going to talk about today. Creating YOUR goals for 2021.Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:Why you need to take consistent actionThe importance of environmentThe impact of life-long learningToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE workshop, The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap. Snag your seat here: anacrusic.com/workshopFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

It felt tricky to figure out exactly what to say for this episode. It's one that I've done each year in some shape or form since I've started this podcast.I've thought about different titles like, "reflecting on the past year" or "my goals for the new year" and none of that really seems to fit. I've seen the memes on the interwebs. Everything from "nobody claim this 2021 as your year" to "don't breathe, don't touch anything."It's no doubt that we're all happy to see 2020 close its door. It's no doubt that it has been A YEAR. And it's no doubt that things seem to finally be taking a turn toward progress, and a light at the end of the tunnel. But nothing magical is going to happen on January 1st. Because it's not about next year, it's about right now. Whatever and whenever that might be.Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:Where to shift your focus for 2021What made my most favorite team work so well togetherHow to simplify your music teacher lifeToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE workshop, The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap. Snag your seat here: anacrusic.com/workshopFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

On the last episode of The Anacrusic Podcast, I talked all about the importance of seeing yourself as a teacher musician instead of just a music teacher. This is such an important distinction, because it puts the emphasis of the label we use for ourselves on our intention.It's my musicianship that makes me an amazing teacher for my students. It's my musicianship that brought me to my teaching practice, and it's my musicianship identity that I put before everything (you know, other than wife and mother) about how I define myself in my professional life.So today, on another Anacrusic in Action episode, I'm sharing some actionable ideas for how to truly unleash your own teacher musicianship.Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:How to sink into truly caring, even when you just aren't feeling itWhat we GET to do each and every dayWhy it's so important to keep creating as a teacher musicianToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

When I first made the transition from being a music "performer" to a music educator, it was... interesting.I had a lot of weird feelings about the fact that I was giving up what I had spent my entire life working toward, winning an audition for a full time performing ensemble. After hours of orchestra rehearsals, brass quintet recording sessions, banging my head against a wall in the practice room, and a handful of recitals I worked my behind off for, was I really just going to stop?Well... no. Because, as one of my mentors told me, it all applies. And as my daddy likes to say, things have a way of working out exactly the way they are supposed to. Today on TAP, I'm talking about what being a Teacher Musician really means.Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:How I found peace leaving the performance worldThe “three Cs” of Teacher MusicianshipWhy you are more than “just” a music teacherToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Guess what...? It's another Anacrusic in Action Episode, where I give you specific, actionable steps you can use in your classroom to apply the things we talk about here on the Anacrusic Podcast.And this week, we are continuing on from Tuesday's episode, where we talked all about how to increase engagement in your lessons. So today, on The Anacrusic Podcast, we are going to take a peek at truly engaging your students in the music classroom... in action.When it comes to increasing student engagement, this is a tricky thing to discuss because all of our lessons, now more than ever, are incredibly time bound, situational, and especially in 2020, always changing. So for the sake of trying to find ways to help everyone (or as many teacher-musicians as possible) apply these strategies, I'm going to talk through both an in person learning example, as well as a virtual learning example.Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:A quick recap of the three strategies to increase student engagementThe important focus you need when you are creating virtual lessons that apply this strategyHow simple steps can make a big impact when allowing for student choice.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

There's no doubt that music teaching right now is just plain hard. Whether you are in person with masks and socially distanced, teaching virtually, or doing a mix of all the things, there are new challenges and things to figure out way beyond what we are already used to as educators.And perhaps, one of the biggest, is to find new ways to engage with our students in meaningful ways that allows them to continue to be the center of our music classroom universe. Today on the podcast, I'm sharing 3 strategies for increasing student engagement.Here's what I'm sharing on today's podcast:The difference between participation and engagementWhy your students need more opportunities to practice making choicesThe importance of pacing for promoting student engagementToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Something that I've been thinking a lot about is how I can make what I share with y'all on the Anacrusic Podcast into something much more actionable. Like a thing or two that you could literally drag and drop and use in your classroom right now. Something that highlights a process, gives a concrete example, and illustrates exactly the type of processing I use in my music classroom. Well today, I'm sharing the first "Anacrusic in Action" episode, and I this is the beginning of what I think could be the solution. Here's what you'll hear on this week's episode:A quick review of the 5 steps or tips for working with older beginners in the music room.Exactly how I would use those with a new class of third graders who have never had me as a music teacher.How layers are really the key to making magic happen with your older beginners.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

If I had to rank questions I get from the Anacrusic community... well there's always a few that come back again and again. And one of them is always from eager new teachers or teachers new to sequencing who are like, "this is amazing!!... but how do I do it with the older kids?" And y'all,  get it. When you first start to implement a meaningful scope and sequence, it's easy to get your feet off the ground with the itty bitties, because you quite literally start at the very beginning (because it is a very good place to start, thank you Maria Von Trap). But perhaps one of the trickiest questions, you know along side "how do you solve a problem like Maria?" is how do you do this with the big kids? Today, on The Anacrusic Podcast we're talking all about sequencing for older beginners.Here's a little bit of what you'll hear on this episode:Why you shouldn't use the same songs for the same concept across grade levels.How to "level up" basic or foundational concepts in the older grades.The 3 reasons active music making is especially important for those older beginners.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm a liiiiittle bit late to the Thanksgiving party. Yes, it's a week after Thanksgiving here in the United States, but I'm still taking advantage of the spirit of the season to share three pretty big things I'm grateful for.Here's a peek at what I'm sharing this week:The new ways we all have to create communities with music teachers from around the world.How technology has influenced our classrooms--for the better and maybe more permanently than we thought.The magic of collaborating even in trying times, when we all have the same access to professional development no matter where we are.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm sharing about Active Music Making and how you can make it work for your classroom, even in the midst of pandemic teaching . I don't know what I was expecting out of this year, but I do know this: the only constant is change. And so today on the podcast, I'm going to chat with you a little bit about all things change—how to stay focused when you literally have no idea what your teaching situation could look like tomorrow, how to plan the most meaningful musical experiences for your kids, and how to keep creating lessons that put active music making at the forefront no matter how you need to differentiate for distance learning and social distancing.Here are some of the things I'm sharing on this week's episode:What Active Music Making isThe 5 media you can use in your classroom (yes, even in pandemic times)The number one obstacle in your classroom (it starts with an S and ends with a PACE!)Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm sharing all about The Learning Sequence Framework and how I know it can make a difference in your teaching. I didn't create this because I thought we needed another "thing" in music education, but instead I share it with teachers like you because I know it can 100% be the catalyst for change in your teaching.Here are some of the things I'm sharing on this week's episode:Why the Learning Sequence Framework is so important to meWhat IS the Learning Sequence FrameworkThe 5 ways it can completely revolutionize your teachingWant to know more about the LSF? Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we are kicking off season 6 with a little mindset refresh. This is the perfect time to reframe our teaching practice and get grounded on what the rest of 2020 and 2021 are going to look, feel, and mostly think like for us.Here are some of the things I'm sharing on this week's episode:My journey with virtual youth chorus (it's not all sunshine and rainbows...)Why I reject the idea of “Covid Babies” or “Covid Teachers"How to find joy in the marginsWant to grab a copy of the book I mentioned in today's episode? Click here for Emily Ley's “Grace, Not Perfection.” (affiliate link) Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE guide, The Planning Playbook. Snag your copy here: anacrusic.com/planningplaybookFor today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here: anacrusic.com/community 

It's the 100th Episode of The Anacrusic Podcast!!Today on TAP, I'm celebrating 2.5 years and 100 episodes (with a few bonuses too...) of sharing teacher tips and cultivating community and collaboration. This episode is full of a few of the most meaningful snippets from the last 99 episodes, going all the way back to the beginning.PLUS, did you hear about the BIG GIVEAWAY?!If you are an avid listener of the podcast and take the time to leave a review wherever you're listening, you can enter to win one of the following prizes:$50 Amazon Giftcard + Anacrusic Teacher-Musician Tee (1 Grand Prize Winner)$10 Starbucks Giftcard (3 Winners)Anacrusic Teacher-Musician Tee (5 Winners)All you have to do is leave your review, take a screenshot, and email It to anne@anacrusic.com. Winners will be chosen on Thursday, September 17th at 4PM Pacific!__________Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Doors are open NOW!! Click here to sign up and get started ASAP. For today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here.

Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm talking with my friend Ally all about Social Emotional Learning in the music classroom. This is one of those hot topic issues in education and music education right now, and for good reason! In the midst of teaching in a pandemic, and especially teaching music in a pandemic, incorporating social emotional learning strategies into our lessons in meaningful ways is one of the best things we can do for our kids. Lucky for us, today Ally breaks it down in a way that is a 100% natural extension of what we're already doing in the music classroom. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear on today's podcast: Ally's background in music pedagogy and social-emotional learning (this girl knows her stuff!) The five competencies that make up social-emotional learning and how to implement them into your teaching, right now Where to start if you're looking to start incorporating SEL strategies in your own teaching. Click here to follow Ally on InstagramToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Doors are open NOW!! Click here to sign up and get started ASAP. For today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here.

There are so many unknowns in our music teacher lives and our world right now. Today on the podcast, I'm sharing a few ways to recenter yourself in thinking about the things that you can control, especially when it comes to lesson planning.In this episode, I share my three tips for planning whether you're teaching virtually, in person, or using a hybrid model. Here's a peek at what you'll learn:The starting place for any music lesson you teachWhy the STUFF you put in your lessons matters more than you thinkHow to break down a lesson to make it digestible for kidsA BONUS tip about recording lessons in a way that is a natural extension of your music teaching, not extra stuff.Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Doors are open NOW!! Click here to sign up and get started ASAP. For today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here.

This week on The Anacrusic Podcast, I'm talking with my good friend and virtual music teaching expert, Michelle Rose. Michelle has been playing this virtual music teacher game since before the rest of the world took the plunge. She has tons of advice for music teachers who are navigating this new-to-us space, and I know you'll gain so much from this episode, whether you're teaching in real life, virtually, or in another form of music teaching delivery.Three things you'll learn from Michelle on today's episode: Why you should only focus on one new thing at a time, especially with tech Creating boundaries between work and personal life when you're teaching from home Trusting your musicianship, no matter how you're being asked to teach Click here to follow Michelle on Instagram —> http://instagram.com/the_musical_roseClick here to snag Michelle's new book —> https://fflat-books.com/product/teaching-music-online-a-comprehensive-guide-for-k-12-music-educators/Other resources mentioned in today's episode: https://nearpod.com/https://info.flipgrid.com/smartmusic.comhttps://www.soundtrap.com/Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Click here to sign up and be the first to know when the doors are open. For today's full episode notes, click here. To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here.

Today on the podcast, I am thrilled to be chatting with a fellow podcaster, The Sequencing Solution member, and my friend Darlene Machacon. In this interview we talk about all the things: instagram, the podcast she co-hosts Coloring the Melody, and her journey in music education.Darlene is one of the bubbles on instagram stories that always makes my heart jump a beat, because I know she's going either going to inspire me, make me laugh, or make me think. I'm pretty sure that throughout today's episode, she'll do the same for you.Click here to follow Darlene on InstagramClick here to listen to the Coloring the Melody PodcastClick here to follow the Coloring the Melody Podcast on InstagramToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Click here to sign up and be the first to know when the doors are open.For today's full episode notes, click here.To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here.

Today on the podcast I'm talking with Dr. Sarah Gulish, PhD of FFlat-books about all things research, practice, and publishing. I loved this conversation with Sarah because I identify with her on so many points, from thinking about how teachers should be sharing their work and being in community with one another, as well as how we wish music education research was more accessible to music teachers in the classroom. The work that she's doing with her company, FFlat, is truly inspiring, and I know you'll enjoy listening to her journey and her “why” as much as I loved talking to her about it. To check out more information about Flat and the resources they provide for teachers, as well as their upcoming summit, click the links in today's show notes. What you'll learn in this episode: Sarah's story and why she started her company, F Flat Books Why there's a disconnect between research and practice The importance of honoring and caring for authors who are sharing their work with the world. Links in today's episode: Find out more about Fflat and their resources hereRegister for the FABSS Summit August 14 & 15 hereCheck out the resource Sarah & Victoria Boler created hereToday's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Click here to sign up and be the first to know when the doors are open.For today's full episode notes & transcript, click here.To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here.

Today on the podcast, I'm sharing a letter I wrote to all first year music teachers. But if you've tuned into this week, and you are not a first year music teacher, I want you to stop. Collaborate. And listen. AND YES, I”m serious. We're all first year teachers. Because, yes, we were thrown into the ring last spring with all the distance learning and all the things that happened in what seemed like overnight, and we were literally surviving. It was our first taste of adapting and innovating and doing a complete 180 from what we're used to, and now… we're back. In whatever capacity it may be, we're back for more of the unknown, the unexpected, and most importantly, providing our kids with what they need now more than ever: music making. So yes, while it's important for us all to love on our first year teachers who definitely, undoubtedly had something completely different in mind for this year, I'm willing to bet that you did too. You probably had the best ideas for when we get to make music together again… and now it looks different. So take a few minutes, listen to this brief, but important, letter. And realize that yes we have to innovate, yes we have to adapt, but someday we will make music again. Today's episode of The Anacrusic Podcast is sponsored by my FREE Music Teacher 5 Day Challenge, Power Up Your Lesson Planning. Click here to sign up and be the first to know when the doors are open.For today's full episode notes & transcript, click here.To chat with other music teachers and share Ideas and strategies for all things #musicteacherlife, join the Anacrusic Insiders Community here.

Today on The Anacrusic Podcast, we are talking about all things Fall 2020. It's no doubt that with COVID-19, this year is going to look, feel, and function completely differently then anything we've ever done before, whether you're a first year teacher or a thirty year teacher. I've asked a few of my friends to leave a message for you to consider as you get ready to head back to school, whether it's your live, in person classroom, or a virtual classroom, some combination of the two, or something completely different. I know you'll leave this episode feeling encouraged and knowing that we've got this together. Here are some of my friends that you'll hear from today: Katie Wonderly from Mrs. Wonderly Makes MusicJane Marsilio from Silly O MusicBeth Philemon from Choir BatonJessica Grant from Afternoon TiJessica Peresta from The Domestic MusicianLindsey Schroder from Lyrics by Linds Charissa Duncanson from Music with Mrs. DuncMelissa Angstadt from Musical InteractionsLiz Kutschke from Mrs. Cookie's Music RoomVictoria Boler from The Planning BinderTo check out the full show notes and transcript for today's episode, head to anacrusic.com/93Looking for a planning pick me up? Snag your freebie here!!You can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode Inside of the Anacrusic Insiders Facebook Group. Join here!!Also, don't forget to pop over to Instagram and say hi!!

Today on the podcast, I'm talking about my signature program, The Sequencing Solution, and it's exactly what you need in your music teacher life right now. Yes, even though the world is bananas, even though there are tons of things that we don't know and are out of our control, the absolute most important thing for us to do is focus on what we can control and concentrate on music making experiences first and foremost. Here's what's happening on this week's episode: Why now is the most important time to focus on your teaching practice, even though there are so many unknowns. A conversation with Kristen Sotero, a member of my signature program. She shares her story about how it really and truly transformed her music teacher life. A special opportunity for you to join The Sequencing Solution, before the doors close on Sunday, May 31st. To check out the full show notes and transcript for today's episode, head to anacrusic.com/92 PS. Still have questions about joining? Want to hear from more members about what it's like to be a part of the program and what it can really do for your music teacher life? Check out this livestream with Kristina & Jennifer, two alumni from The Sequencing Solution. Tune in to hear their stories, and why they keep coming back to repeat the program again and again. Click here to watch —> anacrusic.com/livestream If you're ready now to join the program, and finally transform your music teacher life, beat the overwhelm and develop your perfect music curriculum roadmap, Click here to register —> anacrusic.com/tssYou can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode Inside of the Anacrusic Insiders Facebook Group. Join here --> facebook.com/groups/anacrusicinsidersAlso, don't forget to pop over to Instagram and say hi!! --> instagram.com/annemileski

Today on the podcast, I'm sharing my experience with wanting to do all the things in my music classroom, falling flat on y face when I tried to do it all without a process, and how I finally made the magic happen. (Spoiler alert: it's all about being purposeful, sequential, and joyful… shocker, I know!) Here's what you can listen for in this week's episode: Things you should think about as you're choosing activities for your lessons. How you can actually find freedom and flexibility within an overall structure for your lesson planning. Why it's so important to remember yourself as not just a teacher, but a teacher-musician. To check out the full show notes and transcript for today's episode, head to anacrusic.com/91 If you want to know more about my planning process, and specifically and how I use it through the learning sequence framework for everything and anything I teach In the classroom, check out my upcoming FREE Music Teacher Workshop: The Ultimate Music Lesson Planning Roadmap. Click here to register --> anacrusic.com/workshopYou can also chat with your other music teacher besties and get exclusive content related to each episode Inside of the Anacrusic Insiders Facebook Group. Join here --> facebook.com/groups/anacrusicinsidersAlso, don't forget to pop over to Instagram and say hi!! --> instagram.com/annemileski