The Music Room

#107, Shadows in the Moonlight Jan 07, 2026

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Joan Litman about her book, "Shadows in the Moonlight: Songs of the Middle East."

#106, The Stalagmite Effect Oct 15, 2025

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Debbie O'Shea about the book, "The Stalagmite Effect," which is about how small, consistent actions as a music teacher and otherwise can build extraordinary lives.

#105, Ukuleles in the Music Room Sep 10, 2025

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Jeanette Mihalchik from the Happy Music Teacher about Ukuleles in the Music Room, from storage, to lesson planning, to play alongs!

#104, Planning for the Summer May 08, 2025

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses "The 12 Week Year" as a basis for planning for your summer.

#103, Six Types of Sub Plans Mar 10, 2025

In this podcast episode, Aileen details six different types of sub plans for the music room, from "one off" sub plans to "keep on track" sub plans, to help inspire you when writing your own sub plans!

#102, Engaging Upper Elementary in Music Class Jan 26, 2025

Looking for ways to engage your upper elementary music students? Check out this podcast, with three strategies!

99, My Life As An Arts Administrator Apr 02, 2024

Wondering what the life of an arts administrator looks like? Check out this podcast episode, with examples of tasks and projects.

#101, Manipulatives for the Music Room Mar 29, 2024

Looking for ideas for hands-on manipulatives for the music room? Check out this podcast episode, which includes information about rhythmic manipulatives, melodic manipulatives, and more!

#100, Favorite Podcast Episodes And Podcasts Mar 20, 2024

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses her 10 favorite podcast episodes from "The Music Room," as well as her 10 favorite podcasts in general.

#098, Metacognition In The Music Room Dec 13, 2023

Wondering how to get students to think about their thinking in the music room? In this podcast, Aileen discusses three ways to get students to think about their thinking.

#097, Lessons Learned As An Arts Administrator Nov 01, 2023

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five lessons she has learned in her new role as arts administrator.

#096, Growth Mindset In The Music Room Sep 20, 2023

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five strategies for improving growth mindset in the music classroom.

095, Updates From Aileen Jun 14, 2023

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses life updates.

#094, Five Fun Ways To Teach Tika - Tika May 24, 2023

Looking for fun ways to teach tika-tika, or sixteenth notes, in the music room? Check out this podcast episode, with songs, a listening lesson, and more!

#093, Teaching When Times Are Tough Apr 19, 2023

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses how to teach successfully when times are tough, whether you are experiencing the death of a loved one, divorce, or any other difficult situation.

#092, Culturally Responsive Teaching In The Music Room Apr 05, 2023

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Ashley Cuthbertson about Culturally Responsive Teaching: what it is, specific lesson examples, and more!

#091, Simplifying Lesson Planning with Jessica Peresta Mar 01, 2023

Are you searching for ways to simplify your lesson planning in the music room? Check out this podcast interview, with Jessica Peresta!

#090, Standards - Based Grading In The Music Room Feb 15, 2023

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses how best to use standards-based grading in the music room.

#089, Five Mistakes I've Made With Centers Jan 25, 2023

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five mistakes she's made with centers, from trying to do too much, to not offering enough choice.

#088, Teaching Neurodivergent Students In The Music Room Jan 11, 2023

Wondering how best to teach your neurodivergent students? Check out this podcast episode with Kimberly Hall, with strategies for best meeting the needs of all of your students, especially those who aren't "typical" learners.

#087, Music Activities We Are Thankful For Nov 23, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss music activities, lessons, picture books, and tech tools for which they are thankful, from "Great Big House" to Nearpod.

#086, Opening Activities For The Music Room Nov 09, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses her favorite opening activities for the elementary music classroom, from singing games to listening!

#085, Favorite Music Education Resources Oct 26, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses her favorite music education resources, from print resources, to websites, to podcasts!

#084, Starting An Elementary Choir Oct 12, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen offers tips for starting an elementary choir, from recruitment, to auditions, to scheduling.

#083, The Dalcroze Philosophy Sep 28, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Dalcroze expert Anthony Molinaro about Dalcroze-inspired teaching, sample activities, and more!

#082, Genius Hour In The Music Room Sep 14, 2022

Wondering how to implement Genius Hour in the music room? In this podcast episode, Aileen shares ideas for implementing Genius Hour, also known as Passion Project and 20% time, in your music lessons.

#081, Starting The Year In The Music Room Aug 31, 2022

Wondering how to start off the school year right in your music room? This podcast episode has lots of lesson ideas for back to school in your music classroom!

#080, Favorite elementary music activities May 11, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss their favorite elementary music activities from the 2021-2022 school year, from ukulele, to GarageBand, to a name game.

#079, Writing and Illustrating Picture Books for the Music Room Apr 27, 2022

In this episode, Aileen interviews writer, illustrator, and music educator Katie Terrell Ramos about the process of writing and illustrating picture books for the music room.

#078, What I Learned at the 2022 OAKE Conference Apr 13, 2022

Have you been thinking about attending an OAKE conference, and wondering what you might learn? Check out this podcast episode, with takeaways from the 2022 OAKE music education conference!

#077, Preparing for the last quarter of the year Mar 23, 2022

Wondering how to plan out the rest of your school year? In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses how to plan out your last quarter in the music room!

#076, An Interview with the Chromatic Music Teacher Mar 09, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Ms. Jenkins from the Chromatic Music Teacher about her favorite activities for the music room, how she uses Boomwhackers, what it's like to be a new music teacher in 2022, and more!

#075, YouTube Videos and Podcast Episodes for KIds Feb 23, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Bill Henry and Bruce Fite from the Music Podcast for Kids, about YouTube videos and podcast episodes to improve student learning! Bill and Bruce also discuss how to create your own videos for your students.

#074, Practicing Rhythm with Primary Grades Feb 09, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses rhythm activities with primary grades, from rhythm read along videos to improvising on barred instruments.

#073, Social Emotional Learning Jan 26, 2022

In this episode, Aileen interviews educator Michael Sivert about SEL, or Social Emotional Learning. Michael discusses strategies that have worked in his upper elementary classroom, and shares adaptations for the music classroom.

#072, Time - Saving Tips For Assessment Jan 12, 2022

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five time-saving tips for assessment, from considering how to track data, to planning assessments in advance, to collecting enough data so your stress lessens!

#071, Catching Students Up In The Music Room Dec 01, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses catching students up with their music curriculum, after distance learning, no singing in the music classroom, etc.

#070, Wisdom For Worn Out Music Teachers Nov 03, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Beth Duhon about self care for music teachers, from what to listen to on the way to work, to what we include in our morning routine.

#069, Exceptional Learners In The Music Room Oct 20, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Bryson Tarbet about exceptional learners in the music classroom. Bryson offers suggestions and resources for how best to teach exceptional learners in your elementary music lessons.

#068 Virtual Music Concert Ideas Oct 06, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses three ways to present a performance when "in person" concerts aren't possible, because of COVID-19 regulations.

#067, Productivity Hacks For Music Teachers Sep 22, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five productivity hacks for busy music educators, from thinking carefully about when to say "yes," to using themed days to get tasks done.

#066, Elementary Music Lesson Activities We're Loving Sep 08, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss activities that are working for grades K-2 and 3-5 in the music room so far this year, as well as activities they are planning for the future.

#065, Looking Back And Looking Forward May 19, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie look back on the 2020-2021 school year, and look forward to the 2021-2022 school year, discussing everything from tech tools, to lesson structures, to how we'll learn this summer.

#064, Collaboration In The Music Room May 05, 2021

In this episode, Aileen interviews two colleagues, Ashley Ellerman and Sarah King, about collaboration in the music room. They discuss projects they've collaborated on, tech tools, and more!

#063, Music Curriculum Suggestions Apr 14, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses different print and digital music education curricula, as well as print and digital resources, with suggestions for creating your own!

#062, What We Can Learn From This Year Mar 24, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses what we can learn from this year, from tech tools, to building student relationships, to educating ourselves about social justice. Specific ideas for learning from this year and implementing next year are shared.

#061, Gender Neutrality in the Music Room Mar 10, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Amy Abbott about gender neutrality in the music room. They discuss song choices, language adaptations, and more, to help students feel safe in the music classroom.

#060, Time Management For Music Teachers Feb 24, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses how she manages time as a blogger and podcaster, and as a music teacher. Business strategies such as batching and scheduling are discussed, with ideas for adapting to the music classroom.

#059, What's Working in the Music Room Feb 10, 2021

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss what's working in the socially distanced and virtual music classrooms, from lesson ideas, to tech platforms, to building relationships with students.

#058, Steady Beat And Rhythm Dec 07, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses strategies for teaching students the difference between steady beat and rhythm. From steady beat activities to tracking icons, to instrument playing, lots of tried and true activities are shared!

#057, Self Care For Music Teachers Nov 18, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses self-care for music teachers, from reading for enjoyment, to saying no (when it's not a hard yes.)

#056, Tech Tools For The Music Room Oct 22, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Katie Wardrobe from Midnight Music about tech tools for the music room, from tools for lesson delivery, productivity, portfolios, and more!

#055, Successes And Challenges This Fall In The Music Room Sep 23, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen talks with frequent co-host Katie, as well as Carrie and Tanya from the Music Teacher Coffee Talk Podcast, about successes and challenges this fall with in person and distance learning in the music room. They discuss what feels the same, what feels different, their favorite activities, and more!

#054, First Week Of Virtual Teaching Sep 09, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses her first week of virtual teaching, from her challenges, to her successes, to specific activities that worked well for the virtual music classroom.

#052, If We Can't Do X, Let's Do Y Sep 05, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses different scenarios and solutions for the fall, with the COVID-19 crisis. Originally aired June of 2020.

#053, What The Fall Will Look Like Aug 26, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss what the fall will look like for both of them in their music classrooms. Socially distanced teaching and virtual learning will both be discussed, with ideas for room set-up, ideas for preparing for the school year, and more!

#051, Practical And Heartfelt Encouragement For Home Learning Apr 25, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Nyssa Brown about home learning. Nyssa offers practical strategies for distance learning for music educators, including how to take care of yourself, how to use technology to connect with students, and more.

#050, Distance Learning In The Music Room Mar 30, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss thoughts on distance learning, from tools they are using, to ways they are interacting with students digitally.

#049, Pacing In The Music Room Mar 12, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses how to improve pacing in the music room, from creating routines, to talking less, to allotting time for activities in your written lesson plans.

#048, Why I Chose To Be A Music Teacher Feb 27, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses why she chose to be a music teacher, and the steps she has taken to ensure she still loves it today!

#047, Three Failures In The Music Room Feb 13, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses three failures she has had in her music room, from a musical program, to trying to fit too much into a lesson, to folk dancing, and how she turned those failures into successes!

#46, Teaching Disabled Students In Music Jan 30, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Megan Simcox about teaching disabled students in music class. Aileen and Megan reflect on disabled students in theatre and music, adaptive tools for the music room, how to adapt our teaching to best meet the needs of all students, and more!

#45, Perspectives Of A Student Teaching Supervisor Jan 16, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Colleen Rice about being a student teaching supervisor. They discuss traits of a successful student teacher, how to navigate the edTPA, and more.

#44, Your Music Educator Journey Jan 03, 2020

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses six stages of your music educator journey, and how to figure out which stage you are at, to help you make goals and resolutions for the new year.

#043, Classroom Management In The Music Room Dec 18, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Debbie O'Shea about strategies for improving classroom management in the music room, from focusing on positive relationships with students, to using music as its own reward.

#042, PBL In The Music Room Dec 01, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses the what, why, and how of project-based learning in the music room. Specific examples and lesson procedures are outlined.

#041, Decolonizing The Music Room Nov 14, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Brandi Waller-Pace about applying decolonizing practices in the music room. Folk song research, listening lessons, resources, and more are discussed.

#040, Moving Beyond Methodology Oct 30, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Nyssa Brown about moving beyond methodology, including lesson ideas for deeper level thinking, how to interpret the NCAS, and more!

#039, Peek At My Week Oct 18, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses activities from each lesson she's teaching this week, from the "Highway No. 1" dance with 1st grade, to a "Mango Walk" Orff arrangement with 5th grade!

#038, PBIS in the Music Room Oct 03, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss PBIS in the music room, to improve classroom management, student behavior, and classroom culture. Suggestions are given for trying this in your music room and/or school.

#037, Five Free Tech Tools for the Music Room Sep 10, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses free tech tools for the music room, from Chrome Music Lab to QR codes, and other "techie" stuff.

#036, Five Must - Dos For Back - To - School Aug 22, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses five must-do tasks for back-to-school in the music room, and five nice-to-do tasks. Topics from decorating, to writing engaging lessons, to creating a music brochure, will be explored.

#035, Multicultural Music Jun 10, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Joan Litman about multicultural music in the music classroom. Aileen and Joan discuss the successes and challenges of teaching music from other cultures, teaching literacy through these songs, and resources for understanding text and context.

#034, Three New Things I Tried This Year Jun 01, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses three new things she tried in her music room this year: Differentiated centers, PBL, or Project-Based Learning, and Escape Rooms. She also explores what she'd like to try next school year.

#033, Student Teachers In The Music Classroom May 16, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses tips for student teachers succeeding in your music room, from asking deeper level questions to carefully planning out your time with them.

#032, A Peek At My Week May 10, 2019

In this episode, Aileen discusses the lessons she's doing this week, from composing in small groups with 1st graders using the song "See the old witch," to doing centers to practice ti and the major scale with 5th graders.

#031, Preparing For The End Of The School Year Apr 23, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss preparing for the end of the school year in the music room, from organizing your lessons, to deciding on a theme for the next year, to using technology to streamline your materials.

#030, OAKE Conference Wrap - Up Apr 04, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen reflects on the 2019 OAKE conference, discussing songs and ideas from sessions she attended, technology shared at the "Tech Table" event, and more!

#029, Adapting Lessons When You See Students Less Mar 07, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss how to adapt your lessons when you see your students less for music. Strategies such as combining your lessons, repurposing songs, and more will be explored, so that you can keep on track with curriculum while still teaching with joy and intention.

#028, Six Routines To Improve Productivity And Happiness Feb 20, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen talks about six routines to improve productivity and happiness, from meditation tools, to Airtable, to batching. The show notes include a couple videos to further extend the ideas!

#026, Specdrums In The Music Room Feb 07, 2019

In this episode--part of our "Technology We Love" series--Aileen and Katie interview Jenna Pelansky from Specdrums, discussing how Specdrums came to be, what can be done with Specdrums in the music classroom, and what is next for the company!

#027, Getting The Most Out Of Conferences Jan 23, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen talks with Karla Cherwinski about how to get most out of music education conferences. Aileen and Karla discuss strategies for choosing the right sessions, how to make sure you implement the great ideas you've learned, and their all-time favorite sessions. They also discuss the upcoming 2019 OAKE Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

#025, Best Practices For Children's Choir Jan 10, 2019

In this podcast episode, Aileen interviews Matthew Parker about best practices for children's choir, including how to choose music, favorite warm-ups and octavos, and more!

#024, Rejuvenation and renewal during winter break Dec 13, 2018

In this podcast episode, Aileen talks with Emily Karst about rejuvenating and reflecting during winter break. Aileen and Emily discuss their favorite reads, teaching tips, how to reflect on the year, how to connect with your students and family, and more!

#023, Winter Holidays In The Music Room Nov 29, 2018

In this episode, Aileen discusses her favorite ways to celebrate Christmas and other winter holidays in the music room, from mixers to picture books and more!

#022, Learning Styles in the Music Room Nov 08, 2018

In this podcast episode, Aileen and Katie discuss learning styles in the music room, physical, visual, and aural strategies for practicing rhythm and melody, and other modalities of teaching.

#021, Giving Students Input On Programs Oct 25, 2018

In this podcast episode, Aileen discusses her process for giving students input for a musical program and helping them to create aspects of the performance.

#020, STEAM In The Music Room Oct 10, 2018

In this episode, Aileen interviews Emily Anderson Karst about STEAM, or STEM, in the music room. Benefits of STEAM education are discussed, as well as sample activities, ideas for coding, and more!

#019, Classroom Management Strategies For The Music Room Sep 19, 2018

In this episode, Aileen discusses strategies for classroom management in the music room, from staying calm to giving students choice. Anecdotal stories will be shared, as well as specific strategies to try in your music lessons.

#018: Music Technology We Love: Musiquest and Sketch a Song Sep 04, 2018

In this episode, Aileen and Katie talk to Jacob Zax, CEO of Edify, about the music apps Musiquest and Sketch a Song. Ideas for classroom use and lesson creation will be shared.

#017: Ten Things We Did to Prepare for the School Year Aug 21, 2018

In this episode, Katie and I talk about ten ways we prepared for the school year this summer, from practicing ukulele, to reading educational texts, to organizing with a wonderful productivity tool!

#016, Three Ideas For Professional Development This Summer Jun 10, 2018

In this episode, Aileen gives three ideas for developing professionally this summer, from specific podcast episodes to her free 5-day challenge!

#015, Day In The Life Of A Music Teacher May 19, 2018

In this episode, Aileen and Katie discuss a typical day as a music teacher, from schedule specifics, to lesson ideas for each grade level, to working with small groups and centers. Visit www.mrsmiraclesmusicroom.com for more music education ideas.

#014, Songs For Low La Apr 26, 2018

In this episode, Aileen and Katie present several songs for low la, as well as thoughts about when in the sequence to teach low la, how to transfer students' knowledge, and more! Check out www.mrsmiraclesmusicroom.com for more music education tips.

#013, 2018 OAKE Conference Apr 06, 2018

In this episode, Aileen talks with Amy Abbott about the 2018 OAKE Conference in Oklahoma City. Aileen and Amy discuss sessions they attended, sessions they presented, ideas they are excited to try out, and what to expect from a national conference.

#012, Preparing For The End Of The School Year Apr 02, 2018

In this episode, Aileen discusses ways to prepare for the end of the school year in the music room, from planning your curriculum to planning for next year's classroom theme.

#011, Interview Preparation And Strategies Mar 13, 2018

In this episode, Aileen and Katie will dive into interview preparation and strategies for the music teacher. They will discuss sample interview questions, things to consider, what to bring, and more!

#010, Curriculum Accountabilty Feb 26, 2018

In this episode, Aileen and Katie talk about curriculum accountability: how to get started, how to be accountable, why be accountable, and how to keep track of curriculum. The show notes include links to free documents; check it out at www.mrsmiraclesmusicroom.com.

#009, Struggles and Successes as a Traveling Music Teacher Feb 11, 2018

In this episode, we'll explore traveling as a music teacher: the struggles, the successes, and suggestions!

#008, Planning For A Program May 06, 2017

In this episode, we'll explore planning for next year's musical programs, including scheduling, creating, checklists, and more!

#007, The Power Of Professional Development Apr 05, 2017

In this episode, we'll explore the power of professional development, and how conferences--and specifically, music education conferences-- can offer content, networking opportunities, a-ha moments, and more!

#006, Apple Tree Mar 17, 2017

In this episode, we'll explore the song "Apple Tree," and several activities and ideas to use with the song. Lesson ideas, instrumental accompaniment, literacy ideas, and more will be discussed for Kindergarten-Second Grade.

#005: Learning Centers Feb 22, 2017

Looking for ideas for using learning centers in your music classroom? This podcast includes the why, what, and how of incorporating centers in your music lessons to assess, provide intervention, and help students master specific concepts!

#004: Kodaly And Orff Feb 09, 2017

In this episode, we'll explore the Kodaly and Orff philosophies with an interview with music educator Andrew Ellingsen. Strengths of both philosophies will be discussed, and we'll reflect on creativity and learning styles in today's music classroom.

#003: The Orff Philosophy Jan 25, 2017

In this episode, we'll explore the Orff philosophy with an interview with music educator David Row. Lesson ideas, Orff-inspired resources, and thoughts about integrating Orff Schulwerk with current educational initiatives will be discussed.

#002: The Kodaly Philosophy Jan 11, 2017

In this episode, we'll explore the Kodaly philosophy with an interview with music educator Karla Cherwinski. Lesson format, Kodaly-inspired resources, and thoughts about integrating Kodaly with current educational initiatives will be discussed.

#001: Tips for Productivity Dec 27, 2016

This episode comes with many tips for being productive! The tips could help any music teacher, or any educator, looking to be more productive and accomplish their New Year's resolutions. The tips include helpful websites, productivity apps, and more!

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