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Music Ed Insights.

Dr. Steve Shanley, Alan Feirer, and national thought leaders explore current issues in music education, with practical application for K-12 music educators.

Latest Episodes

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Recent Episodes:

Quick Pro Tip: The Perils and Payoffs of Lyrical Programming

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026

Slow, lyrical music can be beautiful, but it also exposes everything: tone, pitch, attacks, releases, balance, breath, bow control, and focus. Alan and Steve discuss when lyrical programming helps students grow, when it creates … Read more

Read More Quick Pro Tip: The Perils and Payoffs of Lyrical Programming
Beyond the Concert (Part 2): Grading, Evaluation, and Repertoire Choices with Scott Jones

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026

In part two of this two-part conversation, Dr. Scott Jones returns with Steve Shanley and Alan Feirer to apply the idea of teaching for independence to the most practical – and often most emotional … Read more

Read More Beyond the Concert (Part 2): Grading, Evaluation, and Repertoire Choices with Scott Jones
Quick Pro Tip: Better Questions for Student Feedback Meetings

September 8, 2026September 8, 2026

Alan and Steve share ways to make student leadership check-ins more useful, focused, and efficient. Instead of asking vague questions like “What’s going well?” they suggest more specific prompts that help students give feedback … Read more

Read More Quick Pro Tip: Better Questions for Student Feedback Meetings

What people are saying…

“Back in January I spent about a good two hours going back and listening to the podcasts. I have really enjoyed them all a lot. So many episodes make me wish I had this podcast back when I was first teaching; it would have saved me some headaches early on.”
Josh Hahn, Band Director, Prairie High School
“Where so many music Ed podcasts focus on individual biographies and sometimes irrelevant banter, this is topic based, thought provoking, and to the point.”
Ted Schacherer, Band Director, North Fayette Valley
“It’s nice to have a podcast that touches on issues that we should all be thinking through in our curriculum. These resources and conversations will help educators find the tools they need to help change the face of music education to be able to serve all students.”
Anonymous
“Timely, relevant, and well-produced interviews in an interesting format. The hosts are engaging and ask thoughtful questions. I’m looking forward to more episodes to come.”
Kyle Engelhardt, Band Director, Cedar Falls

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