Podcasts are a great medium for engaging with other people’s perspectives, learning about new topics, expanding our horizons, “geeking out,” or getting inspired. Some folks consider music education podcasts an aspect of a professional learning network (PLN). For this resource list, I’m being more inclusive than curational. Unless I find a podcast problematic from an ethical standpoint, I’ll include it in this list and let you make judgments regarding each podcast. If you produce or know about a podcast related to any form or context of music education that you think should be listed here, please let me know.
Unfamiliar with listening to podcasts? I suggest using a dedicated podcast listening app (see below), though you can also listen online via the web:
Interested in other types of resources. Take a look at other music education resources I curate.
Music Education Podcast list updated 12/20/2024.
Contents
Podcasts Specific to Music Learning and Teaching (Current)
This list includes podcasts related to music learning and teaching that are updated regularly or semi-regularly. I organized these music education podcasts alphabetically rather than by sub-categories to avoid the phenomenon of “tracking” and to encourage cross-pollination of ideas across curricular contexts. I find that we can miss opportunities to think more broadly or understand one another when we listen only to podcasts that parallel our teaching situations or philosophies. Enjoy!
Focuses on K-12 band broadly and often with the regional context of Texas – with Darcy Vogt Williams and Jenna Yee (and many episodes with Alex Ortega).
Focuses on the life of being a music educator and aspects of music learning and teaching – with Jessica Grant.
Focuses primarily on aspects of elementary general most often from a Kodály approach orientation. “The podcast all about discovering your most joyful music teacher heart through purposeful conversations and a little teacher talk” – with Anne Mileski.
Focuses on topics related to band with an emphasis on wellness – with Lesley Moffat
Focuses on topics related to band and instrumental music teaching – hosted by Young Band Directors of Texas (YBDT) with Chelsea Frazier and Aaron Beaver
Focuses on topics related to band – with Jackson Anderson and Taylor Steier
Focuses on topics related to band with an emphasis on issues related to bands in Texas – with Doug Fulwood
Focuses on topics related to band – with Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes
Focuses on topics related to string instruments and string programs – with Tiffany Ou-Ponticelli and Patrick Dandrea
Focuses on topics related to band – sponsored by the NC chapter of the National Band Association with Andrew Jimeson
The Beth and Kelly Show: Music Teaching and Life
Focuses on wide ranging issues and themes in music education – with Beth Fortune and Kelly Clingan
Focuses on issues around practice – with Noa Kageyama
Focuses on aspects of music education in elementary school programs. “A podcast exploring the joys and challenges of teaching music in the elementary classroom” – with Crystal Pridmore, Zoe Kumagai, Marc Keehmer, and Jonathan Seligman.
Focuses on aspects of choirs, vocal music education, and choir programs -with Beth Philemon.
Focuses on topics related to choir with an emphasis on middle school choir – with Clinton Hardy and Jodi Coke
Focuses on topics related to choirs – with Matt Walker
Focuses on topics related to choirs – with Dean Luethi & Matthew Myers
Focuses on general topics in music teaching with an emphasis on instrumental music settings – with Steve Peterson and Jack Hinkle
Focuses on vocal and choral education, often discussing philosophical and contextual themes related to pedagogy and curricular rather than focusing solely on technical issues – corporate-sponsored and with Chris Munce.
Focuses on the perspectives and experiences of two young Black music educators on music education – with Lily Kennedy and Jamal Kennedy
The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast
Focuses on aspects of music education in elementary school programs. “I’ll share helpful tips, strategies, and give you the motivation you need to help you gain momentum in your teaching so you can continue being the music teacher rock star you already are” – with Jessica Peresta.
Focuses on aspects of school band programs “featuring conversations with teachers, composers, and performers of music for winds and percussion” – with Mark J. Connor.
Focuses on teaching music in varied settings and contexts – with Thomas Borning
Field Notes on Music Teaching and Learning
Focuses on topics related to piano studios but with connections to broader music education contexts – with Ashley Danyew
Focuses on topics related to teaching young people in beginning band – with Charlie Nesmith
Georgia Music Teachers Association Podcast
Focuses on the experiences and perspectives of music educator members of the GMTA – with Beibei Lin
Focuses on topics for teaching band – with Kyle Smith
Focuses on tips around self-care and wellness for music teachers – with Beth Duhon
Focuses on approaches to teaching elementary general music – with Jeanette Shorey
Focuses on people’s experience in HBCU bands and related perspectives of HBCU bandsmen and alumni – with Dr. Christy Walker
Focuses on sharing practical ideas and activities for elementary general music settings, mostly with an Orff approach orientation – with David Row.
Focuses on issues related mostly to elementary general music with an emphasis on equity – with Missy Strong
Focuses on themes around music learning and teaching – with Nyssa Brown
Focuses on a wide range of topics across varied areas of music education – with Alan Feirer and Dr. Steve Shanely
Focuses on a wide range of topics across music learning and teaching with numerous episodes oriented to choral music education and guests’ perspectives of what matters. A mix of conversations with guests and episodes where the host addresses listener questions – with Dr. Emily Williams Burch.
Focuses on basic tips for band programs in, typically, 2 min – 10 min episodes (with one of the more original examples of theme music) – with James Devine.
Focuses on diverse music education issues with a focus on contexts in the UK – with Soundstorm and Chris Woods
Focuses on aspects of technology in relation to music learning and teaching – with Robby Burns.
Music for Education and Wellbeing
Focuses on aspects of music learning, teaching, and wellbeing via “inspiration and practical advice from people involved in music education, community music, music therapy and more” – with Anita Holford.
Focuses on the business of running a music studio – with Dave Simon.
Focuses on the business of running a private music school- with Danny Thompson.
Focuses on “exploring intersections of peacebuilding, culture, sacredness, relationship, community, creativity, and imagination through research and story” with connections to pedagogy and curriculum – sponsored by Elizabethtown College with Kevin Shorner-Johnson.
Focuses on practical ideas and aspects of elementary general music programs “for music teachers looking to learn strategies, lesson ideas, songs, and more,” often with a Kodály approach orientation or links to related Teachers-Pay-Teachers accounts – with Aileen Miracle.
Music Studio Startup: Helping music teachers thrive as Entrepreneurs
Focuses on aspects of private music studio teaching. ” Learn how to brand, market, and grow your music studio” – with Andrea Miller.
Focuses on practical ideas and aspects of elementary general music (though the summer book club episodes address more philosophical and conceptual aspects of music teaching) most often with a Kodály approach orientation – with Carrie Nicholas and Tanya LeJeune.
Focuses on practical ideas and approaches for addressing technology in varied music learning and teaching contexts – with Katie Wardrobe.
The Music Teacher Training Podcast
Focuses on topics related to instrumental teaching and lessons – with Alex Forryan and Eva Brandt.
Focuses on wide-ranging topics in music education, typically in the format of presentations recorded at U. Tennessee at Martin – sponsored by UT Martin – with Angela Ammerman.
MusicFirst – Profiles in Teaching with Technology
Focuses on approaches to music learning and teaching with and through music technology. Corporate-sponsored and with Jim Frankel.
Focuses on music technology as a curricular topic in and of itself as well as aspects of music technology more broadly in music learning and teaching – with Christopher H Jones.
Focuses on music theory pedagogy at the University level but often with possible connections to music learning and teaching – with Paul Thomas, Jenn Weaver, and Ben Graf.
Focuses on a range of topics on music learning and teaching oriented to interests of undergraduate music education majors – with Eric Tinkler and Dr. Phillip Payne.
Focuses on topics related to string and orchestra education – with Charles Laux
Pass The Baton: Empowering Students In Music Education
Focuses on student-centered approaches in ensemble setting with connections to other areas of music education – with Kathryn Finch & Theresa Hoover
Program Notes: The Beginning Band Director Podcast
Focuses on aspects of school band programs with an emphasis on helping music teachers during their first few years – with John Denis.
Focuses on a broad range of topics across music education – with Matty Saltibus
Focuses on important issues ranging from identity to culturally responsive pedagogy as well as nuts and bolts topics on music learning and teaching. The Score self-identifies as “an urban music education platform” – with Eric Jimenez and Justin McLean.
Focuses on varied topics mostly oriented around band and marching band but also includes conversations with people across musical careers – with Daniel Montoya Jr.
Brief episodes with general tips for music educators – from the Fun Music Company with Janice Tuck
Focuses on topics related to teaching a music studio online – with Carly Walton
Focuses on wide ranging topics around music learning and teaching situated in the UK. – The Music Teacher’s Association official podcast with Patrick Johns.
Focuses primarily on topics related to marching band and band programs – Corporate sponsored with Jeff Young & Bobby Lambert.
Focuses on a wide range of topics around music learning and teaching. A mix of conversations and episodes solely from the perspective of the host – with Bryson Tarbet.
Focused on varied topics in music education and the host’s perspectives on life – with Tom Sedlacek Jr
Ultimate Music Teachers Productivity and Profitability Podcast
Focuses on topics primarily for private music instruction – with Glory St. Germain
The Vibrant Music Teaching Podcast
Focuses on practical ideas and approaches for teaching individual and group private music studio lessons – with Nicola Cantan.
We Are the Music Makers Podcast
Focuses on aspects of elementary general music and practical ideas for the classroom (sometimes with products for sale via the related website) with Orff and Kodály approach orientations – with Victoria Boler.
Focuses on topics related to band – with Aaron Kennedy, Jessen Smith, and Evangeline Tuohy,
Podcasts Specific to Music Learning and Teaching (Archived)
This list includes music education podcasts that seem to be on hiatus or no longer updated. I’ve included older music education podcasts that had at least 5 episodes. You never know when you might find an interesting or helpful episode!
Focuses on school band programs. “We are two guys who teach high school band [Oklahoma and Pennsylvania] and we are here to share our experiences, a little bit of wisdom, and to have a good time.”
Focused primarily on instrumental music education and some vocal music across multiple K-12 and university settings – with Veronica Tonus, Olin Hannum, Susanna Peeples, John Cargile.
Focused on issues of interest to new band teachers and conversations with mentors who are part of The Assisted Director program and invited guests – with Christina Ortega and Hanna Walker.
Focused on issues related to band with an emphasis on maintaining work life balance – with David Larzelere
Focused on issues specific to band programs – with Mark & Jon
Focused on school band programs – with Taylor Smith.
The Band Director’s Lounge Podcast
Focused on aspects of instrumental music education. “a podcast about what makes great instrumental music programs” – with Logan Burnside.
Focused on topics related to band – with Katie Velasquez and Matt Richards
Focused on school band programs – with Grant and Zac.
Focused on school band programs. “Professional development on-the-go from some outstanding bandmasters in the music education field” “Episodes posted under the Sidenote Series title will focus on broader topics that could be helpful to musicians and music lovers everywhere.” – with Don Stinson.
Focused on school band programs – with Marc Nichelson.
Focused on topics related to wind bands – with Greg Hanson and James Sepulvado
Focused primarily on music performed in wind band settings – with Dylan Rook Maddix.
Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and
Friends
Focused on topics related to band with Charlie Menghini
Focuses on interviews with music educators discussing wide-ranging topics and practical issues that typically relate to instrumental or vocal contexts – corporate-sponsored and with David Biel.
Focuses on topics related to private instrumental music lessons. “An interview-style podcast about learning music, teaching music, and parenting music students” – with Abigail Peterson and Christine Goodner.
Focused on choir programs – with Ryan Guth.
Conversations with music educators, musicians, teachers and arts advocates on varied musical topics – with Colette Hebert.
Wide ranging conversations around music learning and teaching by two “female music teachers of color discussing the realities of life and aiming to break the “norm” in education” – with Darlene and Nora
Focused on aspects of technology in music learning and teaching with additional philosophical, pedagogical, and curricular context (in addition to the episodes linked above you can find show notes here) – with Chad Zullinger and Stephen Keys.
Focused on the perspectives of ensemble directors on aspects of music programs, administration, and leadership – with Doug Conrad
Focused on topics related to band with an emphasis on bands in Florida – with Andrew Lopez and Christian Gordon
Focused on varied aspects of music education, primarily related to instrumental music education and music apps – with Stephen Cox and Gannon Phillips.
Getting It Done (Music/Education/Life Lessons)
Focused on varied aspects of music education with Timothy Rausenberger.
Focused on teaching band with international perspectives – with Keith Kelly
Focused primarily on suggestions to implement in school band contexts – with Samuel Fritz.
The High Performing Director -THPD
Focused on topics around leadership of ensembles with Chris Grifa.
The Homeschool Music Collective Podcast
Focused on homeschooling, music, and motherhood with Gabi Haberer
Journal of Research in Music Education
Discussions of research published in the Journal of Research in Music Education.
Interviews with conductors but you can also watch additional video-recorded interviews with conductors and composers, yes, in a Minivan – with Jeff Jones.
Focused on general topics in music education, many dealing with teaching during the pandemic – with Sarah Munson and Olivia Ruiz
Focused on varied topics related to music learning and teaching depending on the guest being interviewed – with Kathleen Heuer.
Focused on topics oriented to pre-service music educators – with Kevin Niese
Music Education, Genderally Speaking
Focused on topics of gender & sexuality in music education – with Stephanie Gregoire
Music Education and Technology Podcast
Focused on aspects of music technology in relation to music learning and teaching with Paul Shimmons and Chris Russell.
Focuses on aspects of teaching instrumental music lessons – with Greg Childress.
Focused on band directors’ perspectives regarding instrumental music education and perspectives of professional performers – with Bryan Crisp.
Focuses on aspects of pedagogy and ideas with additional connection to courses that the host teaches – with James Humberstone
Not Your Average Music Classroom
Focused on general topics in music education – with John Licari, Amanda, and Sameena
Focused on topics around instrumental music education (on YouTube)
Focused on topics related to band – with Daniel Farr
Focused on topics around instrumental music education
Focuses on orchestral and string education, though the topics usually extend to other ensembles and music education settings – with Kevin Sluder and Matt Morano.
Focused on wide ranging topics with connections to middle school band but that apply to many other contexts in music ed – with Eric Songer
Strike Up The Band: Motivating Student Musicians
Focused on instrumental music education – with Luke Jones, Matt McKeever, and Jennifer Mishra.
Focused on varied music education topics (via YouTube) – with Jordan Smith and Tyler Swick
Focused on equity issues in music education (via YouTube) – with Dr. Chantae D. Pittman
Tales from the Band Room Podcast
Focused on issues related to teaching band in urban contexts – with Dr. Jack A. Eaddy Jr.
Focused on varied topics related to music and music education, typically from the perspectives of professional musicians and members of the music industry – sponsored by the NAMM [National Association for Music Merchants] Foundation and with Mary Luehrsen.
Teaching Band from the Beginning
Short episodes focusing on topics related to band – with Tim Besel and Olivia Spell
Focused on wide-ranging topics in music education from music educators, music teacher educators, and artists – with Kevin Lynch.
Focuses on choir-related issues and “practical ways to improve all aspects of your choir” – with Victoria Hopkins and Christine Mulgrew.
The Tuneful, Beatful, Artful Music Teacher
Focused on the work of James Feierabend and the First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege materials and programs – Sponsored by The Feierabend Association for Music Education (FAME) and with Missy Strong.
Tutti: A Podcast for New Music Educators
Focused on general music education issues for new music teachers – with Catie Preszler & Haley Graham
Virtual Band Director Conference
A set of panels, presentations, and discussions via Zoom on topics related to band with an emphasis on band in Texas (Video recordings on YouTube) – hosted by John Liner
Focused on perspectives of varied musical topics with an overarching theme of “how music and life intersect: how music affects life and life affects music” – with Scott Watson.
Focused on issues relevant to youth music engagement and learning in varied settings in the context of England – from the organization Youth Music Network with multiple hosts.
Instrument-Vocal Specific Podcasts
Wide ranging conversations on topics related to playing brass instruments. – with Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke
Contrabass Conversations Double Bass Life
Wide ranging conversations on topics related to performing the double bass – with Jason Heath.
Creative Piano Teaching Podcast
A podcast on topics related to piano teaching – with Tim Topham.
Wide-ranging topics related to string performing and education with a throughline of creativity – with Christian Howes.
Topics related to piano teaching but that also apply to other instrumental lesson contexts – with Edmund Dawe
Topics related to teaching voice in private lesson settings
Detailed topics and perspectives on the French Horn and sometimes issues related to brass instruments – with John Ericson. Make sure to see the related site Horn Matters.
Integrated Music Teaching Podcast
Broad range of topics related to piano lessons – with Tim Topham
Topics related to teaching piano with an emphasis on a specific method
Speaks directly to parents of young people taking piano lessons on topics ranging from basic aspects of music to the role that parents can play in relation to their child learning the piano – with Shelly Davis
Interviews with electric strings performing and recorded artists – Corporate Sponsored with Matt Bell
The Scott’s Bass Lessons Podcast
Conversations with bass players – with Scott Devine
Focuses on topics around the Suzuki Method for teachers, students, and parents. – with Paula E. Bird
Instrument-Specific Podcasts Archived
Crossing the Break [ended in 2017]
Topics and suggestions for teaching people to play the clarinet in addition to occasional episodes related to school bands – with Tamarie Sayger.
Trumpet Teacher Talk [ended in 2017]
Topics and suggestions for teaching people to play the trumpet, though episodes often apply more broadly to other aspects of music learning and teaching – with Bill Ratcliff.
Arts or Arts Education Related Podcasts
“Blends creative and educational practice in service of community building, social justice, and inspiring joy” – with Courtney J. Boddie.
Music-Focused With Connections to Music Learning and Teaching
“Dedicated to creating an inclusive community by amplifying and learning from the stories of marginalized musicians, composers, conductors, educators, and creators in all facets of music! “
Focuses on singing, choir, and gender diversity – with Nicky Manlove and Bradford Dumont
Focuses on music in relation to Gordon Music Learning Theory -with Heather Shouldice
Focuses on topics related to community music with an emphasis on singing and equity-oriented issues with Emilie Amrein and André de Quadros
Interviews with mostly women musicians from varied musical contexts “with the hopes of educating, inspiring, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in music.” – with Cassidy Reed
Focuses on cultural strategy, organizing, & activism for choirs – with Emilie Amrein and André de Quadros
Academia
Here are some podcasts related to academia for folks interested or involved in higher ed. Though these are not music education podcasts, they discuss topics relevant to music teacher education and related grad work.
In-depth interviews on topics around how we might engage in academia and possibilities for changing academic cultures – with Geri Fitz.
“A podcast about academia, culture, and social justice across the STEM/humanities divide. Co-hosted by Dr. Liz Wayne & Dr. Christine “Xine” Yao.”
“Join Cameron and Shawna for “Scholar Tea”, which is a delightful higher ed podcast 4 the culture that is a mash-up of humor, tips, and scholar interviews.”
“…where we explore the art and science of being more effective at facilitating learning. We also share ways to increase our personal productivity, so we can have more peace in our lives and be even more present for our students.”
Know any music education podcasts or other related podcasts that I should include in this list? Please contact me and let me know!
Take a look at other music education resources I curate.