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.

Music Ed Insights is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 162 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Music Ed Insights, a arts show with 162 episodes published.

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  Episode #272

  Rural Music Matters: Thriving as a Small‑School Music Educator

  Sep 28, 202623 min

  What makes teaching music in a small rural school uniquely challenging—and uniquely rewarding? In this conversation, Michael Genslinger, host of Rural Music Matters, joins Steve and Alan to explore the realities of K–12 generalist teaching, limited local resources, and the revolving door of rural positions. Along the way, they highlight how community, creativity, and a willingness to “do it all” can turn small‑school music programs into powerful, long‑lasting forces in students’ lives. Become an Insider for ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, and more! https://musicedinsights.supercast.com/

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  Episode #271

  Quick Pro Tip: The Perils and Payoffs of Lyrical Programming

  Sep 21, 202613 min

  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 too much risk, and how to build in moments of sustain and phrasing without going too far. Whether through a full lyrical work or a shorter expressive section inside a faster piece, the goal is to follow our basic rule: Make it Sound Good. Become an Insider for ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, and more! https://musicedinsights.supercast.com/

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  Episode #270

  Beyond the Concert (Part 2): Grading, Evaluation, and Repertoire Choices with Scott Jones

  Sep 14, 202657 min

  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 – parts of the job: grading, evaluation, and repertoire selection. Building on Part 1’s skill buckets and culture work, this episode explores: What grades should represent in a performance-based class Rethinking points for attendance, bringing an instrument, and “showing up” Aligning evaluation with the individual skills that lead to independence How a focus on independence can shape repertoire choice and long-term planning Scott also shares how he has wrestled with these questions over his career and how his current grading approach reflects what he most wants students to learn and become as musicians. Become an Insider for ad-free episodes, early releases, bonus content, and more! https://musicedinsights.supercast.com/

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  Episode #269

  Quick Pro Tip: Better Questions for Student Feedback Meetings

  Sep 8, 202610 min

  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 teachers can actually use. They also discuss how small groups, clear time limits, and well-placed questions can keep these discussions from turning into gripe sessions.

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  Episode #268

  Beyond the Concert, Part 1: Teaching for Musical Independence with Scott Jones

  Aug 31, 202642 min

  In part one of this two-part conversation, Dr. Scott Jones joins Alan and Steve to explore what it means to teach for musical independence—not just prepare students for the next concert. Scott shares a practical framework for helping students read, listen, adjust, and make musical decisions on their own, with special attention to rhythmic independence, notation, intonation, style, and embodied musicianship. They also discuss short individual playing, classroom culture, and why celebrating effort is essential if we want students to grow into confident, independent musicians. Part 2 continues the conversation with grading, evaluation, and repertoire choices through the same lens of independence.

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