The Crescendo Music Education Podcast

Supporting, connecting and inspiring music educators.

The Crescendo Music Education Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Debbie O'Shea, with 203 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Debbie O'Shea hosts The Crescendo Music Education Podcast, a education show with 203 episodes published.

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  Episode #201

  Tried & True: 2 AMAZING Rhythm Games | 201

  Aug 30, 202621 min

  Welcome to the podcast! I'm Debbie O'Shea, and I'm so glad you're here. Whether you're a brand-new music teacher or you've been in the classroom for years, this podcast is designed to support, encourage, and inspire you with practical ideas you can use right away. Each episode is packed with strategies, teaching tips, and real classroom experiences to help make your music lessons more engaging, more effective, and more joyful—for both you and your students. Today, we're kicking things off with one of my favourite topics: rhythm games. If you've spent any time in an elementary music classroom, you know that rhythm games have a special kind of magic. They capture students' attention, get everyone involved, and create meaningful musical learning without students even realising how much they're practising. Some games come and go, but there are a handful that I return to year after year because they work every single time. In this episode, I'll share a few of my all-time favourite rhythm games, explain how they're played, and, more importantly, why they're so effective. We'll talk about how these games build steady beat, develop rhythmic accuracy, encourage active listening, and foster ensemble skills—all while students are having fun. Whether you're looking for a quick warm-up, a transition activity, an engaging way to reinforce a new concept, or even an informal assessment, I hope you'll discover a game you can try in your own classroom this week. So, let's jump in and explore some rhythm games that your students will ask to play again and again. Where to find me: Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

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  Episode #200

  200 Conversations, 65 Years and the Next Chapter with Debbie O'Shea | 200

  Aug 23, 202628 min

  Welcome to a very special milestone episode of the Crescendo Music Education Podcast . Today, we're celebrating 200 episodes of conversations with passionate music educators from around the world. Over the past several years, this podcast has become a place to share ideas, celebrate successes, explore challenges, and highlight the incredible work happening in music classrooms every day. For this special episode, we're doing something a little different. The microphone is being handed over once again to Deb Brydon , who also interviewed our host, Debbie O'Shea , for Episode 100. It feels like the perfect way to mark another significant milestone as Debbie reflects on the journey from 100 episodes to 200. The timing makes this celebration even more meaningful. Episode 200 is being released on Debbie's 65th birthday and during her final year in the classroom before embarking on an exciting new chapter as a full-time edupreneur. It's a fitting moment to look back on a remarkable career in music education while also looking ahead to what comes next. Throughout this conversation, Deb and Debbie reflect on the lessons learned from 200 inspiring interviews, the generosity and creativity of the music education community, memorable moments from Debbie's teaching career, and her hopes for the future of music education. You'll also hear "small but mighty" ideas shared by members of the Crescendo community—simple practices that make a meaningful difference in music classrooms around the world. These voices are a reminder that while no two classrooms are the same, we're united by a shared passion for helping young people discover the joy and power of music. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or have only recently discovered the podcast, thank you for being part of this incredible community. Your support, encouragement, and willingness to share your stories have made these 200 conversations possible. So, join us as we celebrate this milestone, reflect on an extraordinary journey, and look ahead to the next chapter. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Together Sing Where to find me: Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

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  Episode #199

  Music Education, Democracy & the Skills We Build Through Music with Joe Elefante (Part 2) | 199

  Aug 16, 202630 min

  Welcome back to Crescendo Chat . This is Part 2 of my conversation with Joe Elefante. In Part 1, Joe shared his journey as a professional musician, educator, and author. We explored why music education deserves to be valued for what it truly is — not simply as an activity, but as a powerful way to develop thoughtful, creative, and engaged human beings. In this episode, we take a deeper look at the connection between music education and the skills needed in a thriving community. Joe shares how the principles of jazz — including improvisation, listening, call-and-response, and collaboration — can transform the way we think about teaching and learning. We discuss how music classrooms provide students with opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, respond to others, and work together toward something greater than themselves. Joe also challenges us to think differently about how we advocate for music education. Instead of focusing only on what music can lead to, what if we celebrate music because it already has incredible value? This conversation is a powerful reminder that every time students make music together, they are practicing skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. So, let’s jump back into my conversation with Joe Elefante. Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.joeelefantemusic.com/ Book - An Endless Knot Where to find me: Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

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  Episode #198

  Music Education, Democracy & the Skills We Build Through Music with Joe Elefante (Part 1) | 198

  Aug 9, 202622 min

  Welcome back to Crescendo Chat — the podcast for primary music teachers who believe music has the power to shape not only musicians, but confident, creative, and connected human beings. Today, I’m joined by Joe Elefante — a pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, band leader, and music educator from New Jersey. Joe’s journey through music is a fascinating one. He has performed professionally as a musician, led ensembles, composed and arranged music, and now brings that wealth of experience into the classroom as a high school choir teacher. He is also the author of An Endless Knot: How Democracies Form the Citizens They Need , a book that explores the powerful connection between education, democracy, and the development of citizens who can listen, collaborate, think critically, and contribute to their communities. In this first part of our conversation, Joe shares his journey from professional musician to educator and explains why he believes music education is far more than an “extra” or an enrichment activity. We explore how music classrooms teach skills that extend far beyond music — including communication, teamwork, creativity, resilience, and the ability to navigate mistakes in a supportive environment. Joe also shares the people who shaped his journey, including his late wife, who was also a music educator, his parents, and his mentor John Leister, who helped guide him as a musician and teacher. Whether you teach primary classroom music, lead an ensemble, or simply believe in the power of music to transform lives, this conversation will remind you why what we do matters. So, let’s dive into Part 1 of my conversation with Joe Elefante. Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.joeelefantemusic.com/ Book - An Endless Knot Where to find me: Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

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  Episode #197

  The Art of Session Etiquette with Tara Conahan (Part 2) | 197

  Aug 2, 202632 min

  Welcome back to Crescendo Chat . This is Part 2 of my conversation with Tara Conahan. In Part 1, Tara introduced us to the rich tradition of Irish music sessions and explained how the unwritten customs of these gatherings help create communities where music can flourish. We also explored why stepping into an unfamiliar musical environment can feel both exciting and intimidating. In this episode, we take those ideas even further. Tara shares fascinating insights into the psychology of belonging and the ways anxiety can influence how people behave when they enter a new musical space. We discuss why clear expectations matter, how thoughtful guidance can help newcomers feel more confident, and what music educators can learn from the traditions of Irish music sessions. Although our conversation begins in the pubs and session circles of Ireland, the lessons reach every music classroom. We explore how teachers can create environments where students feel welcomed, prepared, and empowered to participate without fear of getting it wrong. This episode is filled with practical ideas for building inclusive music classrooms, fostering confidence, and helping every student find their place in music. So, let's jump back into my conversation with Tara Conahan. Links Mentioned in the Episode: TED Talk with Louise Kelly Connect with Tara: Website: https://www.sessionetiquette.com/ Podcast Where to find me: Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb Support the show

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