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In this episode of That Music Podcast, Bryson tackles a heated debate he witnessed in an elementary music Facebook group: does technology belong in the music classroom? Instead of picking sides, he unpacks the real concerns and challenges teachers to think beyond the noise. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about what someone on the internet says. It’s about what works for you and the students in front of you.

Bryson shares practical examples of how technology can expand creativity, increase accessibility, amplify authentic voices, and even unlock musical potential in students who may not thrive in traditional performance settings. This episode isn’t about going all-in on tech or throwing it out completely; it’s about using it purposefully, strategically, and always as a tool, not the teacher.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:59 Concerns About Using Technology in the Music Classroom
• 4:51 Tech Challenges: Wi-Fi, Support & Backup Plans
• 6:39 Screen Time vs. Active Learning: Is Tech Too Passive?
• 8:33 The Benefits of Technology for Creativity & Accessibility
• 10:46 Using Technology Purposefully (Not as a Replacement)
• 13:58 Takeaways
  
  

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today!

Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send a text

In this vault episode, Bryson goes all the way back to one of the most impactful conversations from early in the podcast and brings it back with a fresh perspective. Teaching songs is something we do constantly as elementary music teachers—but doing it the same way every time can limit engagement, reach, and musical understanding. This episode revisits five effective ways to teach a song and explores how changing your approach can completely transform how students experience repertoire in your classroom.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:22 Teaching by Rote
• 6:21 Teaching with Motions
• 7:48 Ask Guided Questions
• 9:22 Teach with a Game (An Upper Elementary Favorite!)
• 11:07 Teach Through Storytelling
• 13:18 Takeaways
  
  

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today!

Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Send us a text

Feeling stuck in the mid-year slump and wondering if technology is just one more thing to manage? In this episode, Bryson is joined by veteran music educator and technology expert Amy Burns to talk about how tech can actually make your life easier in the music classroom, not harder

Together, they unpack common misconceptions about music technology, explore how tech can enhance (not replace) music-making, and share realistic ways to use digital tools even if you don’t have 1:1 devices. From engaging reluctant learners to saving serious time on lesson planning, file conversions, and daily workflows, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can use right away without overhauling everything you already do. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t add one more thing,” this episode might just change your mind.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:12 Why now is the right time to add a new tech tool
• 2:46 Does technology belong in the elementary music classroom? (common misconceptions)
• 5:17 Making tech work without 1:1 devices (accessibility & equity)
• 9:55 Favorite go-to tools for music teachers
• 13:25 Why versatility matters when choosing tech tools
• 19:34 How technology can actually save you time
• 25:07 Amy’s Masterclass (what teachers will take away)
• 27:32 Takeaways
  
  

Links and Resources:

• The Elementary Music Summit®
• Elementary Newbie Guide
• Disabilities Guide
• Steady Beat Survival Guide
• Join Elementary Music EDGE™

Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for 50% off your first month of Elementary Music EDGE™ today!

Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit

Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!