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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, … Read more

Tariffs affecting equipment? Why on earth is PD so generic? Your cohosts have some thoughts – and dare we say – insights that are current and relevant.  Learn more about tariffs here: https://bandmasters.org/articles/proposed-tariffs-learn-more/

Veteran band director and wellness advocate Lesley Moffat joins Alan and Steve to talk honestly about loving your job so much it starts to break your body—and what to do before (or after) you hit that wall. She shares her journey from 14 prescriptions, surgeries, and constant pain to a healthier, sustainable version of the … Read more

Adult learning expert Dr. Julie Ressler joins us to unpack imposter phenomenon—why some of the most competent, caring educators still feel like they’re faking it. Drawing on her research with high-achieving professionals (including school-trained musicians and leaders), Julie explains why she prefers “phenomenon” over “syndrome,” how IP shows up in teachers as overpreparing, perfectionism, and … Read more

Alan and Steve check in halfway through summer and somehow get from community band concerts and arranging music to “dad books,” artificial intelligence, young people wanting less gimmick and more authenticity, and whether we might be seeing a small return to kindness in public life. Steve has a theory that AI is the new World … Read more

Alan and Steve talk with Susan Smith live at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference about small band empowerment, smart repertoire choices, adjudication, and what it means to teach the students in front of you. Susan challenges the idea that smaller programs should have lower standards, reminding directors that success is about culture, musical growth, and … Read more

Alan and Steve respond to Mia Silverio’s Prof G article “What AI Is Doing to School,” which raises serious concerns about students outsourcing writing, attention, and critical thinking to AI. Rather than treating the article only as doom and gloom, they see an advocacy opportunity for music educators: band, choir, orchestra, jazz, and other fine … Read more