Hey everyone, and welcome back to the show!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that will get your students moving—literally! We’re joined by the incredible Leanna O’Brien, a curriculum designer, movement specialist, and professional development expert who has made it her mission to bring music to life in classrooms around the world.

Leanna’s lessons are used in over 500 schools, and she’s known for integrating meaningful movement—think scarf dancing, movement breaks, and activities that teach tempo, pitch, texture, and more—in ways that are joyful, accessible, and deeply effective.

She’s the founder of The Soaring Scarves Academy, where she empowers educators to weave music and movement into their teaching so students can engage, remember, and thrive. Whether you’re looking to boost behavior management, deepen understanding, or just bring more fun into your music room, Leanna has a way of making it all feel possible—and exciting.

Resources Mentioned:

• In the Hall of the Mountain Kin
• Flight of the Bumblebee
• Strega Nona Read Aloud

Connect with Leanna:

• YouTube
• Facebook Group
• Website: https://soaringscarvesacademy.com/

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Hey there, and welcome back to the show! I’m so glad you’re here—especially today—because this episode is something a little different and very close to my heart.

I’ll walk you through the five key parts of the book:

• The power of small steps in personal growth
• Helping others grow
• Redefining productivity and success
• Embracing diverse, colourful paths
• And designing your own journey

And yes—each chapter ends with reflection questions, because I want this to be about your journey, not just mine.

If you’re ready to dig deeper, The Stalagmite Effect is available now on Balboa Press and Amazon. I’d love for you to grab a copy, reflect on your own journey, and maybe even share it with someone who needs a little encouragement to grow in their own quiet, steady way.

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Welcome back to Part Two of our inspiring chat with the wonderful Kate Schirmer—musician, singing teacher, conductor, and vocal pedagogy powerhouse.

If you caught Part One, you already know Kate brings so much wisdom, warmth, and depth to the world of singing and music education. Today, we’re shifting gears just a little to talk about the music that moves her.

In this episode, Kate shares some of her all-time favorite choral pieces and composers—the ones that speak to her soul, challenge her as an artist, and remind her why she fell in love with music in the first place. From classical gems to contemporary treasures, this conversation is full of inspiration, nostalgia, and a few musical surprises.

Whether you’re a choir director, singer, or just someone who loves great music, you’ll come away with fresh ideas for your own playlists, rehearsals, or maybe even repertoire planning.

So let’s dive into Part Two with Kate Schirmer—and explore the songs and sounds that have shaped her journey.

Songs Mentioned in This Episode:

• Hope - Jason Robert Brown/ Mark Brymer
• Beautiful City - Stephen Schwartz/Mack Huff
• From the Start - Laufey
• Diamonds and Crystals - Pete Churchill
• Anyone Can Whistle - Stephen Sondheim

Kate's Favorite Composers:

• MT: Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Yve Blake, Kate Miller-Heidke & Keir Nuttall, Eddie Perfect, Tim Minchin
• Classical: Reynaldo Hahn, Samuel Barber, Richard Strauss
• CCM: Paul Simon, Ben Folds, Tim Freedman, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Regina Spektor

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Hey everyone, and welcome back to the show! We have an absolute treat for you today—a conversation with someone whose passion for singing, teaching, and musical artistry runs deep.

Today’s guest is Kate Schirmer—musician, vocal pedagogue, conductor, and passionate music educator. Kate holds a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland, and a Master of Music Studies in vocal pedagogy from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. She brings an incredible depth of experience to everything she does—from teaching singing at Griffith University and lecturing in the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre, to conducting the Queensland Show Choir’s young adult ensemble, Voiceworks, as its Artistic Director.

Kate has presented nationally and internationally, is a sought-after adjudicator, and is a proud long-time member of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS), where she’s served extensively—including as president of the Queensland chapter. In fact, in 2021, she received the ANATS award for Outstanding Service.

But those are just the headlines. Hope you enjoy this episode!

Songs Mentioned in This Episode:

• Hope - Jason Robert Brown/ Mark Brymer
• Beautiful City - Stephen Schwartz/Mack Huff
• From the Start - Laufey
• Diamonds and Crystals - Pete Churchill
• Anyone Can Whistle - Stephen Sondheim

Kate's Favorite Composers:

• MT: Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Yve Blake, Kate Miller-Heidke & Keir Nuttall, Eddie Perfect, Tim Minchin
• Classical: Reynaldo Hahn, Samuel Barber, Richard Strauss
• CCM: Paul Simon, Ben Folds, Tim Freedman, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Regina Spektor

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Hey everyone, welcome back to the podcast! I’m so glad you’re here today because this episode is a little different—and a little special. It’s rooted in a phrase my father lived by, one that I’ve carried with me through so many moments in life and work.

The phrase? “Moderation in all things, and in all things, moderation.”

It’s simple. It’s classic. And yet, it carries a kind of quiet wisdom that’s more relevant now than ever.

We live in a world of extremes. Hustle culture tells us to go harder. Social media shouts “all or nothing.” Burnout is practically worn like a badge of honor. But this saying—this mantra—offers a gentle reminder: balance matters. In work. In rest. In ambition. In play.

Today, we’re diving into where this idea comes from, what it really means, and how it can guide us toward a more sustainable, intentional way of living. You’ll hear some personal stories, a bit of philosophy, and—hopefully—walk away with a fresh perspective on how to find your own middle ground.

Let’s get started.

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Today, we’re diving into one of my favourite mindset shifts—something simple, but incredibly powerful: “Bloom where you are planted.”

This idea has carried me through so many moments in my career and life. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a job that’s not your dream role, living in a place you never thought you’d settle, or navigating a tough season—this episode is for you.

We’re talking about how to thrive right where you are, even when the situation isn’t ideal. Because here's the truth: waiting for "better" circumstances often keeps us from growing. But when we shift our mindset and choose to bloom exactly where we’ve been planted—everything changes.

Let’s get into it.

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Today, I want to dive into a mindset that has made a massive difference in my teaching—and honestly, in the way I live my life: “You get what you expect.”

It’s a phrase that has shaped how I approach my students, how I run my music room, and even how I challenge myself to grow as an educator. So in this episode, we’re going to unpack that idea, look at where it comes from, and explore how it plays out in real classrooms—and maybe even your own mindset.

Why does this matter?
Because expectations are powerful. They don’t just influence how we see others—they actually shape behavior, performance, and even confidence.

If you expect excellence, growth, and effort—you’re far more likely to see it.

So let’s dig in, reflect a little, and hopefully walk away with a clearer idea of how we can set the bar for success—starting with ourselves.

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Hey everyone, welcome back to the show. I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I’m diving into a phrase that’s stuck with me through all kinds of moments—both the calm and the chaotic: “Keep your powder dry.”

Now, I know—it sounds a bit old-school. And it is. But it holds some serious wisdom, especially if you’re someone juggling big decisions, leadership roles, creative projects, or just trying to navigate everyday life without burning out.

So what does it actually mean? Why has it become a personal motto of mine when things get hectic or uncertain? That’s exactly what we’re exploring today.

Whether you’re making a career move, running a school event, or just trying to not say “yes” too quickly, this phrase has something to offer. Let’s break it down and see how keeping your powder dry might just help you time things right and move with purpose.

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

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!