Today on the podcast, I’m joined by two remarkable musicians, educators, and collaborators — Jen Teh and Kate Schirmer.

Jen and Kate both live deeply in the world of music education. They teach, mentor, conduct, and inspire musicians at many levels. At the same time, they continue to create and perform their own music, bringing years of experience from classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and stages into the work they do today.

Kate Schirmer is a Lecturer in Music and Singing at the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre at Griffith University. She also serves as Artistic Director of the Queensland Show Choir, where she conducts their award-winning young adult ensemble, Voiceworks. Kate presents nationally and internationally to singers, teachers, choristers, and actors, and she’s also an experienced crossover performer. Her career spans opera, big band, musical theatre, cabaret, contemporary commercial music — and even a gig with the Rolling Stones.

Jen Teh is a singer, conductor, and music educator with more than twenty years of experience across classrooms, choirs, studios, and stages. She is the founding director of Hush Little Baby Early Childhood Music Classes and specializes in early childhood music education. Jen teaches in both the School of Music and the School of Education at the University of Queensland and serves as an accredited lecturer for the Australian Kodály Certificate in Music Education. At the heart of her work is a simple belief — music should belong to everyone.

Together, Jen and Kate are stepping onto the stage with a brand-new cabaret show that celebrates the music of the late 1990s and early 2000s — the iconic Triple J era. The show blends nostalgia, storytelling, and beautiful cabaret-style arrangements of songs by artists like The Whitlams, Missy Higgins, You Am I, and Lior.

The show is part of the Anywhere Festival and will feature six performances across two Brisbane venues — The Raven in West End and New Tricks in Albion — in early May.

In this conversation, we explore their journeys as educators and performers, how this show came to life, what it feels like to revisit the music that shaped their younger selves, and why staying connected to creativity beyond the classroom matters so much.

Let’s jump in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

⭐️ www.hushlittlebabymusic.com

🎶 https://www.queenslandshowchoir.com.au/

🎤 www.winemumanthems.com

💻 https://kodaly.org.au/

👉🏼 https://anywhere.is/

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

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Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Nicola Cantan, piano educator and founder of Vibrant Music Teaching.

In part one, we explored Nicola’s journey and her philosophy around creativity and musicianship in the piano studio. In this episode, we go deeper into practical application and teacher mindset.

We unpack what it really looks like to move from “toe-dipping” into fully “swimming” with Kodály-inspired ideas in piano lessons. Nicola shares simple, manageable ways teachers can begin strengthening musicianship without abandoning repertoire or overwhelming themselves.

We also talk about confidence — because shifting your teaching approach takes courage. Nicola offers honest insight into the mindset changes that matter just as much as the strategies.

And of course, we wrap up with her Nuggets of Fabulous, advocacy advice for piano teachers working solo, and her powerful soapbox moment — the one message she wants piano teachers around the world to hear right now.

Let’s jump back into the conversation.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻 https://colourfulkeys.ie/blog

💻 https://vibrantmusicteaching.com

💻 https://vividpractice.com

🎙️ Why I Almost Quit Teaching Music (But Didn't)

💻 Bigger Better Brains

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

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Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Nicola Cantan — piano teacher, educator, author, and the creative force behind Vibrant Music Teaching.

Nicola helps piano teachers move beyond traditional, note-by-note instruction and into lessons that feel playful, musical, and deeply engaging. She blends strong pedagogy with practical, studio-ready ideas that teachers can implement right away. She’s especially known for applying Kodály-inspired principles to piano teaching in a way that feels clear, accessible, and doable — not overwhelming.

Through her blog, podcast, and professional development resources, Nicola supports thousands of piano teachers around the world. I’ve been especially inspired by the way she describes teachers “dipping their toe,” “paddling,” and eventually “swimming” when it comes to Kodály philosophy in the piano studio — a framework that makes growth feel possible at every stage.

In today’s conversation, we explore her teaching journey, how creativity and musicianship transform piano lessons, and how teachers can build confidence while creating more independent, musical thinkers.

Nicola, welcome to the podcast. I’m so glad you’re here.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻 https://colourfulkeys.ie/blog

💻 https://vibrantmusicteaching.com

💻 https://vividpractice.com

🎙️ Why I Almost Quit Teaching Music (But Didn't)

💻 Bigger Better Brains

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

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Welcome back to our conversation with Laura Bartolomeo. In part one, Laura shared her journey, her teaching philosophy, and the heart behind her work. In this next segment, we shift into practical takeaways and big-picture thinking—the kind that sticks with you long after the episode ends.

This is our Nuggets of Fabulous section, where Laura shares simple ideas that create meaningful change in the music room. Small shifts. Big impact. The kind of advice every music teacher can use right away.

From there, we move into advocacy. Music educators often juggle tight schedules, limited resources, and a lot of responsibility. Laura offers grounded, realistic advice on how teachers can advocate for their programs and strengthen support—without adding more to their already-full plates.

And finally, we give Laura the floor for her soapbox moment. This is where she says the one thing she believes music educators most need to hear right now.

Let’s jump back in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻 Oodles of Music Website

💻 Crescendo Music Education Website

📘 Artful - Playful - Mindful by Jane Frazee

📘 The Kodaly Method by Lois Choksy

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

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Laura Bartolomeo, a veteran elementary music teacher with nearly 40 years of classroom experience. Laura is the creator of Oodles of Music, a trusted resource for elementary music educators looking for practical, time-saving lessons.

Laura focuses on Orff-inspired teaching that keeps students moving, creating, and making music together. She helps teachers plan faster, teach with confidence, and build lessons that work in real classrooms.

Through Oodles of Music, Laura shares ready-to-use activities, instrument-based lessons, and flexible teaching strategies. Her work supports sustainability, creativity, and joy in the music room.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

💻 Oodles of Music Website

💻 Crescendo Music Education Website

📘 Artful - Playful - Mindful by Jane Frazee

📘 The Kodaly Method by Lois Choksy

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

In Part 1, Debbie and Beth shared the personal journeys behind their books. In this episode, the focus shifts to real-world impact and practical takeaways. This conversation centres on what happens after the book is written — when readers begin to change, reflect, and take action.

Using the same “my turn, your turn” format, Debbie and Beth respond to three powerful questions. They share reader stories that stopped them in their tracks. They reflect on the practices that matter most. They also discuss what they wish they had known before writing.

As always, each question ends with one clear takeaway. One small action you can take this week.

This episode delivers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas for music educators, creatives, and anyone working toward sustainable wellbeing. Small steps still matter. The ripple effects are real.

Let’s jump in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Crescendo Music Education Podcast Episodes with Beth Duhon:

• 🎙️ Intro to "The Wellbeing Series"
• 🎙️ Rest and Recharge
• 🎙️ The Commute
• 🎙️ Fuel Your Body
• 🎙️ Vocal Health
• 🎙️ Movement
• 🎙️ The Comparison Trap

💻 Principal Lamb

📘 Happier Music Teacher: 50 Days to Being a Happier Music Teacher at Home and at School - by Beth Duhon

📘 Stalagmite Effect by Debbie O'Shea

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

Today on the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, Debbie welcomes music educator, author, and wellbeing advocate Beth Duhon for Part 1 of a special two-episode series.

Beth brings more than 20 years of experience teaching early childhood, elementary, and secondary music, along with private instruction. She is the creator of Self Care for the Music Educator, the host of the Happier Music Teacher Podcast, and the author of Happier Music Teacher. Listeners may also recognise Beth from episodes 83 to 87, where we explored the wellbeing pillars of her book in depth.

This two-part series features an honest, “my turn, your turn” conversation between two music educator authors. Each episode focuses on three intentional questions. Both hosts answer each question. The format keeps the conversation clear, focused, and practical. Every question ends with one key takeaway: What’s one small action you can take this week?

In Part 1, Debbie and Beth share the personal stories behind their books. They reflect on the moments that led them to write. They discuss vulnerability, wellbeing, and the small choices that create lasting change. The conversation also explores how consistent action creates unexpected ripple effects over time.

This episode offers reflection, encouragement, and practical insight for music educators and creatives. Small steps matter. Growth starts there.

Let’s dive in.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Crescendo Music Education Podcast Episodes with Beth Duhon:

• 🎙️ Intro to "The Wellbeing Series"
• 🎙️ Rest and Recharge
• 🎙️ The Commute
• 🎙️ Fuel Your Body
• 🎙️ Vocal Health
• 🎙️ Movement
• 🎙️ The Comparison Trap

💻 Principal Lamb

📘 Happier Music Teacher: 50 Days to Being a Happier Music Teacher at Home and at School - by Beth Duhon

📘 Stalagmite Effect by Debbie O'Shea

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

Welcome back to the Crescendo Music Education Podcast. Today, we’re continuing our conversation with Ann Kay in Part 2 of this important discussion on early childhood music education.

In Part 1, Ann shared the research, results, and philosophy behind daily singing and musical fitness for young learners. In this episode, we shift the focus to advocacy, collaboration, and what it really takes to create lasting change. Ann and Debbie explore how music educators, classroom teachers, therapists, and parents can work together to make music a natural part of everyday life — not an add-on.

You’ll hear about Ann’s vision for a Musical Fitness Movement, the role of simplicity and consistency in music education, and why small habits, repeated daily, can transform classrooms, communities, and children’s lives.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education, literacy, and helping every child experience the joy and benefits of music, this conversation will inspire and energise you.

Let’s jump back in with Ann Kay.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

🎙️ Episode 48 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 1

🎙️ Episode 49 - A Missing Link to Literacy Part 2

💻 Ann Kay’s Website and Resources:

• Rock ‘n’ Read Project
• Musical Fitness Assessment

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