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!