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!

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with Elisa Janson Jones — a true force in music education and an unwavering advocate for teacher empowerment.

Elisa is the founder of the Music Teacher Guild, a vibrant community that provides mentorship, resources, and professional development tailored specifically for music educators. In addition to being a Certified AI Consultant, Elisa brings a forward-thinking approach to teaching, skillfully combining technology and creativity to help educators adapt and thrive in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape.

She’s the author of The Music Educator’s Guide to Thrive and The Music Booster Manual, the visionary behind the International Music Education Summit, and a sought-after presenter whose work has impacted thousands across the globe. Currently pursuing her EdD in Instructional Design — while also holding an MBA — Elisa is a shining example of how innovation and education go hand in hand.

In this episode, we dive deeper into the themes of mentorship, inclusion, and the incredible potential of AI in shaping the future of education.

So get ready to learn, reflect, and be inspired — again — as we continue our conversation with Elisa Janson Jones!

Connect with Elisa:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Linkedin
• Website

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Music Teacher Guild Forum Facebook Group
• NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
• TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association)
• Music Teacher Guild Website

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’s guest is Elisa Janson Jones — a powerhouse in the world of music education and a champion for teacher empowerment. Elisa is the founder of the Music Teacher Guild, a dynamic platform that supports music educators through mentorship, resources, and professional development. She's also a Certified AI Consultant, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with creative instruction to help educators thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Author of The Music Educator’s Guide to Thrive and The Music Booster Manual, Elisa has presented internationally, founded the International Music Education Summit, and impacted thousands through her online courses and digital communities. She's currently pursuing her EdD in Instructional Design and holds an MBA, further proving that innovation and education go hand-in-hand.

Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and maybe even challenged as we dive into a conversation about music, mentorship, inclusion, and the transformative power of AI in education.

Let’s welcome Elisa Janson Jones!

Connect with Elisa:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Linkedin
• Website

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Music Teacher Guild Forum Facebook Group
• NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
• TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association)
• Music Teacher Guild Website

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 Crescendo Music Education Podcast! If you caught our last episode, you know we had the absolute pleasure of exploring the vibrant world of children’s music with internationally loved performer and educator DARIA—and we’re thrilled to have her back for Part 2!

Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou has spent more than 40 years traveling the globe, using music as a bridge to connect cultures and communities. In our last chat, we explored her iconic songs like “We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands” and her beautiful mission of making world music accessible for kids everywhere.

So settle in or turn up the volume—because there’s still so much more world to explore with DARIA!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• How to Stay in Touch with Daria
  • https://www.dariamusic.com/
  • Youtube
  • Spotify
• 📘 Purchase World Music ABC's HERE

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!